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    Twin Lights Historic Site

    4.7 (36 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Twin Lights Historic Site Photos

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    Nikki C.

    Very interesting historic site, only need about an hour and a half to do.. we did the self guided tour for $5 a person and it was perfectly enough. Lots of great views, the lighthouses are easy to climb for most. Head to sandy hook afterwards and do the historic house in officers row by the chapel and it makes for an interesting day.

    Beautiful place
    Marcella A.

    I absolutely love this place. I was extremely afraid if heights, but I was brave enough to go all the way to the top of the lighthouse and get to the outside part. It it so worth it , plus the time when my husband and I went, we got in for free, so that was an extra plus. It's so beautiful there and so well kept. I would definitely recommend coming here and checking it out.

    Dom M.

    This old and historic landmark is worth a trip for anyone who loves the ocean. A good museum, serious climb up the tower and ocean breezes. Bring the kids!

    Posted Sign
    Anton K.

    It's 250' above Sandy Hook Bay with great photo opportunities of the bay, ocean and NYC particularly from the North End Tower. The climb to the tower top is 64 steps up a tight spiral staircase and costs $5. The South Tower with it's 65 steps is also open from time to time. Open all year round, Memorial Day-Labor Day , thehours are 10-4:30. Signs to the Twin Lights are well placed and visible and the lighthouse is clearly visible The drive up is steep and narrow and not well maintained. Parking is plentiful and free. Historically the Lighthouse is on the National Registry of Historical Places and has originally constructed in1862 at the present site. There were a number of firsts at this lighthouse: 1) first Fresnel Lens which is displayed in a separate building with other artifacts 2 )Marconi's demonstration of the first practical use of the wireless telegraph in 1899 3) first lamps to be fueled by kerosene 1883 and 4) one of the first electrically lit lighthouses in the country. The light has has a small museum which periodically changes it's displays. The theme at my visit revolved around the history of Life Guards on the N.J. shore. Photos of life saving crews (1880's), signal pistols and other equipment used, swim suits from the 1900's, a Frensel Lens aand much more. The museum is free. If you want a personal tour of the museum and light house, the cost is $12. This lighthouse is part of the NJ Lighthouse Challenge. Lots of Seafood restaurants nearby and the Sea Streak ferry from NYC can be taken to get to Sandy Hook. There is a small gift shop with unique items in the main lighthouse.

    Enjoying a beautiful day at Twin Lights.
    Adriana F.

    The current lights were built in 1862 of local brownstone and cost about $74,000. The two beacons you see today replaced the earlier lights that had fallen into disrepair. The Twin lights tower 250 feet above Sandy Hook Bay and remain one of the highest points along the coast. They also hold a prominent place in American maritime history as the site of the first use of the Fresnel lens. In 1899, Marconi demonstrated the first practical use of the wireless telegraph from Navesink. In 1949, a sad fate befell the Twin Lights. After 121 years of service, the most powerful coastal light in America was extinguished. But even though the lights no longer guide ships into New York Harbor, they stand as an important reminder of the role lighthouses played in maritime history. I can't recommend enough to take a trip to the Atlantic Highlands and see the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from the medieval-like towers for yourself. It's only a mere 64 steps to the top of both north and south towers, and so worth it. Notes/Tips: **Fees to climb towers: $5/adult and $2/kid Tours: $12/adult and free for kids under 10 **You can pay by cash or check at the South Tower. **There is a wonderful four room museum at the North Tower end and a 9 foot bivalve lens on display in the generator building. **Also, there's a small, but wonderful gift shop at the North Tower end. **Commemorative lighthouse stamps including the Twin Lights just came out on August 6th. If you're a stamp collector like me, you won't want to miss these.

    North tower
    Eloy Y.

    Located in Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey, this dual lighthouse or twin lights was built in 1862 without the help of modern machinery. It stands on the highest point on the Atlantic coast. Due to the current social distancing situation, the faculty was closed and we were not able to climb up to the northern tower to get a commanding views of the Atlantic seaboard and New York City. My partner and I were here 2 years ago in the winter time where they had a small gift shop and a museum with some interesting reading. If I recalled, admission is free (donations welcome to offset maintenance.) We highly recommend a short visit to this place.

