Barnegat Light, New Jersey

This borough is the home of one of the Jersey shore's most famous landmarks- Old Barney (the Barnegat Lighthouse). The location of the borough at the southern end of the Barnegat Inlet is responsible for much of the local tidbits of history attached to Barnegat Light. Henry Hudson saw and noted the area, the Barnegat Light Massacre occurred here, and of course there is the lighthouse. A light was first commissioned by congress in 1834. This began the process whereby there have been a number of different lighting structures present since the first structure was built. The present lighthouse does not function as a working lighthouse any more but there are lights on at night. Old Barney and some of the area around it are now part of a state park. You can visit and walk to the top of the lighthouse during days the park is open.

2008 Beach Badge Information

Badges are required on the ocean and bay beaches for everyone older than 11 from now (mid June) through September 2, 2008. The rates for badges are as follows:

  • seasonal badge - $35
  • weekly badge - $20, good from Saturday through Friday
  • daily rate - $5
  • senior rate - $8, 65 years young and over

Badges can be purchased from the Municipal Office (Boro Hall) during normal business hours (8:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday). They are located at 10 West 10th Street. You can call them with any other beach badge questions at 609-494-9196. BEach badges can also be purchased from the badge checkers that are stationed at the entrances to the beaches.

Other Beach Information

The beaches can be reached from all the side streets and there is parking available on most streets. There are a few places where you cannot park - pay attention to the parking signs and head their instructions.

The bay beach provides a nice alternative for swimming if you have small children and the ocean surf is too rough. The bay swimming areas offers shallow, relatively calm water. The parking lot at 25th street and Bayview Ave provides easy access to the bay beach.

Lifeguards are on duty from 10 AM to 5 PM. There is a restroom facility at the Bayview Ave boat ramp.