The Annual New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge is This Weekend!
Each fall, the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey invites locals and visitors to take a road trip across the state’s beautiful coastline. Held every year on the third weekend of October, this two-day event encourages participants to visit lighthouses, life-saving stations, and museums — all while learning about New Jersey’s maritime history and enjoying scenic views from shore to shore.
The 2025 Lighthouse Challenge takes place on October 18 and 19. Sites are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, with a few offering special night climbs on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. The official souvenir this year is a 16-month calendar featuring photos of New Jersey’s lighthouses.
The Lighthouse Challenge began over 20 years ago as a way to celebrate and preserve New Jersey’s historic beacons. The idea is simple: spend a weekend traveling across the state, stopping at each lighthouse or maritime site to collect a small souvenir stamp. Those who visit every stop by the end of the weekend earn a completion sticker and the chance to win fun prizes.
This year’s Challenge includes 11 lighthouses, 4 life-saving stations, and 1 museum — a total of 15 stops. Participants can start at any site, and there’s no need to register ahead of time. A $10 registration fee at the first stop covers a souvenir and the stamp booklet. Some sites offer optional lighthouse climbs for an extra fee, but climbing isn’t required to complete the challenge.
The Challenge stretches from Sandy Hook Lighthouse in the north to Cape May Lighthouse in the south, covering both the Atlantic coast and the Delaware Bay side of the state. Along the way, participants can stop at unique sites like Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City, Tinicum Rear Range Light in Paulsboro, and restored life-saving stations in Sea Girt and Ocean City.
For a full map of the Lighthouse locations, click here.
Each stop offers its own charm — from sweeping coastal views and historic exhibits to photo ops and gift shops. Some sites even host special activities and snacks for visitors during the Challenge weekend.
New this year is the Spermaceti Cove Life Saving Station, located just south of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse in the Gateway National Recreation Area. This new stop is easy to visit without going out of your way, and it also features a shared gift shop for both the life saving station and the lighthouse — perfect for picking up souvenirs while you’re there.
A few locations will have special instructions this year. For example, East Point Lighthouse and some others may have limited access to their buildings, but visitors can still collect their stamps nearby. Travelers are encouraged to check updates before hitting the road and plan their routes carefully.
The government shut down has also affected Sandy Hook and Finns Point Lights this year. Be sure to check the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey Website for information.
The Lighthouse Challenge isn’t just a fun weekend road trip — it helps raise money and awareness for the ongoing care of these historic landmarks. Proceeds from registration and donations go toward restoration, maintenance, and educational programs that keep New Jersey’s maritime history alive.