    View from the South Lighthouse tower
    Terry D.

    What an absolute delight for $5! I've visited all but 2 NJ lighthouses and this one moves right up my list of favorites. There are 2 lighthouses to climb but they are only 76 steps which makes it a pretty easy climb. The view is fabulous - NYC in the distance. There is a small museum on site with information about the lights. Able to talk with Nicholas Wood - the Resource Interpretive Specialist on sight and he was very friendly and knowledgeable about the site. There are picnic tables if you want to pack a snack or lunch. Spending about an hour would be reasonable to see and do everything. We combined this trip with a walk at Hartshorne Woods Park.

    Lou C.

    Very nice spot to visit, beautiful views overlooking the Raritan Bay and the ocean, there's a large grassy area where you can bring a blanket or chairs to sit and have lunch, and fascinating history to read on all the signage. Hopefully they will be able to open up soon so that you can go inside again!

    Mel M.

    HIGHLANDS: include your dog in learning about some history and visit the historic Navesink Twin Lights. Dogs are not allowed inside any buildings, but it is still a beautiful property to walk around with your dog for some Kodak moments. It is a non-operational lighthouse with 2 beacons with views of Sandy Hook and NYC. There is so much beauty and history in New Jersey!

    Christopher C.

    Built on the highest spot of America's coastline between Maine and Texas, this light station has been the sight of many firsts. These include the first Fresnel Lens in an American Lighthouse in 1841. The 1st First Order Lens to be fueled by kerosene in 1883. The first electrically powered light house in 1898. This new First Order bivalve lens also made it the most powerful beacon in America. If you make the drive, or the steep as hell hike, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the New York City skyline, the Atlantic Ocean, the Navesink River and a host of other things. The site also boasts a museum about the Twin Lights and facility, as well as area history and some shipwreck artifacts. This lighthouse is also unique in that it is the only one with two lights connected by a central building. If you climb the South Tower they will give you a little card that says you climbed the South Tower at Twin Lights. In terms of climbability this one is a piece of cake with only 64 steps (46 feet) in the North Tower and 65 steps (also 46 feet) in the South Tower. As an FYI, if you go during the NJ Lighthouse Challenge you will not be able to park at the lighthouse as you will be directed to a local school and then you will need to make a short walk from their parking lot through their soccer field to the light. If you want to visit they are open seven days a week from 10am-4:30pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day with the same hours Wednesday-Sunday the remainder of the year. The price is right (free), the views are amazing and you will not be disappointed!

    Standing in front of the South Light lens
    Dave W.

    This is my third visit to the lighthouse and I still come away totally impressed. There is something about walking around a place with so much history. The view is incredible and you can see for miles from the top of the north tower. The pictures and historical display in the main building take awhile to go through but it is worth the time it takes. The lens on display at ground level (a huge bivalve lens) is incredible. It was actually installed in the south tower at on time - you have to wonder how they did that. 25 million candlepower and it floated on a pool of mercury so it would turn easily. When you see something like this you come away impressed with the abilities of the men that came up with the idea in the first place. The facility is free, but a donation is in order and I'll definitely go back again.

    Brian S.

    A very impressive lighthouse A huge twin, almost Gothic looking lighthouse that rises over 200 feet above the ocean. It was activated in 1862 and is two separate lights connected by a huge building. The lights are slightly asymmetrical but I'm not sure why. You can climb up to the top of the north tower for fantastic views of the surrounding area and then go into the small museum and of course a gift shop. I bought a couple of cool shirts and a mug there. The admission was free and the buildings are open during the summer months. The entire area is impressive and this is an unique, archaic and almost spooky looking lighthouse with a lot of history.

    Cicada bug chilling at the top of the lighthouse!
    Rick G.

    Wow across the board. Stopped by after a morning on Sandy Hook. Breathtaking views. I loved that we didn't have a guide! You're allowed to guide yourself through the museums and up the lighthouse! Incredible history. An absolute must if you're in the area. Wow wow wow.

