Atlantic City offers more than just beaches and nightlife. It’s a destination steeped in fascinating maritime history, waiting to be explored. This guide takes you on a journey through the city’s coastal heritage, showcasing iconic landmarks and historical sites perfect for an enriching day trip.
Absecon Lighthouse: A Beacon of History (Built 1857)
Begin your adventure at the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, standing proudly at 171 feet. It’s also the third-tallest masonry lighthouse in the United States. Challenge yourself to climb the 228 steps for unparalleled panoramic views. From the top, you’ll see the Atlantic City skyline, Brigantine, and the entirety of Absecon Island overlooking the Absecon Inlet.
- Visiting Hours: September to June: Thursday to Monday, 11 AM to 4 PM. July and August: Daily, 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Popularity: Welcoming over 26,000 visitors annually, Absecon Lighthouse was hailed as “Best way to start your day!” by Philadelphia Magazine.
- Plan Your Visit: Climb Absecon Lighthouse Today
Atlantic City Life-Saving Station: Rescuing Lives at Sea
The Atlantic City Life-Saving Station, constructed between 1939 and 1941, was once the largest Coast Guard Lifeboat station of its time. This historic site served as both a navigational beacon and a rescue hub. “Surfmen” of the U.S. Lifesaving Service were stationed here, ready to launch rescue missions at a moment’s notice. After its Coast Guard service, it became a private residence and was later renovated into the landmark it is today.
Gardner’s Basin: A Hub of Maritime Industry and Charm
Just a short distance from Absecon Lighthouse lies Gardner’s Basin, a significant site in Atlantic City’s shipbuilding history. The unique “Jersey whaleboat” was crafted here, and the basin was a major source of clams for chowder across the nation. During Prohibition, it was also the scene of thrilling rum-running chases. Today, Gardner’s Basin retains its historic charm with:
- Attractions: Explore the oldest structures in the city, including the famous Gilchrist Restaurant known for its hotcakes, Back Bay Ale House with its Basin Masons, and the Atlantic City Aquarium, which grew from a small ocean life center.
- Visit Gardner’s Basin: Discover Historic Gardner’s Basin
- Dining: Gilchrist Restaurant, Back Bay Ale House
- Aquarium: Atlantic City Aquarium
Cape May Lighthouse: Scenic Views and Birding Paradise (Built 1859)
Venture to the Cape May Lighthouse and climb its 199 steps for breathtaking views of Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May Point State Park’s nature trails, and Cape May Point Borough. Learn about the lives of lighthouse keepers and the lighthouse’s historical and present-day functions. Since opening to the public in 1988, it has welcomed over 2.5 million visitors.
- Birding: The lighthouse is surrounded by the New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory, recognized by National Geographic as the World’s Best destination for birding.
- Visit Cape May Lighthouse: Plan Your Visit
- Bird Observatory: New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory