This New Jersey Historic Site sits amid a very residential area. It's scenic and dare I say, romantic. The views of the water and Manhattan in the distance, it's a great place to sit on a nice day. The grounds and buildings are beautifully kept. Not run down at all. The information placards, however, are weathered and some are hard to read. read more

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Beautiful place to visit. Took me about 2 hrs each way. It was a beautiful day to climb the towers and look at the beautiful views. The museum was small but cute. Grounds were nice as well. They have a cute little store to visit and purchase some souvenirs. Cost $5 to climb the towers. If you're in the area and looking for something to do, this is definitely a place to check out. read more

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We loved Twin Lights!! Originally from the Highlands- Middletown area we have been many times and loved it. You can go up and explore the North and South towers and you can go all the way up the the light part in the south tower. The view of The Navesink and Sandy Hook from the towers are great!! If you are in the Middletown, Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Red Bank and all of the Monmouth County area and want to visit a really cool historic sight with AMAZING views. Than I recoment. Twin Lights. read more

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Very interesting historic site, only need about an hour and a half to do.. we did the self guided tour for $5 a person and it was perfectly enough. Lots of great views, the lighthouses are easy to climb for most. Head to sandy hook afterwards and do the historic house in officers row by the chapel and it makes for an interesting day. read more

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I absolutely love this place. I was extremely afraid if heights, but I was brave enough to go all the way to the top of the lighthouse and get to the outside part. It it so worth it , plus the time when my husband and I went, we got in for free, so that was an extra plus. It's so beautiful there and so well kept. I would definitely recommend coming here and checking it out. read more

Twin Lights Historic Site - Beautiful place - Museums Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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This old and historic landmark is worth a trip for anyone who loves the ocean. A good museum, serious climb up the tower and ocean breezes. Bring the kids! read more

Twin Lights Historic Site - Museums Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

What a delight! A living historic site, with great community outreach programs. And the view!

It's 250' above Sandy Hook Bay with great photo opportunities of the bay, ocean and NYC particularly from the North End Tower. The climb to the tower top is 64 steps up a tight spiral staircase and costs $5. The South Tower with it's 65 steps is also open from time to time. Open all year round, Memorial Day-Labor Day , thehours are 10-4:30. Signs to the Twin Lights are well placed and visible and the lighthouse is clearly visible The drive up is steep and narrow and not well maintained. Parking is plentiful and free. Historically the Lighthouse is on the National Registry of Historical Places and has originally constructed in1862 at the present site. There were a number of firsts at this lighthouse: 1) first Fresnel Lens which is displayed in a separate building with other artifacts 2 )Marconi's demonstration of the first practical use of the wireless telegraph in 1899 3) first lamps to be fueled by kerosene 1883 and 4) one of the first electrically lit lighthouses in the country. The light has has a small museum which periodically changes it's displays. The theme at my visit revolved around the history of Life Guards on the N.J. shore. Photos of life saving crews (1880's), signal pistols and other equipment used, swim suits from the 1900's, a Frensel Lens aand much more. The museum is free. If you want a personal tour of the museum and light house, the cost is $12. This lighthouse is part of the NJ Lighthouse Challenge. Lots of Seafood restaurants nearby and the Sea Streak ferry from NYC can be taken to get to Sandy Hook. There is a small gift shop with unique items in the main lighthouse. read more

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The current lights were built in 1862 of local brownstone and cost about $74,000. The two beacons you see today replaced the earlier lights that had fallen into disrepair. The Twin lights tower 250 feet above Sandy Hook Bay and remain one of the highest points along the coast. They also hold a prominent place in American maritime history as the site of the first use of the Fresnel lens. In 1899, Marconi demonstrated the first practical use of the wireless telegraph from Navesink. In 1949, a sad fate befell the Twin Lights. After 121 years of service, the most powerful coastal light in America was extinguished. But even though the lights no longer guide ships into New York Harbor, they stand as an important reminder of the role lighthouses played in maritime history. I can't recommend enough to take a trip to the Atlantic Highlands and see the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from the medieval-like towers for yourself. It's only a mere 64 steps to the top of both north and south towers, and so worth it. Notes/Tips: **Fees to climb towers: $5/adult and $2/kid Tours: $12/adult and free for kids under 10 **You can pay by cash or check at the South Tower. **There is a wonderful four room museum at the North Tower end and a 9 foot bivalve lens on display in the generator building. **Also, there's a small, but wonderful gift shop at the North Tower end. **Commemorative lighthouse stamps including the Twin Lights just came out on August 6th. If you're a stamp collector like me, you won't want to miss these. read more

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Located in Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey, this dual lighthouse or twin lights was built in 1862 without the help of modern machinery. It stands on the highest point on the Atlantic coast. Due to the current social distancing situation, the faculty was closed and we were not able to climb up to the northern tower to get a commanding views of the Atlantic seaboard and New York City. My partner and I were here 2 years ago in the winter time where they had a small gift shop and a museum with some interesting reading. If I recalled, admission is free (donations welcome to offset maintenance.) We highly recommend a short visit to this place. read more

