Attractions and Things to do in New Jersey/Absecon

Atlantic Attractions Atlantic Boardwalk Convention Center Historical Museum Batso Village Lewes Ferry State Park County Park & Zoo Smithville Marine Mammal Believe It or Not Storybook Land Wildwood Boardwalk House of Blues

Explore the Jersey Shore. From Atlantic City to Cape May, the Southern Jersey Shore is lined with miles of serene Atlantic Ocean beaches, barrier islands and wooded parklands. The Atlantic City area boasts miles of beautiful, sandy beaches for water sports, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing and relaxing on the sand. Enjoy fun outdoor recreation, championship golf, climbing historic lighthouses, boating and sailing, kayaking through a nature reserve, walking the boardwalks or gambling in the casinos of Atlantic City. Visit historic wineries, the wildlife refuges with miles of hiking trails, and the wide-open spaces of the Pine Barrens.

Atlantic City Attractions

Absecon Lighthouse. Atlantic City's historic Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest of New Jersey's lighthouses, still boasts its original First–Order Fresnel lens. Built in 1857 to mark the dangerous shoals of Absecon and Brigantine near Atlantic City, this statuesque 159–foot white tower with its yellow and black color scheme is the "sister" of the Barnegat Lighthouse. Climb its 228 steps for a spectacular view of the New Jersey shore and Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, beaches and sights. Open Thursday through Monday 11am–4pm; Daily 10am – 5pm July & August. Visit www.abseconlighthouse.org.

Adventure Aquarium. Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront features the most immersive aquatic experience imaginable. Marine life and animals live in barrier–free environments inviting up–close, interactive adventures. All the sensory impact of these foreign worlds will connect you to creatures ancient, beautiful, bizarre, and stealth. The 4–D Theater is a journey into a fourth dimension of virtual experience. Explore exciting exhibits, such as the West African river exhibit with crocodiles, flying birds and hippos, and Shark Realm, where you can watch sharks, stingrays and sawfish in a 550,000 gallon tank with dramatic floor–to–ceiling views. A 40–foot long walk–through tunnel is the ultimate experience. “Swim with the Sharks” as you snorkel along the tank’s perimeter under the guidance of experts. Visit www.adventureaquarium.com.  [Top]

Atlantic City Boardwalk. The world–famous Atlantic City Boardwalk features an exciting array of world–class casinos, a variety of shops and restaurants, two amusements parks, Splash Zone Waterpark, incredible entertainment, the Boardwalk Arcade, and picture–perfect views of the beach and ocean. Historic Boardwalk Hall, where the Miss America Pageant is held, and the Atlantic City Arts Center are also located on the Boardwalk.

Atlantic City Casinos. Atlantic City boasts the most exciting casinos in the world, with elegant and themed gaming rooms, world–class entertainment, shows and concerts, diverse restaurants, luxurious spas, and exciting attractions. From low–stakes slot machines to high–powered poker, Atlantic City gambling halls have the thrills you want. With 12 casino resorts, there's plenty of 24–hour excitement and fun in Atlantic City. Atlantic City casinos offer slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, keno, race books and specialty table games that provide non–stop action along the Boardwalk and in the Marina District. Try your luck at these gaming spots a few miles from the hotel

• Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort – (609) 347–7111
• Bally’s Atlantic City – (609) 340–2000
• Borgata Casino & Spa – (609) 317–1000
• Caesars Atlantic City – (609) 348–4411
• Harrah’s Atlantic City – (609–441–5000
• Resorts Atlantic City – (609) 344–6000
• Showboat – The Mardi Gras Casino – (603) 343–4000
• Tropicana Casino and Resort – (609–340–4000
• Trump Marina Casino – (609) 441–2000
• Trump Plaza Casino – (609) 441–6000
• Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort – (609) 449–1000  [Top]

Atlantic City Convention Center. Atlantic City Convention Center is AC’s premier event facility, featuring 500,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, an open–air atrium lobby, 45 spacious meeting rooms totaling 109,000 square feet of space, state–of–the–art business technology for voice, data and video communications, a 1,400 space parking garage, 29 loading docks, 16,000 hotel rooms, a restaurant and lounge, and in–house catering for fine dining and concessions. The Atlantic City Convention Center is easily accessible by air, New Jersey Transit, rail or road. Visit www.accenter.com.

Atlantic City Arts Center. Located on Garden Pier overlooking the Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk, Atlantic City Arts Center is a 2500 square–foot gallery over the ocean showcasing unique artworks. Three exhibition galleries feature artwork by contemporary artists, painters, sculptors and photographers. The gallery shop offers unique items and handmade glass from historic Wheaton Village in Millville, New Jersey. The Art Center presents a wide variety of activities in conjunction with exhibits including concerts, gallery talks, artist demonstrations and literary readings. Admission is free. Visit www.acartscenter.org.  [Top]

Atlantic City Historical Museum. The Historical Museum on Garden Pier presents the culturally diverse exciting history of Atlantic City with vintage photographs, local artifacts and a video presentation. Admission is free. Open daily from 10 am – to 4 pm. For more information, call (609) 347–5839 or visit www.acmuseum.net.

Atlantic City Surf. Atlantic City is home of the professional minor league baseball team the Atlantic City Surf, who play April through September. Home games are played at nearby Sandcastle Stadium. Visit www.acsurf.com

Philadelphia Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, the Phillies of MLB, and the Sixers of the NBA offer professional sports action in Philadelphia, just 50 miles away. Visit www.philadelphiaeagles.com, www.philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com, www.nba.com/sixers.  [Top]

Batso Village. Batsto Village is a New Jersey historic site in the South Central Pinelands. Nationally recognized for its historical significance and beauty, Batsto Village can be traced back to 1766. Two centuries of American history are available to visitors, with the Pinelands environment as a scenic backdrop. As you walk through the village streets and look into restored buildings, you can visualize an earlier time and way of life. Batsto Village offers events and activities, such as field trips and monthly hikes. The Museum in the Visitors Center presents a mini–history of Batsto, with changing displays and exhibits depicting different aspects of the area. The Museum Shop offers gifts, items made at Batsto, and books relating to the history of the Pinelands. Camping information, registration and maps for Wharton State Forest campsites are available. Visit www.batsovillage.org.

Boardwalk Hall. Historic Boardwalk Hall, opened in 1929, received an extensive $90 million renovation and restoration to transform the building into a modern special events arena capable of seating for up to 13,800 people. Boardwalk Hall is the home of the ECHL’s 2003 Kelly Cup Champion Boardwalk Bullies and Atlantic City’s signature event, Miss America, as well as concerts, sporting events and family shows. Boardwalk Hall is a National Historic Landmark. Visit www.boardwalkhall.com. For event tickets, contact Ticketmaster at 1–800–736–1420 or www.ticketmaster.com.  [Top]

Cape May Lewes Ferry. The Cape May–Lewes Ferry is the most memorable way to travel between New Jersey and Delaware, cutting miles off your trip along the Atlantic Coast. More than 11 million vehicles and 34 million passengers have crossed the 17–mile mouth of Delaware Bay via vessels of Cape May–Lewes Ferry during its interesting 43–year history. Up to 100 vehicles and 1,000 passengers today can board modern ferries longer than football fields for an enjoyable 80–minute cruise across the bay. The beautiful ferries and terminals with wonderful restaurants provide everything you need to enjoy a day on the bay. For schedules, fares and reservations, visit www.capemaylewesferry.com.
Cape May Point Lighthouse.

