Atlantic City

United_States

Atlantic City casinos at night. The entertainment capital of the Eastern Seaboard, Atlantic City is New Jersey's most popular resort destination. Its streets are familiar to anyone who's ever played Monopoly (the American version), but board game fans aren't the only ones who want to "take a walk on the Boardwalk". The city's beaches and the famous wood-plank walkway have attracted visitors for more than a century.

While many visitors come just for the casinos, which had revitalized Atlantic City in the late 1970s after decades of decline, if you never set foot on the beach it's fair to say you're missing the whole point. Atlantic City is more than just a gambler's haven; it's a legendary resort town like no other.

From its founding, Atlantic City has always been about tourism. It was founded in the late 19th century as a resort destination after railroad companies built track between Absecon Island (on which the city exists today) and Philadelphia. In its early days, Atlantic City catered to urban workers from Philadelphia. The heyday for Atlantic City as a beach resort lasted through the first half of the 20th century, when it fell out of favor. Atlantic City was revived after a state-wide referendum in 1976 legalized casino gambling in the city, and casinos began popping up along the boardwalk and in the Marina District in 1978.

More recently, Atlantic City's casinos have fallen on hard times due to competition from other states. Pennsylvania legalised casino gambling in 2006; Maryland, New York and Delaware have also entered the fray. Atlantic City's annual casino revenue dropped by half, from $5.2bn in 2006 to $2.86bn by 2013. Four of the twelve Atlantic City casinos closed in 2014 (Atlantic Club, Showboat, Revel and Trump Plaza); the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort permanently closed on Labor Day 2016.

Boardwalk Information Center. Daily 9:30am - 5:30pm.

  • Atlantic City Aquarium, 800 N. New Hampshire Av., +1 609 348-2880. Daily 10AM–5PM. Features eight giant aquariums (including a touch tank), shipwreck artifacts, etc. Adults: $8, Seniors: $6, Children (ages 4–12): $5, Under 3: Free.
  • Ripley's Believe it or Not!, 1441 Boardwalk, +1 609 347-2001. 400 exhibits of incredible artifacts. Adults: $17, Seniors: $14, Children (ages 5–12): $11.
  • Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave, +1 609 449-1360. Th-M 11AM–4PM; July and August daily 10AM-5PM. Built in 1857 and is the tallest in New Jersey. 228 steps to the top will yield a magnificent view of the Jersey shoreline. Adults: $7, Children (ages 4–12): $5, Under 3: Free.
  • Lucy the Elephant, 9200 Atlantic Av. at Decatur Ave. (located in nearby town of Margate, +1 609 823-6473. A 65-ton building built (as novelty architecture) to look like an elephant. Built in 1881 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is one of those curious pieces of Americana that one doesn't see too much of anymore. 30-minute tours of its interior are available. Adults $8, ages 3–12 $4.
  • New Jersey Korean War Memorial, Park Place and the Boardwalk, just north of Bally's. Commemorates those who served in the Korean War. Free.
  • Atlantic City Shows. Atlantic City has grown to be one of the north easts main stops for all large concerts and tours. With Boardwalk Hall being a great place to see a show or a world championship boxing match – the entertainment with Atlantic City Shows never ends.
  • Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Ave., +1 609-626-3805.
  • Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, +1 609 348-7000.

Atlantic City Aquarium, 800 N. New Hampshire Av., +1 609 348-2880. Daily 10AM–5PM. Features eight giant aquariums (including a touch tank), shipwreck artifacts, etc. Adults: $8, Seniors: $6, Children (ages 4–12): $5, Under 3: Free.

Ripley's Believe it or Not!, 1441 Boardwalk, +1 609 347-2001. 400 exhibits of incredible artifacts. Adults: $17, Seniors: $14, Children (ages 5–12): $11.

Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave, +1 609 449-1360. Th-M 11AM–4PM; July and August daily 10AM-5PM. Built in 1857 and is the tallest in New Jersey. 228 steps to the top will yield a magnificent view of the Jersey shoreline. Adults: $7, Children (ages 4–12): $5, Under 3: Free.

Lucy the Elephant, 9200 Atlantic Av. at Decatur Ave. (located in nearby town of Margate, +1 609 823-6473. A 65-ton building built (as [[novelty architecture]]) to look like an elephant. Built in 1881 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is one of those curious pieces of Americana that one doesn't see too much of anymore. 30-minute tours of its interior are available. Adults $8, ages 3–12 $4.

New Jersey Korean War Memorial, Park Place and the Boardwalk, just north of Bally's. Commemorates those who served in the Korean War. Free.

