It’s no wonder the Greater Atlantic City Region is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Just look at all that it offers: Atlantic City and its world-famous beach and boardwalk, luxurious casino, non-stop gaming action, the hottest entertainers, the best in dining, and quality sporting events.

“The World’s Playground” is renowned for all of the above. And Atlantic City is a city of firsts in its own right. Walk, jog, or pedal down the six-mile-long Atlantic City boardwalk, the world?s first, built in 1870 and voted one of the best boardwalks in America. Or, let someone else do the work and coast over the boards in a hand-pushed rolling chair.

Along the way, stop at any of a number of souvenir shops or renowned salt-water taffy stores for a sweet treat, Atlantic City style. The sticky candy was first stretched and pulled at boardwalk stands back in the 1880’s.

You don’t have to journey far from the boardwalk, however, to discover the charm of the rest of the Greater Atlantic City Region.

You can experience it during a walk among many of the 60 colonial-era shops at the Towne of Historic Smithville and the adjacent Village Green. And it’s there for the tasting, in the fruits of the vine at the Renault Winery in Egg Harbor, or in the vast blueberry fields of Hammonton.

You’ll notice it during a leisurely drive through the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge, 35,000 acres of protected salt marsh in Oceanville, where you can spy on thousands of migratory birds and other wonders of nature. You’ll discover it while browsing among the works at the Noyes Museum, southern New Jersey?s only art museum. If the outdoors is your goal there are many fine campgrounds in the area to pitch your tent or set up your RV.

Revel in bay heritage along a beautiful waterfront in Somers Point or visit the landmark mansion of original harbormaster Richard Somers, the oldest home in all of Atlantic County, it remains a museum today. Marvel at the world’s only 63-foot pachyderm with a visit to Lucy the Margate Elephant, an area historical museum. Or have your children experience their favorite nursary rhythm charactors in life size at Storybook Land.

Though the Greater Atlantic City Region possesses a rich past, all eyes are on a future brimming with possibilities. The international airport in Pomona has been expanded, a new convention center has been built and the revitalized neighborhoods throughout the city assure that visitors will have much to experience in Greater Atlantic City for generations to come.

Used with permission from The New Jersey Campground Owners Association