Atlantic City, N.J.
Atlantic City, with a permanent population of about 40,000 has been a popular beach vacation resort for a long time. More recently it has become known for the legalized gambling in the city's many casinos, which was authorized by voters in 1976. The city still has the wide boardwalks that made it popular, and the boardwalk shops and amusements.
Casino Hotels on the Boardwalk
Although most visitors arrive by car or bus, or even by plane into the Atlantic City Airport, several marinas enable boaters to come by water. From these marinas sportfishing tournaments and boat shows are also popular attractions.
Since the approval of gambling in 1976, several new casina-hotels have been built in the luxury style typical of Las Vegas. Some older hotels have been modified for gambling and new hotels continue to be built - although the economic crisis has delayed some of the new construction.
Most of the casino-hotels are close to each other creating an easily walkable area of town. On these streets many top-name stores have opened providing Fifth Avenue shopping close to the hotels. There are also many private restaurants and a number of famous name steakhouses, as well as local seafood restaurants.
The boardwalk along the beach extends through the entire hotel area with easy access from the hotels. Walking thoughout this area is easy whether on the boardwalk or the streets.
Absecon Lighthouse - Atlantic City
Atlantic City is located at the Absecon Inlet where the Absecon Lighthouse stands. Actually, the lighthouse is found on a city street a few blocks from the inlet, which has shifted over 150 years. It is still visible from the water but today is maintained only as a museum. Visitors are welcome at the lighthouse and can climb to the top of New Jersey's tallest lighthouse. A protected walkway around the outside of the lighthouse top provides a great view and pictures. A museum and other displays provide historic lighthouse information.
New Jersey has a wealth of lighthouses as well as preservation organizations that have refurbished and now maintain them. The Absecon Lighthouse is an excellent example and is easily visited while in Atlantic City.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Atlantic City's boardwalk, shops and beach have been the main attractions at Atlantic City for decades. All are still popular and updated. The boardwalk is wide and marked for pushcarts in which you can enjoy a guided tour of the boardwalk attractions.
On the boardwalk are found fast food shops - hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza etc. There are sweet shops selling salt water taffy and other treats. There are plenty of shops selling t-shirts, beachware and novelties. And there are amusements, including a Ripley's Believe it or Not.
Other activities around Atlantic City include amusements, regular harbor cruises, whale-watching cruises, charter fishing and of course, ocean bathing.