Absecon Lighthouse
New Jersey's tallest lighthouse at 171 feet. Climb 228 steps for views of Atlantic City's skyline.
Visitor access: Year-round. Confirm the current schedule before travelling.
171
Feet Tall
228
Steps to Climb
1857
Year Built
Listed
Scheduled Climbs
Visitor Information Reference
Schedules, admission and parking below are recorded planning information. Confirm your date, tour access and current charges with the operator before travelling; grounds and tower access may differ.
Hours
Year-round
Weekdays: 11am - 4pm
Weekends: 11am - 4pm
Summer hours 10am - 5pm. Closed major holidays.
Admission
Parking
Free parking lot adjacent to lighthouse.
Accessibility
Tower climb not accessible. Visitor center is fully accessible.
Managed By
Inlet Public/Private Association
Before you go
Tower climbs, museum and grounds can keep different schedules outside summer, and grounds access does not mean step-free tower access.
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About Absecon Lighthouse
The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 171 feet, per its operator, Absecon Lighthouse is Atlantic City's oldest structure. Its 228 steps reward climbers with clear views of the Atlantic City skyline and the ocean.
History
Absecon Lighthouse was lit on January 15, 1857, designed by the US Lighthouse Board and engineer George Meade. The lighthouse was built to mark the treacherous Absecon Inlet and guide ships past the shallow sandbars.
At 171 feet, it remains the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey. The name "Absecon" comes from the Lenape word "Absegami," meaning "little sea water."
The lighthouse was deactivated in 1933 when the city grew up around it and its light was obscured by buildings. After decades of neglect, it was restored in the 1990s and is now a museum and landmark amid the casinos.
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Notable Facts
- •Tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 171 feet
- •Oldest structure in Atlantic City
- •Designed by the same George Meade as Barnegat (future Civil War general)
- •Original First Order Fresnel lens is still in the tower
Visiting Tips
Photography Tips
Photos of Absecon Lighthouse
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Frank Farley State Marina
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you climb Absecon Lighthouse?
Absecon Lighthouse offers tower climbs when scheduled by the operator. There are 228 steps to reach the top. Recorded schedule: year-round. Confirm your date, final tour and restrictions with the operator.
How tall is Absecon Lighthouse?
Absecon Lighthouse stands 171 feet (52 meters) tall, making it one of the notable lighthouses on the Jersey Shore.
When was Absecon Lighthouse built?
Absecon Lighthouse was built in 1857. Absecon Lighthouse was lit on January 15, 1857, designed by the US Lighthouse Board and engineer George Meade.
How much does it cost to visit Absecon Lighthouse?
Recorded adult admission is $8; confirm the current rate and ticket type with the operator.
Technical Details
- Style
- Conical brick tower
- Material
- brick
- Lens
- First Order Fresnel (original)
- Light
- Fixed white (deactivated 1933)
- Region
- South Shore
- County
- Atlantic
Photography Guide
Best tides, viewpoints, and gear for shooting Absecon Lighthouse
View Guide →