Atlantic City Boardwalk

Opened in 1870 as a mile-long stretch of convenience and recreation along the white-sand beaches of Atlantic City, the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk has long been the hub of entertainment for America's favorite playground. Even without the famous diving horse of years ago (yes, a horse and rider would actually dive off a high platform into an above-ground pool to the amusement of countless onlookers), the Boardwalk is teeming with things to see and do, including a slew of ethnic restaurants and eateries, galleries and museums, live music venues and countless shopping options. Visitors can walk the length of the Boardwalk, stretching from the Atlantic City Inlet to neighboring Ventnor City, or choose to take a ride in a famous rolling chair, many of which are pushed by friendly foreigners who are working in town. Of course, there is easy "backdoor" access to 11 of the thirteen casinos, several hotels, and the Jersey Shore is just a few steps away. The Atlantic City Boardwalk is also home to the famous Miss America Pageant parade and other annual festivities. Boardwalk attraction highlights include the famous Belrose Galleries, selling an array of fine arts; the Steel Pier, offering a carnival-like atmosphere with rides, games and other such entertainment; Ripley's Believe it Or Not Museum, home of the strange and unusual; and the Ocean One Shopping Mall, a full-scale mall that extends out over the Atlantic Ocean. The Boardwalk is open to the public 24-hours a day. Stop and check out many of the statues and memorials that have been erected up and down the Boardwalk for a better sense of its history and other city accolades -- many films and special events have taken place here. It is not recommended that visitors walk the boardwalk alone late at night.