Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Park at the base of Old Barney—the locals' name for the lighthouse that's guided mariners since Lincoln's presidency—and follow the wooden boardwalk past dune grasses leaning in the wind. The beach here doesn't sprawl; it tucks into the elbow where island meets inlet, hemmed by jetties that jut like dark fingers into the chop. Fishing boats motor past close enough to hear their engines, heading toward open water while cormorants dry their wings on the rocks. The sand is coarser than the southern stretches of Long Beach Island, mixed with shell fragments that crunch underfoot. Wade into the water and you'll feel the tug of inlet currents braiding with ocean swells—a reminder that two bodies of water are negotiating here. Gulls wheel overhead, their shadows flickering across the strand, and the lighthouse keeps watch, its beacon dormant until dusk. Climb the 217 steps inside Old Barney if the tower's open, but the real reward is at ground level: watching the tide change against the jetties, the way the light shifts from steel-gray to honey as afternoon turns to evening. Pack out what you pack in—there's a quiet here that feels earned, not given, and the regulars intend to keep it.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Beach.
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Swimming is not recommended at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Beach due to strong currents, rocky jetties, and unpredictable waters at the inlet where Barnegat Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. There are no lifeguards on duty. The beach is primarily designed for fishing, walking, and enjoying scenic views rather than swimming. If you're looking for safer swimming conditions with lifeguard supervision, consider nearby beaches along Long Beach Island's oceanfront instead.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is open year-round and offers different appeals each season. Summer (June-August) provides warm weather ideal for climbing the lighthouse and beach walks, though parking fees apply and crowds increase. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, excellent birding opportunities, and fewer visitors. Winter visits can be peaceful with dramatic coastal scenery, though the lighthouse tower may have limited climbing hours. Sunrise and sunset visits are particularly stunning regardless of season.
The park has a dedicated parking lot accessible from Broadway in Barnegat Light at the northern tip of Long Beach Island. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 63 and follow Route 72 East across the bridge to Long Beach Island, then take Long Beach Boulevard north approximately 10 miles to Barnegat Light. Parking fees typically apply from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Spaces fill quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early for guaranteed parking.
Barnegat Light borough offers several dining options within walking distance, including seafood restaurants, casual eateries, and ice cream shops along Broadway. The surrounding Long Beach Island area provides extensive lodging choices including motels, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts, though options directly in Barnegat Light village are limited. The park itself has restroom facilities but no food concessions, so bring snacks or plan to dine in town. Nearby Viking Village offers a maritime atmosphere with additional dining.
Yes, visitors can climb the 217 steps to the top of the historic 1859 Barnegat Lighthouse, affectionately called 'Old Barney,' for panoramic views of Long Beach Island, Barnegat Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse is typically open for climbing spring through fall, with seasonal hours that vary. There's a small fee to climb. The tower closes during inclement weather and may have capacity limits. An interpretive center at the base provides historical exhibits about the lighthouse and maritime heritage.
