Barnegat Lighthouse State Park — CAPTURING LIFE'S MOMENTS

Hello everyone! I apologize for being “MIA” for a while, I have mainly been active on my Instagram and Facebook pages sharing flashback photos and stories and haven’t really traveled anywhere due to the restrictions and have been dwelling on past travel memories to remember that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Foremost, I hope you all are staying safe and healthy during these uncertain times. I personally aim to be positive and optimistic despite it all during these unprecedented circumstances day by day. It’s okay not be or feel okay, we are all in this together and we will get through this. Like anything, people have always been resilient and always act to help and change to provide an act of kindness for humanity. This too shall pass!
Today’s post I think is really interesting to share with you guys since it is probably one of my favorite day trip destinations to travel to in the where I live in Garden State. I am always ready for spontaneous day trips, I consider myself a travel day tripper leaving first thing in the morning and spending the entire day somewhere beautiful (usually by the sea) and spend the day wandering and meandering with my camera or phone in hand capturing moments to remember. This past Memorial Day Weekend I went down to Long Beach Island, a six mile barrier island located in Ocean County on the Jersey Shore between Island Beach State Park to the north and Brigantine and Atlantic City southward where you’ll find heavenly white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty to see and do to relax and simply be on “island time”.
Since many places such as hotels and seasonal hangouts are not opening until June 1st, I decided to visit my favorite natural wonder spot on the island at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park which is located on the northern tip of the island past gorgeous shingle shutter homes, mini mansions, pine tree groves, and plenty of adorable street signs on the residential north end. You’ll pass the quaint towns of Surf City, Harvey Cedars, Loveladies, and finally you’ll see the tippy top of the red and white colored Barnegat Ligthouse and you know you’re nearly there. The town of Barnegat Light is named after the nearby bay of the same name and the lighthouse itself. Come along for a walk with me as we explore the state park, one of New Jersey’s many coastal state parks along the shoreline.

The entire park is comprised of “Old Barney” which is the locals nickname for the lighthouse of many generations of sun worshippers, nature seekers, and visitors alike who have traveled here to find peace, solace, and reconnect with Mother Nature at the ocean’s helm. You’ll also find picnic areas, a visitors pavilion with restrooms, and a couple of walking trails one that goes along the bayside and another through the forested area which is the one I ventured on called the Maritime Forest Trail, designated solely for walkers and hikers. Visitors who bring pets can enjoy the scenic coastal trail.

Beginning steps at the start of the trail

It was an overcast day which meant it was slightly cooler than usual for a holiday weekend so I definitely wore the appropriate clothing to ensure I didn’t get too cold with the ocean breezes. The sun did manage to greet me later at the end of the trail signifying that I had accomplished the journey. These stairs are the entrance to the trail itself and you climb them to arrive at a beautiful vantage point. The views are worth the climb for sure!

And beautiful views there were of the sea! 🌊

Along the trail and the climb, you get a chance to learn about the local flora and fauna that thrive in this area. Really cool to find out more about what makes this enchanting place so special!