Barnegat Light is the small, scenic town at the very northern tip of Long Beach Island. It's anchored by "Old Barney" — the 172-foot lighthouse that's the island's most recognizable landmark — and by Viking Village, LBI's working commercial fishing port. The beaches here are the widest on the island, the pace is the slowest, and the seafood is the freshest you'll find.
Daily Badge$10
Lifeguard10am–5pm
SeasonJune – Sept
Guide2026
Barnegat Lighthouse (Old Barney)
"Old Barney" is the 172-foot red-and-white lighthouse at the northern tip of LBI and the island's most recognizable landmark. First lit in 1859 and designed by George Meade (later the Union general at Gettysburg), it guided ships past the treacherous Barnegat Inlet shoals for nearly a century. Today it's the centerpiece of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park: you can climb all 217 steps to the watch gallery for a sweeping view of the inlet, the bay, and the Atlantic. The park also has a short interpretive trail through one of the last bits of maritime forest on the island, plus inlet-front benches that are a favorite for sunrise. There's a modest admission to climb; the grounds are free. Arrive early on summer weekends — the lot fills by mid-morning.
Beaches in Barnegat Light
Barnegat Light's beaches are notably wide thanks to natural sand accretion at the inlet. The northern end opens into Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, where the beach meets the inlet jetty — a favorite for fishermen and sunrise walkers. Beach badges are required in season for the borough beaches; the state park beach has its own access rules. There's also a guarded Bay Beach at 25th Street & Bayview Ave., great for young children.
Parking in Barnegat Light
Free street parking is common throughout Barnegat Light, with a paid lot at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Arrive early on summer weekends — the lighthouse lot fills by mid-morning.
Things to Do in Barnegat Light
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park — climb all 217 steps to the top of Old Barney for the best view on the island.
Viking Village — working fishing docks, dockside seafood markets, art galleries, and weekly summer artisan markets.
Beach Tram — runs the 4th–9th Street ocean beaches in season, free with a beach badge.
Inlet jetty fishing — bluefish, fluke, and striped bass for surf casters in season.
Bay Breeze Park — Monday evening free summer concerts.
Where to Eat in Barnegat Light
Mustache Bill's Diner is a James Beard–recognized classic American diner — go early for breakfast. Kubel's is the legendary cash-only BYOB bar and restaurant, an LBI tradition since 1927 famous for crab cakes. Viking Fresh Off the Hook serves the freshest seafood on the island because the boats unload feet from the kitchen. Daymark Bar & Restaurant offers chic American fare in a casual coastal environment. Inlet Deli at the north tip is the spot for sandwiches.
High Bar Harbor
Just west of Barnegat Light, reached by a single two-lane road, is High Bar Harbor — a secluded bayside lagoon community. Despite sharing Barnegat Light's gateway, it's technically part of Long Beach Township, not the borough. Nearly every home sits on the bay or a canal, making it one of the island's most boater-friendly enclaves.
Who Barnegat Light is best for
Travelers who want the quietest, most scenic corner of LBI. Fishermen. Sunrise people. Anyone willing to drive a little farther for fewer crowds.
