Atlantic City, NJ

Atlantic City Beach
Miles of white sandy beach, teaming activity during warm months; note the historic lifeboats and plentiful lifeguards on duty; several beach bars operate during the summer with a mix of live and recorded music plus light food and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; you can also find a quiet spot from time to time

ADDRESS: beach in front of the Boardwalk

Chicken Bone Beach
Prior to the arrival of hotels, in 1928 this portion of the beach was designated for Black bathers; although there was no official restriction against using other parts of the beach, it was made clear that African Americans would be made uncomfortable elsewhere on Atlantic City Beaches

ADDRESS: Boardwalk between Missouri Ave and Mississippi Ave on, just south of The Pier Shops at Caesars

Brigantine Beach
Virtually in the shadow of the casinos, Brigantine is a world unto itself; the island is a short bridge north Atlantic City, but in mindset, the laid-back beach community with a mix of older beach homes and newer high-end condos and executive mansions is miles away

Absecon Lighthouse
The tallest of New Jersey's lights, it still boasts its original First-Order Fresnel lens (its really good); visitors can climb its 228 steps for a spectacular view of the coast

DAYS & HOURS: Thu-Mon 11a-4p

ADDRESS: 31 South Rhode Island Ave

PHONE: 609-449-1360

WEBSITE: http://www.abseconlighthouse.org

Nearby Beach Cities

Ventnor, Margate and Longport Beaches
Primarily residential, these communities share the island with Atlantic City, but boast beautiful sandy beaches; entrance costs a small fee for beach cleaning and lifeguards give them an atmosphere all their own.