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Absecon Lighthouse

31 S Rhode Island Ave · Atlantic City, NJ

Why you should go…

Built in 1857 and standing 171 feet tall, Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and one of the tallest in the country. Visitors can climb 228 steps to the top for panoramic views of Atlantic City and the surrounding coastline. The keeper's house at the base holds a small museum and gift shop.

  • #lighthouse
  • #atlantic city
  • #landmark
  • #climb
  • #views

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Absecon Lighthouse, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Atlantic City

    Free

    The Jersey Shore's classic casino-and-Boardwalk resort town.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
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    Steel Pier

    $25–$50

    A historic 1898 amusement pier stretching 1,000 feet over the ocean on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Shopping
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    Tanger Outlets Atlantic City

    Free

    Open-air outlet mall near the Atlantic City boardwalk with about 100 brand-name stores.

    1.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
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    Lucy the Elephant

    Under $25

    A six-story elephant-shaped building on the Margate beach, one of America's oldest roadside attractions.

    6.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Family Favorite

    Historic Smithville & Village Greene

    Free

    A cobblestone shopping village of 50-plus shops and eateries wrapped around a lake, minutes from Atlantic City.

    9.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Ocean City, New Jersey

    Free

    A family-friendly, alcohol-free Jersey Shore beach town with a two-mile boardwalk of rides, games, and old-school shore food.

    11 mi awayMore like this