Authored by Mark Peters in New Jersey
Published on 01-22-2009

Atlantic City has been one of the more popular vacation destinations in the state of New Jersey for quite some time. The city was officially incorporated in 1854, and its location on the coast as well as so close to the city of Philadelphia has long made it a one of the top places to go from the perspective of many residents in the immediate area, as well as those who live a little farther away. The absolute most famous landmark in the city is the boardwalk that was originally built in 1870. Sections of it have been rebuilt out of necessity over the years, but in its current state it stretches over five miles in length and is lined with hotels, casinos, and tourist attractions of all kinds. The city today has a great mix of new and modern attractions alongside classic nostalgic sites from days gone by. Here are five great places to visit in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

1. Atlantic City Aquarium

A trip to the Atlantic City Aquarium is exactly what is needed when it comes time to choose an entertainment option that the whole family will enjoy. For years the Aquarium has been the perfect family getaway from the glitz and neon of the casinos in Atlantic City. One of the best parts about an Aquarium visit is that kids end up learning at the same time as they are having a good time. This is a very entertaining stop for adults too.

2. The Pier Shops At Caesars

For anyone looking to do some shopping a trip to the Pier Shops at Caesars is an absolute must. This boardwalk shopping area is stocked with some of the most popular and famous brands than can be found any where. The Pier Shops cater to a discriminating clientele that knows high quality when they see it, as most of the stores found here are not the kind of retail outlets that are found in your every day shopping mall.

3. Absecon Lighthouse

Rated by many as the number one thing to do for anyone looking to escape the casinos in Atlantic City, the Absecon Lighthouse is a great way to get an interesting view of the area as well as learn some information about the city’s past. Long known as a tourist area, not many people are particularly familiar with Atlantic City’s maritime history. The Absecon Lighthouse doesn’t appear on the top of many people’s itinerary, but it is well worth a visit.

4. Atlantic City Boardwalk

While it doesn’t quite measure up to more modern attractions, a visit to the Atlantic City Boardwalk is a great walk through yesteryear. The boardwalk is more than 130 years old and though it shows its age, it also is one piece of history that any visitor must see for themselves, otherwise their visit to Atlantic City just isn’t complete. Anyone who relishes the ancient art of people watching will find the Atlantic City Boardwalk is a paradise to them. Truly some of the best sights to see in the entire city are found right alongside the world famous boardwalk.

5. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

While the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! franchises are available to see in a number of different areas of the country, it should be remembered that each location is different and features different “attractions”. One thing that makes the Atlantic City location special is that it is the oldest surviving Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium. People of all ages are easily entertained at Ripley’s, and it is a guarantee that all visitors to this attraction leave entertained and having seen something that they have never seen before and likely will never see again.

There is a reason that Atlantic City has been one of the most traveled to destinations on the American East Coast for decades, and it is obvious to anyone lucky enough to visit the city today. The city truly offers something for almost anyone, with casinos and gambling opportunities available for those so inclined as well as standard tourist attractions and many other things to do for those looking for non-casino activities. Of course there is also the reason that millions headed to Atlantic City long before the incredible amount of urban development hit the area, the long wide open beaches and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. A long weekend, or even an entire vacation, spent in Atlantic City is a great way to make the kind of memories that last a lifetime.