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Visit Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City
Absecon Lighthouse offers a different view of Atlantic City. Climb 228 steps to the watchroom, see the original first-order Fresnel lens, and look across the inlet and city skyline. The lighthouse first shone in 1857 and remains one of South Jersey's clearest links to the coast's navigation history. Check the day's climb hours before setting out.
Original Atlantic City–inspired rendering; not a photograph of Absecon Lighthouse.
Atlantic City
Atlantic County
31 South Rhode Island Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08491
Why Absecon Lighthouse matters
The tower was built for a shoreline where ships needed a dependable marker near Absecon Inlet. Its light first appeared in January 1857. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1933, but its lens was later relit. The operator describes it as New Jersey's tallest lighthouse and says the original first-order Fresnel lens remains in place at the top.
The keeper's-house setting and oil-house exhibit help tell the story beyond the climb. Spend a little time at ground level before you take the stairs: the museum context makes the view from the watchroom more meaningful.
What a visit is like
Visitors can climb 228 steps to the watchroom. That is the visitor climb; the operator distinguishes it from the tower's total of 240 steps. The ascent is the main attraction, but the grounds, reconstructed keeper's dwelling, museum, and lens exhibit give you reasons to visit even if your group splits between climbers and non-climbers. Ask the operator what is open at ground level on your date.
The site sits at 31 South Rhode Island Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08491, near the city's Inlet district. NJDEP lists 609-449-1360 as the contact number. Allow time for the stair climb, exhibits, and a slow look around rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
Hours, tickets, and practical details
When checked on October 11, 2026, NJDEP listed September-through-June hours as Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last climb at 3:30 p.m. It listed daily July-and-August hours with later Thursday closing. Admission is charged for the climb, and prices vary by visitor category. The official lighthouse site is the best place to confirm the schedule and ticket price on the day you go.
The climb is a substantial staircase. If stairs or weather are a concern, call before traveling to ask about current access and the ground-level experience. Check special-event hours separately; they are not the regular public schedule.
Build an Atlantic City history outing
Use the South Jersey historic places hub to find another site for the same trip. The Atlantic County guide can add towns and local places, while the Atlantic City town guide is useful for a meal or another nearby stop.
Good to know before you go
How many steps can visitors climb at Absecon Lighthouse?
The operator says visitors can climb 228 steps to the watchroom. The tower has more steps in total, but 228 is the visitor climb.
Is the original lens still there?
Yes. The lighthouse operator says the original first-order Fresnel lens remains at the top. Its light was first lit in 1857.
Where is Absecon Lighthouse?
The site is at 31 South Rhode Island Avenue in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Check the operator's directions before driving, especially if you are combining the stop with another part of the city.
Is Absecon Lighthouse open every day?
Hours vary by season. The operator currently lists a shorter September-through-June schedule and daily summer hours. Check the official site for your visit date and the last-climb time.
Can I visit if I do not climb the tower?
The site also has museum and grounds interpretation. Ask staff what is open at ground level and whether it meets your group's accessibility needs on the day you plan to visit.
Next step: Check the official hours and admission before you go. Source and visitor details checked October 11, 2026. Image is an original contextual rendering, not a photograph of the exact site.