What is Atlantic City best known for? That answer has changed over the years, but today it’s best known for its classy casinos, beaches, and historical Boardwalk that opened in 1870. Atlantic City can be found on the famous Jersey Shore.
Although most would think of Atlantic City as a casino town. What some don’t realize is that the beaches, boardwalk, restaurants, attractions, and live entertainment make it a great place to visit. There is something for everyone in Atlantic City, whether you’re looking for a night of gambling, a night out on the town or a fun family vacation.
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Spring
Steel Pier Amusement Park is located on North Beach Atlantic City and opens every Easter weekend with special holiday events. The famous pancake breakfast and Easter Bunny visit are very popular. With over 80 rides and some great food, this definitely counts as a good time for big and little kids alike! In spring the boardwalk comes alive as the shops that closed for the season reopen along with amusements and restaurants. It’s a nice time to visit before the hot weather brings the crowds.
Check out these historic photos and books about Steel Pier!
Summer
As New Jersey’s climate varies from very cold to very hot, the busiest time at the beach is the summer months. People flock to the beach to cool off and to watch spectacular fireworks displays of which there are usually several. They change from year-to-year but may include the July 4th celebration at Borgata or Tropicana. There is also the north end of the island known as North Beach which delights you with fireworks. North Beach is represented by businesses on the north end of the island. Absecon Lighthouse, Resorts Casino Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Landshark Bar & Grill, Cuzzie’s Pizzeria Kitchen, Bar 32. Other North Beach businesses are Ocean Casino Resort, Showboat, Steel Pier, Rhythm & Spirits and Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. Don’t forget to stop in for some great food at one of these businesses on your way to the fireworks.
Fall
Fall calls for fishing and surfing on less crowded beaches in the months of September and October. You can also catch Oktoberfest throughout the city and casino bars. Many say September is the best kept secret at the shore because the crowds have diminished. Kids are back at school, and the weather is beautiful! October can be more of the same, but with some cooler days.
Winter
A lot of holiday parties happen in Atlantic City including Christmas themed shows in casinos and bars. How about bringing in the new year with an overnight stay in one of the casino hotels on the boardwalk? You won’t have to drive home so you can totally get into the parties. In the morning you can watch the sunrise on the first day of the new year over the glorious Atlantic. Resorts Casino Hotel is one that offers a New Year’s Day brunch to their card holders.
The City’s Epicenter
The center of attraction for Atlantic City is the beach and 4-mile boardwalk, which is lined with casinos, food and amusements of all types. If you need some kid-friendly attractions, there are also many things for them to do on the boards. How about arcades and miniature golf? You can also visit the Steel Pier which is a 1000-foot-long amusement pier stretched out over the ocean. Here you’ll find over 80 rides and carnival games. Check out Lucy the Elephant in nearby Margate. Lucy is a 6-story elephant novelty architecture and well worth visiting with the kids. A few miles outside of Atlantic City you’ll find Storybook Land which is another great option for the kids. This 20-acre family amusement park is themed with nursery rhymes come to life and live animals as well. It’s located on the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township.
Casinos
Atlantic City is also known for their casinos. Home to large casinos which cater everything from slot machines to table games like poker and blackjack, you can’t go wrong! Here on the boardwalk you’ll find Resorts Casino Hotel, Caesars, Bally’s, Ocean, Tropicana and Hard Rock. On the marina side of the city you’ll find Harrah’s, Golden Nugget and Borgata.
Things to do in Atlantic City
Beaches, Boardwalk, Atlantic City Aquarium…and more
- If your main agenda for coming to Atlantic City is to hit the beaches, know that the city beach is wide with soft sands. According to recent travelers, it’s impressive how clean and how much space there is on the beach. Atlantic City’s beaches are free, unlike some of the other beaches in New Jersey. You can enjoy the waves of the Atlantic Ocean on a nice summer day! Or you can walk along the shore and collect shells, get your tan in a beach chair – or all of the above! On site facilities are available including bathrooms, showers and changing rooms. A lifeguard is on duty from 10am to 6pm in the summer months.
