Sea Girt Lighthouse - Sea Girt, New Jersey

Discover the Historic Charm of the Sea Girt Lighthouse

Located in the picturesque coastal town of Sea Girt, New Jersey, the Sea Girt Lighthouse is a beloved historical landmark that has been guiding mariners safely for centuries. This iconic tower is not only a marvel of engineering but also a testament to the rich maritime history of the region. In this article, we will delve into the main services offered by the Sea Girt Lighthouse, its location and access, featured characteristics, practical information, and highlight the positive aspects from reviews.

Main Services

• Tour Information and Sales: The Sea Girt Lighthouse offers guided tours of its historic tower, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the lives of lighthouse keepers and the evolution of lighthouse technology.
• Gift Shop: The lighthouse features a charming gift shop where visitors can purchase a range of nautical-themed souvenirs, including books, models, and apparel.
• Special Events: Throughout the year, the Sea Girt Lighthouse hosts various events and festivals, including reenactments, concerts, and holiday celebrations.
• Education and Outreach: The lighthouse offers educational programs and workshops for schools and community groups, promoting maritime history and conservation.
• Restoration and Preservation: The Sea Girt Lighthouse is actively involved in the restoration and preservation of its historic structure, ensuring its continued integrity for future generations.

Location and Access

The Sea Girt Lighthouse is situated at 9 Ocean Avenue North, Sea Girt, NJ 08750, making it easily accessible by car or public transportation. The lighthouse is located in the heart of Sea Girt, a charming coastal town with a rich history and natural beauty.

* Street Name: Ocean Avenue North
* Neighborhood: Sea Girt
* Zip Code: 08750
* Phone: 732-974-0514
* Website: seagirtlighthouse.com

The lighthouse is wheelchair-accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and toilet. Visitors with mobility issues can also take advantage of the on-site parking facilities.

Featured Characteristics

The Sea Girt Lighthouse is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, featuring a unique blend of Gothic and Victorian styles. Some of its notable characteristics include:

* Height: 80 feet (24 meters)
* Year Built: 1870
* Light Source: Fresnel lens
* Renovations: 1996 and 2015
* Restoration Status: Ongoing

The lighthouse's Fresnel lens, which was installed in 1870, is one of the oldest and most historic lenses in the world. The lens has been meticulously restored and is now a prized exhibit in the lighthouse's gift shop.

Practical Information

Visitors to the Sea Girt Lighthouse can expect a warm welcome and a richly rewarding experience. Here are some practical details to keep in mind:

* Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
* Admission: Adults $10, Children (6-12) $5, Children (5 and under) Free
* Guided Tours: Available daily at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
* Gift Shop Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm

Positive Aspects from Reviews

The Sea Girt Lighthouse has garnered an impressive 283 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of 4.6/5 stars. Here are some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers:

* "The lighthouse is steeped in history and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly." - Emily W.
* "The guided tour was fascinating and the gift shop had some amazing souvenirs." - David K.
* "The lighthouse is a must-visit attraction in Sea Girt and the surrounding area. Don't miss it!" - Sarah T.
* "The restoration efforts are impressive and the lighthouse is a testament to the town's rich maritime heritage." - James B.
* "The lighthouse is a great spot for families and children, with plenty of activities and exhibits to keep everyone entertained." - Rachel G.

Overall, the Sea Girt Lighthouse is a truly unique and captivating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a fun and memorable experience, this iconic lighthouse is sure to delight.

👍 Reviews of Sea Girt Lighthouse

Olha B.

5/5

Visited Sea Girt Lighthouse during the Lighthouse Challenge, and it was such a memorable stop! This charming lighthouse has a unique history—it was built in 1896 as one of the last lighthouses on the Atlantic Coast and played an important role in guiding ships safely through the tricky waters between Sandy Hook and Barnegat. During WWII, it even served as a lookout post. The staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, sharing great stories and insights. The lighthouse is beautifully preserved, and you can climb up to the top for an incredible view. Definitely a must-visit if you’re interested in maritime history or just want a scenic, historic spot to explore!

Sean H.

5/5

Came here.on Father's Day with my wife, unfortunately it was not.open possibly due tomit being a holiday, but still a nice spot!

Tatiana H.

