Spending Time at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse -- N Wildwood New JerseyWe visit North Wildwood in New Jersey several times every year. It’s our favorite place to go when taking a vacation. We’ve been going there for vacation the past 25 years. Our family has oodles of memories from the area. I’m hoping to retire in 2 years and we’re thinking about moving there after my retirement.

Every time we’re down there we visit the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. It’s within walking distance from where we stay. This lighthouse is down in the Victorian style…it’s unlike most other lighthouses that you’ve seen. Probably one of the reasons that it’s one of the most popular lighthouses to visit at the Jersey Shore.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Gardens

It was built in 1874 and is celebrating it’s 150th birthday this year (2025). It’s still in operation and helping to guide mariners in the area. You’ll see the “light” during the nighttime hours if your in the area.

Behind the lighthouse you’ll find the pretty botanical gardens. They’re open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a year. They’re free to visit. You can walk through the gardens to enjoy their beauty or just sit on one of the park benches to rest. If you walk to the back of the property you’ll find the North Wildwood Seawall. I highly recommend that you go up onto the seewall. Why? Well, I’m going to tell you.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Gardens

Up on the North Wildwood Seawall you’ll get some of the BEST and prettiest views of Hereford Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. In my honest opinion, it’s the prettiest spot on the entire Wildwood island. Yes, Wildwood is a barrier island! You’ll find park benches up on the seawall too.

We never get tired of visiting the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and the botanical gardens. We’ll be down there again next month. If you’re going to be in the area…make sure you pay the lighthouse and gardens a visit.