Visiting Historic Scenic Lighthouses in the Tri-State Area on Less Than a Tank of Gas

 

Today we’re exploring some beautiful sites to visit in the tristate area. Lighthouses have been used to help those traveling waterways avoid dangerous areas as well as being a beacon of hope when navigating the open ocean.  Beautiful historic lighthouses dot the coastal regions of the Eastern Seaboard, and many of them are still in use today.  Many of those which have been decommissioned are still visible along the shorelines, and fully welcome visitors to explore maritime history and the importance of Lighthouses.  Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends or loved ones, or you have kiddos in tow, a visit to a local lighthouse can be a truly memorable experience.

 

So put on some comfortable walking shoes and grab your camera, because you’re in for a real treat!  These vista points will take your breath away, especially if you are able to visit during sunrise or sunset over the ocean.  So hop in your new Atlantic Hyundai car, and let’s go exploring!
 

 

Tips for visiting Lighthouses

 

• Learn a little bit of the history ahead of time; each lighthouse has a different purpose and story behind it, and it would behove you to research a little beforehand so you know what to look for on your visit!  Guided tours may be available for some stops, but others are self-guided.

• Check out feedback from past visitors to find the optimal visit time for each location. Some lighthouses host reenactments, tours, history lectures, etc, and others may have peak viewing times for crowds or photo ops.

• Dress appropriately for the location!  Remember that lighthouses are along the coastline, and some are placed at higher elevations;  be sure to dress in layers so you’re warm, and with proper footwear to account for potential slippery conditions.  If you use a walking aide, you’ll want to remember to bring it with you as part of your gear, and check each site for accessibility for wheelchairs and/or mobility aids.

• Leave yourself enough time to explore the grounds of the lighthouse as well as its interior.  Each lighthouse is built to suit the climate, weather, and location where it’s stationed, and it is fascinating to note the differences between the architecture, finish, and even positioning along the shorelines.

• Adhere to posted guidelines for your safety and security; many of these lighthouses are historic buildings, and there may be some obstacles or off-limits areas for the safety of visitors.  Be sure to observe any warning signs and watch your step as you make your way up and down and around the grounds.  Watch out for rock faces, sand, debris, and other natural elements when exploring the outer grounds, too.

 

Lighthouses to Visit in New York State

 

1. Coney Island Lighthouse - Brooklyn NY; 55 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

2. Fort Wadsworth Lighthouse - Staten Island NY; 50 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

3. Execution Rocks Lighthouse - Mamaroneck NY; 40 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

4. Stepping Stones Lighthouse - Long Island Sound; 35 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

5. Princes Bay Lighthouse - Staten Island NY; 70 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

6. National Lighthouse Museum - Staten Island NY; 60 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

7. Throgs Neck Lighthouse - Bronx NY; 40 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

8. The Little Red Lighthouse - New York City NY; 55 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

9. Breezy Point Lighthouse - Breezy Point NY; 55 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

10. Sands Point Lighthouse - Sands Point NY; 43 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

11. Fire Island Lighthouse - Fire Island NY; 12 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

12. Stony Point Lighthouse - Stony Point NY; 80 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

13. Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse - Sleepy Hollow NY; 62 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

14. Statue of Liberty National Monument - New York Harbor NY; 55 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

 

Lighthouses to Visit in New Jersey

 

15. Sandy Hook Lighthouse - Highlands NJ; 105 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

16. Robbins Reef Lighthouse -Bayonne NJ; 70 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

17. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse - North Wildwood NJ; 200 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

18. Great Beds Light - Sayreville NJ; 75 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

19. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park - Long Beach Island NJ; 160 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

20. Ship John Shoal Light - Delaware Bay in NJ

21. Elbow of Cross Ledge Light - Delaware Bay NJ

22. Finns Point Range Rear Light - Pennsville Township NJ; 165 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

23. Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse - Paulsboro NJ; 165 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

 

Lighthouses to Visit in Connecticut

 

24. Great Captain Island Lighthouse - Greenwich CT; 60 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

25. New London Harbor Lighthouse - New London CT; 100 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

26. New Haven Harbor Light - New Haven CT; 70 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

27. Penfield Reef Lighthouse - Black Rock Harbor in CT; 80 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

28. Sheffield Island Lighthouse - Norwalk Harbor in CT; 70 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

29. Fayerweather Island Light - Bridgeport CT; 50 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

30. Brant Point Replica Lighthouse - Stonington CT; 161 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

 

Learn About Lighthouses