Craving seaside fun, boardwalk thrills, and lively nightlife? Visit Atlantic City! This iconic Jersey Shore destination blends casinos, beach vibes, historic attractions, and world-class entertainment. Whether you're looking to relax or party, Atlantic City has something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Atlantic City is from May through September for warm beach days, boardwalk energy, and outdoor events. Spring and fall are quieter with milder temps and lower hotel rates, while winter is ideal for spa getaways and indoor entertainment.
How to Get There
- By Car: Atlantic City is accessible via the Atlantic City Expressway, about 2 hours from New York City and 1 hour from Philadelphia.
- By Train: NJ Transit runs service from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station to Atlantic City Rail Terminal.
- By Air: Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) offers regional flights; Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is about 1.5 hours away.
- By Bus: Several bus companies including Greyhound and NJ Transit offer service directly to casino resorts.
Where to Stay
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – Upscale resort with luxury rooms, high-end dining, spa services, and nightlife.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City – Stylish beachfront hotel with a music vibe and regular live performances.
- Ocean Casino Resort – Modern accommodations with ocean views, rooftop pool, and a spacious casino floor.
Top Attractions
1. Atlantic City Boardwalk
Rating: ★★★★★
The historic Atlantic City Boardwalk dates back to 1870 and is a fun spot to visit, from simply strolling along the seaside and soaking up the views to dining, shopping and pub-crawling. Whether you are looking for luxury hotels, high-end casinos, sophisticated shopping malls, bars or nightclubs, the Boardwalk has something for everyone.
Gourmet restaurants and cool beach cafés serve all kinds of cuisine while refreshing cocktails are sold at vibrant bars along the promenade. The Atlantic City Boardwalk is one of the top attractions in the city.
2. Steel Pier
Steel Pier is one of Atlantic City’s most popular attractions. Located on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk near Trump Taj Mahal and extending over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the pier features an amusement park with more than 25 themed rides, challenging games and adventures, food kiosks, street vendors and a family-friendly pub overlooking the water.
Some of the rides at the Pier’s amusement park include the double decker carousel and the ferris wheel, as well as extreme rides such as the Slingshot, the Mix, and the Freedom Flyer. The amusement arcade offers fun games and food stalls while the Ocean Reef Bar & Grill and the Steel Pier Pub offer dining with beautiful ocean views. If you are looking for fun things to do in Atlantic City with kids, this is a great place to visit.
Recommended Activities for Families
3. Absecon Lighthouse
Standing at 171 feet (52 m), the Absecon Lighthouse is New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the oldest in the country. The lighthouse is open to the public and offers the opportunity to climb up the 228 steps in order to take in the spectacular views of the Atlantic City skyline. Designed by George Meade, the lighthouse operated from 1857 to 1933. The lighthouse still shines every night for aesthetic purposes and a recent multi-million dollar restoration now includes a beautiful replica of the Lightkeeper's dwelling, an educational museum, an informative Fresnel Lens exhibit in the original Oil House and a charming gift shop. If you are wondering what to do in Atlantic City on a sunny morning, you will get an awesome view from the top of the Absecon Lighthouse.
4. Atlantic City Aquarium
Tucked inside the waterfront's Ocean Life Center complex in the historic Gardner’s Basin, the Atlantic City Aquarium is one of the top Atlantic City attractions that hosts more than 100 varieties of marine animals and fish, as well as a selection of fun, interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. The tropical shark touch tank allows visitors an opportunity to feel several species of sharks while the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Zone boasts a variety of local organisms such as horseshoe crabs and sea urchins that can also be touched. The Aquarium also houses seahorses, moon jellies, moray eels, and Terrapins. Guests can also watch and participate in excellent sea shows and daily feedings.
Address: Atlantic City Aquarium, 800 North New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, Phone: 609-348-2880
Attractions for Couples
5. The Quarter at Tropicana
The Quarter at Tropicana is a vibrant three-story streetscape that echoes the exotic splendor of Old Havana, with an array of world-class retail establishments, gourmet dining options, trendy entertainment and nightlife venues as well as a luxurious spa and wellness center. Spend the morning browsing the high-end brand name stores and shopping to your heart’s content, before heading to the Blue Mercury Spa for a few hours or luxuriant pampering. Visit the Tropicana’s IMAX Theatre, located on the third floor of The Quarter, whose five-and-a-half story high screen, digital surround sound, and advanced 3D film technology promise an unforgettable movie experience. End the day by dining in style at one of the many award-winning restaurants and dancing the night away at a nightclub.
Address: The Quarter at Tropicana, Brighton & The Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-340-4000
6. Knife & Fork Inn
Founded in 1912, the Knife & Fork Inn is one of the oldest establishments in Atlantic City with a rich, colorful history. Located at the cross-roads of Atlantic, Pacific and Albany Avenues, this upscale eatery originally opened as an exclusive men’s club and was frequented by celebrities and other infamous characters like Atlantic City power boss Enoch ‘Nucky’ Johnson. The famous eatery has been restored to its former glory, complete with mahogany millwork, a magnificent sweeping staircase, high, hand-painted ceilings, and beautifully appointed dining rooms. The restaurant serves a top class menu with prime steaks, chops grilled to perfection, fresh seafood dishes and an extensive wine list with vintages from around the world.
Address: Knife & Fork Inn, 3600 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-344-1133
7. The Playground
Discover The Playground (formerly The Pier Shops at Caesars) on the Atlantic City Boardwalk which completed a $50 million dollar first phase of construction. T Street, inspired by the music neighborhoods of Nashville, Memphis and Austin, features 90,000 square feet of dining and entertainment space. All the establishments on T Street offer live music, including the Monkey Bar, several pubs, and 39 N - a music and event space with a high-tech art stage. Don't miss the Riviera, a unique beer garden with stunning views of the water.
Address: The Playground, One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-345-3100
8. Johnny Rockets
Based upon the 1950’s diner-style restaurants, Johnny Rockets is a themed restaurant franchise that serves simple food reminiscent of feel-good Americana. Featuring a signature atmosphere of casual, relaxed fun, menus offers all-American favorites such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and Philly cheese steaks, served with French fries and salads, as well as milkshakes, malts, and super floats. Toe-tapping music and swirly straws add to the 50’s-diner ambiance while special Rocket Kids Meals are a winner with kids.
Address: Johnny Rockets, 1901 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-340-0099
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