About Absecon Lighthouse

Staring into the Fresnal lens atop Absecon Lighthouse is like looking into a giant, all-seeing eye—one that's guarded New Jersey for more than 150 years. It was 1857 when a lighthouse keeper first climbed the tower's 228 steps and brought the lens to life, offering safe passage to ships and fish with poor night vision. In 1999, the tower opened to the public, solidifying Absecon Lighthouse's current role as a museum and educational center.

Today, Absecon Lighthouse lets visitors climb its spiral staircase and gaze out from the third tallest lighthouse in the United States. Beyond the view, expansive grounds house a replica of the original keeper's dwelling, as well as several exhibits showcasing photos from the 1800s, info on shipwrecks, and much more. Absecon Lighthouse also hosts fun and offbeat events, from fashion shows to murder mysteries.