From the liveliness of the Boardwalk and the Jersey Shore, to the laid-back charm of Cape May and the Tuckerton Seaport, Atlantic City has much to offer every visitor.
Tuckerton Seaport Unbeknownst to many, Atlantic City had a past well before the advent of Donald Trump. At Tuckerton Seaport, visitors can catch a glimpse of the rich maritime traditions once commonplace in this now-gaming-centric city. Charming as nautical memories may be, Atlatnic City's tourism angle simply cannot be denied. The Atlantic City Historical Museum picks up where the seaport leaves off, telling the tale of the rise of the resort mentality. Going in the other direction, Atlantic City Aquarium takes a look at some positively prehistoric aspects of Atlantic City's environs. Here, kids of all ages can marvel at the magic and mystery of the deep. Close to the Aqaurium, you'll find N.O.W., which stands for "Noodles of the World," and Back Bay Ale House, a popular option for its sunset views.
The Boardwalk Remnants of Atlantic City's party-pier past persist at plenty of locations throughout the city, but none moreso than at the Boardwalk, which is filled with shops and restaurants that tourists and locals love to frequent. The Atlantic City Bar & Grill is famous for it is fast service and surf'n'turf, while the OPA Bar & Grille has Mediterranean food and cheap drinks. Gillian's Wonderland Pier is a veritable paradise for ride-happy kiddies and junk-food addicts of all ages. Steel Pier ups the ante with a few more rides of the "thrill" variety. Try not to lose your lunch as the Tilt-a-Whirl tilts and whirls you out over the churning Atlantic Ocean below. Don't have the stomach for thrills and chills? One Atlantic City mainstay might be just the ticket. Also on this strip is the Atlantic City Art Center and Ripley's Believe It or Not, which both house interesting exhibitions and displays.
Jersey Shore While it's true that Atlantic City's Boardwalk stretches for miles and miles and miles, it doesn't even begin to cover the considerable breadth of the Jersey Shore. The Shore extends well beyond Atlantic City, and along its reach you will find innumerable classic vacation destinations. To the north lies the sleepy seaside community of Asbury Park, made famous by its favorite son, Bruce Springsteen. The Boss made his mark at the Stone Pony, a modest rock club still serving music lovers young and old today. Stop in for a small taste of rock'n'roll's past and perhaps a helping of its future as well. Offering shoppers many options for a spree is the Shore Mall.
Cape May South of Atlantic City is historic Cape May, on the banks of the Delaware Bay. Something of a resort town in the days before resort towns, Cape May was long a favorite haunt of discriminating vacationers from all over the region. Today, curious parties can take in the sights and sounds of the place via Gingerbread Trolley. Hop on, tour the village, and better know this storied locale known as the Jersey Shore. The Cape May County Park and Zoo is also on Cape May. With 200 acres/81 hectares, it holds over 500 different kinds of animals. The nearby restaurant Bobby Dee's Rock'n Chair serves fresh, local seafood dishes.
Historic Smithville and Village Greene There are other things to do that lay outside the city. The Historic Smithville & Village Greene north of Atlantic City in Galloway is a charming colonial town that has many restaurants and shops. Be sure to stop into the friendly Goodfellows, where the drinks are strong and reasonably-priced. Or take a short drive to Absecon Lighthouse, the third largest lighthouse in the country, where you can catch stunning views of the bay. The Renault Winery Gourmet Restaurant is an excellant dining option nearby. Their seasonal menu always contains fresh, healthy options, while the food at A Touch Of Italy is more child-friendly.
There is so much to see and do in Atlantic City and beyond, that some opt for going on a tour to make sure they get to see everything.
Bus Tours Comfort Coach / Senior Travel Service, Inc. ( +1 800 257 8910 / http://www.seniortravelservice.com/ ) Five Mile Beach Bus Company ( +1 609 884 5230 ) Palladin Tours ( +1 609 569 0404 ) Silver Fox Tours ( +1 609 348 0900 )