One of my favorite lighthouses in the state of New Jersey is the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Unlike other ones located in the state…this one looks unique. It’s done in a traditional Victorian style. Most lighthouses are done in the standard conical shape. It’s a beautiful place to visit when down in Wildwood or Cape May.
It’s open seasonally and their hours of operation do vary. The grounds of the lighthouse are open year-round and are free to visit. You can visit the botanical gardens and mini butterfly garden which are located out back. Please stay on the walking trail when visiting. There’s a gazebo and a few park benches if you want to sit down to relax.
You can get to the North Wildwood Seawall by walking through the botanical gardens. Once up on the seaswall you’ll find the prettiest views of the Hereford Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. You can sit and take-in the beauty or take a long walk down the seawall. It’s the prettiest place on the entire island.
If you want to take a tour inside the lighthouse you’ll have to pay an admission fee for that. Ther’s a little gift shop (very little) where you can pick up a few souvenirs. When we did the tour it was over and done with…within 20 minutes, so it doesn’t take a lot of time. It’s okay and you learn about the history of the lighthouse along with it’s keepers.
We try to visit the lighthouse 1-2 times every year to see what’s new. Mostly…we go just to enjoy the botanical gardens and to walk up onto the seawall. Oh yeah….I got sunburn the day before we visited…hence staying off the beach and doing something else!
This lighthouse is definitely unique because of the lovely Victorian style. I hope to one day go and explore it.
I find Lighthouses and their history so fascinating. This looks like a lovely place to visit.