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There are great views of Sandy Hook and the New York skyline when you ascend the North tower. This is one of the highest spots on the East Coast. The history of the lighthouse goes back to the 19th century. Though there are no guides available, the museum is nicely displayed and the video of Highlands from the 1800s to the present is incredible. The original Fresnel lens is displayed in the adjacent building. There is a gift shop on site. The site is free to the public. Ample parking. read more

What an absolute delight for $5! I've visited all but 2 NJ lighthouses and this one moves right up my list of favorites. There are 2 lighthouses to climb but they are only 76 steps which makes it a pretty easy climb. The view is fabulous - NYC in the distance. There is a small museum on site with information about the lights. Able to talk with Nicholas Wood - the Resource Interpretive Specialist on sight and he was very friendly and knowledgeable about the site. There are picnic tables if you want to pack a snack or lunch. Spending about an hour would be reasonable to see and do everything. We combined this trip with a walk at Hartshorne Woods Park. read more

Twin Lights Historic Site - View from the South Lighthouse tower - Museums Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Very nice spot to visit, beautiful views overlooking the Raritan Bay and the ocean, there's a large grassy area where you can bring a blanket or chairs to sit and have lunch, and fascinating history to read on all the signage. Hopefully they will be able to open up soon so that you can go inside again! read more

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I grew up at this lighthouse until 1958. I have fond memories of being there. I have been back since and I'm amazed at the quality of exhibits, and history they have in the lighthouse museum. It's a must see if you're in the area! read more

HIGHLANDS: include your dog in learning about some history and visit the historic Navesink Twin Lights. Dogs are not allowed inside any buildings, but it is still a beautiful property to walk around with your dog for some Kodak moments. It is a non-operational lighthouse with 2 beacons with views of Sandy Hook and NYC. There is so much beauty and history in New Jersey! read more

Twin Lights Historic Site - Museums Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Built on the highest spot of America's coastline between Maine and Texas, this light station has been the sight of many firsts. These include the first Fresnel Lens in an American Lighthouse in 1841. The 1st First Order Lens to be fueled by kerosene in 1883. The first electrically powered light house in 1898. This new First Order bivalve lens also made it the most powerful beacon in America. If you make the drive, or the steep as hell hike, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the New York City skyline, the Atlantic Ocean, the Navesink River and a host of other things. The site also boasts a museum about the Twin Lights and facility, as well as area history and some shipwreck artifacts. This lighthouse is also unique in that it is the only one with two lights connected by a central building. If you climb the South Tower they will give you a little card that says you climbed the South Tower at Twin Lights. In terms of climbability this one is a piece of cake with only 64 steps (46 feet) in the North Tower and 65 steps (also 46 feet) in the South Tower. As an FYI, if you go during the NJ Lighthouse Challenge you will not be able to park at the lighthouse as you will be directed to a local school and then you will need to make a short walk from their parking lot through their soccer field to the light. If you want to visit they are open seven days a week from 10am-4:30pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day with the same hours Wednesday-Sunday the remainder of the year. The price is right (free), the views are amazing and you will not be disappointed! read more

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This is my third visit to the lighthouse and I still come away totally impressed. There is something about walking around a place with so much history. The view is incredible and you can see for miles from the top of the north tower. The pictures and historical display in the main building take awhile to go through but it is worth the time it takes. The lens on display at ground level (a huge bivalve lens) is incredible. It was actually installed in the south tower at on time - you have to wonder how they did that. 25 million candlepower and it floated on a pool of mercury so it would turn easily. When you see something like this you come away impressed with the abilities of the men that came up with the idea in the first place. The facility is free, but a donation is in order and I'll definitely go back again. read more

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Every time I'm here I just want to grab my easel and paint the amazing view from this place. Cant get any better looking down at Sandy Hook in all its glory. One of my favorite spots to grab a picnic lunch and just sit on a blanket looking at the water. Not to mention the historic Light house that is full of history. Definitely worth visiting especially when it is open to venture thru and take it all in. read more

A very impressive lighthouse A huge twin, almost Gothic looking lighthouse that rises over 200 feet above the ocean. It was activated in 1862 and is two separate lights connected by a huge building. The lights are slightly asymmetrical but I'm not sure why. You can climb up to the top of the north tower for fantastic views of the surrounding area and then go into the small museum and of course a gift shop. I bought a couple of cool shirts and a mug there. The admission was free and the buildings are open during the summer months. The entire area is impressive and this is an unique, archaic and almost spooky looking lighthouse with a lot of history. read more

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I thoroughly enjoyed Twin Lights Historical Site. I have visited this lighthouse twice. During the first visit, I ascended the North Tower, saw the exhibits, and chatted with a woman whose daughter's wedding party was posing for photos. Indeed, this site offers picturesque views. My second visit coincided with the 2013 Lighthouse Challenge. In addition to taking in the same exhibits and views, I ascended the South Tower. Apparently the South Tower opens rarely, so this was a special treat. The only negative aspect of this site that comes to mind was the staff. I got the impression during both visits that some of the staff were arrogant. It rubbed me the wrong way. In hindsight, however, this was insignificant. It should certainly not deter anyone from visiting. But these individuals prevent me from granting a 5-Star Rating. You should visit Twin Lights for an impressive experience. read more

