The Twin Lighthouses overlooking Sandy Hook are among one of the most important historical sights in New Jersey. Originally built in 1828 and renewed in 1862, the lighthouses were built for a way to light the bay area for ships coming into the newly popular New York Harbor. Historically, it is the sight of the first official reading of the Pledge of Allegiance, the first wireless telegraph, and held the first radar experiments for the US Navy. It is not only a great place to learn some new facts, but it also provides a breath-taking view.
What to Expect
There is only one entrance into the Navesink Twin Lighthouses on the left-side of the parking lot. Once inside we were greeted by an employee at the front desk of a gift shop for the historical sight. To the right of the gift shop is a small walk-through museum *that’s completely free* that showcases many colonial artifacts and information about the history of the lighthouses and the history of America as well.
Jack and I walked back towards the gift shop where there is a spiral staircase that leads up into the North Lighthouse. At the top of the staircase is a room with a small door that leads out to an ‘observation deck’ with a 360 degree view of the surrounding Sandy Hook area. We were also able to get a great view of downtown NYC from here. The South Lighthouse is unavailable to the public but outside the building are several reading plaques that read the history of the lighthouses, this area spans around the entire building with a real canon around the back of the building.
In Short
Jack and I went on a very windy and cold day so it was not crowded at all. We would suggest dressing warmly especially on a winter day because the wind chill on top of the hill can be pretty bad. The museum was interesting and was even better that it was free.
Getting There
Traveling on the Garden State Parkway North, take the exit for Route 36. Drive eat for a while and just before the bridge turn right onto Portland Rd. Immediately off of Portland Rd. take a right onto Highland Ave. The entrance to the parking lot is pretty hidden, take a left onto Light House Road even though it looks like a driveway and it will take you to the parking lot.
New Jersey Journeys 