The Absecon Lighthouse was lighted in 1857 to guide ships past the Absecon and Brigantine Shoals, an area once referred to as 'Graveyard Inlet' because of the tremendous number of shipwrecks in the area. The Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, the third tallest in the U.S., and the oldest man-made tourist attraction on the Jersey Shore. It is the only New Jersey lighthouse to still have its original first-order Fresnel lens in place. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1933, but is still lit every night. Visitors are encouraged to climb the restored tower's 228 steps for a self-guided tour.
Volunteers are on hand at the top and bottom to answer questions and share the lighthouse's history.
After Labor Day, closed Tuesday and Wednesday through June 30. Closed on major holidays. Garden State Parkway to the Atlantic City Expressway, eastbound. From there, make a left onto Atlantic or Pacific avenues. The lighthouse is at the corner of Pacific and Vermont avenues.