Visiting & Lodging
Barnegat Light is best experienced as a lighthouse-and-waterfront destination: climb Old Barney, walk the inlet, browse Viking Village, watch the commercial harbor, eat locally and spend time on a quieter northern LBI beach.
The borough has a small but real lodging base, so visitors who want to stay in town can choose among several independent motels and inns rather than automatically looking farther south.
Top Visitor Experiences
Climb the lighthouse when open, visit the interpretive center, walk the inlet and enjoy panoramic views. The state currently lists lighthouse hours as 9 AM-3 PM daily.
Working fishing docks plus independently owned shops, coffee, seafood, antiques, vintage and seasonal markets/shows.
Local history in the former schoolhouse at 501 Central Avenue, including the lighthouse's original Fresnel lens.
Boat rentals, charter operations, bait and tackle and marinas make Barnegat Light one of LBI's strongest fishing-oriented communities.
Wide ocean beaches plus a guarded bay beach at 25th Street & Bayview in season. Beach badges are required for ages 12+ during the badge season.
The state park's maritime forest and inlet setting provide habitat and migration viewing opportunities.
Current In-Town Lodging
806 Central Ave, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
609-494-5001
Family-owned motel/inn one block from the beach with efficiency units and a walkable north-end location.
710 Bayview Ave, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
609-494-6555
Adult-oriented bayfront bed-and-breakfast with seasonal pool, breakfast and water views; typically open April-October.
20 W 7th St, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
609-494-3020
Small family-friendly motel close to the lighthouse, inlet, restaurants and marinas.
1709 Central Ave, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
609-494-3200
Small family-run shore motel near the beach and northern LBI attractions.
Know Before You Go
Lifeguards are now off duty for the 2026 season and are scheduled to return in June 2027. Do not swim at unguarded beaches.
Summer weekends can bring heavy LBI traffic. Arrive early for lighthouse trips and avoid blocking residential driveways or signed restricted areas.
The lighthouse and year-round businesses keep the north end worthwhile off-season, but many shops and restaurants reduce hours or close seasonally.
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