Atlantic City is a destination most people will have heard of, yet many people will not be able to tell you exactly what it’s famous for. Despite this, though, it has managed to maintain a position as one of the most popular tourist destinations on the East Coast of the United States for the last 50 years.
In this article, we will clear up any confusion there is surrounding Atlantic City, as we outline the 9 top attractions the city has to offer. This should ensure that everyone knows what to do in Atlantic City when they arrive, and hopefully even convince people to give it a try who may have otherwise missed out.
Atlantic City, New Jersey: At A Glance
Atlantic City, New Jersey, is a coastal resort city located on Absecon Island on the Jersey Shore, along the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1850 and given its name 3 years later in 1853, it is often referred to as the "Las Vegas of the East," as it is best known for its vibrant casino scene, iconic boardwalk, and long-standing role as a tourist destination.
Originally developed in the 19th century as a health retreat and beach resort, Atlantic City rose to national prominence in the 20th century, due to the legalization of gambling in 1976. This revitalized its economy and continues to draw millions of visitors to the city annually.
It isn’t just people interested in gambling that have reason to visit Atlantic City, though. It also hosts various events and festivals year-round, while boasting a great selection of non-gaming attractions, concerts, conventions, and luxury hospitality options, all of which are boosted by its unique old-school charm.
Best Time To Visit Atlantic City, New Jersey
The best time to visit Atlantic City, New Jersey, is between early June and mid-September. This period will enable you to enjoy warm, pleasant weather throughout the duration of your visit, which is especially important at a coastal destination known for its beach and water-based activities.
What To Do In Atlantic City, New Jersey: The Top 9 Attractions In Atlantic City
Catch A Show At The Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is a historic and iconic venue that first opened in 1929 as the Atlantic City Convention Hall. Built to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Atlantic City's founding and the 50th anniversary of Thomas Edison's invention of the light bulb, it was declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1987, due to its unique architecture and significance to Atlantic City's history.
It features an iconic pipe organ that has the distinction of being the largest musical instrument on Earth. It has 33,000 pipes, eight chambers, and the world's largest console with seven manuals and more than 1,000 stops.
The premier entertainment venue in Atlantic City, with a maximum capacity of almost 15,000 people, it hosts a wide array of events, such as concerts, sporting events, and conventions, with many of the world’s most famous artists performing here.
This makes it a perfect stop whether you want to catch a show, marvel at its grandeur, or do a bit of both.
Spend Some Time In The Casinos
Let’s get this one out of the way early. Outside of Las Vegas and Reno, there probably isn’t anywhere in the United States that is more famous for its casinos than Atlantic City. This makes it an ideal destination for anyone interested in a spot of gambling, especially if you don’t fancy the expensive flight or 40-hour drive it would take to get out west.
At present, 9 casinos are operating in Atlantic City. These are, in no particular order:
· Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
· Caesars Atlantic City
· Tropicana Atlantic City
· Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
· Ocean Casino Resort
· Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
· Resorts Casino Hotel
· Golden Nugget Atlantic City
· Bally’s Atlantic City
All of them boast their own unique selling points and will appeal to different types of people. For example, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is an upscale property with great dining and nightlife options, a large casino, and perhaps the best poker room on the East Coast.
Caesars Atlantic City is another very popular option, as it boasts a unique Roman theme and is centrally located on the boardwalk, while Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is home to a great selection of music memorabilia, live shows, and gaming options.
Broaden Your Knowledge At The Atlantic City Historical Museum
Atlantic City Historical Museum is part of the larger Atlantic City Experience educational complex and offers visitors a way to learn about the city’s history. Established in 1985 on Garden Pier, it relocated to its current home in 2019 to make it more accessible for both tourists and locals.
The museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, exhibits, and memorabilia that chronicle Atlantic City's transformation from a modest seaside resort into a bustling entertainment hub. Its collections include things like vintage Miss America pageant gowns, a life-sized Mr. Peanut figure, and a 20-minute documentary showing how the city has evolved through the years.
As a free attraction operated by the Atlantic City Free Public Library, it is a great attraction for everyone from history enthusiasts to casual tourists that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Relax On Atlantic City Beach
Atlantic City Beach is one of the best beaches on the East Coast. Backdropped by the city’s casinos and historic boardwalk, it stretches the length of the city and is easily accessible. This makes it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing, before getting back to the action as quickly as possible.
The beach is divided into sections by piers, each of which has a slightly different vibe, meaning there is a perfect spot for everyone. For example, families will enjoy the quieter stretches at the south end, while the sections near Steel Pier and the central boardwalk are ideal for those seeking something livelier.
During the warmer months, lifeguards are on duty and activities like boogie boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and beach volleyball are available. Food and drink options are always close at hand, with beach bars and boardwalk eateries offering everything from funnel cakes and soda to fresh seafood and beer.
Be Wowed At Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Atlantic City is a quirky, family-friendly museum located on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Known as an “odditorium,” it contains more than 400 unusual exhibits and interactive displays showcasing everything from strange artifacts and bizarre facts to mind-bending illusions.
