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Lighthouse · Atlantic City, New Jersey
Absecon Lighthouse
New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, from 1857, at the north tip of Atlantic City, with 228 steps to the top and the original Fresnel lens.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Absecon Lighthouse
Absecon Lighthouse was first lit in 1857 to warn ships of the sandbars in Absecon Inlet, where many shipwrecks had occurred. The tower, about 52 meters tall, is the tallest in New Jersey and one of the tallest in the country. It was decommissioned in 1933 and today operates as a museum.
Visitors climb the 228 steps of the spiral staircase to the top gallery, which offers views of the whole island, the shoreline hotels, the inlet and the mainland. At the top remains the original first-order Fresnel lens, one of the few still in its original installation location.
At the base, the keeper’s house has been reconstructed and houses exhibits about life at the lighthouse and the history of navigation on the coast. The complex sits in a fenced garden in a residential neighborhood a few blocks from the boardwalk.
The climb has landings for resting. Small children must be accompanied and meet a minimum height requirement to climb.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to an hour and a half, including the climb.
Best time
On a clear day, to enjoy long-distance views from the top. In summer, prefer the morning when the staircase is less hot.
How to get there
It’s at Pacific Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue, about 1 km from Steel Pier. You can walk there along the boardwalk or take a jitney.
Tip
Check the operating days, which are reduced outside summer. On days of strong wind or storm, the gallery may close.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Absecon Lighthouse
How many steps does the Absecon Lighthouse have?
There are 228 steps to the top gallery, with landings along the ascent.
Does the Absecon Lighthouse still operate?
Not as a navigation light: it was decommissioned in 1933 and today is a museum, with the original lens at the top.
Is it worth climbing the Absecon Lighthouse?
Yes, to get the widest view of Atlantic City, the inlet, and the mainland. The climb is tiring but short.