Hotel at a Glance: Harrah's Resort Atlantic City

This sprawling 4-star hotel and entertainment complex overlooks the Absecon Inlet in Atlantic City. Some guest rooms have views of the water; downstairs, there's an indoor pool that exudes summer vibes all year long.

• Spend a night on the town without leaving the hotel. The resort has several bars and lounges with live music on the weekends
• Grab a bite at one of several onsite restaurants, which range from an upscale Italian outlet to a low-key burger joint.
• Take a dip in the massive indoor swimming pool; it's set under a glass dome and surrounded by palm trees (for ages 21 or older).
• Keep fit at a well-equipped fitness center, open 24/7.

Atlantic City, New Jersey: Casinos and Carnival Rides Lining Historical Beachside Boardwalk

No trip to Atlantic City is complete without a stroll along its signature boardwalk, which stretches for 6 miles along New Jersey's eastern coast. Originally built in 1870 to keep sand out of hotel lobbies, the boardwalk grew in popularity as a place where you could drink and gamble during Prohibition without much trouble from the police, as depicted in HBO's Boardwalk Empire. The boardwalk is still popular for its casinos, but it's family-friendly, too; visitors are just as inclined to sit at the beach or stop at one of the many carnival rides.

On the boardwalk, it's worth it to check out the Absecon Lighthouse, which is more than 150 years old. It's possible to climb its 228 steps to the top, which features sweeping views of the city skyline and the sea.