A fun, offbeat stop that appeals to both kids and adults, you’ll see things like shrunken heads, rare animal skeletons, optical illusions, human oddities, pop culture curiosities, a laser maze challenge, a room that defies gravity, and a replica of the world’s tallest man.
The museum is self-guided, so you can feel free to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for all.
Explore The Atlantic City Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk was built in 1870, making it the oldest boardwalk in the United States, and it has established itself as the heart of the city’s tourist experience. Stretching for over five miles, from Ventnor City to Gardner’s Basin, it is lined with casinos, shops, restaurants, arcades, entertainment venues, and other attractions.
With its unique blend of beachside charm and big-city energy, a stroll along the boardwalk is a must if you hope to get the full Atlantic City experience. You’ll find historic piers, including Steel Pier, cultural landmarks like Boardwalk Hall, and vendors selling everything from souvenirs and handmade crafts to classic treats such as saltwater taffy and funnel cake.
A trip along the boardwalk is also a great way to explore Atlantic City without a car. You can walk, rent a bike, or hop in a famous rolling chair, a uniquely Atlantic City mode of transport that dates back to the 1880s, all while enjoying ocean views and easy access to beaches, casinos, and dining options.
Visit Absecon Lighthouse
Built in 1857, Absecon Lighthouse stands 171 feet tall, making it the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third-tallest masonry lighthouse in the United States. Originally erected to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters near Absecon Inlet, it was decommissioned in 1933 and preserved to help teach future generations about the region’s maritime history.
A historical site open to the public, visitors can climb its 228 steps to reach the watch room, where they are rewarded with incredible views of Atlantic City, the Atlantic Ocean, and the region’s coastline. You will also find the original first-order Fresnel lens that once projected light 19.5 nautical miles out to sea.
The lighthouse complex has a community garden that hosts various events throughout the year, and a replica of the 1925 Keeper's House that operates as a museum and gift shop. It features exhibits which detail the history of the lighthouse, local shipwrecks, and the lives of the keepers who maintained the light.
Take A Wild Ride On Steel Pier
Steel Pier is an amusement park right on the historic boardwalk. Originally opened in 1898 and rebuilt several times since, it combines nostalgia with excitement and high-octane fun. Suitable for everyone from families and couples to thrill-seekers, it stretches out 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean.
The pier features over 20 rides, including a giant Ferris wheel, bumper cars, a carousel, and thrill rides like the Slingshot and Freedom Flyer, as well as many rides catering to younger children, all of which can be enjoyed while taking in stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Steel Pier also offers carnival-style games, food stands with classic boardwalk fare, and bars, and hosts seasonal events, firework shows, and live entertainment in the summer. Helicopter rides even launch from the pier, which is perfect for those who want to get a bird’s-eye view of the city and coastline.
Enjoy A Day At The Atlantic City Aquarium
Atlantic City Aquarium is a fantastic, engaging educational experience for visitors of all ages that boasts more than 25,000 gallons of aquatic exhibits and displays a huge variety of marine life from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
The star of the aquarium is Groman, a 225-pound loggerhead sea turtle. Other top attractions include Tropical Reef and its range of vibrant species like the Fu Manchu Lionfish and Unicorn Tang, Off the Docks and its moon jellies, lobsters, and blue crabs, and the Estuary Exhibit, which lets visitors get up close with diamondback turtles and enjoy interactive touch experiences with horseshoe crabs and whelks.
The "Under the Sea" coloring area is a great place to keep the kids entertained for a while too, while six new touch tanks are currently being installed around the popular Cow Nose Ray Touch Tank.
Best Hotel In Atlantic City, New Jersey – Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is an exquisite, 4-star resort that offers a blend of luxury accommodation, diverse dining, vibrant entertainment, and extensive gaming options in a perfect location. Designed in a classic Italian style, it boasts a sophisticated atmosphere that can be enjoyed virtually anywhere in the resort.
It features 2,000 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, many of which feature panoramic views of the Atlantic City skyline. These are all equipped with comfortable furnishings and linens, flat screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities.
The casino houses the BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar, and more than 2,500 slot machines and 200 table games, including poker, blackjack, and roulette, and the best poker room on the East Coast.
The property’s other amenities include 17 on-site restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual eateries, Borgata Event Center and Music Box Theater, which host performances by renowned artists and entertainers ranging from concerts to comedy shows, Spa Toccare, which provides a range of treatments like massages and body wraps, and indoor and outdoor pools, complete with cabanas and sun loungers.
Final Thoughts On What To Do In Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, New Jersey, is a fantastic place to visit for people interested in gambling and casinos, but it has plenty to offer even for those who aren’t, from families to your average tourist.
This article should have given you all the information you need to decide to plan your own trip and work out exactly what to do in Atlantic City when you arrive. This ensures you can have a dream vacation in A.C., no matter what you are interested in.
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