Absecon Lighthouse

What It Is: Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, as well as one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States - it just celebrated its 150th birthday.

What To Expect: Visitors can climb the 228 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a fantastic view of the Absecon Inlet and the Atlantic City Skyline. You can also anticipate learning a great deal of history, as the Absecon Lighthouse is a living monument to the proud history of southern New Jersey.

Exhibits: Absecon Lighthouse operators have recently renovated its Lighthouse Museum as well as adding a Frensel Lens Exhibit, available to all guests. The Frensel Lens Exhibit gives guests the opportunity to view Atlantic City in a way they never have before, and the museum exhibits contain photographs from the 1800s as well as information on the two contributors to the construction and development of the lighthouse - General George Meade and Dr. Jonathan Pitney. Call 609-449-1360.

Website: www.abseconlighthouse.org.

Atlantic City Ocean Life Center

What It Is: This aquarium holds more than 100 varieties of fish and marine animals. The attraction is part of Atlantic City's Gardner's Basin, located at 800 N. New Hampshire Ave.

What To Expect: A 23,000-gallon tank that holds sea bass, stingray and tiger sharks among other fish is one of the main exhibits, along with a 750-gallon Touch Tank, where guests can literally get a feel of marine life such as sea urchins, shrimp and spider crabs. While you're there, check out the rest of Gardner's Basin, which includes a marina and several restaurants.

Website: www.oceanlifecenter.com

Admission Info: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m daily. Adults $7; children age 4 to 12 $4. Call (609) 348-2880.

Atlantic City Rolling Chairs

What Are They: Comparable to the rickshaws of China, these wicker seats on wheels have been a comfortable and leisurely way to see Atlantic City since 1884. You can see the boardwalk sights or travel from one casino to the next.

What To Expect: You can find rolling chairs and their operators waiting outside of most casinos waiting for passengers. The cars have awnings, which makes them a great way to beat the summer sun as you move around the boardwalk. The rolling chairs, run by different companies, are pushed from behind by guides.

Cost: Rates vary for different operators and distance travelled, but cost averages about $5 for a few blocks, plus tip.

White House Sub Shop

What Is It: Famous for their 2-foot-long submarine sandwiches, this shop is a staple not only for Atlantic City sandwich fans. People have been known to travel long distances for a White House sub, or order them shipped to them when they can' be there firsthand. (Bill Cosby, for instance). The shop is located at 2301 Arctic Ave. in Atlantic City. Call (609) 345-1564.

What To Expect: This isn't high-end dining. There's paper plates and paper napkins, photos of famous clientele and news clipping on the wall, but the sandwiches are far from slumming. The "White House Special" is the most popular choice, with Genoa salami, ham, capicola, provolone cheese, olive oil and sweet peppers. Legend has it that Frank Sinatra ordered White House subs shipped to him on movie sets and tours.

Cost: The average sandwich runs about $10, but could easily be split two or three ways.

Gardner's Basin

What Is It: The Basin on New Hampshire Avenue is the location of the Atlantic City Aquarium, a marina, and several restaurants.

What To Expect: While the aquarium is on the small side, housing 17 tanks, it's just one of the various activities at the Basin. There are also short cruises and fishing trips that set sail from the Basin, along with a few different choices in dining locations.

Website: www.oceanlifecenter.com/basin-events.asp

Admission Info: Aquarium-Adults (13+) $7.00/ Children (ages 4-12): $4.00. Cruises range from $15-$30, call (609) 347-7600 to reserve.

Dante Hall Theater

What Is It: Dante Hall Theater of the Arts is home to local performing arts in Atlantic City, located on Mississippi Avenue, between Arctic and Atlantic Avenues. Originally built in 1926 as part of St. Michael's Church, it was transformed into a theater in 2003.

What To Expect: Plays and musical performances take the stage at Dante Hall as well as a number of neighborhood functions. Upcoming events at the theater include "Alice In Wonderland."

Web site: www.dantehall.org

Show Info: Check the calender of events online, or call (609) 344-8877 for ticket information.

Click for upcoming events

Bernie Robbins Stadium

What Is It: Once known as the Sandcastle Stadium, the 5,500-seat ballpark is home to the Atlantic City Surf Professional Baseball Club.The stadium was renamed in 2006 in a deal with Bernie Robbins jewelers.

What To Expect: The stadium is small, and rarely filled to capacity, so enjoy its laid-back atmosphere. Many home games feature fireworks or promotions, such as Saturday's Police Officer Appreciation Night when the Surf takes son New Haven, as a bonus to taking in a good game.

Website: www.acsurf.com

Ticket Info: $11 club box seats, $10 premium box seats $10, $8 upper box seats ($5 children, seniors and military). Season runs May through August. Schedule available on the website.The next home game is Saturday, when the Surf goes up against the New Haven County Cutters at 7:05 p.m.

Boardwalk Hall

What Is It: One of the biggest venues at the shore for music, sports, and more. Located at 2301 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. The building, dedicated in 1929, is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

What To Expect: Some of the upcoming shows at Boardwalk Hall include The Judds Reunion Concert, Dancing With the Stars- The Tour, The Starbound National Talent Competition, Josh Groban, and The American Idols Live Tour 2007.

Website: www.boardwalkhall.com

Show Info: Check the calender of events online or call (609) 348-7000 for more information. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com or call (800) 736-1420.

Click for upcoming events

Flyers Skate Zone

What Is It: An indoor ice-skating arena located at 501 North Albany Avenue in Atlantic City, home to the Atlantic City Sharks youth hockey team.

What To Expect: Looking forward to winter so you can lace up the old blades again? Why wait? Ice skating is available all summer long at the Flyers Skate Zone. The Skate Zone is also a place to learn how to skate, learn how to play hockey, throw birthday parties, improve your hockey skills with coaching session, or join a league at any age.

Website: http://atlanticcity.flyersskatezone.com

Admission Info: Skating Session: $6.00. Skate Rental: $3.00.

Atlantic City Historical Museum

What Is It: The Museum on Garden Pier honors the history of Atlantic City with artifacts, costumes, posters, postcards, and of course, Miss America memorabilia.

What To Expect: The permanent exhibit that focuses on the city's years of beachside fun is titled "Atlantic City: Playground of the Nation." Mr. Peanut, who once roamed the boardwalk greeting tourists, now greets museum patrons as they enter. The Al Gold Photography Gallery rotates exhibits focusing on the city's culture. Admission and parking are free.

Website: www.acmuseum.org

While You're There: The Museum shares the Garden Pier on the boardwalk at New Jersey Avenue with the Atlantic City Art Center, which displays local artwork.

Atlantic City Art Center

What Is It: Located on Garden Pier at New Jersey Avenue and the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the Art Center has bi-monthly exhibits and hosts other activities such as concerts, demonstrations, and book readings.

What To Expect: There is a local flavor to this Art Center, where many of the exhibits display artists from Cape May, Philadelphia, and Atlantic County. Admission and parking is free.

Exhibits: The best from area seniors, Atlantic County Teen Arts Exhibit in June. Cape May Artists, Southern New Jersey Watercolor Artists, Philadelphia Sculpture Society in July and August.

Website: www.acartcenter.org

Editor's Note: The information on this page was last verified on Jan. 10, 2008.

Is something on this page incorrect or out of date? Please e-mail us with corrections, additions or changes. Note: Your message will go to The Press of Atlantic City, not to any groups or organizations listed. Mailto:cwray@pressofac.com