Absecon Lighthouse
As the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, Atlantic City’s Absecon Lighthouse boasts stunning views of the coast after you climb the 228 steps to the top. Within the grounds, you’ll find a replica of the lightkeeper's dwelling, a museum with historical displays, a gift shop, and a garden. While the lighthouse has been decommissioned since 1933, its light still shines every night.
A popular attraction in Atlantic City, the Absecon Lighthouse hosts educational programs, weddings, guided tours for large groups, events, and more. The lighthouse and its grounds are all accessible to the public, but there is a fee to climb to the top. Exhibits in the Keeper’s House showcase rare historical photographs and offer an overview of the history of the lighthouse, including its Fresnel Lens, ocean life, shipwrecks, keepers, and local memorabilia. Families can also book special tours designed to provide education on historic coastal beacons; they include a climb to the top, as well as an outdoor scavenger hunt.
- While the tower is not wheelchair accessible—due to its stairs—the grounds around it are.
- There are public restrooms on site.
- The site is dog friendly with water bowls; leashed dogs are allowed in the museum.
The Absecon Lighthouse is located on the northern end of Atlantic City, just a few blocks from the boardwalk. A public bus route stops near the lighthouse, and there is free on-site parking. If traveling from the north, take the Garden State Parkway South to the Atlantic City Expressway. From the south, take I-95 to Delaware Memorial Bridge to Route 40 to Route 322. Alternatively you can board the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from Lewes, Delaware, then drive the Garden State Parkway North to the Atlantic City Expressway. Atlantic City is also accessible via NJ Transit.
From September to June, the Absecon Lighthouse is open Thursdays through Mondays, 11am to 4pm, and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. In July and August, it’s open daily, 10am to 5pm. The last tower climb is 30 minutes before closing. The most popular time to visit Atlantic City is during the summer season, roughly from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is another historic site on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, which hosts musical acts, sporting events, and more. It is also home to the Midmer-Losh and Kimball pipe organs—the largest and loudest musical instrument on Earth. Tours that offer access to the chambers of the organ are available.
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