One of the most affluent areas in town, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is a scintillating strip of land which comes alive with a tapestry of bars, restaurants and entertainment establishments. The Boardwalk sprawls from the Absecon Channel on the northern edge of town all the way into Ventnor City to the south. Pulsating with a vibrancy after the sun goes down, this miles-long deluxe deck is filled with vibrant nightlife encompassing sophisticated dining options and some of the poshest hotel-casinos (such as Caesars) in the world. Situated by the rippling waters of the mighty ocean, this teeming waterfront promenade also plays host to amusement rides, music events and an array of boutique resorts. The boardwalk is home to the iconic Absecon Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the beach and the city's exuberant landscape.

Atlantic City's Steel Pier proudly stands as New Jersey's amusement park headquarters. Opened it 1898, it suffered a devastating fire in 1982 but reopened, fully renovated in 1993. Check out the giddy, stomach-churning excitement to be had on rides like Pumpkin Wheel, Log Flume, Grand Prix Go Karts, Dragon Jets, Crazy Mouse and much, much more. The International Food Court will keep you well-fed, but be wise as to how much time you wait in between eating and going on a ride!

Situated on Atlantic City's eastern coastline, the Absecon Lighthouse has been assisting wandering vessels since its establishment in 1856. Standing at a spectacular height of 171 feet (52 meters), it is quite easily the tallest structure of its kind in New Jersey. This splendid piece of 19th-century architecture is made up of a mesh of granite slabs that lend its walls an eye-catching sheen that still exists today. First lit in 1857, the lighthouse retains its original George Meade-designed Fresnel lens that at the peak of its powers propagated signals up to 36.1 kilometers (22.4 miles). Decommissioned in 1933, its lens shines brightly to this day.

The Atlantic City Aquarium is an excellent place to explore the deep blue sea and the fascinating marine life. This aquarium houses over 100 diverse species from the sea world; some of the exotic species shown here are the live corals, the Loggerhead Sea Turtles and more. There are various exhibits and exciting activities that take place here such as watching a live diver feed various exotic sharks and other marine lives. Besides, the center has various rental spaces that can accommodate every kind of event.

This proud, well-loved historical monument has been delighting visitors since its conception in 1881. South Atlantic City landowner James Vincent de Paul Lafferty, Jr. had this mammoth beast constructed as a way to attract visitors and prospective buyers to his properties. Lucy stands 65 feet (20 meters) high and contains many rooms inside. It also sports a spiral staircase to the top of the edifice. Check out the website for an in-depth account of Lucy's long history.

You can be sure to find one of a kind gifts at the shops in Smithville, where the little Jersey village is open year round. With shops specializing in Early American local crafts and products, Smithville's stores include Cook's Corner, Adrianna's Boutique, Crafting Cellar and more. In town, there are also restaurants, cafes, and the popular Colonial Inn Bed and Breakfast. Special events have drawn people from all over the east coast and have included a Children's Festival, Antique Show Day, Corvette Day and Olde Fife and Drum Corp. The people of Smithville encourage every visitor staying in Atlantic City to start a tradition of seeing the village any time of year.

Tuckerton Seaport is a testament to the rich architectural history of New Jersey. Various recreated buildings and structures line the coastline of this recreated fishing village including Tucker's Island Lighthouse, Joy Dayton's Sawmill, and Jay C. Parker's Decoy Carving Shop. There are several restaurants that get into the action as well, paying tribute to the heritage of the Jersey Shore Baymen. The Museum offers lunch at the restaurant Skeeter's with a gift shop located within. Numerous educational programs are on offer as well.

Cape May County Park and Zoo is your doorway to the natural world and all it has to offer. Consisting of over 200 acres of natural land, this is a great site for families to enjoy the great outdoors. The park area features picnic tables, biking paths, kids playgrounds and fishing areas. About 80 acres is dedicated to the Zoo that has about 550 different types of birds, reptiles and mammals. Come and see your favorite animals almost any day of the year (the park is closed only on Christmas) and for free!