New Jersey Lighthouses: A Self-Guided Tour

New Jersey is home to 23 unique lighthouses, many of which can be discovered within minutes of ICONA Resorts. Lighthouses have become such a fascination among Americans that citizens can now join the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s “Passport Program,” one of the many ways you can hunt down the rarest beacons. Hunting for lighthouses is a popular activity for couples and families alike. Luckily for you, we have three beachfront hotels in New Jersey within six miles of a nearby lighthouse, including Cape May and Hereford Inlet.

Cape May Lighthouse

One of the main South Jersey attractions is Cape May Point State Park, only 3.5 miles west of ICONA Cape May. What sets Cape May Lighthouse apart from all other area beacons is the surrounding beauty within the state park and far beyond. The light itself, which towers 157 feet above the Earth, was first lit in 1859. Visitors can also stroll inside the lush South Cape May Meadows, enjoy a picnic on Sunset Beach, and snap photos of the SS Atlantus, the most famous concrete World War II ship in the United States.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is approximately a five-mile journey from two of our hotels in New Jersey: ICONA Diamond Beach and Avalon. What makes Hereford Inlet so unique is its stunning architecture. Most beacons are known for their tall towers, but the preserved home at Hereford Inlet is the main draw in North Wildwood, NJ. The lighthouse was designed by famed architect Paul J. Pelz, who also designed the Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington D.C., Healy Hall at Georgetown University, and dozens of other historical monuments.

East Point Lighthouse

The beautiful journey to Heislerville’s East Point Lighthouse is a large part of the allure. East Point was first lit in 1849, making it one of the oldest New Jersey lighthouses. It overlooks tranquil Delaware Bay at the mouth of the Maurice River. The fading paint that once covered the original red brick on the exterior of the lighthouse has sadly been painted over, but there’s no denying its beauty. Visitors can tour East Point, walk the serene grounds, and venture to the Strawberry Avenue Boardwalk near Bivalve, NJ.

Hotels in Cape May, NJ

All three of our oceanfront hotels in New Jersey are minutes away from two of the premier lighthouses on the East Coast. ICONA Cape May, the #1 ranked hotel in Cape May on TripAdvisor, boasts a bright chic yet cozy style, steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Book an oceanfront suite to enjoy sweeping Atlantic views, a sleek galley kitchen, and a Carrara marble bathroom. ICONA Cape May is ideal for romantic New Jersey getaways, regardless of the season. Dial 1-609-551-0100 to book an overdue couples vacation to beautiful South Jersey.