Sandy Hook Lighthouse & Fort Hancock
Sandy Hook Lighthouse & Fort Hancock
Join our photo lessons at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse & Fort Hancock, one of the premier New Jersey venues in our rotation, offering an incredible variety of photographic opportunities in every season.
Venue Description:
Located at the northern tip of the Sandy Hook peninsula, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1764, making it the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. The lighthouse and the surrounding Fort Hancock Historic District provide photographers with a rich blend of subjects: sweeping seascapes, centuries-old military architecture, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking sunsets.
Photograph the iconic white lighthouse, capture the charm of Officers’ Row with its historic yellow houses, and explore the abandoned batteries and bunkers that once defended New York Harbor. The mix of history and natural beauty makes Sandy Hook a location where every frame tells a story.
In winter (typically November through February), the site becomes even more magical as harbor seals haul out on a jetty across from Officers’ Row. While sightings depend on conditions — calm days and low tide offer the best chance — these playful marine mammals have become a beloved subject for wildlife photographers. Beyond the seals, Sandy Hook is also an important stopover for migratory birds, offering opportunities for bird photography year-round.
Depending on the season and time of day, this venue opens the door to a wide range of photographic possibilities — experimenting with silhouettes at sunset over the bay, working with long exposures in low light, or practicing wildlife photography when the seals and birds appear.
Bring your camera or cellphone and the equipment that you can carry. Make sure batteries are fully charged and memory cards have space. You should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Meeting Spot:
Please meet in the Sandy Hook Light Parking Lot off Magruder Road. From this lot, the lighthouse, Officers’ Row, and nearby shooting locations are just a short walk away.
Address: 128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732
How to Get There:
- Enter Sandy Hook at the main gate and continue driving straight along Hartshorne Drive.
- Turn onto Magruder Road and continue to the Sandy Hook Light Parking Lot.
- Park here — the lighthouse is a short walk to the north. Look for the historic buildings and the lighthouse itself.
Here’s a Google Maps link that takes you directly to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NWwt6DcVWEbc2c8E9
Parking Information:
Parking in the Sandy Hook Light parking lot is free. If a gate attendant is present, simply tell them you are visiting the lighthouse. Do not park in the ocean-side beach lots, as these require a fee in summer and are not near our meeting spot.
Contact Us:
Call Digital Photo Academy at 1 877 372 2231. Lots of people seem to hang up if our welcome recording comes on instead of a live voice, but we promise to return your message within a day or two if you leave one with your name and number. It would be even better if you included your e mail address as well as the date and city of the class you are considering. If leaving a voice mail message is not your thing, please email us at DPAbooking@digitalphotoacademy.com or Richard@digitalphotoacademy.com.
E-MAIL US AT DPAbooking@digitalphotoacademy.com OR CALL 1-877-372-2231 OR click here TO LEARN ABOUT OUR PRIVATE ALL DAY OR HALF DAY CLASS
And in case you’re interested, click here to check out some FREE SAMPLES of our ONLINE CLASSES
