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Absecon Lighthouse

4.7 (62 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Absecon Lighthouse Photos

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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.

Jason P.

I've been to Atlantic City countless times of the last twenty years but never visited the Lighthouse. This time, we were staying the Hard Rock Casino which is about a 1/2 mile walk or a 5-minute (probably less) drive from there. I walked from the hotel at around 2 PM. It gets a bit lonely if you are walking in the inside streets. I also wouldn't say dangerous, but some sketchy areas (like much of Atlantic City) the further you walk from the Boardwalk. I walked along the boardwalk until I got just past the Ocean Hotel and then walked inland a few blocks to get to the Lighthouse. There was a adequately sized parking lot there...I kind of regret I didn't drive. Parking was free with an entrance on South Vermont Avenue. You can tour the grounds and souvenir shop/museum seemingly for free but there is a $10 (adult) and $6 (child) charge to go up. The grounds are well kept with a small garden area in front. There is also a groundskeepers house with some museum-like information in it. The main building houses the museum (lots of useful information so be sure to read everything) and the gift shop. The gift shops has the usual gift shop trinkets; magnets, shirts, pencils, post cards, toys, mugs, picture prints...The lighthouse itself is a 228-step climb. On the humid (95-degree real feel) day, it was a bit of a struggle getting up there. There are landing stops, every 30 steps to rest. I workout and run regularly, but that climb was rough. Once I reached the top, I was greeted by staffer Dan. After I caught my breath outside and snapped a few photos of some of the amazing views up there, I returned in where Dan educated me about the lighthouse and its history. Dan has a wealth of knowledge of not only the Absecon Lighthouse but all lighthouse on the east coast. I learned a lot there and was very appreciative that he was up there to educate myself and others. The staffer downstairs was also very nice and patient. I highly recommend the Lighthouse to everyone visiting Atlantic City. The free museum and grounds are worth it alone...but for those who can physically make it up to the top, the views you see and the mini-class given by the staffer make it a must-do.

View east
Jeff R.

We are having our wedding here in October 2021. Absolutely breath taking sites when you get to the top. Make sure you say hello to Buddy the 90 year old light house keeper. He will greet you after you ascend 297 spiral stairs, with a uniform so crisp you can set your watch by it. A national icon.

Husband standing at bottom of Absecon Lighthouse but I cut top off-oops!

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10 years ago

Fun to climb ... better at night if (like me) you're afraid of heights. $7 or $6 with coupon. Free parking.

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10 years ago

Must see spot in Atlantic City for the history buffs. Buy something in the gift shop to support them. The staff is very knowledgeable.

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

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Wild Wild West Casino

Wild Wild West Casino

3.4(183 reviews)
1.4 mi

I feel the timing was off when I visited since it was smack dab in the middle of a snow storm that…read morekept everyone away from the board walk. I think during the summer this might be the place to be. The machines were on the older side and not typically the games I like to play. They have a bar and food down here and and on certain nights they have a dj with dance floor and a bull iykyk. Not many table games but they have a few select ones. And it was really dark and Erie but like I said most people were home because of the snow. I will give it another in the warmer months

So is this something that is hidden in Atlantic City? I'm truly interested to know if people come…read morehere. Like the last review was nearly a year ago. Well, let's get into it. Wild Wild West Casino is basically an extension to Caesars. No other way to put it. No hotel portion, no big advertising to pull you in. It's just there. Hidden and underused...almost deserted. I ventured here via the connection to Caesars. It is an interesting walk to get here as you feel like you are entering an area guests shouldn't be allowed. You go to a corner, through some doors, down an escalator, through a themed walkway, and finally enter. Along the way you see signs on doors staying staff only, but you also see signs with arrows pointing you in a direction to continue. It was confusing and I was wondering if I was entering AC's version of the backrooms. The highlight of this area is the theming. They really went all out to make you feel like you were entering into the Old West. The corridor taking to the area is lined with what is supposed to be the buildings along a dirt road in the west. The casino floor itself carries on the theming and is included in the bar areas (I'm guessing on that one, I'll tell you why in a minute). It makes you wonder what this place looked like in its heyday. Because I can tell you it looked fun to be in...but. See here's the thing, it's like they just forgot about this area, left some of the power on, and the door unlocked. When I got to this area it was seriously dim. As one review from 2022 stated, most of the light in here comes from the doors that take you out to the boardwalk. There were absolutely no places that offered food or drink open, completely shuttered. That bar area where the theming continued, it looked like it was to be set up with tables and chairs and be partitioned off from the rest of the place, but you could walk right though the area. Restaurants from well known celebrity chefs were locked up tight. The entrance to the show as well. I felt like I could have done one of the urban explorer videos in here because there was no one else in this space. I did a real quick once around of the floor to make sure I wasn't seeing things and there was absolutely no one in here playing the slots. No table games that I saw either. I believe there were games in here much like you would find at an adult arcade as well. After a bit, I started to get that creepy feeling and I made my way to the boardwalk doors. This was the only time I saw people. This is a convenient shortcut to get to Caesars if you are on the boardwalk. Also a great way to avoid weather. Sad, feels like this could be a great place to visit.

Photos
Wild Wild West Casino
Wild Wild West Casino - Entrance to Casino

Entrance to Casino

Wild Wild West Casino - Couch Reservation in Caesar's Sportsbook (Wild West Casino)

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Couch Reservation in Caesar's Sportsbook (Wild West Casino)

City of Atlantic City

City of Atlantic City

3.1(47 reviews)
0.8 mi

Atlantic City has definitely grown on me over the past few years…read more Pros - free beach, you can bring alcohol w you if so inclined, the bathrooms aren't too skanky (Caesar's is my fav and it smells AMAZING in the whole Casino!) there are good food spots, parking is cheaper than other beach towns. Cons - some nasty looking people / those wearing thongs / bikinis, who truly shouldn't be, panhandlers, the beach often has trash laying around, men hit on you when you're by yourself. When we go in the day time, I call it the "quick and dirty!" It's only 50 minutes from our area, and cheaper, like I said. (We usually go when short on funds). Night time / life is different and better. Hard Rock, Borgata, and Tropicana are my favorites. In fact, we're seeing Sebastian Maniscalco in November :)

I recently visited for work and the last time I was here was probably 25 years before this time. I…read morereally don't know how there area still any casinos, resorts, or any of the nicer stores still left, as the place is pretty run down. There are lots of interesting individuals walking the boardwalk and streets, lots of homeless too. Many of them stink, smelling like BO or weed - or both. The streets are not very well-maintained and there are many building that look like they're in serious need of repair. I've been told not to walk around at night and I can see why. Definitely not a place I would take my family.

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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 May 2026

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