SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS & BIKING TRAILS
Visit the Historic Inns of Spring Lake
The Historic Inns of Spring Lake are a distinguished collection of Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inns and Boutique Hotels (circa 1870-1888) in the radiantly refined seashore town of Spring Lake famous for its longest non-commercial New Jersey boardwalk. The properties are very photogenic, unequaled for personalized service and amenities, bringing romance, elegance and history to life. Their graceful architecture and manicured lawns whisper peacefulness while the saga of each one evokes mystery, sophistication, drama and a dazzling past. Each Innkeeper has an easy map to follow that depicts all of the streets of Greater Spring Lake, NJ, highlighting each historic inns’ location. For the energetic adventurer, add a stroll or bike along the famous boardwalk that spans 2 miles of private unspoiled oceanfront views. A comprehensive list follows.
Edgar Felix Bicycle Path (est. 1971)
Spanning from the beach town of Manasquan to the visitors center of Allaire State park, the Edgar Felix Bike Path provides a unique destination ride worthy of “racking up” the bikes. The distance of 5.4 miles and only 4 road crossings with light rural traffic, plus multiple “turn around” points makes this an ideal family friendly ride; adding to the enjoyment is the paved surface of a graded rail bed to make the pedaling easy. The Edgar Felix provides more than just a bike riding opportunity, it provides destinations; a lunch, snack or “antiquing” stop at the authentic Allenwood General Store, a visit to a restored bog iron village, a steam train ride, a road trip to the beach, tennis, play grounds, bridges & over-passes to explore and even an ice cream shop. All these man-made things along with nature’s beauty you'll encounter along the trail. (This is a dedicated and uncrowded New Jersey Bike Trail, running east-west from downtown Manasquan. On relatively smooth asphalt, you’ll pass playgrounds, go through woods, over and under highways, ending a half mile short of the main entrance to Allaire State Park. A moderately busy highway finishes the trip).
SEA GIRT LIGHTHOUSE
One of 20 Surviving Lighthouses in New Jersey - The Sea Girt Lighthouse, opened December 10, 1896, was the last live-in lighthouse built in the United States. Within steps from the famous Wreck Pond, bordering Spring Lake and Sea Girt, U.S. Congress authorized a beacon to bridge the 40-mile gap between the Barnegat Light and the Navasink Highlands. (It is estimated that 92 assorted vessels foundered along the NJ coast during the early 1890’s). Upon completion, the light flashed red once every second and the keeper of the light had to wind the clock every 7.5 hours to keep the signal continually beaming. By 1915, electricity replaced the kerosene and by 1921, the first radio fog beacon was installed.
Today the Lighthouse is a national treasure, visited by photographers, artists and lighthouse lovers who appreciate America’s landmarks. The museum is filled with rare artifacts from its coastal legacy as well as from the famed luxury liner Morro Castle that sank offshore in 1934. Open Sunday 2:00-4:00, except holidays. Admission free. (732)974-0514
Things to Do While Visiting Spring Lake:
