Top Rated Attractions in Atlantic City

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.

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.

This Ripley's location offers a variety of exhibits like the Fiji Island Mermaid, a lock of George Washington's hair, actual samples of Ripley's unusual mail, and a life-size statue of Michael Jordan made of paper, plastic, wire, and glass. The quirky and wonderful displays at Ripley's Believe It or Not in Atlantic City will leave you in awe.

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.