5/5

The volunteers are the best! Bill, Barbara Ann and Conrad were expert guides, with vast knowledge about the lighthouse, the keepers and their families, and historical events. It was a pleasure listening to them recounting the history of the lighthouse and Sea Girt. Absolutely worth the visit.
Tours are on Sundays. It’s free, but please tip generously so that they can continue to upkeep this site.
We climbed several stairs to get inside - and to reach the upper floor and the light. Street parking near the lighthouse was not easy, as it was a nice day and lots of people on the beach. We parked several blocks away.

cdk007

5/5

Living up to the name light house this red brick structure first lit on December 10th, 1896 and was the last integrated lighthouse and keepers residence constructed on the east coast. The light was finally decommissioned in 1977 and acquired by the town in 1980. Today the structure is maintained and preserved by the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee and tours are available on Sundays from 2 to 4pm.

Lauren C.

5/5

The Sea Girt Lighthouse is one of the most unique lighthouses I've ever visited. The lighthouse was built into a house in which the keeper lived. Though it's no longer an active lighthouse, we learned so much about its history. There were volunteers in each room who told us about the history and purpose of each room. We learned it was purposely positioned between Sandy Hook and Barnegat lighthouses, which were 40 miles apart. Its beam shined 20 miles, perfectly filling that dark gap. Aside from the house, you're also able to climb up into the light itself and view Sea Girt's coastline from above. Please note that you must climb a latter to get the full experience. It is free admission, but you can donate to support the conservation of the lighthouse!

Pete S.

5/5

This is a very nice lighthouse a block away from the beach. It has a lot of history in this small but effective lighthouse. Climbing up to the light was also good. You can see far out to the ocean.

Ben K.

5/5

This beautifully built lighthouse was first lit in 1896 and is constructed entirely of brick. Being the last shore lighthouse with an integral keeper's residence built on the east coast, Sea Girt Light was also the first lighthouse to be equipped with a radio beacon for use in fog. The lighthouse was automated in 1945 and deactivated in 1977. In 1980, Sea Girt Lighthouse was acquired by the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee, restored, and is currently open to public touring.

Gil L.

4/5

Beautiful lighthouse building in a gorgeous part of town.

Lori G.

4/5

The lighthouse was pretty, but the boardwalk was even better. Steps to the beach and a lovely place to take a long walk. All the oceanfront homes were beautiful and people there were very nice.

Tatiana H.

5/5

The volunteers are the best! Bill, Barbara Ann and Conrad were expert guides, with vast knowledge about the lighthouse, the keepers and their families, and historical events. It was a pleasure listening to them recounting the history of the lighthouse and Sea Girt. Absolutely worth the visit.
Tours are on Sundays. It’s free, but please tip generously so that they can continue to upkeep this site.
We climbed several stairs to get inside - and to reach the upper floor and the light. Street parking near the lighthouse was not easy, as it was a nice day and lots of people on the beach. We parked several blocks away.

cdk007

5/5

Living up to the name light house this red brick structure first lit on December 10th, 1896 and was the last integrated lighthouse and keepers residence constructed on the east coast. The light was finally decommissioned in 1977 and acquired by the town in 1980. Today the structure is maintained and preserved by the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee and tours are available on Sundays from 2 to 4pm.

Olha B.

5/5

Visited Sea Girt Lighthouse during the Lighthouse Challenge, and it was such a memorable stop! This charming lighthouse has a unique history—it was built in 1896 as one of the last lighthouses on the Atlantic Coast and played an important role in guiding ships safely through the tricky waters between Sandy Hook and Barnegat. During WWII, it even served as a lookout post. The staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, sharing great stories and insights. The lighthouse is beautifully preserved, and you can climb up to the top for an incredible view. Definitely a must-visit if you’re interested in maritime history or just want a scenic, historic spot to explore!

Lauren C.

5/5

The Sea Girt Lighthouse is one of the most unique lighthouses I've ever visited. The lighthouse was built into a house in which the keeper lived. Though it's no longer an active lighthouse, we learned so much about its history. There were volunteers in each room who told us about the history and purpose of each room. We learned it was purposely positioned between Sandy Hook and Barnegat lighthouses, which were 40 miles apart. Its beam shined 20 miles, perfectly filling that dark gap. Aside from the house, you're also able to climb up into the light itself and view Sea Girt's coastline from above. Please note that you must climb a latter to get the full experience. It is free admission, but you can donate to support the conservation of the lighthouse!