    South Tower

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    What a delight! A living historic site, with great community outreach programs. And the view!

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    Very cool view and nice pictures. There is a small museum and lots of good restaurants nearby

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    Ask the Community - Twin Lights Historic Site

    Review Highlights - Twin Lights Historic Site

    This spot makes for some excellent views of Sandy Hook and the surrounding areas and is a fantastic photography spot.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Monmouth Museum

    Monmouth Museum

    4.3
    (14 reviews)
    8.9 mi

    Cute little museum for kids! My daughter (15 months) really enjoyed interacting with the various…read moreexhibits. For $15 I think it is an affordable excursion, there are a few rooms to do crafts/color and four open exhibits to play and learn in. The staff was kind and the museum was relatively clean for what it's worth. The one thing that really rubbed me the wrong way was the "nursing room" aka the bathroom. There is a pink plastic dirty chair in the corner of the bathroom and they call that a "nursing room". For a place geared towards children this is disheartening to see. They should either have an actual room, separate from the bathroom, or no dedicated space at all.

    Cute children's museum with varying exhibits great for younger children. Great little stop to spend…read more2 hours indoors. Pros: - My daughter loved the Arts & Crafts, Pirate Ship Playground, Space Floor, Make-Your-Avatar and Horseshoe Crabstations. - Affordable at $14 per person. Cons: - No Wi-Fi, most of the space has little to no T-Mobile Data. My husband paid to work inside the Cafe but left because there was no WiFi. When I asked for a refund the receptionist gave me a hard time :( - Gift Shop and Cafe are basic/minimal and could be a LOT better - The Bias exhibit, which took up a lot of space, was boring and un-engaging - The fish tank was dirty and smelly, felt bad for the fish - Overall the decor and finishes feel outdated, could use a technology update!

    Photos
    Monmouth Museum
    Monmouth Museum
    Monmouth Museum

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    Museum of Sex

    Museum of Sex

    3.3
    (1.6k reviews)
    24.0 mi

    The museums was overall very interesting a good way. The only negative review I have is the…read moreoptional 4d theater experience. The worker thought it was funny that it was a little inappropriate for straight males.

    ‼IF YOU ARE NEURODIVERGENT READ THIS‼ I went with my husband…read moreon a Monday, and it was a lot of fun! We got the Lovers Tickets which was ~$145 for both of us together. This package included access to all of the shows and exhibits, along with a free go at each game which was actually really cool! Not to mention we each got a free cocktail and a gift bag with some sexy goodies to share. We really liked the history exhibit, and the art gallery. The games were pretty fun too! There IS a spinning stripper pole you can dance on in the bar, so if you wanna give it a go maybe wear shorts, because I wore a dress so I wasn't able to do a lot on it unfortunately but it was still fun! IT IS LOUD!! If you have sensory issues I recommend bringing ear plugs, I'm happy I had mine with me. The music is super loud and sometimes overlapping between rooms. There are also multiple exhibits with flashing lights. The Tunnel of Love is a "4D Orgy" that "nuts" on you - which is just some water mist that sprays on your face, feet and neck a few times. I personally did not like that part, but if you cover your lower face with your hands it blocks it. You don't get wet, it's just not my favorite sensory experience. The kissing game was interesting, this one has you and your partner grab some metal bars and you have to kiss for a minute straight to win a "coupon" that you get to use on each other later. FAIR WARNING - this game sends electricity between you as you kiss since you are both grabbing the bars, this doesn't hurt you and you don't feel it, but it makes your mouths taste like METAL. We were both so concerned that we had a health problem at first but thankfully my hubby is an electrician and connected the dots really quickly. Overall a super fun day! The Monday crowd was super chill and minimal. The only thing I think that would make it better is if the staff could do a better job explaining what sensory experience you might have during each game, because it was overwhelming and sometimes uncomfortable. But I think if you come prepared with ear plugs, hand sanitizer (they do have pumps but I bring my own), and shorts under your skirt/dress, then it will be a fantastic time! Be very open minded and enjoy!

