Exploring the Absecon Lighthouse
Sunday, June 12th, 2011
One of the best views of Atlantic City can not be found in a posh casino hotel room. It is found, rather in New Jersey’s tallest Lighthouse. The Absecon Lighthouse is 150 years old, and one of Atlantic City’s Historical Family Attractions.
You and your family can take a journey up the 228 steps of one of the countries oldest lighthouses. Stop on each landing and peer out the windows as you make your way to the top. Atop the lighthouse you’ll see the original first- order Fresnel Lens, first lit in 1857.
2 year old making his way up
Step out side on the landing for breathtaking views of Atlantic City and the Atlantic Ocean. Parents there’s no need to fret as the top open landing is encased in bars, and the bars are to close for little heads to fit. You children will OOOO and AAAAHHH with excitement and all there is to see.
Hours of Operation:
Fall/Winter hours:
Open Thursdays through Mondays 11am- 4pm
Last Climb is at 3:30pm
September – June
Thursdays through Mondays, 11am to 4pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
July & August
Open daily 10am to 5pm
Closed on major holidays
Cost to Climb the Lighthouse:
Adults $7
Children 4-12 $4
3 & under Free
Active military FREE
Dogs are welcome
The Local Lowdown:
The Lighthouse is a great place for you and your family to stop and check out. My kids had fun climbing to the top and beating Mom and Dad. The 228 steps are not too bad to scale. However, it can be quite a bit for some. There are ladings all the way up for resting. The steps are large and easy to manage.
My two year old did climb all the way up, however I had to carry him all the way down. My 6 and 8 year old went up twice!
When you get to the top a lighthouse attendant will hand you a small card. The card states that you made it! Save this card. When you visit Lucy the Elephant flash your accomplishment, and you’ll get a discount on admission.
They Made It!
There is a small gift shop and museum. Very small. My little ones were not at all interested in anything in the museum. There are bathrooms located in a small building behind the Lighthouse. There is also free parking in the small lot behind the lighthouse. Everytime we’ve visited the staff has always been delightful.
Your Lighthouse visit will not be an all day event. Climbing to the top and seeing all there is to see will probably take you any where from 30 mins to an hour tops.
On the lighthouse grounds there’s a life guard row boat. This is a great spot for family pics. If everyone looks, oh well, better luck next time!
The Absecon Lighthouse does host some fun family events. Check out their calendar to see whats going on during your visit to AC.
