The Boardwalk
(888) 847-4822,
(609) 348-7100
It's the most valuable property on the Monopoly board, which was modeled after Atlantic City, and it's the hottest spot in town. Built in 1870, it's the world's first boardwalk. Victorian ladies and gentlemen once strolled its venerable planks - "walking the boards" - to take in the ocean breezes.

Atlantic City Historical Museum
Garden Pier
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 347-5839
Free
Adjacent to the Boardwalk, the museum features a permanent exhibit titled: "Atlantic City: Playground of the Nation," which includes costumes, posters, souvenirs and Miss American memorabilia. Other exhibits showcase the city's piers, nightlife and ethnic contributions.

Ocean Life Center
Gardner's Basin
800 N. New Hampshire Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 348-2880
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
This marine science attraction explores the connection between the sea and the land, especially well-suited to its venue, as Atlantic City is located on a fragile barrier island. The center's goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of the ocean world. An atrium contains 29,800 gallons of live exhibits, and the center also features interactive displays and indoor/outdoor observation decks.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum
New York Avenue and Boardwalk
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 347-2001
This odd museum exhibits oddities from Robert Ripley's world travels. Visitors can also view films and experience an interactive funhouse.

Absecon Lighthouse
Rhode Island Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 449-1360
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, or by appointment
Opened in 1857 and last used in 1933, historic Absecon Lighthouse once helped guide mariners into the island's treacherous inlet. The double-walled masonry structure is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey. Though no longer used, it is a romantic symbol of days past.

Lucy the Elephant
9200 Atlantic Ave.
Margate, N.J. 08402
(609) 823-6473
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, April to mid-June and September to October
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily mid-June to Labor Day
There is nowhere else in the world you can step inside a 6-story, 90-ton metal elephant, which was built in 1881 for $38,000 as a real estate marketing stunt. When she was new, Lucy attracted throngs of visitors who wanted to tour her insides and step out on the "howdah" - her observation deck - to view the ocean. In the 1970s, Margate residents raised money to repair Lucy, who had fallen into disrepair and had been closed to visitors since the early 1960s. More info

Noyes Museum of Art
Lily Lake Road, off Route 9
Oceanville, N.J. 08231
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Dedicated to art collection, the Noyes Museum features the work of regional artists as well as 19th- and 20th-century folk and fine art. More info