Absecon Lighthouse celebrates 169 years as a beacon of history in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The Absecon Lighthouse has towered over the Jersey Shore for 169 years, brimming with stories about local maritime history.

This weekend, it celebrates the 169th anniversary of its first lighting, which took place in January of 1857.

The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1933 after Atlantic City's entertainment scene began to literally shine brighter than its own lantern.

Since then, it has been restored and opened to the public for tours and climbs.

On January 17th and 18th, 2026, the Absecon Lighthouse is offering free climbs for kids 12 & under who are accompanied by adults. They are also offering "two-for-the-price-of-one" climbs for adults.

To learn more about the Absecon Lighthouse and typical hours of operation, visit their website.

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