Absecon Lighthouse
Der höchste Leuchtturm in New Jersey
Das Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City ist nicht nur ein markantes Wahrzeichen an der Küste, sondern mit 171 Fuß (ca. 52 Meter) auch der höchste Leuchtturm im gesamten Bundesstaat New Jersey und der dritthöchste gemauerte Leuchtturm in den Vereinigten Staaten. Seit seiner ersten Inbetriebnahme am 15. Januar 1857 wacht dieser historische Turm über das Absecon Inlet. Obwohl er 1933 als offizielle Navigationshilfe außer Dienst gestellt wurde, leuchtet sein Licht noch heute jede Nacht. Die besondere Attraktion des Leuchtturms ist seine noch immer erhaltene, originale Fresnel-Linse erster Ordnung, die in Frankreich gefertigt wurde.
Ein Aufstieg mit Aussicht
Für Besucher bietet das Absecon Lighthouse ein einmaliges historisches und sportliches Erlebnis. Wer die 228 Stufen bis zur Wächterkanzel (Watch Room) und der äußeren Galerie erklimmt, wird mit einem atemberaubenden Panoramablick über die Skyline von Atlantic City und den weiten Ozean belohnt. Das umliegende Gelände beheimatet zudem das originalgetreu rekonstruierte Wärterhaus, das heute als Museum und Souvenirshop dient, sowie das ursprüngliche Ölhaus, in dem eine Ausstellung über die Fresnel-Linse zu sehen ist.
Wichtige Besucherinformationen
Das Absecon Lighthouse ist als wertvolles Kulturdenkmal sowohl im National Register of Historic Places als auch im New Jersey Register of Historic Places gelistet und steht der Öffentlichkeit ganzjährig zur Besichtigung offen. Der Zugang zum Gelände, zum Museum und zu den Ausstellungen im Wärterhaus ist kostenfrei. Lediglich für den Aufstieg auf den Turm wird eine Eintrittsgebühr erhoben. Parkplätze stehen vor Ort zur Verfügung, und das Areal bietet eine ruhige, historische Alternative zum Trubel der nahen Casinos von Atlantic City.
Things to Do
New Jersey state parks defy the state’s industrial reputation, protecting vast tracts of wilderness including the unique Pine Barrens, Appalachian ridgetops, and wide Atlantic beaches. Visitors can hike sections of the Appalachian Trail, kayak through the tea-colored waters of the Pinelands, swim at ocean or glacial lake beaches, fish in well-stocked streams, and camp in deep forest. The state also preserves crucial moments in American history, offering tours of key Revolutionary War sites, battlefields, and historic villages.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (September–October) is arguably the best time, offering cool hiking weather, beautiful hardwood foliage in the northern parks, and fewer bugs in the Pine Barrens. Summer (June–August) is peak season for coastal parks and lake swimming, but inland parks can be hot, humid, and buggy. Spring brings excellent birding during the coastal migration and good conditions for trout fishing. Winter is quiet, perfect for solitary hikes and, occasionally, cross-country skiing when snow falls.
Visitor Tips
Entrance fees are typically charged from Memorial Day through Labor Day ($5-$10 per vehicle for residents, $10-$20 for non-residents). A State Park Pass ($50 for residents) covers parking for the season. In the heavily forested Pine Barrens (like Wharton State Forest), ticks are extremely common from early spring through late fall; use strong insect repellent and perform thorough tick checks. Coastal parks like Island Beach State Park often fill to capacity by mid-morning on summer weekends, so arrive very early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit New Jersey state parks?
Entrance fees are typically $5-$10 for residents and $10-$20 for non-residents, charged Memorial Day through Labor Day at beach and lake parks. A State Park Pass is available for $50 (residents). Many inland parks are free.
What are the best state parks in New Jersey?
Top parks include Island Beach (pristine barrier island), Wharton (Pine Barrens wilderness), High Point (highest elevation in NJ), Stokes (Appalachian Trail), and Allaire (historic village).
Can I hike the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey?
Yes, the Appalachian Trail passes through NJ for 72 miles, including through High Point, Stokes, and Worthington state parks. The trail offers ridge-top hiking with panoramic views of the Delaware Water Gap.
Are there beaches at New Jersey state parks?
Yes, Island Beach State Park offers 10 miles of pristine, undeveloped barrier island beach on the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the last remaining undeveloped barrier islands on the East Coast.
Explore More New Jersey State Parks
Absecon Lighthouse is one of many outstanding state parks in New Jersey. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New Jersey guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Absecon Lighthouse — the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 171 feet (built 1857, designed by George Meade — later the Civil War general at Gettysburg). The lighthouse’s coastal marsh and inlet support ospreys, great egrets, and laughing gulls. Peregrine falcons hunt from the tower.
Nearby Attractions
Atlantic City — adjacent — has the Boardwalk and Steel Pier. Atlantic City Aquarium — nearby. Edwin B. Forsythe NWR — 10 miles north.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Abram S. Hewitt is a short drive away, and Ringwood State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Absecon Lighthouse
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash 6 feet or less, with the pet under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and swimming waters statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from cabins/lodging; the Pet Friendly Camping Program designates campsites at 13 areas (e.g. Round Valley all sites, Allaire 1-8, Bass River 1-85, Stokes 101-137) for up to two dogs or cats per permit.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $5.00 per night additional charge for a pet-friendly campsite; no day-use pet fee.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pet Friendly Camping requires current rabies vaccination with written proof at check-in; caged birds/reptiles only allowed inside RVs.
Are dogs allowed at Absecon Lighthouse?
Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dep.nj.gov. More: New Jersey state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Absecon Lighthouse
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
