Jason,just across the bridge from Harrah's is Brigantine,there are some non-chain type motels and Brigantine is a nice area..St.George's pub is a nice locals spot for a burger and drinks and they have packaged goods.(In the strip mall behind the Burger King on the main drag)I can't imagine a taxi would cost too much from Harrah's to Brigantine,just a few miles away.Sorry I cannot recomend a specific motel there,just mentioning if you wanted to avoid the strip chain-hotels and traffic etc,and stay close to the beach..Might cost more though..but can't see them charging the $300+ the casinos are..worth a shot to take a look?

But from Harrah's,they have jitneys that run to other harrah's properties,so you could check out the Pool there,(as Dave mentioned) and a good food court is just off it.(Double comp points for food though,Bill's Burger's open 24hrs is one-for-one still I believe)
From off the jitney you can checkout the boardwalk (best in daytime)and I'm not sure of the schedule,it is not 24hrs.
But the Marina district is the nicest-Harrah's-Borgata-GoldenNugget.Any specific questions about Harrah's email me.