Things to Do in Atlantic City NJ
- May 12
- 7 min read
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, see our Terms & Conditions page. Thank you.
On the Jersey shore, a row of casinos whirr with the sound of slot machines and gaming tables. Between the sea and the betting houses, a 5-mile Boardwalk dotted with hot dog stands and beach bikes softens the glitz. Our article on things to do in Atlantic City NJ will orient you to both the bright lights of the casinos and the city’s iconic wooden Boardwalk.
Atlantic City has all of the hotels, nightclubs, and high-end shopping you would expect in a casino resort town. Venues at the hotspot book comedy acts, concerts, and boxing matches to entertain their guests. The city has another kind of kitschy charm that visitors also love, though. It includes attractions like rolling chairs, the Miss America statue, and Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy.
THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTIC CITY
ABOUT ATLANTIC CITY NJ
With its sandy beaches and seaside breezes, Atlantic City, New Jersey developed as a resort town in the 1800s. The first Boardwalk was constructed to keep the sand out of hotel lobbies. Novelty shops, eateries, and amusements sprang up along the wooden walkway.
The city thrived during the prohibition era (1920-1950s). Then, the economy staggered – until the State of New Jersey authorized casino gambling in the 1970s. Today, the city of 38,000 people is home to 9 casinos that host some 27 million visitors a year. Unlike Las Vegas, Atlantic City was a town before the casinos came and it retains the feeling a beach community.
Fun facts about Atlantic City include the city being the originator of salt water taffy and the Miss America contest. Also, the streets and landmarks of the original Monopoly game featured well-known Atlantic City names such as Boardwalk, Park Place, and Marvin Gardens.
THINGS TO DO IN NEW JERSEY
GETTING TO ATLANTIC CITY
On the Northeast corridor, Atlantic City is within a day’s drive of 40% of the US population. Via expressway, the city is about a 1 hour drive from Philadelphia, 2.5 hours from New York City, and 5.5 hours from Boston.
Atlantic City is serviced by air from the Atlantic City International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. The Atlantic City Commuter Rail Line runs between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Look for airline flights here.
The city is well-service by bus (Greyhound Lines, FlixBus, OurBus), rental car agencies, and limousine transport. There are large parking lots in all the major casinos and car park lots throughout the city (for fee).
GETTING AROUND
Two neighborhoods you will likely want to explore in Atlantic City include Boardwalk/Center City (an oceanfront tourist area with several casinos, the Boardwalk, and Steel Pier) and the Marina District (high-end casinos in the north part of the city).
It is a couple of miles between the two neighborhoods, and we do not recommend walking – especially at night. Instead, use the Atlantic City Jitney Service. These small buses operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (single ride $2.50) or a private taxi service.
There are several ways to navigate the 5 mile Boardwalk. Use your feet or hop on a jitney. Alternatively, use a rolling chair (rickshaw) or a 15-passenger Boardwalk tram.
THINGS TO DO IN PHILADELPHIA
THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTIC CITY NJ
Atlantic City Casinos
There are currently nine casino resorts operating in Atlantic City in two areas of the city. These casinos offer slot machines, gaming tables, sports betting, hotel rooms, restaurants featuring celebrity chefs, headline concerts, spas, luxury shopping, and more. The casinos are:
City Center Casinos – On the Boardwalk bordering the beach:
Bally’s Atlantic City Casino & Resort
Caesars Atlantic City
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino AC
Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City
Resorts Casino Hotel
Tropicana Atlantic City
Marina District Casinos – Freestanding resorts, more secluded, upscale atmosphere:
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
Atlantic City Boardwalk & Beach
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the United State’s first and longest wooden-planked walkway. Stretching over 5 miles, the Boardwalk abuts the beach on one side and beach shops on the other. Along this footpath find arcades, souvenirs, restaurants, palm readers, mini-golf, casinos, bikes for rent, go-karts, and more.
Access to the beach is free.
East Coast Atlantic City Cuisine
There are foods for every palate and pocketbook in Atlantic City. Have fun with the street food along the Boardwalk – Forno’s Pizza, hot dogs, and cotton candy. Kids will love the Sugar Factory; adults will enjoy a beer on the Boardwalk at the Biergarten. Try dinner at Nobu, Hell’s Kitchen, or Council Oaks Steak and Seafood.
