Take This Mini Road Trip To Climb Two Of New Jersey's Most Beautiful Lighthouses

This lighthouse is a must-visit for several reasons. The first is that it's home to one of the best small museums in New Jersey. You'll find a variety of exhibits including those on the American Flag, Pledge of Allegiance, and Marconi Wireless Equipment. One of the many unique artifacts you'll find is the first printing of the Pledge of the Allegiance, which was first read publicly here.

Another reason to visit? The unique architecture and rich history. This was the first American lighthouse to test a Fresnel lens and was also the site of a demonstration by Marconi of the wireless telegraph in 1899. A bi-valve fresnel lens is on display in the museum.

The lighthouse was one of the first in the United States to be electrified and the structure dates back to 1862. Other fun facts? The twin lights are not identical, and house one flashing and one fixed light - both are non-operational. The Twin Lights are approximately 73 feet tall and sit 260 feet above sea level in the Atlantic Highlands. Are you ready for a tour?

Sandy Hook Light towers 103 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. It was designed and built in 1764 by Isaac Conro. At that time, it stood only 500 feet from the tip of Sandy Hook; however, today, due to growth caused by littoral drift, it is almost one and a half miles inland from the tip.

The lighthouse has endured an attempt to destroy it as an aid to British navigation by Benjamin Tupper, and a subsequent occupancy of British soldiers during the Revolutionary War. In 1990, the U.S. Postal Service issued a 25 cent stamp featuring the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Now owned by the federal government, you can take guided tours led by park rangers.

Since this is a road trip, you'll likely want to do a little more than tour a lighthouse or two. Consider hiking at the nearby Hartshorne Woods Park, hitting the beach (there's even a nude beach at Sandy Hook - Gunnison), or grabbing a meal. You can score great eats (and drinks) nearby at Bahrs Landing, Moby's Lobster Deck, Off The Hook, The Chubby Pickle, Bay Ave Bakery, Water Witch Coffee, Il Lago, Porcini, Fresh Bistro, Inlet Cafe, and Proving Ground. Both the Inlet Cafe and Proving Ground have waterfront views! Water Witch is home to some pretty incredible art. Whichever eatery you choose, you won't be disappointed.