- The famous Atlantic City boardwalk was not named because they used wooden planks, it’s named after Alexander Boardman. He was asked in the 1870’s to come up with a plan to help keep beach sand out of the local hotels. Since then, it has been a hot spot for shops selling beach wear, gear, novelties and amusements. When you need a break or a meal, there are many bar and restaurant options as well. For some people the boardwalk offers a sense of nostalgia from their youth. That would be this writer who strolled the boards with my family, and as a teen with my friends. One of my first dates was on the boardwalk where we went on the rides and visited the souvenir shops and eateries.
- For people visiting with kids, Atlantic City Aquarium would be fun and interactive for the whole family. Here you’ll find fun, hands-on exhibits which showcase local marine life.
Historic Cape May, Cape May County Park and Zoo, Tanger Outlets…and yes, there’s MORE!
- Families also love historic Cape May, which is 45-miles south of Atlantic City and is a calmer side of the Jersey Shore. It was founded in 1620 but wasn’t well-known until the 1800s. By then, Cape May had become a vacation spot for wealthy families from the south. Today, a lot of families visit Cape May for their amazing bed and breakfast accommodations and their beautiful Victorian-era architecture. You can also access the beach, but you’ll need to purchase a beach tag. Beaches are less crowded because of the beach tags so they’re cleaner and quieter for families.
- Cape May County Park and Zoo is a must for the family. It’s a beautiful zoo with all your favorite animals as well as pavilions, gift shop, restaurants and lots of special events.
- If you enjoy shopping you can head out to Tanger Outlets which houses a wide range of stores from J, Crew to Coach. Recent visitors said that they enjoy the discounts and deals from different stores and visiting the outlets is definitely worthwhile and is within walking distance of the boardwalk.
Steel Pier Amusement Park, Absecon Lighthouse
- If you are traveling during the summer, or fall, you should consider spending a few hours at the Steel Pier amusement park. This 1000-foot-long amusement park opened nearly a century ago. You’ll find over 80 rides, different shows, carnival games and restaurants you can enjoy with your friends and family. You can get an excellent view of the Atlantic City from the famous Ferris wheel and get your heart stopping at the Drop and the Slingshot. If you are planning something big or just want to impress someone special, you might want to consider the helicopter rides that are being offered for the Atlantic City view.
- The Absecon Lighthouse with 228 steps also offers a 360 view of Atlantic City and the beach. Located at the north side of the city, the Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey standing at 171-feet. According to visitors who have climbed the 228 steps, the view from the top is spectacular and worth it, you can also check the history museum inside while you are there.
Stays in Atlantic City
- If you will be staying in Atlantic City and want to try a historic and unique bed and breakfast, Chelsea Pub & Inn is a great choice. It’s just a few blocks from the beach and offers clean and comfortable rooms starting at $170 in the summer, including breakfast and parking.
- If you are visiting for the casinos and beach access is not important, you can stay at the Water Club which is a part of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and located in the Marina District of Atlantic City.
- If you prefer, you’ll find many non-casino accommodations that fit every budget.
- You can also rent a house or stay at the casino hotels which is preferred by visitors who enjoy the gambling scene.
- There are also Airbnb listings you can check out. These include high-end apartments or standard apartments near the boardwalk.
Atlantic City is a great vacation spot for families, couples, or friends looking to enjoy or just to relax. You can visit any of AC’s clean and well-equipped free beaches, take a nostalgic ride in the century old amusement park, enjoy the wide variety of shops and restaurants and enjoy the view and history.
Be sure to book early and plan ahead for your visit. Atlantic City can get very crowded, especially during the summer and spring break.
Other Articles You May Find of Interest:
If you’re interested in the history of Atlantic City you might be interested in what Neighborhoods have sprung up over the years and what they hold today.
Of course, Atlantic City is known for casinos, gambling and nightlife in addition to the beach and boardwalk. Always lots to do in A.C., but here’s a little more information on casinos in “Does Atlantic City Still Have Casinos“. Enjoy!
Atlantic City’s hotels and casinos host world-class shows with world-class talents and celebrities. They also have local DJs and performers that hit the stage in popular clubs and bars. Check out some of the clubs here.
