Climb its 228 steps to a vantage point mixing Atlantic City’s skyline with a view of the vast ocean, as well as an original Fresnel lens used when the beacon opened in 1857.

Just off the northern end of the boardwalk rises New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse - and the country’s third-tallest - at 171 feet high. And for a true taste of Americana, head out to the Steel Pier amusement park, dating back to 1898. On the other side, large-scale casinos are interspersed with throwback shops, serving up famous saltwater taffy and frozen custard. No doubt the marquee attraction of the Jersey Shore, the boardwalk traces the beach, where surfing, parasailing, fishing, boating, windsurfing, and kayaking are all options.