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Ocean County’s history runs from Revolutionary War skirmishes to baymen, lighthouse keepers and Pinelands musicians. Here are the best history day trips in Ocean County, NJ, with addresses, hours and the special events coming up this season.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
- Town: Barnegat Light
- Where: 208 Broadway
Old Barney has watched over Barnegat Inlet since it was commissioned in 1859. The light went dark in 1927 and was relit in 2009, and the tower reopened in 2023 after a yearlong, $1.3 million restoration.
A beacon donated by the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse in 2022 can be seen for more than 26 miles. Climbing hours vary by season, so check with the park before you go.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum
- Town: Tuckerton
- Where: 120 West Main Street
- Hours: Open year-round; days vary by month
Tuckerton Seaport is a coastal cultural center along Tuckerton Creek, with replica and historic buildings, interactive exhibits and live aquatic displays that tell the story of the Jersey Shore’s baymen.
Admission is $5, with free entry for children under 5, active military and veterans. On Saturday, December 19, 2026, the Seaport hosts a woven Christmas tree workshop from 10 a.m. to noon.
Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site
- Town: Barnegat
- Where: 200 Old Halfway Road
- Special event: The Affair at Cedar Bridge, Sunday, December 6, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (snow date Sunday, January 3, 2027)
This county historic site marks the 1782 Affair at Cedar Bridge, a Revolutionary War skirmish fought here 244 years ago.
The 23rd annual commemoration features reenactment skirmishes at noon and 2 p.m., and it is a timely outing as the county marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Ocean County Historical Society
- Town: Toms River
- Where: 26 Hadley Avenue
- Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; guided tours Tuesday and Thursday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The society’s museum is the Elizabeth Sculthorp Force House, and its Richard L. Strickler Research Center holds maps and genealogical records for anyone tracing an Ocean County family.
The free Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., includes the decorated museum and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Ocean County Historical Society
Albert Music Hall
- Town: Waretown
- Where: 131 Wells Mills Road (Route 532)
- When: Every Saturday night, year-round
Since 1974, Albert Music Hall has kept the Pinelands music tradition alive with live bluegrass, country, folk, Americana and old-time music every Saturday night.
Parking is free and the hall is wheelchair accessible. It is run as a nonprofit.
John F. Peto Studio Museum
- Town: Island Heights
- Where: 102 Cedar Avenue
The home and studio of still-life painter John F. Peto overlooks the Toms River in the Victorian borough of Island Heights.
This fall the museum is showing “Still-Life Meets Trompe L’oeil: The Art of Noticing,” with weekend afternoon hours through November.
Long Beach Island Historical Association Museum
- Town: Beach Haven
- Where: 129 Engleside Avenue
- Special event: “Shore to Be Merry,” Saturday, November 28, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The island’s history museum hosts a hands-on holiday celebration built around putting the phones away and spending time together. It is an easy stop on a Thanksgiving weekend trip to Beach Haven.
Plan a History Loop
- Southern loop: Start at Tuckerton Seaport, head north on Route 9 to Cedar Bridge Tavern in Barnegat, and finish with a Saturday night show at Albert Music Hall in Waretown.
- Island loop: Pair Barnegat Lighthouse at the north end of Long Beach Island with the LBI Historical Museum in Beach Haven at the south end.
- Toms River area: Combine the Ocean County Historical Society with a visit to the Peto Studio Museum across the river in Island Heights.
More in Ocean County: parks and nature trails, winter beach walks and holiday events are all a short drive away.
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