Absecon Lighthouse
New Jersey's tallest lighthouse at 171 feet. Climb 228 steps for views of Atlantic City's skyline.
171
Feet Tall
228
Steps to Climb
1857
Year Built
Yes
Climbable
Plan Your Visit
⏰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
About Absecon Lighthouse
The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and third tallest in the United States, Absecon Lighthouse stands as Atlantic City's oldest structure. Its 228 steps reward climbers with stunning 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 now serves as a museum and beloved landmark amid the casinos.
Notable Facts
- •Tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 171 feet
- •Third tallest lighthouse in the United States
- •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
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you climb Absecon Lighthouse?▼
Yes, you can climb Absecon Lighthouse. There are 228 steps to reach the top. The lighthouse is open year-round.
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?▼
Adult admission is $8.
Technical Details
- Style
- Conical brick tower
- Material
- brick
- Lens
- First Order Fresnel (original)
- Light
- Fixed white (deactivated 1933)
- Region
- South Shore
- County
- atlantic