Wow across the board. Stopped by after a morning on Sandy Hook. Breathtaking views. I loved that we didn't have a guide! You're allowed to guide yourself through the museums and up the lighthouse! Incredible history. An absolute must if you're in the area. Wow wow wow. read more

Twin Lights Historic Site - Cicada bug chilling at the top of the lighthouse! - Museums Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Follow the signs up a little hill to this lovely place. High elevation beautiful views of the surrounding areas and even NYC Skyline in the distance... The grounds are very nice and well kept. As for the lighthouses, the South Tower is rarely open, as per the nice woman in the gift shop. We ascended to the top of the North Tower, which was about 65 steps in a tight spiral staircase. Tight fit indeed. Also be careful with younger children when going up and down, the steps are narrow and spiralled, which make it a bit of a challenge. At the top, lovely views of the surrounding area. The gift shop has a bunch of little trinkets, which were not, at least in my opinion, overpriced. Oh yeah did I mention the whole experience is free?! There is a donation jar and I am sure the gift shop proceeds contribute to the maintenance of the site, but technically it is a free experience. I would urge anyone to go. read more

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Awesome historical site part of this areas rich history. A great place to stop after a day at the beach or just traveling along the coast line. This spot makes for some excellent views of Sandy Hook and the surrounding areas and is a fantastic photography spot. Be sure to tour the inside museum area as well as the smaller building in the back which the original lens is on display. read more

Beautiful views from the top of the tower! The museum is okay, but it's free so no big deal! Great park that not many people know about. There's not much else to do except for the tower view and small museum, so that would keep me from driving out of my way to come back. Next time I'm in the area with my kids I'll be sure to stop in. read more

Very nice historical park with spectacular views although park closes too early to view sunset. Don't get caught at the gate past 4:30 as there is no place to turn your car around. Could be five star if they were to fix traffic problems. read more

Twin Lights Historic Site - Park closes at 4:30 & provides no place to turn around at the top of a long steep hill! - Museums Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Very cool view and nice pictures. There is a small museum and lots of good restaurants nearby

wow such an amazing place! i shot photos of the lighthouse and of the scenery. i loved everything about it. lots of history to enjoy here. i went all the way up the stairs! not sure how but i did lol. very hot at the top though. i only stayed a few seconds. but going outside was pretty cool and u can see all of sandy hook! so beautiful! theres bars to protect you too. i was able to shoot up there. staff was very nice as well. read more

This has been on my to do list for many years and now I can scratch it off the list!! A beautiful site located on the highest point of the Highlands. The history of this lighthouse goes back to the 1800's. It was the first of it's kind in many different categories and the site of Marconi's first radio transmission. It has an incredible view out over Sandy Hook. You can climb one of the towers and walk out up top. There is a small museum located on the ground floor which they are working on and hopefully expanding. Right now it is pretty bare except for a few interesting artifacts from the area. If not for that, I would have given 5 stars. A really nice spot to check out and get your history fix for the day. There is parking on site and there is no charge to enter. read more

Check their hours before going. Very picturesque... bring your camera. The walk up the spiral staircase isn't that bad. They have a small museum and gift shop. There are a few good seafood restaurants right under the bridge. There's also a scenic overlook close by. read more

Very interesting location - although on the web site it looks much much bigger than it actually is. Outstanding view of the coastline : truly breathtaking. Very well kept but the road to get there is very narrow - have to be careful when driving up : would not recommend to drive up when there is icy road conditions as it is a steep hill with a narrow street going into the site. Dual lighthouses - you get a real sense of history and jersey coast culture from this. Nice place to go with kids for a part of the afternoon, especially for those that love oceanic history. read more

Views from the light houses are amazing. Really nice historical place to come with your family. Lots of history to read about there. Also a gift shop there that's nice. read more

We went here after visiting the Sandy Hook lighthouse and state park. It was in the middle of a local neighborhood. The museum is small but interesting. We climbed the lighthouse-for free-which was only about 65 steps. At the top you can go outside and walk around the building. The view is spectacular! Very highly recommended read more

Must see! History you will love and a view to die for! I'm sure many have passed by the entrance without knowing. Look it up and stop on by, worth the detour. read more

VERY COOL place.............we always bring visitors here on a tour of the Jersey Shore. A very distinct and different lighthouse, it has a small museum on the first floor with pictures & photos through the years. On a clear day the view is amazing.........New York skyline, Jersey shore, it's beautiful read more

This is an unbelievably beautiful and historically significant place that we frequent when we want a quick day trip. The staff are courteous and the grounds are well maintained. Perfect place for peace and quiet during the colder months, even though it's no less beautiful. I always love to sit on one of the benches and take in the breathtaking view of Sandy Hook. Absolutely love this place! read more

This place is great. There's so much history, and the light house is spectacular. What a view of Sandy Hook! The staff is nice and they're knowledable, the grounds are great for walking around, and they have clean bathrooms. Definitely worth the trip! read more