For those who loved Jersey boy, Anthony Bourdain, there are four stops on the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail in Atlantic City. Sample fresh seafood at Dock’s Oyster House, steak at the Knife and Fork Inn, pizza at Tony’s Baltimore Grill, and salt water taffy at James Original.
Atlantic City Attractions
There are attractions galore in Atlantic City. The town is home to a Topgolf Swing Suite, an aquarium, an escape room, a PaniQ Room, two waterparks, an axe throwing park, and two paintball facilities.
Atlantic City Shopping
Find a wide variety of high-end goods just a short walk from the Boardwalk at the Tanger Outlets. The open air shopping center runs over three city blocks and offers over 100-brand name stores including Nike, Coach, H&M, Michaels Kors, Kate Spade. Near the outlets is a massive Bass Pro Shop.
Back on the Boardwalk shop for colorful, discount leisurewear, toys, and sundries. You could spend an entire afternoon working your way through the eclectic beach shops.
THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY
Amusements and Arcades
Great family fun for the young and young-at-heart can be found on the Boardwalk and beyond. Look for the:
Central Pier Arcade & Speedway
Family Fun Station - Tropicana
Lucky Snake Arcade Showboat Hotel
Playcade Amusements on the Boardwalk
Raceway & Arcade at Lucky Snake Showboat Hotel
Miniature Golf Atlantic City Miniature Golf
Gardner’s Basin
Get away from the hustle of the Boardwalk with a side trip to the waterfront. Located on a protected channel across from the Coast Guard Station, Gardner’s Basin maritime park offers dolphin watching, parasailing, and fishing excursions. Also, check out great seafood restaurants, and the Atlantic City Aquarium.
Steele Pier Amusement Park
Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, the Steel Pier Amusement Park is one of Atlantic City’s most iconic landmarks. The park is home to 25 rides and many carnival games. The Steel Pier offers helicopter rides, a custom carousel, and 227 foot Ferris Wheel.
Cultural Attractions
Find a wide range of curiosities and cultural attractions that reflect Atlantic City’s unique history and artistic community. See the Korean and Purple Heart Memorials, the Civil Rights Garden, and the Visitor Center at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Say hello to the Miss America Statue in the Kennedy Plaza.
Climb 228 steps to the Absecon Lighthouse (New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse) for breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline. Walk the Boardwalk to view some of the city’s 80 murals.
Atlantic City Shows
Atlantic City hosts a non-stop calendar of live entertainment ranging from star-studded musical events to tributes and comedy acts. “Hook” is a long-running variety show in residency at Caesars Atlantic City. Other resorts and casino theaters host headline concerts, drag shows, IMAX experiences, boxing matches, and impersonators.
Click on this link for tickets to Hook at Caesars Resort.
ATLANTIC CITY NJ HOTELS
Visitors will find a variety of accommodations in Atlantic City. For safety and convenience, we recommend staying at one of the major casinos on the Boardwalk or in the Marina District. These resorts offer modern rooms, beach or marina access, spas, many dining options, and access to gaming centers.
Try one of these top-rated properties:
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – SAFETY TIPS
Like many older cities, parts of Atlantic City are plagued by poverty and neglect. The city has a higher crime rate than the national average. Beleaguered by high unemployment, there is a significant population of drug-users and the unhoused.
Neighborhoods highly trafficked by tourists, like the Boardwalk and Marina District, are generally considered to be safe for visitors, especially during the day. Consider these key safety tips when traveling to the area:
Always remain aware of your surroundings.
Politely ignore panhandlers and go about your business.
After dark, avoid straying from the casinos and Boardwalks in front of them. Remember: the Boardwalk is 5 miles long. Some areas on it are remote. Do not walk the beach alone.
At all times, stick to wide-open areas, well-lit areas, and areas that are populated. Keep your belongings well-secured.
In transport, use public buses and jitneys, taxis, and ride shares when traveling about.
ATLANTIC CITY MAP
WEATHER & BEST TIME TO VISIT
In Atlantic City summers are hot and humid (high 80s F’ in July); winters are cold with frequent precipitation (30-40s F’ in February). It is windy year round.
July to August – warmest months, best for water activities. Most crowded.
November to March – best for indoor activities and water parks.
April, May, June, September, and October – warm weather with less crowds than peak summer months. Good weather for boating, water sports, and beaches. Restaurants, tourist attractions, and casinos are running at full capacity.
Sending good luck and positive vibes your way, Laura and Randy
For more information on east coast travel, read our travel blog posts on:
IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!
Comments