While we love NYC, we equally love going beyond the urban sights and seeing things beyond the city confines. Over the Fourth of July holiday week, we booked a car and headed for the Jersey Shore. Beach, sand, and 4th of July celebrations go hand in hand!
Our first stop – Atlantic City beach to see its celebrated lighthouse. At 171 feet, the Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest in the state of New Jersey, and the third tallest lighthouse in the United States. Built in 1854, the lighthouse was first lit in 1857, and helped guard the Atlantic City waters. Today the lighthouse is no longer an active navigational aid, but it is open to the public for visitors to climb the stairs and gaze at the city and ocean views below.
Exploring the Absecon Lighthouse
The sticking structure of the Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The lighthouse is a few blocks from the Ocean, and within walking distance from the beach-side action.
Inside the Absecon Lighthouse
A gift shop and historic center await inside the lighthouse. The entryway to the tower is made of brick and arched doorways.
Murals paint the path to the lighthouse stairway.
The stairway detail and textures.
The gated window within the lighthouse tower.
The spiral staircase inside the Absecon Lighthouse. There are 228 steps to reach the top. It was too many steps for our little guy, so unfortunately we didn’t climb. Hopefully our next visit.
The Absecon Lighthouse Grounds
As the Lighthouse is only steps away from the Atlantic City scene, it was a welcome sight to see the plentiful greens of the community garden. Located at the rear of the tower, the Absecon Lighthouse Community Garden has twenty-one raised beds for community use.
Absecon Lighthouse has a small history museum located in the replicated 1925 Keeper’s House, located on the property. Within the house are many exhibits on display, including past shipwrecks, keeper and lighthouse history, local memorabilia and restoration photos. A separate Oil House has a Fresnel Lens exhibit.
Directional tile inlay near the lighthouse.
Anchor display near the lighthouse.
Along with school and group tours, the Absecon Lighthouse also offers an overnight program for Scouts, winter arts program for children and a wide variety of special events throughout the year. Check events schedule for details.
The Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City New Jersey. More information on their website.
