A coastal resort known for its iconic Boardwalk, sandy beaches, and vibrant casino scene. Home to the world's first boardwalk, built in 1870 to keep sand out of hotels.
Atlantic City, a vibrant city on the New Jersey shore, is known for its iconic Boardwalk and sandy beaches. You can try your luck at numerous casinos, watch a show at the historic Boardwalk Hall, or climb the Absecon Lighthouse for ocean views. The city is also home to unique sights like Lucy the Elephant, a six-story elephant-shaped building from 1881.
Strolling the Famous Boardwalk
The heart of Atlantic City is its 4-mile Boardwalk along the shoreline. As you walk the wooden planks, you'll pass souvenir shops, food stands selling saltwater taffy, and entrances to large casino resorts. Street performers entertain passersby, while the ocean breeze cools you on hot summer days. The Boardwalk connects to the city's wide, sandy beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, or try surfing.
Playing at the Casinos
Atlantic City is a major gambling destination on the East Coast. Large casino resorts line the Boardwalk and Marina District, including Caesars, Borgata, and Hard Rock. Inside, you'll find thousands of slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and high-stakes poker rooms. The casinos also house restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Many offer complimentary drinks to players.
Enjoying Live Entertainment
After dark, Atlantic City comes alive with shows and nightlife. You can see popular musical acts at Boardwalk Hall or attend more intimate performances at the House of Blues. Comedy clubs feature both emerging comics and well-known performers. If you prefer dancing, visit the nightclubs in the casino resorts. During summer, free concerts often take place on the beach.
Exploring the City's Past
While modern casinos dominate the skyline, Atlantic City preserves pieces of its history. You can climb the 228 steps of Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest, for panoramic coastal views. Lucy the Elephant, a six-story elephant-shaped building from 1881, is an unusual sight in nearby Margate. The Atlantic City Historical Museum displays exhibits about the city's evolution from health resort to major gambling destination.
Activities for All Ages
Atlantic City has something for everyone. Children will enjoy the amusement rides and games at Steel Pier, which extends 1,000 feet over the ocean. The Atlantic City Aquarium houses over 100 varieties of fish and marine animals. For outdoor recreation, you can rent bikes and ride along the Boardwalk. Just outside town, Storybook Land offers an amusement park based on children's stories and nursery rhymes.
Getting There and Around
You can reach Atlantic City by car, bus, or train from major East Coast cities. Atlantic City International Airport connects the region with flights from select cities. In town, you can walk along the Boardwalk to many points of interest. Jitney buses provide inexpensive transportation around the city. For a local experience, try the rolling chairs - wicker chairs pushed by attendants along the Boardwalk, a tradition that dates back to the 1880s.