Atlantic City Shows. Atlantic City has grown to be one of the north easts main stops for all large concerts and tours. With Boardwalk Hall being a great place to see a show or a world championship boxing match – the entertainment with Atlantic City Shows never ends.

Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Ave., +1 609-626-3805.

  • African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, +1 609 350-6662. W-SA 11AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Adults $3, Students $2, Wednesdays Free, Military Free.

Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Ave., +1 609-626-3805.

  • African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, +1 609 350-6662. W-SA 11AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Adults $3, Students $2, Wednesdays Free, Military Free.

Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, +1 609 348-7000.

A view of the Atlantic City Boardwalk from the Tropicana Casino Hotel

There is plenty to do in Atlantic City. Most people go to "AC" to gamble in one of the many resorts. Atlantic City casinos offer slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, keno, race and sports books and specialty table games.

  • Steel Pier. - located in Atlantic City
  • Boardwalk. Explore the world's first boardwalk! The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the backbone of this seaside resort city, providing access to hotels, resorts, shops, casinos and more. Stemming from the Atlantic City Boardwalk are several piers featuring a number of attractions. Steel Pier features a small amusement park right off the Atlantic City Boardwalk with rides, games and food. Garden Pier is known as the arts and cultural center of the Atlantic City Boardwalk complete with Atlantic City historical museum and Atlantic City Art Center.
  • Beach. Atlantic City is right on the beach at the Jersey Shore; you can go swimming, tanning, fishing, or surfing. Atlantic City is one of the few places in New Jersey where access to the beach is free. Many of the resorts are located right on the beach and boardwalk.
    • In addition to the beach in Atlantic City, the southern New Jersey Shore boasts many other beaches to the south including Ocean City, The Wildwoods, and Cape May - with their own boardwalks containing amusements, restaurants, shops and souvenir stores. Gambling in New Jersey, however, is restricted to Atlantic City.
  • Dante Hall Theater, 14 N Mississippi Ave, +1 609 626-3890. Box office Tu-Th 1PM-5PM and 2 hrs prior to shows.

Steel Pier. - located in Atlantic City

Boardwalk. Explore the world's first boardwalk! The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the backbone of this seaside resort city, providing access to hotels, resorts, shops, casinos and more. Stemming from the Atlantic City Boardwalk are several piers featuring a number of attractions. Steel Pier features a small amusement park right off the Atlantic City Boardwalk with rides, games and food. Garden Pier is known as the arts and cultural center of the Atlantic City Boardwalk complete with Atlantic City historical museum and Atlantic City Art Center.

Beach. Atlantic City is right on the beach at the Jersey Shore; you can go swimming, tanning, fishing, or surfing. Atlantic City is one of the few places in New Jersey where access to the beach is free. Many of the resorts are located right on the beach and boardwalk.

  • In addition to the beach in Atlantic City, the southern New Jersey Shore boasts many other beaches to the south including Ocean City, The Wildwoods, and Cape May - with their own boardwalks containing amusements, restaurants, shops and souvenir stores. Gambling in New Jersey, however, is restricted to Atlantic City.

Dante Hall Theater, 14 N Mississippi Ave, +1 609 626-3890. Box office Tu-Th 1PM-5PM and 2 hrs prior to shows.

  • Steel's Fudge, 1633 Boardwalk. The oldest continuously family owned & operated fudge producer in the world, Steel's has two locations on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk, and makes and sells delicious fudge, taffy, cookies, and candies.
  • Atlantic City Outlets, 2014 Baltic Ave. (Right behind Caesars casino (around Michigan Ave and Atlantic and Arctic Aves), +1 609 344-009. Opened a few years ago and still expanding.
  • Bass Pro Shops, 30 N Christopher Columbus Blvd. 85,000 square feet of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor recreation merchandise.
  • Playground, 1 Atlantic Ocean, +1 609 345-3100. A shopping, dining, and nightlife destination built on what was an industrial pier many years ago. Home to upscale shops such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
  • Hamilton Mall, 4403 Black Horse Pike. About 13 miles away in Mays Landing. Anchors include J.C. Penney, Macy's and Sears.

Steel's Fudge, 1633 Boardwalk. The oldest continuously family owned & operated fudge producer in the world, Steel's has two locations on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk, and makes and sells delicious fudge, taffy, cookies, and candies.

Atlantic City Outlets, 2014 Baltic Ave. (Right behind Caesars casino (around Michigan Ave and Atlantic and Arctic Aves), +1 609 344-009. Opened a few years ago and still expanding.

