1. Absecon Lighthouse

    1. Absecon Lighthouse

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    Atlantic City, NJ

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    Absecon Lighthouse

    4.7 (64 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Absecon Lighthouse Photos

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    Giseli C.

    @228 stairs this is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the 3rd tallest in the country . Place is beautiful and full of history , we had the pleasure to meet Dan and he gave us a little tour and history on the way up . The view was breathtaking and the experience unforgettable.

    Cynthia F.

    I was hesitant at first because of the area but I never once felt unsafe. This lighthouse is a must see and definitely worth the drive for the stamp and the experience. My daughter enjoyed it also and we both made it all the way up. Happy climbing!

    Exhibits
    Matthew L.

    The Absecon Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey in January 1857. After a decade of prompting from Jonathan Pitney, considered by most to be the "father" of Atlantic City, the U.S. Lighthouse Service requested and received a $35,000 appropriation from Congress for a lighthouse on Absecon Island. Construction on the lighthouse began in 1854. The lighthouse was designed by George Meade, who constructed lighthouses for the United States Army Corps of Topographical Engineers throughout the 1850s. He later rose to the rank of Major General in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1933 and, although the light still shines every night, it is no longer an active navigational aid. Absecon Lighthouse still retains its original first-order fixed Fresnel lens, which is made of lead glass and weighs 12,800 pounds. American photographer Jack E. Boucher conceived and oversaw the preservation of the lighthouse in 1964. A re-creation of the keepers' quarters was opened in 2002. Since that time it has served as a museum and gift shop. Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the state of New Jersey and the third-tallest masonry lighthouse in the United States. My family and I visited Absecon Lighthouse this past summer while we were on a road trip. We were looking for things to do and heard that the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey was just a few blocks away from our hotel. Although the surrounding areas are all developed, the grounds at the lighthouse have been restored and resemble the way that they looked in the mid-18th century. We had fun exploring the museum in the recreated keepers' quarters. Exhibits include ocean life, shipwrecks, keepers and lighthouse history, local memorabilia, and restoration photos. They even have fun, educational activities for children; my older son had fun making a coloring project. Visitors can climb the 228 steps to the top of the lighthouse, but we opted not to do it. If you're looking for a fun family-friendly activity in Atlantic City, then be sure to visit Absecon Lighthouse!

    Steps
    K H.

    Very kind and welcoming staff. When we reached the top there was a lady who told us so many fun facts about the lighthouse. She has been working there for 20 years and was very passionate! We were planning to go to the beach but it was a rainy day. We were having bad luck/service at other attractions, but spending jt at the Absecon Lighthouse was a great way to end the day. Such an amazing place with rich history.

    Confirmation that I climbed all the way to the top! Thank you Bazard for all the information and great conversation
    Chris C.

    My return to Abescon Lighthouse last week gave me another chance to challenge my ability to walk all 228 steps to the top (yes! Mission accomplished). The Lighthouse is well maintained and staffed by friendly, knowledge staff. Thank you Kon and Bayard for your time and information. A must see attraction when you are in Atlantic City NJ

    View from top
    David D.

    228 steps to the top ! I did it didn't think I could . It's a long windy climb but you're rewarded with beautiful views of the shoreline and the city view . Lots of history here and it's a must see for anyone in the area. It's ten dollars to climb the lighthouse . It's self guided but there are plenty of people there that can answer your question or just a talk about the area and its history. Free parking plus . Check it out !

    Something to read on the climb.
    Bruce K.

    I got here shortly after 4 o'clock, which was perfect because the last climb starts at 4:30. I entered after paying the admission fee. There are a lot of steps, I'll tell you that much. Fortunately, it was a calm Monday afternoon and I didn't have to worry about kids and elderly people zooming by me on the way up. I stopped. Often. Fortunately, you can read while you wait for your heart to quit moaning. Especially on a sunny day, the view from the top is breathtaking and well worth the effort of the climb. I also learned about the Lighthouse Society and purchased some postcards. [Review 18258 overall - 132 in New Jersey - 1780 of 2022.]

    Got my card!!
    Julie C.

    Amazing historic site right on the water! So Absecon lighthouse is considered one of the most haunted sites in Atlantic City with a rich history for lighting the way for safety for ships since the 1850's. I climbed to the top and back down and my legs paid the price but it was worth it for the view and the new knowledge base I carry on this beautiful old landmark!! Make the climb, support AC history and meet some new friends.

    Fresnel lens
    Jessica S.

