Close to Pleasantville in Atlantic City, visitors can wander away from the Boardwalk and the fast-paced casinos for a view of Atlantic City life under the ocean. The Ocean Life Center on New Hampshire Avenue at Gardner's Basin features a live coral reef and such marine creatures as octopuses, moray eels and colorful tropical fish as well as ocean-related exhibits.
Things to do in Pleasantville
Absecon Lighthouse
Absecon Lighthouse is a restored 1857 lighthouse, reputed to be the tallest beacon on the Jersey Shore, and features its original Fresnel lens. Visitors may climb 228 steps to the top for a panorama of the surroundings, including Brigantine, Absecon Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. The reconstructed Keeper's House serves as a museum. Call (609) 449-1360 for more information.
Pacific Ave & Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Atlantic City Aquarium
Located in Atlantic City’s Historic Gardner's Basin, the Atlantic City Aquarium offers a fun and educational look into more than 100 varieties of fish and marine animals. The Atlantic City Aquarium's eight tanks total 29,800 gallons of live exhibits. Highlights include the Fish of the New Jersey Coast Aquarium, which holds 23,000 gallons and teems with sea bass, lookdowns, sand tiger sharks, northern stingray, bluefish, weakfish, and kingfish. The 750-gallon Touch Tank allows visitors to handle green, horseshoes, hermit and spider crabs, sea urchins, seastars, common periwinkle, channel and knobbed whelk, horse and blue mussels, and common shore shrimp. Each exhibit features computer-enhanced information stations for self-tours, in addition to a 16-station Ocean Life Education Center for personal, in-depth exploration by visitors. Call (609) 348-2880 for more information.
800 North New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Atlantic City Art Center
Three exhibition galleries change monthly and bi-monthly featuring artwork by contemporary artists and artisans of national, regional and local renown. The gallery shop offers unique items for sale and features handmade glass from historic Wheaton Village in Millville, New Jersey. The Art Center presents a wide variety of activities in conjunction with exhibits including concerts, gallery talks, artist demonstrations and literary readings. Call (609) 347-5837 for more information.
New Jersey Ave. & The Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Storybook Land
For over 50 years, Storybook Land has been keeping the spirit of childhood alive in an entertaining and educational atmosphere. The timelessness of childhood will ring true as your family literally walks through its all-time favorite stories and nursery rhymes at Storybook Land. Children’s classics are interspersed with exciting new family rides and attractions in a remarkably clean and enjoyable park setting. Join us several times a year for memorable family experiences. You are certain to enjoy your visits! Call (609) 641-7847 for more information.
6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
The Civil Rights Garden at Carnegie Library
Symbolism abounds in this tribute to individuals and events leading up to and during the civil rights movement. Eleven black granite columns are inscribed with passages from contributors to the struggle for equality. The columns increase in height but are unfinished, signifying that full equality has not been reached. A bronze bell, reflecting pool, plants, flowers and trees also can be seen. Call (609) 344-8338 for more information.
39 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401