Bass Pro Shops, 30 N Christopher Columbus Blvd. 85,000 square feet of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor recreation merchandise.

Playground, 1 Atlantic Ocean, +1 609 345-3100. A shopping, dining, and nightlife destination built on what was an industrial pier many years ago. Home to upscale shops such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

Hamilton Mall, 4403 Black Horse Pike. About 13 miles away in Mays Landing. Anchors include J.C. Penney, Macy's and Sears.

A pizza vendor on the boardwalk

  • Atlantic City Bar and Grill, 1217 Pacific Avenue, +1 609 348-8080. 11AM-after midnight. Family owned restaurant in the heart of Atlantic City offering a wide variety of seafood, steaks, and spirits in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.
  • Bill’s Bar & Burger, 777 Harrah’s Boulevard (inside Harrah’s Resort, +1 609 441-5800. daily 12PM-4AM. Classic comfort food and micro-brewed beers with bay views. $9-$13.
  • Dock's Oyster House, 2405 Atlantic Av., +1 609 345-0092. Opened in 1897, continues to offer items from their original menu. Raw bar, extensive selection of sea food. The food and service are both great.
  • Dos Caminos, 777 Harrah’s Boulevard (inside Harrah’s Resort, +1 609 441-5747. Su-Th 5PM-11PM, F Sa 5PM-1AM. Modern Mexican cuisine, made-to-order guacamole & tequila cocktails. $12-$36.
  • izakaya, One Borgata Way (inside Borgata Hotel/Casino, +1 609 317-1000. Modern Japanese pub serving sushi, sake and robatayaki in a sensual, yet contemporary atmosphere. Tempting cocktails and sharable plates for after-hours nosh and drinks, or a delicious late night meal.
  • Longhorn Steakhouse, 2108 Atlantic Avenue (at crossing with Arkansas Ave., +1 609 344-2050. Steak and margaritas. Appetizers: $10, Main Dishes: $15-30.
  • Sammy D's, 777 Harrah's Blvd (inside Harrah's Resort, +1 609 441-5402. Su 7AM-11PM, M 7AM-2PM 5PM-11PM, Tu 7AM-2PM, W Th 7AM-2PM 5PM-11PM, F 7AM-2PM 5PM-1AM, Sa 7AM-1AM. American fare by Chef Sammy DeMarco. $9-$54.
  • Tony Boloney's, 300 Oriental Ave, +1 609 344-8669. Wed-Sun 11 AM-9 PM. Indigenous Atlantic City pizza-joint, winner of the Guy Fieri Cheesesteak Battle, and local hang-out.
  • Tony's Baltimore Grill, 2800 Atlantic Av., +1 609 345-5766. Old-style pizza and pasta, reasonable prices, a local favorite. Some people are not sold on the place, however.
  • White House Sub Shop, 2301 Arctic Ave, +1 609 345-1564. 11-11. Great sandwiches made from great bread, celeb pictures on the wall—look for the Beatles pics.
  • Street vendors on the Boardwalk sell items such as pretzels, hot dogs, pizza, salt water taffy, funnel cakes and cotton candy.

Atlantic City Bar and Grill, 1217 Pacific Avenue, +1 609 348-8080. 11AM-after midnight. Family owned restaurant in the heart of Atlantic City offering a wide variety of seafood, steaks, and spirits in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

Bill’s Bar & Burger, 777 Harrah’s Boulevard (inside Harrah’s Resort, +1 609 441-5800. daily 12PM-4AM. Classic comfort food and micro-brewed beers with bay views. $9-$13.

Dock's Oyster House, 2405 Atlantic Av., +1 609 345-0092. Opened in 1897, continues to offer items from their original menu. Raw bar, extensive selection of sea food. The food and service are both great.

Dos Caminos, 777 Harrah’s Boulevard (inside Harrah’s Resort, +1 609 441-5747. Su-Th 5PM-11PM, F Sa 5PM-1AM. Modern Mexican cuisine, made-to-order guacamole & tequila cocktails. $12-$36.

izakaya, One Borgata Way (inside Borgata Hotel/Casino, +1 609 317-1000. Modern Japanese pub serving sushi, sake and robatayaki in a sensual, yet contemporary atmosphere. Tempting cocktails and sharable plates for after-hours nosh and drinks, or a delicious late night meal.

Longhorn Steakhouse, 2108 Atlantic Avenue (at crossing with Arkansas Ave., +1 609 344-2050. Steak and margaritas. Appetizers: $10, Main Dishes: $15-30.

Sammy D's, 777 Harrah's Blvd (inside Harrah's Resort, +1 609 441-5402. Su 7AM-11PM, M 7AM-2PM 5PM-11PM, Tu 7AM-2PM, W Th 7AM-2PM 5PM-11PM, F 7AM-2PM 5PM-1AM, Sa 7AM-1AM. American fare by Chef Sammy DeMarco. $9-$54.

Tony Boloney's, 300 Oriental Ave, +1 609 344-8669. Wed-Sun 11 AM-9 PM. Indigenous Atlantic City pizza-joint, winner of the Guy Fieri Cheesesteak Battle, and local hang-out.

Tony's Baltimore Grill, 2800 Atlantic Av., +1 609 345-5766. Old-style pizza and pasta, reasonable prices, a local favorite. Some people are not sold on the place, however.

White House Sub Shop, 2301 Arctic Ave, +1 609 345-1564. 11-11. Great sandwiches made from great bread, celeb pictures on the wall—look for the Beatles pics.

Street vendors on the Boardwalk sell items such as pretzels, hot dogs, pizza, salt water taffy, funnel cakes and cotton candy.

As in Las Vegas, alcoholic beverages are provided 24/7 for "free" to gamblers at the casinos. Expect options to be rather limited (i.e. well drinks and mass-market beer) unless you're a high-roller, though.

  • Ducktown Tavern, 2400 Atlantic Ave, +1 609 449-1212. 24/7. Local sports bar with three happy hours. It's the place to go outside the casinos to watch sports and eat good wings (note, however, that other than wings the food is just OK). It's a local but friendly crowd; it's particularly popular with Atlantic City police, as the happy hours coincide with ACPD shift changes. Open 24/7, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They carry NFL and NCAA Football packages.
  • Pic-A-Lilli Pub, 231 S. Tennessee Ave, +1 609 344-1113. Lauded by locals and tourists alike for its down-to-earth crowd, cheap drinks, and great bar food. The place to go for wings.
  • Culmone's Bar, 2437 Atlantic Ave, +1 609 348-5170. Divey locals bar known for its good, cheap beer and attentive, sometimes-strict bartenders.
  • Chelsea Pub and Inn, 8 S Morris Ave, +1 609 345-4700. Good mixed drinks for relatively cheap, a pleasant atmosphere, and a laid back crowd make this pub a favorite with locals.

Ducktown Tavern, 2400 Atlantic Ave, +1 609 449-1212. 24/7. Local sports bar with three happy hours. It's the place to go outside the casinos to watch sports and eat good wings (note, however, that other than wings the food is just OK). It's a local but friendly crowd; it's particularly popular with Atlantic City police, as the happy hours coincide with ACPD shift changes. Open 24/7, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They carry NFL and NCAA Football packages.

Pic-A-Lilli Pub, 231 S. Tennessee Ave, +1 609 344-1113. Lauded by locals and tourists alike for its down-to-earth crowd, cheap drinks, and great bar food. The place to go for wings.

Culmone's Bar, 2437 Atlantic Ave, +1 609 348-5170. Divey locals bar known for its good, cheap beer and attentive, sometimes-strict bartenders.

Chelsea Pub and Inn, 8 S Morris Ave, +1 609 345-4700. Good mixed drinks for relatively cheap, a pleasant atmosphere, and a laid back crowd make this pub a favorite with locals.

Atlantic City has many high rise condominiums and other major hotels along the Boardwalk and Marina Districts. The Atlantic City Police Department patrols the Boardwalk via bicycle and ATV details. Like any other major city, it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings in this heavily visited tourism district. Many areas away from the casinos are significantly less safe; as of 2012, Atlantic City has the second-highest violent crime rate in the state.

Like many cities that attract money and gambling, Atlantic City has a significant population of homeless beggars. The homeless aren't aggressive and are usually found asking for change on the boardwalk. Simply say "no" or ignore them. They'll usually move onto the next person.

The casinos themselves are very well-policed and if you run into problems, simply ask security for assistance. Be careful with your winnings! There's always a chance that pick pockets are waiting for an opportunity to cause trouble. If you're lucky enough to win at the slots, but feel uncomfortable carrying large sums of cash to your car or hotel room, ask the casino for either an escort or to receive your winnings via check.

  • Philadelphia, 1 hour away to the northwest
  • New York City, just over 2 hours to the north
  • Allentown, home of Dorney Park, 120 miles to the northwest
  • Cape May and Wildwood, only 30 minutes to the south
  • Ocean City, only 15 minutes south on the next island
  • Long Port 10 minutes and still on the same island
  • Brigantine 2 minutes away across the Absecon Inlet, bridge located next to Harrah's