Explore Historic Atlantic City: Lighthouses, Organs, and More!

Atlantic City is one of the most historically rich, exciting, and charming locations on the Jersey Shore. Its prime location, famous boardwalk, and world-class entertainment have made it a hub on the East Coast. Immerse yourself in the city’s history and learn more about its interesting backstory with these fun activities and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Boardwalk Hall Pipe Organs

Enjoy the sights and sounds and learn more about the world’s largest instrument. The Historic Organ Restoration Committee hosts free organ recitals and tours at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Concerts occur Monday through Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day and some weeks in December. Enjoy complimentary 30-minute recitals and 30-minute tours. Curator’s tours take place on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. from April through December. The HORC offers classes and tours for all ages. Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind experience and get your tickets here. 

Absecon Lighthouse (1857)

Visit the Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 171 feet and the third-tallest masonry lighthouse in the country. Climb 228 steps and take in the beautiful views of the Atlantic City skyline, Brigantine and all of Absecon Island from this historic site overlooking the Absecon Inlet. The lighthouse is open Thursdays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from September through June and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in July and August. The Absecon Lighthouse welcomes over 26,000 annual visitors and was named “Best way to start your day!” by Philadelphia Magazine. Take the climb today. 

Gardner’s Basin

Just down the street from the Absecon Lighthouse is Gardner’s Basin, an area of  Atlantic City that was the site of the shipbuilding industry on the island for years. A unique type of craft known as the “Jersey whaleboat” was constructed there, and 70 percent of the clams served in chowder throughout the country are fished at the Basin. It also served as the site of many exciting rum-running chases during Prohibition. The Basin was a popular attraction featuring docks, ships to explore, a sculpture garden, and many of the city’s older houses which were moved and restored. Today, Gardner’s Basin is home to some of the oldest structures in the city, such as the Gilchrist Restaurant’s famous hotcakes and Back Bay Ale House’s Basin Mason’s, as well as the Atlantic City Aquarium, which evolved from the original, small ocean life center. 

Cape May Lighthouse (1859)

Take the climb up the Cape May Lighthouse’s 199 steps and take in gorgeous views of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding nature trails of Cape May Point State Park, and Cape May Point Borough. Along the way, learn the stories of lighthouse keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically and today. Since its opening to the public in 1988, it has welcomed over 2.5 million visitors. Surrounding the lighthouse is the New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory which is listed by National Geographic the World’s Best destination for birding.