Cape May Point Lighthouse. The third lighthouse to operate from Cape May Point, Cape May Point Lighthouse is a 157–foot tall structure. Built in 1859, the original beacon consisted of oil lamps with prisms and lenses. The current beacon, producing 350,000 candlepower of light, was added in 1945 and can be seen for 19 miles out to sea. For a small fee, visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Cape May peninsula, the sea, and bay. The lighthouse is part of Cape May Point State Park, located 2 miles west of the city of Cape May.  [Top]

Cape May Point State Park. Situated on the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May Point State Park is a key site on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail, with an environmental center and a museum on the area's natural and historic features. The 190–acre park features beautiful natural areas, three miles of hiking trails, an historic lighthouse, and surf fishing and picnic areas. The park’s changing shoreline, dunes, freshwater coastal marsh and ponds, forested islands and uplands make it a popular location for viewing the fall bird migration. Several blazed trails lead you to pond, coastal dune, marsh, and forest habitats where wildlife, migrating birds and butterflies can be viewed from observation platforms. The park’s land was used as a coastal defense base during World War II and at low tide remains of gun bunkers are visible.

Cape May Seashore Resort. Cape May is a quaint seaside resort, rich in Victorian architecture, sparkling white sandy beaches, gourmet restaurants and unique shopping. Located at the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May is a wonderful place for summer vacations and weekend getaways – with its cool ocean breezes and stunning beaches. "The "Nation's Oldest Seashore Resort,” Cape May City, with over 600 authentic Victorian structures, is a National Historic Landmark site that has achieved national recognition. Enjoy seashore activities, like dolphin and bird watching, fishing, boat trips, surfing, bicycling, tours, festivals, theaters, watching sunsets and experiencing art and history. Bike riding is a great way to get around and see the splendid houses and gardens tucked away on side streets. Professional theater, the annual Cape May Music Festival and cultural events add to Cape May’s popularity. Visit www.capemaylinks.com.  [Top]

Cape May County Park & Zoo. Cape May County Park & Zoo features 128 wooded acres, tree–lined paths, natural and season gardens, picnic areas, playgrounds, biking and hiking trails, a fishing pond, and an 85–acre zoo. One of the best parks in the state, the Cape May County Park & Zoo offers recreational facilities such as playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, baseball fields, fresh water fishing. And nature, walking, jogging, and bike trails. Relax and enjoy a leisurely walk, an outdoor concert or sit among the natural surroundings. There are plenty of benches, shade trees, covered pavilions, picnic tables, open–pit barbecues and restrooms for family outings. Cape May County Park & Zoo is open year round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cape May County Zoo. Have a wild time as you explore 85 acres of beautifully maintained animal exhibits. With almost 200 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles totaling nearly 550 animals, you're sure to see something new at Cape May County Zoo. See the playful otters, tigers, bobcats, reindeer, zebra, goats and bears. Stop and say "Hi" to Brutus and Tinkerbell the Cougars, Matilda and Dundee the Wallabies, Jerome the Giraffe, Charlie the Camel, Fernando the Llama, and the rest of the animals in the Reptile House, Monkey House and Aviary. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Admission is free.  [Top]

Historic Smithville. There's no place in South Jersey that offers the historic charm and atmosphere of Smithville. Located on Lake Meone, Historic Smithville features 60 unique specialty shops with antiques, crafts and gifts, several eateries and restaurants, weekend events, a train, a carousel and paddle boats. Enjoy the winding brick paths, a beautiful lake, and quaint shops dating back to the American Revolution. Stroll over to one of the fine restaurants, including the Historic Smithville Inn and The Colonial Inn, and have dinner with a view of Lake Meone. Visit www.smithvillenj.com.

