New Jersey's coastline is one of the most beautiful in the nation, and it's a hub for ship traffic. That means one thing - lighthouses. These old-school towers were invaluable in preventing costly ship crashes for hundreds of years, but only a few are still active today thanks to modern technology. One of them is the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, located on the famous barrier spit off the coast of the small beach town of Middletown Township. But this New Jersey lighthouse is so much more than just another spot for lighthouse buffs - it's the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. While other lighthouses in the United States were built first, they were torn down and rebuilt - while the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is still standing proud. Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, it is open for short tours seven days a week, so you can see it for yourself.
Sandy Hook is only a tiny barrier, but it's become one of New Jersey's most iconic beach spots - thanks to one famous building.
Welcome to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest still-operating lighthouse in the United States. It's been shining bright since 1764.
Located in the Gateway National Recreation Center, it's surrounded by signs explaining the long history of the lighthouse.
You'll also find some compelling monuments to the area's military past. A lot of history has happened on these shores.
But the beautiful historic building isn't just a great sight - tours are given regularly, so you can enter and see the living history for yourself.
As you carefully climb the wrought-iron staircase, you can see the centuries of wear and tear on this building clearly.
However, the lighthouse lens at its center is still pristine and stunning - and you can get up-close with it as part of the tour.
Have you explored the Sandy Hook Lighthouse in Highlands? Let us know what you think of touring this historic New Jersey lighthouse in the comments section. If you're interested in visiting for yourself, you can visit the official website for more information. While you're down the shore, why not explore the longest boardwalk in the world?
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