Things to do while visiting Atlantic City
Atlantic City's historic Absecon Lighthouse (located at Rhode Island and Pacific Avenues), is the tallest of New Jersey's lights, and the thrid tallest and one of the oldest in the United States. At the top of the 228 steps, you'll see breathtaking views of Atlantic City and come face-to-face with the original first-order Fresnel Lens, first lit in 1857.The lighthouse's recent multi-million dollar restoration also includes a stunning replica of the Lightkeeper's dwelling, an educational museum, charming gift shop, Fresnel Lens exhibit in the original Oil House. www.abseconlighthouse.org.
The Atlantic City Art Center and Atlantic City Historical Museum are both located at Garden Pier. The Art Center features the work of noted national and regional artists with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. Three exhibition galleries features artwork by contemporary artists and artisans of national, regional and local renown. The Art Center presents a wide variety of activities in conjunction with exhibits including concerts, gallery talks, artist demonstrations and literary readings. Free admission and parking. www.acartcenter.org. The Historical Museum presents the culturally diverse exciting history of Atlantic City with vintage photographs, local artifacts and a video presentation. Free admission and parking. www.acmuseum.org.
The Atlantic City Aquarium in Historic Gardner’s Basin has more than 30,000 gallons of seawater and 100 varieties of marine life indoors for your viewing and learning pleasure. Visit with Groman the Giant Loggerhead Turtle, local marine inhabitants in the Fish of the Atlantic Ocean and Mullica River tanks and more exotic species in the Coral Reef, Seahorse, Moon Jellies, Moray Eel, Terrapin, Bearded Dragon, Clownfish & Anemones, Tropical Rainforest and Ocean Oddities tanks. For hands-on experience, interact with additional sea creatures in one of the aquarium’s Touch tanks. Seeing, touching, feeding and learning—you’ll find that a visit to the aquarium is fun and educational for children of all ages.Gardner's Basin also offers speed boat rides , sightseeing tours, crafters, restaurants and stores. And it is host various events such as a Seafood Festival and Oktoberfest . www.oceanlifecenter.com
Another animal friendly attraction lies over the bridge in nearby Brigatine . Founded by an animal trainer who used to work for the old Steel Pier Water Circus Show, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center responds to calls for stranded whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles that wash ashore on New Jersey beaches. The Center houses life-size replicas of many game fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals. The Stranding Center has a nautical gift shop , and always some "guests" swimming around the two pools . www.marinemammalstrandingcenter.org.
The Civil Rights Garden, located at Pacific Avenue & Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. is a tranquil public sculpture garden comprised of 11 granite columns, winding pathways, plants, flowers, Ginko trees and sculptures with inscriptions related to the history, events and people of the Civil Rights movement.
Located in nearby Margate, what was once known as South Atlantic City, Lucy the Elephant is one piece of history you should not miss. Now over a hundred years old, Lucy The Elephant was originally built to lure real estate investors to the shore. Since then she has served as a restaurant, a tavern and even a house. She was restored in the 1970s and moved to her current location at Washington and Atlantic Avenues in Margate, where she has resided ever since as a museum. You can climb to the "howdah" on Lucy's back for a panoramic view of the ocean, beach and surrounding area. Open seasonally. www.lucytheelephant.org.
