Barnegat Light's most famous inhabitant is "Old Barney," the red and white-banded Barnegat Lighthouse situated at the northern tip of Long Beach Island. This foot-tall structure, designed by Gen. George Meade and commissioned January 1, , is the second tallest lighthouse in the United States.
Although the tower's light was "snuffed out" in , "Old Barney" still attracts thousands of visitors every summer to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Besides being home to Barnegat Lighthouse, one of the last remaining tracts of maritime forest on Long Beach Island is also located in the park.
Birdwatchers can view some diverse species of our "feathered friends," as the park is a key resting and feeding ground for birds migrating to and from their breeding areas. Barnegat Light is a small, quiet borough of about 1, residences, inhabited by retirees and former "Long Beach Islanders," who now maintain summer homes there. Skip to main content. They have been replaced by other hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts.
There is also an abundance of private rentals available through the local real estate offices or directly from the owners via online booking services. The Barnegat Inlet has been somewhat tamed over the centuries with dredging and jetties and is in constant use by one of the largest commercial fishing fleets on the East Coast centered in Viking Village. The Coast Guard, recreational boaters and sports fisherman also use the Inlet that sits in the shadow of the current Barnegat Lighthouse that served as a beacon to seafarers from until just after World War II.
The state of New Jersey then took possession of the lighthouse and surrounding area and turned it into a state park in There you will find an interpretive nature trail through a pristine maritime forest, a picnic area and a small gazebo that has become a popular location for wedding ceremonies or photos.
There are several special night climbs, concerts and talks on local topic of interest in the Welcome Center run by the Friends of the Barnegat Lighthouse. This jetty is also where you will also find fisherfolks of all ages looking to reel is any one of a species that travel though the inlet.
It is also a spot for dedicated birdwatchers as Barnegat Light is a prime location for birding, especially during the spring and fall with a wide variety of visiting birds including peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds. To learn more about the history of Barnegat Light, the original one room schoolhouse has been converted into a museum at 5th Street and Central Avenue.
The restaurants throughout Barnegat Light serve some of the freshest seafood in all of New Jersey with fish and scallops that will land on your plate often within the same day they arrive at the docks. There are several private charters and larger party boats for those who want to try their hand at catching their own dinner and small boat rentals nearby for those wanting to do some crabbing or bay fishing.
Coast Guard approved lens. The new light creates a single beam that is visible for up to 22 nautical miles and is once again a formal aid to navigation. In , the original lens was removed, and was replaced by a lightship anchored off the coast of Barnegat Light. The lighthouse is open daily from 10 a. Visitors can also catch the views from the top without climbing the steps thanks to four cameras that transmit live images of the view to a display in the nearby Interpretive Center.
The Interpretive Center exhibits depict the history of Barnegat Lighthouse from shipwreck to first class seacoast light. Images and stories recount the vision of Lieutenant George G. Meade, the evolution of lighthouse technology and the specific duties of Barnegat Lighthouse's keepers. Visitors can learn about the changing nature of the coastline and the natural environment that surrounds the lighthouse, including Barnegat Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the maritime forest.
A gallery of historic photographs provides a glimpse of life at a lighthouse on the Jersey Shore in bygone days. These images portray the lure of the bay and the many ways people have used and enjoyed the resources of this region. The Interpretive Center is open seasonally.
For the hours of operation, please call the park office at Park Programs The Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park host a winter lecture series at the Interpretive Center covering maritime history and natural history topics.
The forest, which is dominated by black cherry, sassafras, eastern red cedar and American holly, is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds on their long journey to and from their breeding sites. The Maritime Forest Trail is a 0. Saltwater anglers have access to Barnegat Inlet along the bulkhead in the picnic area where they can catch striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, summer flounder, tautog, winter flounder and black sea bass. A 1,foot concrete walkway with handrails on top of the south jetty provides fishing access for people with disabilities.
The picnic area is also accessible for people with disabilities. Picnic tables are located along Barnegat Inlet where visitors can picnic, relax and observe the waterway. Two picnic shelters with tables are also provided for picnicking.
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