23 Best Things to Do in Atlantic City, NJ

© Courtesy of Felix Mizioznikov - Fotolia.com

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. Read our best Atlantic City restaurants guide for more ideas.

© Courtesy of Larry Sieg/Atlantic City CVA

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.

© Courtesy of f11photo - Fotolia.com

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.

© Courtesy of John Dimaio/Atlantic City CVA

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.

800 North New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, Phone: 609-348-2880

© 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.

Brighton & The Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-340-4000

© Knife and 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.

3600 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-344-1133

© 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.

One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-345-3100

© 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.

1901 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-340-0099

© Courtesy of stefan1085 - Fotolia.com

Atlantic City Parasail offers a range of parasailing and watersports opportunities in Atlantic City. Situated in Gardner’s Basin, just a short walk from the famous Boardwalk and all its attractions, Atlantic City Parasail is a fully licensed and certified parasailing operator that guarantees safe and exciting parasailing trips off the shoreline of the city. A custom-designed parasail boat seats up to 12 people, so the whole family can go on an adventure together. Visitors can launch and land the boat on a carpeted launching pad, and choose whether you want to fly solo, in tandem or get wet with a special dip in the ocean (Phone: 609-345-1212).

© P.F. Changs

P. F. Chang's is a casual dining restaurant with an Asian theme, serving an ever-evolving menu of contemporary Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is located in a sophisticated, contemporary bistro-style setting and offers a menu of traditional Chinese and Southeast Asian-influenced dishes, including herbs and spices imported directly from China. Sample a range of vegetarian, gluten-free and traditional fare, fresh sushi, and steamed dim sum, paired with an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, Asian beers, and sake.

2801 N Pacific Ave. #101, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-348-4600

© Fotolia.com

Located at the Borgata Casino & Spa, the Immersion Spa is an exclusive spa offering a variety of treatments in luxurious and tranquil surroundings. Spread over two floors of the hotel, the Spa boasts 16 treatment rooms with a range of comprehensive spa services, including conditioning body wraps & scrubs, luxury skin care, Ayurvedic therapies and a variety of massages. Professional, friendly staff ensure your comfort at all times during your visit and provide expert and skilled assistance with the treatments. Spa guests receive complimentary access to a range of deluxe facilities in the resort, including the steam room, sauna, infinity-edge lap pool, whirlpool, locker room amenities and an elegant lounge for post-spa relaxation.

One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-317-1000

© Courtesy of fottoo - Fotolia.com

Visit the world’s largest pipe organ at the Boardwalk Hall and enjoy a free, behind-the-scenes tour of this magnificent musical instrument on Wednesdays at 10 am. Designed by Emerson L. Richards and built in the early 1930s by the Midmer-Losh Organ Company, the Boardwalk Hall Pipe Organ was initially created to provide the soundtrack for silent movies. Although the organ has not been functional for years, it has been beautifully restored. Free guided tours are offered every Wednesday which explore the history of the organ and the buildi.

2301 Broadwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, Phone: 609-348-7000

© Courtesy of Larry Sieg/Atlantic City CVB

See Atlanta from the water as you watch Bottlenose dolphins on an unforgettable sea cruise with Atlantic City Cruises. Tours are conducted on board the Cruisn 1, a United States Coast Guard-licensed vessel that is certified to carry up to 150 passengers. The main deck is enclosed and features a bar and galley with large panoramic windows for excellent viewing, plush carpeting, and comfortable seating. An outer deck encircles the boat and provides ample outdoor seating for those wanting to feel the sea breeze. A large upper deck is ideal for private events and functions and can be enclosed during inclement weather. Morning tours can be taken watch a beautiful sunrise or in the afternoon for a sunny trip. Take the ‘Dolphin Watching’ tour to see Bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment or have fun on a ‘Happy Hour’ tour with friends (Phone: 609-347-7600).

© creativefamily/stock.adobe.com

Although nothing beats exploring on foot, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Tram Service is arguably one of best ways for first-timers to get your bearings and discover all the remarkable attractions of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The tram service offers a hop-on-hop-off service at a very reasonable rate if you choose their $8 day pass. If you are travelling with young children or older visitors, this is by far the best way to explore. The tram service runs the full length of the Boardwalk, starting at the Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino and ending at the Tropicana Casino complex, passing Steele Pier and the Historic Boardwalk Museum along the way.

