Absecon Lighthouse

What Is It: 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: 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.

Amusement rides

What Are They: The southern New Jersey shore, the Atlantic City Boardwalk and amusement rides have always gone hand in hand. Amusement rides are a terrific way to enjoy the summer weather, as well as bond with friends and family.

What To Expect: In Atlantic City, you can expect to be amused by not only loops and twirls, but also games and hands-on activities. The amusement rides in Atlantic City can be found at Steel Pier, located across from the Trump Taj Mahal on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

Rides here include bumper cars, the Crazy Mouse, a double-decker carousel, a kiddie coaster and go-karts, a log flume and a Tilt-A-Whirl. Tickets are $25 for a book of 35. A special $35.00 unlimited all day ride pass is also available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, excluding holidays.

You can also find fun and games at Central Pier, located at Tennessee Avenue and the Boardwalk.

Websites: www.steelpier.com

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

The Boardwalk

What Is It: The Boardwalk in Atlantic City is a defining element of the southern New Jersey Shore. It's claimed that Atlantic City was home to the world's first boardwalk. The Atlantic City Boardwalk also holds the title of the World's Longest Boardwalk, as its nearly six mile stretch goes from the top of Atlantic City all the way to the neighboring town of Ventnor.

What To Expect: Expect street performers, lots of food, candy and treats, interesting locals and beachside shopping that is full of surprises. Don't feel like walking? Hop a rolling chair and take a ride down the boards. The Atlantic City Boardwalk offers something for everyone in the family.

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: Call (609) 348-7000 for more information. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com or call (800) 736-1420.

Boat tour

What Is It: Atlantic City offers several kinds of boat tours during the warmer months that are suitable for the entire family. You can go dolphin watching, take a sunset cruise or just enjoy an aquatic tour with Harbor Cruise Tour, Mari-Time Cruise and Eco Tour or the Oceanfront Cruise Boat Tour.

What To Expect: Expect to see the Atlantic Ocean in a whole new light, as you will enjoy a guided tour of its waters, learning new things and hopefully seeing wildlife along the way. The cruises last anywhere from one to two hours and are offered at various times throughout the day in the summer.

Pricing Info: Adult tickets begin at $31.95 and children's tickets begin at $13.95, though by visiting the Web site below, you can receive discounts by purchasing your tickets online.

For Atlantic City Cruises call (609) 347-7600. For the Miss Atlantic City call 609-926-5353

Central Pier

What Is It: Central Pier is the premier arcade in Atlantic City. It is home to hundreds of games of chances as well as the newly added Nascar Go-Karts and paintball. Central Pier is located between St. James Place and Tennessee Avenue along the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

What To Expect: Expect to be swarmed by adults and kids alike, trying to win their favorites prizes. There are games and prizes suitable for all ages and it will truly evoke a memorable family experience.

Comedy clubs

What Are They: Comedy clubs are becoming one of the hottest places to stop while in Atlantic City. They offer a plethora of comedic styles, including "family shows," which allow everyone in the family to be a part of hilarity.

What To Expect: Be prepared to be laughing to the comedy routines of the rude, the crude and everything in between. Comic acts chock-full of props and music are also regularly seen at Atlantic City's comedy clubs.

Pricing and Show Info: If you're visiting the Borgata Comedy Club, inside the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, shows are always $20 and begin at 9 p.m., unless otherwise noted. If you're visiting The Comedy Stop inside the Quarter at the Tropicana Casino and Resort, be sure to bring the family to their "Family Shows," which run on Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and cost $8 for children and $14 for adults. The "Family Shows" are suitable for children over the age of 12. For regularly scheduled comedy acts, the cost is $23 for shows on Sunday through Friday and the start time is 9 p.m. The cost on Saturday is $26 and the start times are 9:15 and 11:30 p.m.

Websites: www.theborgata.com and www.thecomedystop.com

Click here to find upcoming comedy shows

Convention Center

What Is It: The Atlantic City Convention Center, newly built in 1997, is a business meeting, trade show and major event haven. People from all across the country come to visit the Convention Center for different career fairs, special event shows or business meetings.

What To Expect: The Convention Center always has something going on, but that something is not always for the general public. You can expect to be overwhelmed with the size of the Convention Center, but before making a special trip to it, be sure to check the schedule and visit on a day where you will be able to enjoy whatever event they are hosting, be it a boat show or tattoo expo.

Website: www.accenter.com

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."

Website: www.dantehall.org

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

Click here to find 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: www.flyersskatezone.com

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

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

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

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

oceanlifecenter.com/basin-events.asp

Golf

Where To Go: The Atlantic City area is teeming with great golf courses, including The Links at Brigantine Beach, Mays Landing Country Club, Harbor Pines Golf Club, Blue Heron Pines and the Seaview Marriott.

What To Expect: No matter what course you choose to play, southern New Jersey golfers always leave their golf game happy. With lush greens to drive and put from combined with the cool and comfortable atmosphere of the southern New Jersey shore, you'll be in golfer's heaven.

Golf courses near Atlantic City / Insider Guide

Helicopter Rides

What Is It: Steel Pier offers helicopter tours of the city and beach every day in the summer and every weekend, weather permitting, in the fall and winter. The helicopter rides are a fantastic way to see the city in a whole new light.

What To Expect: These helicopter rides are fun for the whole family. The rides can be as short as five minutes or as long as one hour, depending on what package you choose.

Pricing Info: The Shoreline Tour, which lasts about five minutes, costs $39 per person plus a $5 fuel fee. The City Tour, which lasts about one hour, is $59 per person plus a $5 fuel fee.

Contact info: You can call Sunrise Helicopter Tours at 732-292-1478 or you can call the Steel Pier at 609-345-4893 to make reservations or to get more information.

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.

IMAX Theater

What Is It: The IMAX Theater is a revolution in movie screening and is only available in select cities across the country. Lucky for the Atlantic City traveler, there is one inside the Quarter at the Tropicana.

What To Expect: The IMAX Theater shows only the biggest action-packed or eye-dazzling films. Though the screen is huge, there are not that many seats in Atlantic City's IMAX Theater, so be sure to get your tickets in advance and show up to the movie at least a half hour before show time. Ticket prices range from about $10 for IMAX films to $14 for Hollywood movies in 3D.

Ticket Info: Tickets for the IMAX shows can be purchased at the IMAX Theater Box Office or through Ticketmaster by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or calling 800- 736-1420

Website: www.imaxtheaterattropicana.com

Lucy the Margate Elephant

What Is It: Lucy is a 126-year-old, 90-ton elephant located on Atlantic Avenue in Margate. The national historic landmark is the nation's oldest zoomorphic structure - a building that looks like an animal.

What To Expect: A tour of the 65-foot-tall building details the history of Lucy, including its renovations and facelifts over the years. It is estimated the elephant can be seen from up to eight miles away. Lucy can also be seen on the Margate Water Tower, where the town proudly displays a painting of their favorite pachyderm.

Website: www.lucytheelephant.org

Tour Info: Open 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tours begin every 30 minutes. $5 for adults, $3 for children age 2 to 11. Call 609- 823-6473.

Mini Golf

What Is It: Mini golf is a seaside tradition that has been the epitome of boardwalk family fun for ages. In Atlantic City, one of the best mini golf courses to play is right on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

What To Expect: Atlantic City Mini Golf, located across from Boardwalk Hall at Kennedy Plaza and the Boardwalk, is a newly renovated golf course that combines putting skill and fun into a course that people of all ages can enjoy. And by having the course on the Boardwalk, the backdrop of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is just what you need to get you in the mood for summer fun.

Pricing Info: Mini golf in Atlantic City averages at about $8 per player per round.

Website: www.acminigolf.com

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.

Princeton Antiques

What Are They: Antiques are the treasures from the past that many locals and tourists seek out while visiting Atlantic City.

Where To Go: One of the best places to see a wild collection of antiques is Princeton Antiques, located at 2917 Atlantic Ave. in Atlantic City.

What To Expect: Princeton Antiques is best known for its unbelievable antique book collection, with more than 250,000 titles for purchase. Princeton Antiques also offers collectibles, memorabilia and knick-knacks from decades past. Call 609-344-1943

Website: www.princetonantiques.com

The Pier at Caesars

What Is It: The Pier is an upscale shopping and dining experience built over the Atlantic Ocean. There's a view of the sea from every window.

What To Expect: The former Pier One Mall has been completely remodeled and renovated to suit the most sophisticated of visitors. The Pier is known for its high-end shopping choices as well as its magnificent dining establishments. The Pier is also home to Atlantic City's only dancing water fountain, which is illuminated and spouts water in time with music.

Top Stores: Betsey Johnson, Charles David, Cole Hann, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

Top Restaurants: The Continental, Phillip's Seafood and Buddahkan.

Website: www.thepiershopsatcaesars.com

Click here for Shopping Guide with insider tips

The Quarter

What Is It: The Quarter is the latest addition to the Tropicana Casino Resort and it brings a hip, youthful and fun element to Atlantic City's casino scene. The Quarter is full of places to eat, shop, dance and let loose.

What To Expect: Expect to be floored by the impressive layout and architecture of the Quarter, and your jaw will drop when you see how much there is to do. The Quarter offers a variety of entertainment, including the Red Square, Atlantic City's premier vodka bar, Ri-Ria Irish Pub, P.F. Chang's China Bistro and even an IMAX Theater.

Top Stores: Brooks Brothers, White House Black Market and Tahari.

Top Restaurants: Carmine's, The Palm and Cuba Libre

Website: www.tropicana.net/thequarter

Click here for our Shopping Guide with insider tips

Ride a Jitney

What Is It: The jitney, made famous by Atlantic City, is a mini-bus transportation service that helps everyone navigate Atlantic City. The jitneys run every day, even 24 hours a day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and are known for their helpful and courteous drivers.

What To Expect: Though the jitneys are small, they are mighty. The jitneys cover every base of Atlantic City, so you'll always be taken to where you need to go. Be prepared to sit closely with your fellow southern New Jersians as the jitney makes dozens of stops and has nearly a no-limit policy on the number of passengers allowed to ride. Cost of riding a a jitney is about $2.

Website: www.jitneys.net

Ride a Rolling Chair

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.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not

What Is it: Ripley's Believe It Or Not is a museum of true life oddities and mysteries discovered, explored or just found interesting by Robert Ripley, one of America's most well known and well loved adventurers.

What To Expect: Expect the unexpected! From gypsy carriages to shrunken heads, Ripley's Believe It Or Not has something to tickle everyone's fancy. The museum is obviously seen from its spot on the boardwalk; just look for the giant wrecking ball smashing through the roof of the building.

Exhibits: There are hundreds of exhibits within the winding halls of Ripley's, but some of the most famous exhibits include the man who survived a Great White shark attack, the Fiji Island Mermaid and the life size statue of Michael Jordon created of paper, plastic, wire and even broken glass shards.

Ticket and Pricing Info: The cost of admission is $14.99 for people ages 13 and older, $9.99 for ages 5 through 12, $12.99 for students, Triple A Members and military members and $11.99 for seniors. Call 609-347-2001.

Web site: www.ripleysatlanticcity.com

Spas

What Are They: Come to the beach and be pampered. That's the attraction of spas in Atlantic City.

Where To Go: The Red Door Spa inside Harrah's Resort, Spa Toccare inside the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, the Blue Mercury Spa inside the Quarter at the Tropicana Casino Resort and The Spa at Bally's located inside Bally's Casino Hotel.

Pricing Info: Every spa is priced differently, but it is safe to assume that a 50-minute massage will cost you around $100.

Web sites: www.reddoorspas.com, www.theborgata.com, www.tropicana.net/amenities, www.harrahs.com/casinos/ballys

Steel Pier

What Is It: Steel Pier has been newly renovated to charm every thrill seeker. Steel Pier has rides for all ages and assures your family a great day in Atlantic City. Steel Pier is located on the Atlantic City Boardwalk directly across from the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort.

What To Expect: For the youngsters, the double-decker merry-go-round will most likely be your first stop. If you've got older children or teenagers, the Flip 'N' Fly trampoline will get their adrenaline rushing, and there's always the amusement park favorite, the log flume.

Ticket Info: Tickets are offered in books. Ticket books with 35 tickets cost $25, books with 80 tickets cost $50 and books with 200 tickets cost $100. These ticket books all include discount coupons, as well. If you arrive on a Wednesday or Thursday, you can ride all you want for only $35, though this does not include the Helicopter tour or the Rocket tour. If you are a guest at any three of the Trump hotels, you can buy an "All-You-Can-Ride" wristband for any weekday at a cost of $20.

Web site: www.steelpier.com

The Walk

What Is It: The Walk is one of Atlantic City's newest and biggest shopping communities. The outside shopping mall, packed with outlet and traditional stores, spans Atlantic, Arctic and Baltic avenues in Atlantic City, close to where most visitors enter the city via the Atlantic City Expressway.

What To Expect: Expect to shop till you drop! The Walk is a great way to enjoy a beautiful day while also adding special pieces to your wardrobe. In the summer and at Christmastime, the Walk can be insanely busy, but on an average day, it is less crowded than the mall and offers fresher air and more unique shopping options. Park at a nearby casino, at the Atlantic City Convention Center or at lot on the street.

Top Stores: Coach Factory Outlet, H&M, Polo Ralph Lauren Outlet

Top Restaurants: Ruth's Chris Steak House, The A.C. Diner, Longhorn Steak House

Web site: www.acoutlets.com

Click here for our Shopping Guide with insider tips

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.

Windfarm

What Are They: Operational since December 2005, the 380-foot-tall windmills are a source of alternative energy for the Atlantic County Utilities Authority. Five towering turbines produce 1.5 megawatts of energy each and no pollution.

What To Expect: The windmills are located on the ACUA's wastewater-treatment plant. Drivers can glimpse the mills from Routes 30 and 40 in Atlantic City, or schedule a tour.

Website: www.acua.com

Tour Info: Tours are free and take place by request Mondays through Fridays during business hours. Schedule a tour of the windfarm or the entire treatment facilities at (609) 272-6950, the ACUA main office.