Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City

Absecon Lighthouse is New Jersey's tallest lighthouse, standing at 171 feet, and it's a designated historic site in Atlantic City. One of the oldest lighthouses in the country, it's still open for public viewing and climbing, and it offers educational programmes, school trips, guided tours, weddings, winter arts for children, overnight scouting stays, and additional events.

It takes 228 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse, where you can marvel at the breathtaking Atlantic City skyline and learn more about the light through the Fresnel lens exhibit. Designed by George Meade, the lighthouse retains its historical and architectural significance today.

Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Atlantic City and 9 Best Things to Do in Atlantic City (Read all about Atlantic City here)

What are the highlights of Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City?

Absecon Lighthouse’s original Fresnel lens has been kept in prime, authentic condition since it was first lit in 1857 in the original Oil House at the top of the structure. The lens was made from lead glass and weighs 12,800 pounds. After the entire lighthouse was renovated in 1925, a replica of the lightkeeper’s room was added in the tower along with an informative museum and cosy gift shop.

Exhibits in Absecon Lighthouse’s museum feature lighthouse keepers, lighthouse history, marine life, local shipwrecks, local memorabilia, and restored photographs. For a donation, you can also climb to the watch room and external gallery.

What else is good to know about Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City?

Absecon Lighthouse is located at Pacific and Rhode Island avenues. Although construction began in 1854, the lighthouse was not used until 1857, and the renovated building was not open to the public until 2002. Its lens is still lit every evening. The lighthouse charges a fee for admission.

Absecon Lighthouse is near the Atlantic City Beach and the Atlantic City Aquarium. Atlantic City Beach is a small but popular, free-to-access beach by the Atlantic City Boardwalk and Brigantine Beach. The Atlantic City Aquarium is a spacious exhibition area for marine animals, offering live shows and plenty of educational and entertaining events.

Location: 31 S Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA

Open: Thursday–Monday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed Tuesday–Wednesday)

Phone: +1 609-449-1360

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