Lucy the Elephant. Standing in Margate, Lucy the Elephant is an elephant–shaped building, with a unique museum and gift shop. A six–story–high, 90 ton landmark that has delighted children since 1881, Lucy is a National Historic Landmark. For a small admission fee, the adventuresome can tour Lucy's innards, entering via a spiral staircase in one of her hind legs. A tour climaxes with a stop in the open–air "howdah" atop Lucy's back. Call (609) 823–6473 or visit www.lucytheelephant.org.  [Top]

Marine Mammal Standing Centre. The Marine Mammal Stranding Centre is a private organization based in Brigantine, New Jersey that rescues stranded sea life that has been washed ashore on New Jersey beaches. At the center, you can see whales, dolphins and turtles as they recuperate before being returned to the wild. Since the Centre’s founding in 1978 it has responded to over 2000 calls for stranded whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles stuck in the sand. Past visitors include a 5 pound Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle and a 25–ton Humpback whale – both endangered species. Rehabilitation can last up to several months and costs thousands of dollars for a single animal to be nursed back to health.

Morey's Piers. During your Jersey Shore getaway or family vacation, enjoy Morey's Piers – the largest amusement pier in the world! Located on the boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey, not far from Atlantic City and Ocean City, Morey's Piers is a classic seaside amusement park, featuring over 100 exciting amusement park rides and attractions, two large beachfront water theme parks, kiddie rides, roller coasters, and lots of family fun. Visit www.moreypiers.com.  [Top]

Ripley’s Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. Located on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, this unique museum features the world's most unusual, fascinating and bizarre exhibits. Housed in a bizarre building that looks as if it’s about to be destroyed by a wrecking ball, this eclectic museum has among its oddball treasures a lock of George Washington’s hair, a 27–room miniature wood carved castle and the most amazing artifacts ever assembled under on roof. Call 609–347–2001 or visit www.ripleysatlanticcity.com.

Steel Pier. Rebuilt by Donald Trump's Taj Mahal, Atlantic City's famous Steel Pier is an Atlantic City icon and the centerpiece of family amusement on the great wooden way. With 24 rides, games and prize wheels and a food court, Steep Pier is a vintage Atlantic City Boardwalk attraction with wonderful family entertainment. A custom made, double–decker carousel, fashioned by Italian craftsmen, features hand–painted scenes from Atlantic City's past. Ocean 1 Pier, shaped like a luxury ocean liner, features amusement rides, shops, exhibits, restaurants, and entertainment for all ages. Visit www.steelpier.com.  [Top]

Storybook Land. For over 50 years, Storybook Land has kept the spirit of childhood alive in an entertaining and educational atmosphere Located in Egg Harbor Township – 10 miles west of Atlantic City – Storybook Land is a 20–acre family amusement park with more than 50 storybook attractions depicting children's stories and terrific family rides. Open Mid–March through December. Visit www.storybookland.com.

Wheaton Village. Watch world–class glass art created in the Glass Studio. Tour the Museum of American Glass with its notable collection and hot glass and craft demonstrations. Walk through the Craft Studios and see skilled artisans at work. Explore South Jersey’s Folklife Center and its museum stores with handcrafted gift items, and enjoy special events, programs and exhibitions. Wheaton Village also features a fun train ride and restaurant. Visit www.wheatonvillege.org.  [Top]

Wildwood Boardwalk. Located in the middle of the Wildwoods' Five Mile Island, Wildwood is known for its beautiful beach and boardwalk. The 2.5 mile Wildwood Boardwalk offers breathtaking amusement rides, specialty shops, eateries, theaters, water parks, and the classic double–decker carousel. Ride the East Coast's tallest Ferris wheel to get a spectacular view of Wildwoods, brave the "The Great Nor'Easter" suspended looping coaster – 1 of 4 in the world – and visit Castle Dracula. Holly Beach Station Mall boasts restaurants with local delicacies, nightclubs with live entertainment, shops, coffee houses, and street festivals. The George F. Boyer Museum provides a tour through time and recounts local history. The inland waterways provide a variety of watersports, deep sea fishing, boating, whale watching and aquatic excursions. Catch Wildwood’s special events throughout the summer.  [Top]

House of Blues – House of Blues Atlantic City showcases some of the most popular concerts, special events, and seasonal parties in the area. It also offers a great selection of unique merchandise for the entire family. For more information, visit: http://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/atlanticcity/ [Top]

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