Rising above the sandy shores of Leonardo, New Jersey, Conover Beacon has guided mariners through the treacherous waters of Sandy Hook Bay since 1856. This modest square tower served as a rear range light, working in tandem with a front beacon to help vessels navigate the busy approach to New York Harbor. Decommissioned and no longer active, the lighthouse stands as a quiet relic of maritime history. The tower is not open to the public, and visitors cannot climb it, but it remains a worthwhile stop for exterior photography — golden hour light from the bay side is particularly striking. Nearby, Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area offers beaches, hiking trails, and the historic Fort Hancock grounds to explore.

Explore Nearby

• Leonardo — State Park in New Jersey
• Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Jersey
• Mount Mitchell Scenic Drive — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Navesink Twin Lights — State Park in New Jersey
• Iron Mountain Divisional Camp -Patton — Public Land in California