Brandywine Shoal Light stands in Delaware Bay off the New Jersey coast, marking a treacherous shoal that has threatened mariners for centuries. Originally established in 1828, it was one of the first screw-pile lighthouses in the United States — a pioneering engineering achievement. The current caisson-style tower replaced earlier structures and remains an active aid to navigation maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, but it’s a popular subject for photographers, especially during golden hour when the bay reflects warm light off the structure. Charter boats from Cape May offer close-up views. Nearby, visitors can explore Cape May’s Victorian district, Sunset Beach, and the Cape May Lighthouse.

Explore Nearby

• Cape May Point State Park — State Park in New Jersey
• Cape May Lighthouse — State Park in New Jersey
• Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Wooddale Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina
• Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Delaware