Atlantic City Boardwalk Tram Service, 114 S. New York Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609 347 7500

© kozlik_mozlik/stock.adobe.com

The Borgata Hotel and Casino is the largest such complex in Atlantic City, featuring nearly 2800 rooms and suites and a vibrant and popular casino. The casino floor is enormous, offering around 4000 slot machines and close to 200 table games and poker tables. In addition of gambling, the casino complex offers a large range of other entertainment including boxing and martial arts, music and comedy acts at the Borgata Music Box and large-scale indoor and outdoor concerts at the Borgata Festival Park and the Borgata Event Center. When you are not in the casino you can enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming pools and the Spa. There are 17 restaurants within the casino complex.

1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609 317 1000

© Lucky Snake

Located on the former casino floor of the Showboat Hotel, The Lucky Snake is the largest destination for fun arcade games in Atlantic City. Here gamers can enjoy hours of entertaining games for as little as a dollar per game. The arcade is suitable for all ages and there are games for everyone in the family. You have the choice of over 300 games ranging from regular video games to pinball and virtual reality games. Players are issued with a games card which they can load with game credits for as much or as little as they plan to spend. Adults over the age of 21 can enjoy a drink in the Sports Bar and there are plenty of special package deals to choose from.

The Lucky Snake, Showboat Hotel, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609 487 4652

© r-o-x-o-r/stock.adobe.com

Honoring the 191,000 New Jersey veterans who bravely served in the Korean War (1950 – 1953), the New Jersey Korean War Memorial was unveiled in November 20,000. Standing prominently at the juncture of Park Place and the Boardwalk, the memorial invites passers-by to stop for a moment and reflect on the bravery and dedication of all war veterans as well as their families. It is also a reminder that America’s role in the controversial conflict would ultimately help to secure democracy in South Korea. The poignant memorial features larger-than-life sculpted bronze figures and there are 2 walls of remembrance where you can find the names of all the fallen soldiers and the 5 New Jersey veterans who were awarded Medals of Honor.

New Jersey Korean War Memorial, 124 Park Place, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

© Escape Rooms

Located at the Tropicana Casino and Resort, Escape AC offers escape room enthusiasts a new and exciting venue for challenging escapes. The venue offers a choice of 4 themed escape rooms including the very challenging Poker Room, Backstage Room and the Boardwalk. The easiest of the rooms is the Casino Cage Room which is ideal for first-timers. Most of the games are especially suited to players older than 13 years, but the Boardwalk is good for a mixed group including younger children. An escape room experience is an ideal entertainment choice for birthday parties, team-building events or for fun family outings.

Escape AC, Tropicana Resort, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609 246 7772

© Grispb/stock.adobe.com

Caesars Atlantic City Casino has all you need and more to enjoy a little flirt with Lady Luck or an all-out gambling weekend. To start with, the slots floor boasts 1,900 slot and video poker machines. Punters can bet as little as 1 cent or as much as 100 dollars per bet. The table games offer even more excitement as you line up to play Black Jack, Poker, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps and more. You can also place bets on your favorite sports teams at the Sportsbook. When you need a break from gambling you can relax and dine at one of 10 eateries including Gordon Ramsay’s Pub and Grill.

Caesars Atlantic City Casino, 2100 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609 348 4411

© nazarovsergey/stock.adobe.com

Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the Hard Rock Casino and Resort offers non-stop entertainment. The casino is one of the largest in Atlantic City, featuring more than 2000 slots machines and around 150 table games to keep punters busy for hours. If you are an ardent sports fan you can bet on your favorite teams using Sportsbook. When you need a break from the casino floor you can enjoy world-class dining and entertainment at some of the resort’s 20 restaurants and music venues. Hard Rock Casino resort also offers outstanding accommodation, an outdoor pool, a relaxing spa, a fitness center and an enormous collection of fascinating music memorabilia.

Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609 449 1000

© Hihitetlin/stock.adobe.com

Since its original opening in 1946, the White House Sub Shop has been pleasing palates in Atlantic City. The reason for their enduring success is the exceptional quality of their ingredients and the mouth-watering flavors they are famous for. Today the White House Sub Shop has found a new location inside the Hard Rock Casino complex, but you can rest assured that the subs are still made to the original recipes that everyone knows and loves. A few of the most popular submarines on the menu continue to be their Regular Italian Sub, the White House Special (with loads of extra meats) and the famous Meat Ball Sub, made just like your nonna’s.

White House Sub Shop, Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609 345 8599

© Noyes Arts Garage

Forming part of Stockton University and the Noyes Museum of Art, Noyes Arts Garage is an inspirational attraction for all art enthusiasts. Here you will find more than 15 individual studios and shops were you can watch the artists at work and purchase their original artworks. The genres on display include painting in various mediums including watercolors, acrylics and oils, photography, sculpture and illustration. Visitors are invited to stroll around the garage and soak up the creative vibes and perhaps sign up for one of the courses on offer. Entrance to the garage is free and there is parking on site.

Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609 626 3805