    The Absecon Lighthouse opens at 11am and we were there on time. It's a Monday in September so we had the place to ourselves. It's $10 per person to climb the 228 steps to the top. A bonus was that Bayard Moran was there to greet us at the top. He shared a lot of information about the history of the lighthouse and the fresnel lens as well as took our picture. There is a lovely gift shop on the first floor and free parking on the street. I'd definitely recommend this experience.

    Amanda M.

    Such a great "hidden" local gem! The Absecon Lighthouse is full of local history and has the best views! Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The gift shop is well stocked and full of unique gifts you can't get at the casinos. Some say it's also haunted... but you'll need to stop by and see for yourself!!

    Mel M.

    ATLANTIC CITY: we've been wanting to visit Absecon lighthouse with Brie for a long time and we finally did! The lighthouse is the tallest in NJ and has been around since the 1850's! Dogs are allowed inside the "Lightkeeper's Dwelling" and museum only. You can walk around and learn about history, explore the gift shop, and all the views have great photo moments. And, Brie's mommie's favorite, they have a Penny Arcade machine! A perfectly pressed souvenir! :) Check their schedule for current hours!

    Absecon Lighthouse
    Lenie A.

    The Gift Shop Cashier was very friendly. The Lighthouse is a must to visit when you are here in Atlantic City.

    Michael K.

    For what it is, a lighthouse, it's exactly what you expect. It was really fun climbing up the lighthouse, and the view was really cool. $10 is a bit hefty, but it's a good experience.

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    Ask the Community - Absecon Lighthouse

    Review Highlights - Absecon Lighthouse

    You can walk around and learn about history, explore the gift shop, and all the views have great photo moments.

    Mentioned in 14 reviews

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    City of Atlantic City

    City of Atlantic City

    3.0(49 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Coming is very nostalgic as I used to come here alot a very long time ago and I was a lot younger…read more As much as I've been here it's mostly been to the boardwalk which is obviously a big attraction here. I've never really exploited the rest of the city so this review is mostly from the boardwalks perspective. Not a lot has changed since I remember and that's a good thing. Plenty to do right off the boardwalk and there are plenty of hotels as well. It's a long walk from end to end of the boardwalk but it's a nice to do on a nice day. There's a trolley too(you have to pay) that can take you up and down the boardwalk as well. Great place to visit anytime of the year.

    Never been in New Jersey. My friend was turning 40 and we decided to go somewhere FUN to have some…read moregood time. We started looking for places online and we found ATLANTIC CITY "the little vegas" We were soo excited and looking forward to have a blast. -- The place is a ghost town, nothing looks like what u see in pictures or videos online, Atlactic city is soo far away from being little Vegas. -- There is nothing but old buildings and lot of them are closed, the streets are destroyed with potholes everywhere, I didn't even take one single picture for the memories because it was not a single thing that got out attention. Wele a la decided to drive an extra hour to Philadelphia looking for something to do and we ended up having a good time. How disappointed :(. Don't get fooled with what u see online. Worst time of my life.

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    City of Atlantic City
    City of Atlantic City
    City of Atlantic City

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    44th National Encampment Historical Marker - 44th National Encampment Historical Marker, Atlantic City

    44th National Encampment Historical Marker

    3.0(1 review)
    0.0 mi

    This marker points out the history of an important veterans organization and one of their important…read moreconventions that met here in Atlantic City. The marker is in excellent condition and is located on the grounds of the Absecon Lighthouse. It reads, "From September 19 to 24 1910, about 45 years after the last shot of the Civil War was fired, the 44th National Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Encampment (convention) was held in Atlantic City. The G.A.R., a Union (Northern) Civil War veteran's organization, had in attendance over 18,000 of its 214,000 members arriving from across the nation, many still suffering from wounds inflicted decades before in the War Between the States. The days of the gathering were marked by parades, and meetings for the Encampment were held at Steel, Million Dollar, Steeplechase, and Young's Ocean piers. Among the notable Civil War veterans in attendance were Major General Daniel E. Sickles, Lt. General Nelson A. Miles, and Johnny Clem, the famous "Drummer Boy of Chickamauga."" "It was the only time in the 83-year history of the Grand Army of the Republic that a National Encampment was held in New Jersey." "Erected on September 25, 2010 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary." The marker was installed in 2010 by The City of Atlantic City Grand Army of the Republic Centennial Committee. [Review 18257 overall - 131 in New Jersey - 1779 of 2022.]

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    44th National Encampment Historical Marker - 44th National Encampment Historical Marker, Atlantic City

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    44th National Encampment Historical Marker, Atlantic City

    Absecon Lighthouse - landmarks - Updated September 2026

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