    Photos
    Museum of Sex
    Gallery: ObjectXXX
    Gallery: ObjectXXX
    Installation: Jump for Joy

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    Installation: Jump for Joy
    The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    4.7
    (3.8k reviews)
    26.5 mi
    Not-for-profit
    Established in 1870

    Just a few more days until the Raphael exhibit leaves The Met. I'm so happy I had the chance to see…read moreit. The landmark exhibition Raphael: Sublime Poetry runs through June 28 at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 899. It is the first comprehensive exhibition on the Italian Renaissance master in the United States, gathering over 170 of his paintings, drawings, and tapestries from 62 global lenders. The Met is one of my favorite, if not my favorite, museums in NYC. Grand, opulent, rich in history and gorgeous. Raphael exhibit has been running for three months and showcases the celestial beauty of his work. Whether it's his famous portraits or the multiple Virgin Mother and Child paintings, his stunning work will leave you breathless. Raphael, along with Michelangelo and Da Vinci were known as the Supreme Masters of the High Renaissance. Exquisite Master artists. In addition to this gorgeous exhibit which is included in the standard admission, there's always so much to see at The Met. The last day of the exhibit is June 28--catch it!

    Fabulous museum! A must see if you're a museum lover like me. Tip: best to visit upon opening…read morehour, as it gets quite busy later in the day. No need to buy tickets online, as they do sell tickets there. But, do plan and set aside a good chunk of time to visit, because this museum is quite large! So much to see and beautiful vast exhibits. This museum held a large collection and we didn't get a chance to explore all, but was able to see our musts. At the time of our visit, Raphael was the special exhibit coming to a close. The exhibit was extensive and interesting, but frustrating because it was over crowded with people. We actually had to bypass many areas, as there were too many people congregated around most of the pieces. Bought some nice souvenirs at their gift shop- Van Gogh neck scarf, beautiful apron, and stickers. Well worth museum visit, we had a great time and they offer a very generous Military discount , thank you!

    Photos
    View of The Temple of Dendur © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Bridgit Beyer
    View of The Temple of Dendur © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Bridgit Beyer
    View of Gallery 825
 © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Argenis Apolinario
    View of Gallery 825 © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Argenis Apolinario
    © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Bridgit Beyer

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    © The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Bridgit Beyer
    Vanderbilt Museum

    Vanderbilt Museum

    4.2
    (166 reviews)
    47.8 mi

    And the Long Island stoners rejoice: yo man, let's smoke up and see a Van Halen laser show…read more. Vanderbilt Museum, when I moved to Long Island? It was like the Fresh Air fund for me! I thought everyone lived in these mansions with manicured gardens. Now add rock music and a laser show? Yes, sharks with freakin' laser beams shows! I remember coming here on a date with my girlfriend (now wife) in the 90s and seeing a Pink Floyd laser show. I was a little perturbed because they only played New Pink Floyd. Brah, I wanna rock out to MONEY! My wife, bless her heart, bought us two tickets to see the Van Halen laser show. All these years later, we're back. And trust me, I'm still impressed with the beauty of the property. We walk down the hill to the actual planetarium. There's a couple of stoners on line, if they keep quiet during the performance then no one is gonna have problems. The theater is shaped like a circle, there's no bad seats. The doors close and for an hour, I had Van Halen music crankin'! The actual show, the lasers seem a little dated. I went to The Sphere in Vegas a few months ago, this is old technology. But, it's on Long Island and people still enjoyed the shows. 3.5 Yelp stars

    I know it has taken me forever before I was able to visit and share my thoughts about this place…read more One of the best places to visit in Long Island if you haven't been. The entirety of the place has so many things to offer for all ages. I would recommend to visit during summer time where everything will look gorgeous. The rich history behind this house and grounds is so captivating. We took the opportunity to tour the mansion. How often can you visit now a museum that allowing you to see the entire building and the grounds for a great price. The architecture of the house and its grounds is unbelievable. It brings back a great memory of a trip in Spain. The harbour view is beautiful. Best spot of the place. There was a plus when we had the visit today, the annual car show for fall season. You need the entire day to fully enjoy this day. We missed to check on their planetarium as it is only open during night time of Fridays and Saturdays. There is good reason to return.

