
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
A beautifully restored 1874 lighthouse with stunning gardens, a butterfly haven, and beach access.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored 1874 lighthouse with stunning gardens, a butterfly haven, and beach access.
"A must-see gem in Wildwood, beautifully preserved with stunning gardens and ocean views."

📸 Camera Ready!
The lighthouse and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
🚶♀️ Garden Stroll
Take time to wander through the exquisite gardens; they're a highlight for many visitors.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Lighthouse Tower
North Wildwood
Climb to the top for panoramic ocean views and a glimpse into maritime history.

Enchanting Gardens
Surrounding the lighthouse
Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens, a peaceful oasis with scenic paths.

Butterfly Garden
Lighthouse grounds
A serene spot to observe monarch butterflies and enjoy the vibrant flora.

Beach Access
Behind the lighthouse
Enjoy a more private stretch of beach with stunning ocean vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Garden Delights & Beach Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Camera Ready!
The lighthouse and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
🚶♀️ Garden Stroll
Take time to wander through the exquisite gardens; they're a highlight for many visitors.
🕰️ Check Hours
Lighthouse museum hours can vary seasonally. Call ahead or check their website.
🌊 Beach Bliss
Enjoy the quieter beach behind the lighthouse for a relaxing seaside experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Camera Ready!
The lighthouse and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
🚶♀️ Garden Stroll
Take time to wander through the exquisite gardens; they're a highlight for many visitors.
🕰️ Check Hours
Lighthouse museum hours can vary seasonally. Call ahead or check their website.
🌊 Beach Bliss
Enjoy the quieter beach behind the lighthouse for a relaxing seaside experience.
🦋 Butterfly Spotting
Visit during butterfly season for a chance to see monarch butterflies in the garden.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse for its beautiful restoration, exquisite gardens, and peaceful atmosphere. Many highlight it as a gem of North Wildwood, offering both historical insights and lovely natural surroundings, including beach access and a charming butterfly garden. Some note it's a smaller attraction, but its charm and well-maintained grounds make it a highly recommended stop.
"Beautiful lighthouse, small but full of history and memories. The gardens are exquisite. It also has entrance to the beach. Have your camera ready for excellent pictures."
bonnie villarreal
"Wonderful job on the restoration of this gem. The local government and the volunteers really stepped up here. This is a wonderful end of the inlet, more private with a nice long beach behind the site. There is a very nice paved walking trail that runs right by it too. I think it is the best spot in North Wildwood. Inside, through the displays, you get a real sense of what it was like to live at the lighthouse with your family. There are charts on the wall that show the many shipwrecks and the rescues off the coast here in the 20th century. The Coast Guard and life guards here really have done an amazing job over the years.
There is an enchanting shade garden on the grounds that is certainly worth strolling through."
Kenneth
"Beautifully preserved lighthouse with stunning gardens and ocean views. The history inside is fascinating, and the grounds are peaceful and perfect for a stroll. A must-see gem in Wildwood."
T B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is located in North Wildwood, New Jersey. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors arrive via the scenic Garden State Parkway.
While direct public transport to the lighthouse might be limited, the Wildwoods area is served by local trolleys and buses during the summer season, which can get you close to North Wildwood.
Many visitors enjoy walking or biking along the paved paths and seawall, offering beautiful views of the inlet and ocean.
Parking is generally available in the vicinity, especially outside of peak summer weekends. Be mindful of any local parking regulations.
It's a bit of a walk from the main Wildwood Boardwalk to North Wildwood, but it's a pleasant stroll along the coast if you enjoy longer walks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and gardens is generally free and open year-round. There may be a fee for museum tours or special events.
The lighthouse museum hours vary by season. It's best to check the official Hereford Inlet Lighthouse website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
The beautiful gardens surrounding the lighthouse are typically free to access and enjoy.
Yes, tours of the lighthouse are often available, providing historical insights. Inquire about tour availability and times when you visit.
The lighthouse typically opens to the public around May and remains open through the fall. Specific opening dates can be found on their official channels.
📸 📸 Photography
The lighthouse tower itself, the surrounding gardens with blooming flowers, and the ocean views from the top are prime photography locations.
Generally, photography is welcomed, especially for personal use. Professional photography sessions, like maternity shoots, may require prior arrangements.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the lighthouse and its surroundings.
The lighthouse is often illuminated during special events like Christmas, offering a magical nighttime photo opportunity.
Yes, the elevated position of the lighthouse provides excellent vantage points for photographing the long, scenic beach.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Explore the stunning gardens, visit the butterfly garden, walk the seawall, and enjoy the peaceful beach. The lighthouse also houses a museum with historical exhibits.
While the grounds and gardens are generally accessible, climbing the lighthouse tower may present challenges due to stairs. Check for specific accessibility information.
Restroom facilities are typically available on-site for visitors.
While specific pet policies can vary, it's generally recommended to check local regulations or the lighthouse's guidelines regarding pets on the grounds or beach.
The museum inside the lighthouse showcases its history, life at the lighthouse, and the maritime heritage of the coast, including shipwrecks and rescues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The lighthouse itself does not typically have a restaurant. However, North Wildwood and the surrounding Wildwoods offer a wide array of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to family-friendly eateries.
The grounds offer pleasant areas for a picnic, especially in the gardens. It's a lovely way to enjoy the scenery.
Expect classic Jersey Shore fare: seafood, pizza, burgers, and ice cream are abundant. Many restaurants offer ocean views.
You'll find various cafes and coffee shops in North Wildwood, perfect for a morning coffee or an afternoon treat.
Bringing your own food and non-alcoholic beverages for a picnic is generally permitted, but always check for any specific rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While climbing the lighthouse tower might be challenging for very young children, the museum inside offers educational exhibits that can capture their interest. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it an easy outing for a family day trip. Remember to check the lighthouse's operating hours, as they can vary.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Content creators will find plenty of visually appealing elements, from the panoramic ocean views from the tower to the serene beach access. The lighthouse has even been a popular spot for maternity photoshoots, highlighting its picturesque setting. Remember to check for any specific guidelines regarding professional photography or drone usage.
🚶♀️ Leisurely Strollers & Nature Lovers
Combine your walk with a visit to the quieter beach behind the lighthouse for a complete nature-focused experience. It’s a wonderful spot to relax, listen to the waves, and enjoy the coastal atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of more crowded areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History: The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
Beyond its function as a navigational aid, the lighthouse grounds have evolved into a beautiful public space. The enchanting shade garden is a particular draw, providing a tranquil escape with its lush greenery and winding paths. This area is not only visually appealing but also serves as a habitat for local wildlife, notably the monarch butterflies that frequent the gardens during migration seasons.
The lighthouse's location at the end of the inlet also offers unique advantages. It provides access to a long, more private beach behind the site, ideal for those seeking a quieter seaside experience away from the busier boardwalk areas. A pleasant paved walking trail runs alongside the lighthouse and seawall, perfect for leisurely strolls with scenic views of the inlet and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Gardens and Wildlife: A Natural Oasis
Strolling through the gardens provides a peaceful respite, with well-defined paths and comfortable benches inviting visitors to relax and soak in the natural beauty. The variety of flora contributes to the garden's charm throughout the seasons, making it a worthwhile visit at different times of the year. The combination of blooming flowers and the gentle sea breeze creates a truly idyllic atmosphere.
This natural oasis also complements the historical significance of the lighthouse, offering a harmonious blend of human history and the enduring beauty of nature. It's a place where visitors can connect with the environment, appreciate the local flora and fauna, and find a moment of tranquility by the sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit