When people think of East Coast beach towns, they usually think of Atlantic City in New Jersey. Atlantic City, a popular holiday destination since its founding in the 1850s, is known for its miles of sandy beaches and many exciting attractions.

Many call it "Las Vegas of the East" because of all the cabaret and revue shows that can be seen here. Glitzy stage acts, such as rock and pop concerts, boxing contests, and even beauty pageants, are available around the clock at these often crowded sites.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk is where you'll find the city's best dining, shopping, and nightlife. This five-and-a-half-mile-long, sixty-foot-wide stretch of beachfront promenade is also a great area to stroll and people-watch.

Since the boardwalk was constructed in 1870, the city's population has increased dramatically. Nowadays, an annual average of 27 million tourists spend tens of millions of dollars at the city's most popular attractions.

Take a Seaside Boardwalk Walk

The Boardwalk is Atlantic City's most well-known landmark; for a good reason, it's jam-packed with exciting and entertaining options. Most of the original four-mile wooden boardwalk from 1870, which washed ashore after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, is located near all of the city's attractions.

It's a great spot to people-watch while enjoying a breezy walk by the water. The famed "rolling chairs," enormous wicker seats moved like rickshaws, and the city's unique electric tram are two more exciting ways to see the boardwalk.

You may also catch a performance, eat at a restaurant, and shop while strolling down the Atlantic City Boardwalk. There are several arcades at the water's edge, so youngsters may let off steam.

Ride the Steel Pier's Famous Rides

You might think of the Steel Pier as Atlantic City's version of New York's Coney Island. This fantastic vintage amusement pier, opened in 1898, has been a popular tourist destination for many years.

There are rides for all ages, from the delicate teacups and miniature trains for the little ones to the thrilling swing carousel and roller coasters for the larger kids and adults. Rides like the Flyer, MIX, and Slingshot will excite even the most adrenaline-seeking guests.

Take a spin on the newest attraction, The Wheel, for breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic City Boardwalk and beyond. This breathtaking Ferris wheel is 227 feet tall, can accommodate up to 240 riders, and can run all year round.

View Absecon Lighthouse

The 228-foot-tall Absecon Lighthouse, which stands at the northernmost tip of Atlantic City, is unique for still housing the First-Order Fresnel lens with which it was originally equipped in 1857. It stands at a lofty 171 feet, making it the highest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third-tallest in the whole United States.

The granite blocks, bricks, and the iron lighthouse was refurbished and repainted in their original black and yellow for New Jersey's 300th anniversary in 1964. The breathtaking panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean make the ascent worthwhile.

The living quarters of the lighthouse keeper and the intriguing museum with displays about the history of lighthouses and their keepers are also noteworthy. It also has displays on area shipwrecks and maritime history.

Visit Ocean City

Ocean City is a popular destination for families about 11 miles south of Atlantic City. This Atlantic coast beach town has remained dry since it was founded by ministers in 1879 and features some of the nicest beaches in the region.

Like its more famous sibling to the north, Ocean City boasts a first-rate boardwalk. This one is just 2.5 miles long, but it still has a charming downtown area with a wide variety of stores and restaurants to explore. There are several theatres and amusement parks for visitors to enjoy.

The Ocean City Historical Museum deserves your attention. Ocean City's early history is depicted through period furniture, relics, and historical clothes exhibited in the Ocean City Community Center. Vintage postcards and pictures are also on show.

Board the Margate Elephant, Lucy

There aren't many landmarks along the coast that have as much cultural significance as Lucy, a wooden and tin elephant that stands 65 feet tall and is erected in the sleepy fishing village of Margate, Kent, in 1881 to promote the region as a desirable place to buy a vacation home.

Since then, Lucy has served as a bar, a summer house, and an observation platform. The National Park Service saved Lucy from certain destruction in the 1960s, and now she proudly displays her historic landmark status at Josephine Harron Park.

Climbing the spiral staircase to the "howdah," the little cabin-like structure on her back, to take in the breathtaking vistas is a highlight of a visit to the oldest surviving piece of a unique building in the United States. Guided tours are available, and they're a lot of fun.