Barnegat Lighthouse
Illuminated on January 1, 2009 - exactly 150 years to the day that it was originally lit in 1859 - the beloved Barnegat Lighthouse is shining again! Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, the nonprofit group dedicated to preserving and promoting the park, raised funds to purchase a new U.S. 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 1927, the original lens was removed, and was replaced by a lightship anchored off the coast of Barnegat Light. The original lens is still on display at the nearby Barnegat Light Historical Society's Schoolhouse Museum. A panoramic view of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay and Long Beach Island awaits visitors at the top of Barnegat Lighthouse. The lighthouse is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (weather permitting) from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is a $3 fee per person to enter the lighthouse from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Children ages 6 to 11 are $1 and children ages 5 and under are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors can also catch the views from the top without climbing the 217 steps thanks to four cameras that transmit live images of the view to a display in the nearby Interpretive Center.
The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe
The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe is a vaudeville style nightly broadway cabaret. Performers maneuver around the entire shop, signing directly to individual guests, and incorporate them into the show. It's a unique family entertainment experience that appeals to all ages.
New Jersey Beaches
In addition to the popular beach areas found in communities like Atlantic City and Cape May City, there are plenty of other to explore. Just a 15-minute drive north from Cape May itself, Wildwood Crest Beach is popular for its quieter pace and family-friendly ambience. Its clear waters and three miles of unspoiled white sand are perfect for little ones to splash and play, while also appealing to adults wanting to swim, sail, or charter a boat for some Atlantic fishing for everything from mackerel to sea bass.