    Photos
    Vanderbilt Museum
    The organ. The pipes run the entire length of the building.
    The organ. The pipes run the entire length of the building.
    Vanderbilt Museum

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    Spyscape

    Spyscape

    4.3
    (496 reviews)
    25.5 mi
    Free WiFi
    Large group friendly

    I found Skyscape museum while walking in the area and trying to get out of heavy snow. I wasn't…read morefully sure what to expect but I left really happy we got to experience it. Skyscape is a really engaging and a well designed experience. Theres a lot to see and do, with interactive spy style missions that kept both me and my son entertained the entire time! My son was completely locked in the whole time and I was right there pretending I definitely understood the instructions on the first try. It's mostly a hands on experience, you're not just walking through exhibits, you're actually participating, solving challenges and learning as you go. Even better, it didn't feel crowded, which made it comfortable to move through at our own pace. We were able to go back and redo some of the exhibits we enjoyed, which made the experience even more fun the second (and third) time around. Overall, a great mix of entertainment and learning, especially for kids but enjoyable for adults too. 10/10. My son loved every second. I loved pretending I knew what was going on.

    What a fun and interactive place with friends or a date night! The husband and I came here as a…read moreswitch from a typical dinner and drinks date night. On weeknights, it's cheaper than the weekends, which made this experience more worth it at $27pp. Plus, you also save a couple dollars by purchasing your tickets beforehand online. We participated in the Spygames portion, which was worth doing. Once we got a wristband and setup an account, we got to start the games. They also offer free lockers (you'll want to remove any purses, bags, jackets, etc) as you'll be moving a lot. There's 10 rooms of a variety of games although some are similar or duplicates. You'll be very active jumping, climbing, and running around. The hour went by pretty quick but we were both sweating and exhausted by the end of it, so an hour is really all you need.

    Photos
    Surveillance Challenge
    Surveillance Challenge
    SPYGAMES
    SPYGAMES
    SPYGAMES

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    SPYGAMES
    RiseNY

    RiseNY

    4.1
    (187 reviews)
    25.0 mi

    Words truly can't explain this attraction... RiseNY is a must do whenever you visit New York. It…read moretakes on a life of its own from every cultural perspective NYC's history has to offer. Whether it's the fashion district, the history of the subway system, or some of hip hops most intriguing legends... trust me when I say you won't be disappointed. With that being said, the main attraction and the experience I will never forget... has to be the Soar Over The Skyline ride. "WHOA" this experience left me speechless and wanting to instantly have another go at it !! The views are amazing, the life like weather experience left me smiling and giggling like a child.... Everyone should enjoy this tour at least once in their lifetime !!! Wish I could give it 6-stars !!!!

    Rise NY is a New York City-themed interactive museum. The highlight of the museum is a flight…read moresimulator that enables you to travel through various landmarks in the city. At the museum, you're treated like you're on an elementary school field trip. You can only walk around the museum with a group of people. And you can only see exhibits in a particular order- you can't roam around like almost every other museum on Earth. There were quite a few NYC-themed exhibits. Since I'm a native New Yorker, I wasn't that impressed (someone who has never been to the city before would more than likely enjoy the exhibits). The flight simulator was epic. My only complaint was that it was too short (6 minutes). There's a cubby where you can store your bags before you get on the ride. The ride has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches. There's also a 260 pound weight limit. Furthermore, it's not a good idea to get on the ride on a full stomach. Visiting Rise NY is a great activity for a rainy day or if you have a layover at LaGuardia Airport. With that said, there are so many better activities to do in the city.

    Photos
    Enjoying NYC !!
    Enjoying NYC !!
    One of our Founding Fathers, and NYC resident..... Alexander Hamilton.
    One of our Founding Fathers, and NYC resident..... Alexander Hamilton.
    RiseNY

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    Twin Lights Historic Site - museums - Updated June 2026

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