In short
- Museum and grounds entry is completely free.
- Climbing the tower costs about $10 for adults.
- Kids under four and active military climb for free.
In this article
Visiting the Absecon Lighthouse offers options for every budget. You can enjoy the history and exhibits without spending a dime, or pay a small fee to ascend the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey.
What areas of Absecon Lighthouse are free?
Admission to the museum, the replica Keeper's House, and the two-acre grounds is completely free.
You do not need a ticket to explore the ground-level exhibits. Visitors can walk the 21 community garden beds at no cost. You can also view historical artifacts in the Keeper's Dwelling Museum for free.
How much does it cost to climb the tower?
The climbing fee is approximately $10 for adults.
Discounts are available for seniors and older children. Active military personnel and children under four climb for free. Prices change, so verify current rates upon arrival.
How do I buy tickets for the tower climb?
You pay the climbing fee directly on-site at the lighthouse.
Bring a physical credit card or cash to cover the climbing fee. You will also need these payment methods for any purchases from the gift shop.
Do I have to pay for parking at Absecon Lighthouse?
No, parking at the lighthouse is entirely free.
A small free parking lot is located directly on the grounds. If this lot fills up, occasional overflow parking is available at a nearby boat ramp at no extra charge.
What is included in the free museum admission?
Free entry covers the museum exhibits and the original oil house.
Inside the replica Keeper's House, you can view marine life exhibits and historical artifacts. The Oil House Exhibit details the early fuel sources and operations of the beacon first lit in 1857.
Are there other costs to plan for during a visit?
Your main expenses will be the tower climb and optional gift shop items.
If you take the NJ Transit Bus No. 505 to reach the lighthouse, expect fares starting at $1.60. Walking from the North Beach boardwalk or driving and parking on-site adds no cost.
Questions travellers ask
Is Absecon Lighthouse a good activity for kids?
Yes. Children under four climb the tower for free, and there are interactive marine displays in the ground-level museum.
When is the best time to visit to get my money's worth?
Summer (July and August) offers daily access from 10 AM to 5 PM. In winter and spring, the lighthouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Is the Absecon Lighthouse still active?
It was decommissioned in 1933. However, the original first-order Fresnel lens was symbolically relit in 1999.
