The Boardwalk
(888) 847-4822,
(609) 348-7100

Its the most valuable property on the Monopoly board, which was modeled after Atlantic City, and its the hottest spot in town. Built in 1870, its the worlds first boardwalk. Victorian ladies and gentlemen once strolled its venerable planks walking the boards to take in the ocean breezes. Now, the 4.5-mile Boardwalk is lined with casinos, hotels, restaurants, shops and amusements, all overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

Atlantic City Convention Center
Mississippi Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 449-2000
The ultra-modern convention center calls itself Americas Northeast Business Address. With 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and an additional 109,100 square feet of meeting space, the facility is larger than any other convention center from Boston to Atlanta.

Atlantic City Historical Museum
Garden Pier
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 347-5839
Free

Adjacent to the Boardwalk, the museum features a permanent exhibit titled: Atlantic City: Playground of the Nation, which includes costumes, posters, souvenirs and Miss American memorabilia. Other exhibits showcase the citys piers, nightlife and ethnic contributions.

Ocean Life Center
Gardners Basin
800 N. New Hampshire Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 348-2880
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

This marine science attraction explores the connection between the sea and the land, especially well-suited to its venue, as Atlantic City is located on a fragile barrier island. The centers goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of the ocean world. An atrium contains 29,800 gallons of live exhibits, and the center also features interactive displays and indoor/outdoor observation decks.

Ripleys Believe It or Not! Museum
New York Avenue and Boardwalk
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 347-2001
This museum exhibits oddities from Robert Ripleys world travels. Visitors can also view films and experience an interactive funhouse.

Absecon Lighthouse
Rhode Island Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 449-1360
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, or by appointment

Opened in 1857 and last used in 1933, historic Absecon Lighthouse once helped guide mariners into the islands treacherous inlet. The double-walled masonry structure is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey. Though no longer used, it is a romantic symbol of days past.

Lucy the Elephant
9200 Atlantic Ave.
Margate, N.J. 08402
(609) 823-6473
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, April to mid-June and September to October
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily mid-June to Labor Day

There is nowhere else in the world you can step inside a 6-story, 90-ton metal elephant, which was built in 1881 for $38,000 as a real estate marketing stunt. When she was new, Lucy attracted throngs of visitors who wanted to tour her insides and step out on the howdah her observation deck to view the ocean. In the 1970s, Margate residents raised money to repair Lucy, who had fallen into disrepair and had been closed to visitors since the early 1960s.

Nearby Attractions

Towne of Historic Smithville
Route 9 and Moss Mill Road
Smithville, N.J. 08201
Hours: Variable by season
(609) 652-7777

Take a 10-mile ride from the glitz and glitter of the casinos and you can immerse yourself in an 18th-century village. The Smithville Inn was once a stagecoach stop; today, the painstakingly restored property serves as a fine restaurant. Other restored cottages and colonial homes are now used as gift shops and smaller eateries.

Wheaton Village
1501 Glasstown Road
Millville, N.J. 08332
(800) 998-4552
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April 1-January 2 (winter hours limited)

Glassblowing is a time-honored South Jersey craft, and Wheaton Village is dedicated to the art. The museum showcases some of the finest glass art of the region, and includes educational displays about the glassblowing process.

Noyes Museum of Art
Lily Lake Road, off Route 9
Oceanville, N.J. 08231
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday