This article was writtens by Guest Blogger, Susan Defeo and Edited by Kathy Rusch
You may know Atlantic City, New Jersey, for its myriad of plush casinos, deluxe hotels, and vibrant nightclubs. But the City is broadening its appeal to lure families and non-gamblers. Free beaches, a waterfront park, boardwalk amusements, restaurants, theaters, and museums are changing Atlantic City into a playground for all ages. For many, it’s a good beach-friendly location to explore while enjoying that perfect family vacation.
Boardwalk and Beaches
Many visitors are glad to learn that most of Atlantic City’s four miles of beaches are free. After a day of swimming, rafting, sunbathing, and surfing, the city’s boardwalk offers a welcome diversion. A plethora of T-shirt shacks, fortuneteller stands, and saltwater taffy shops line the famous 6-mile-long, wooden promenade. (It’s the first of its kind in the world and the longest boardwalk in New Jersey. Steel Pier, former home of Atlantic City’s legendary horse divers and pole sitters, stretches more than 1,700 feet from the boardwalk into the ocean. The entire family will enjoy its distinctive Ferris wheel, midway games, bungee jump, and food court. On summer Thursday evenings, families may be able to relax to free jazz concerts against the backdrop of Chicken Bone Beach located at Kennedy Plaza between Mississippi and Georgia avenues. (Once things return to normal post-Covid).
Absecon Lighthouse
Absecon Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1857. Today, it is the only lighthouse in New Jersey that still houses its original first-order Fresnel lens, a huge 36-plate lens produced in Paris, France. Just a few blocks from the boardwalk, the yellow tower with a black band is also the state’s tallest lighthouse and the country’s third-tallest such structure. Families can ascend 228 steps up a spiral staircase for breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. The original light keeper’s house was destroyed in a fire during a 1998 renovation, but a new red-roofed keeper’s house is open for visits, along with a museum and gift shop.
Historic Gardner’s Basin
Historic Gardner’s Basin has a number of family-friendly elements. Originally a pirate cove in the 1700s, centuries later, the basin was transformed into a boating, fishing, dining, and shopping complex on the bay. Waterfront eateries serving fresh-off-the-boat seafood provide opportunities to glimpse clam boats and pleasure craft as they head out to sea. Crafter’s Village offers a dozen cottages filled with handcrafted items from local artists, and the Atlantic City Aquarium features a variety of sea creatures indigenous to the Mid-Atlantic region. Dolphin-watching cruises, sightseeing cruises, and deep-sea and back bay fishing charters are also available, with special events and festivals taking place throughout the year.
As a whole, New Jersey is a state that offers many natural attractions. The Jersey Shore is chock-full of beach towns and recreational opportunities Go inland, and you may be surprised to discover a variety of nature trails, mountain paths, pretty parks, and lots more. Learn about outdoor fun in New Jersey at https://www.visitnj.org/
Warning
Important: Covid-19 travel guidelines may be in effect for the State of New Jersey. Be sure to check the website of attractions you are visiting along with the State site. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges all Americans to exercise the safety precautions in public. Use caution and travel at your own risk.
About the Author
Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey’s “Cape May County Herald” and covered the family and pet beat for CBS Philadelphia. Her health, fitness, beauty and travel articles have appeared in various online publications. Currently, DeFeo hosts the blog “Old Houses Under $50K.”
Are you a lover of old homes? See Old Houses Under 100K. New Jersey has many old homes for sale.
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