Absecon Lighthouse

4.6(2.0K)google

4.7(62)yelp

Adult $10·Senior(65+) $9·Student $6·Child(4-12y) $6·Child(under 3) FreeUSD(Free to visit the keeper's cottage museum and grounds; tickets are required to climb the lighthouse towers)

Scenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhoto SpotCity LandmarkHistoric BuildingCoast

Overview

The Absecon Lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse located in the north end of Atlantic City, New Jersey, overlooking Absecon Inlet. At 171 feet (52 m) it is the tallest lighthouse in the state of New Jersey and the third-tallest masonry lighthouse in the United States. Construction on Absecon Lighthouse began in 1854, with the light first lit on January 15, 1857.

Practical Info

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

Every day10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Suggested Duration1.5-2 hours

Best TimeMay through September brings excellent seasonal climbing weather. Celebrating New Jersey's tallest and the nation's third-tallest historic lighthouse (stretching 171 feet, built in 1857), scaling the 228 steps to the watch room between 3:30 PM and 5:32 PM is ideal; bright daytime sun highlights the stark black-and-yellow striped brick cylinder perfectly.

Getting ThereSituated in the historic Inlet District at 31 S Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City. Drivers can head north via Atlantic Ave and turn right onto Rhode Island Avenue straight to the landmark iron gates. The historic property operates its own dedicated surface parking lot within the perimeter grass fields, which is completely free for visitors.

(609) 449-1360

abseconlighthouse.org/

Travel Tips

The final climbing window strictly closes 30 minutes before operational shut-down (15:30); federal safety mandates require children 12 and under to have 1-on-1 adult supervision.
The surrounding inner-city buffer area carries vehicle break-in risks; park exclusively within the lighthouse's gated, secure complimentary lot instead of unpatrolled curbside spaces.

Photo Tips

Photo Rules

Climbing requires ascending 228 narrow, non-climate-controlled spiral iron steps with a near-vertical final ladder; individuals with acrophobia, cardiovascular issues, or heavy tripods are prohibited.

Reviews

Positive

As the tallest lighthouse in NJ, climbing the 228 steps rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the AC skyline and ocean.
The keeper's cottage museum at the base holds excellent historical artifacts, and the staff and volunteers are passionate and knowledgeable.
The admission fee is very budget-friendly, and since it is not a gambling attraction, it preserves a rare historical peace.
It features a free small parking lot on-site, along with clean restrooms and an outdoor lawn area for visitors to relax.

Heads up

There is no elevator inside; the only way to the top is a very narrow and steep spiral iron staircase, challenging for physical stamina and acrophobia.
With zero wheelchair or stroller accessibility for the climb, elderly visitors and disabled guests are restricted to the bottom museum.
The surrounding neighborhood is somewhat rundown and safety can be questionable; it is highly recommended to visit strictly during daylight hours.
The observation deck at the top is extremely tight; if a dozen tourists are up there at once, it feels heavily crowded and hard to take photos.