It is the oldest in New Jersey and one of the oldest in the nation still operating. Its octagon shape travels 103 feet high inside the Gateway National Recreation Area in Monmouth County. In its early days, it was known as the New York Lighthouse, built and paid for by New Yorkers. After the Revolutionary War, New York and New Jersey argued over control of the lighthouse. The dispute ended in 1789 when the U.S. government made Sandy Hook a federal responsibility.
Grounds are open to the public and guided tours are conducted in the weekends.
To get there, take Garden State Parkway to the exit for Route 36. Take Route 36 over Highlands Bridge and follow signs to Gateway National Recreation Area. Sea Girt Lighthouse, Sea Girt, Monmouth County. In 1921, it became the first lighthouse to be equipped with a radio fog signal. It was decommissioned in 1945.