Atlantic City is a popular destination in New Jersey known for its beautiful beach, lively boardwalk, and numerous glamorous casinos. Although it is often compared to Las Vegas, Atlantic City offers much more than just gambling.
As the entertainment capital of the Eastern Seaboard, this sunny city is located on a barrier island next to the Atlantic Ocean. While some people visit for the casinos and gambling options, others prefer to enjoy the wide beach and famous boardwalk. In addition to the attractions, there are also luxurious resorts and many restaurants available.
Atlantic City is famous for its variety of shows, sporting events, and vibrant nightlife. With so much to offer, it is a place that should not be missed.
22. Trip to Cape May
The city of Cape May is located in New Jersey, at the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula. It is a popular vacation destination with beautiful beaches and old Victorian buildings. The town was settled by whalers and fishermen in colonial times and was rebuilt after a fire in 1878.
Cape May is now recognized as a National Historic District because of its well-preserved houses. These houses often have nice porches, gables, and colorful exteriors. In addition to enjoying the beach and exploring the town, visitors can also participate in water sports.
Cape May is known for its abundant waters, so many people go on deep-sea fishing trips or take tours to watch dolphins and whales.
21. Atlantic City Beach
If you’re not interested in gambling at the casinos in Atlantic City, you’ll most likely spend a lot of your time on its beautiful beach. The beach is well-known and stretches along the Eastern Seaboard. You can enjoy various outdoor activities and water sports there.
The beach is bordered by a lively boardwalk on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The soft sands seem to go on endlessly. In the summer, you can swim, kayak, surf, and parasail in the sea. After enjoying the beach, you can explore the attractions, sounds, and aromas of Atlantic City’s famous waterfront.
20. Borgata Casino
The Borgata Casino is a must-visit if you want an amazing time, as it has the most rooms and slot machines in the city and state. It is located in the marina district and offers a waterfront complex with many restaurants, bars, and exciting entertainment.
The casino is always bustling with activity as people enjoy its 4,000 plus slot machines and many table games like baccarat, craps, blackjack, and roulette. They also have daily poker tournaments and options to bet on live races and sporting events. Guests can stay in luxurious suites and enjoy the superb spa and swimming pools.
Moreover, the resort offers a variety of exquisite restaurants, trendy lounge bars, and a sophisticated nightclub for a fun night out.
19. Tanger Outlets
If you’re looking to do some serious shopping, Tanger Outlets is the perfect place to go. It’s a huge shopping complex located near the Atlantic City train station and convention center. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of outlets to discover. In fact, there are over a hundred brand name stores and designer shops to explore.
You’ll find popular stores like Claire’s, Lacoste, Old Navy, Ralph Lauren, and Adidas, among many others. The shopping mall is spread across nine blocks, so you might want to take a break and grab some food or drinks.
In addition to well-known options like McDonald’s and Starbucks, there are cozy Italian cafes, sizzling steakhouses, and even healthy vegan restaurants to choose from.
18. Ocean Resort Casino
Just a short distance away from the Hard Rock Casino is another exciting place where you can gamble and play games until late at night. The Ocean Resort Casino is a luxurious five-star establishment that offers not only huge gaming areas but also a beautiful rooftop, nightclubs, and live entertainment venues.
Opened in 2018, it is the tallest building in town, standing at an impressive 710 feet above the city, with a sparkling glass structure. With sixty floors, it houses more than a dozen exceptional restaurants, fancy lounges, and a three-story nightclub that hosts numerous events and shows regularly.
Additionally, you can relax in multiple swimming pools and enjoy the spa facilities. The sky garden offers breathtaking views of the ocean, featuring outdoor pools and cozy cabanas. Inside the casino, you’ll find a vast selection of over 2,500 slot machines and 120 table games. And if you’re into sports betting, that option is also available.
17. Absecon Lighthouse
The Absecon Lighthouse is one of the interesting historic attractions in the city. It has been standing since 1857 and overlooks the nearby waters and coast. From the top of the lighthouse, you can see sweeping views of the city. It is one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States, standing at 171 feet.
The lighthouse has a black and white tower and is surrounded by grassy areas. Although the original First-Order Fresnel lens still lights up in the evenings, it was turned off in 1933. It is now a National Historic Landmark and has a small museum and a replica of a lighthouse keeper’s house for visitors to explore.
The best part is being able to look out over the ocean and Atlantic City from the lighthouse’s high point.
16. Golden Nugget Atlantic City
The Golden Nugget Atlantic City is one of the grand casinos in the marina district. It has a spa, salon, and shops. Guests can enjoy a variety of exciting events and live entertainment. The resort is designed with a gold rush theme. Initially, it was called Trump’s Castle when it was opened in 1985.
Later, it was renovated and reopened by new owners in 2011. Apart from betting on live sports and playing slot machines, there are other table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette. Many people visit the casino, but some also enjoy the trendy restaurants and luxurious rooms and suites.
The Golden Nugget also organizes concerts, comedy nights, and clubs for entertainment. Others prefer to spend their time by the beautiful marina.
15. Steel Pier
Steel Pier, an amusement park in the city, has been a favorite attraction for over a hundred years. It is located close to the boardwalk and offers exciting rides, rollercoasters, and games. Since it opened in 1898, it has impressed people of all ages with its vibrant carnival games, double-decker carousel, and Ferris wheel.
As time went on, more thrilling rides like the Slingshot and Freedom Flyer were added alongside the more gentle teacups, dodgems, and swing carousel. Apart from the rides, visitors can also have fun playing games at the arcade or enjoy snacks from food vendors. From the famous pier and Ferris wheel, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and ocean.
14. Tropicana Casino & The Quarter
The Tropicana Casino in the center of Atlantic City is a great place to have fun and try out different games. They also have a shopping center called The Quarter, which has fancy shops, restaurants, and nightclubs with lots of glitter and glamour.
The casino and guest rooms were opened in 1981, but there has been a hotel on the same spot since 1919. With over 3,000 slot machines and 130 table games spread across many floors, it is a popular destination for people looking to gamble. They also host daily poker tournaments and live entertainment shows to keep the excitement going.
The Quarter is just as attractive, with its tropical-looking streets lined with a variety of shops and restaurants. Additionally, you can relax at their spa or enjoy a movie at the city’s only movie theater, all located right next to the bustling nightclubs.
13. New Jersey Korean War Memorial
Atlantic City is known for its casinos, beaches, and boardwalk, but it also has some interesting historic sites. One of these is the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, located on Park Place next to the boardwalk. It was unveiled in 2000 to honor the approximately 191,000 veterans from New Jersey who fought in the Korean War.
This war, often called the ‘Forgotten War’, took place from June 1950 to July 1953 and played a role in securing democracy in South Korea with the help of America and its allies. The memorial is a touching place to visit, featuring bronze sculptures and two walls with the names of those who died.
Especially moving are the statues of two soldiers helping their wounded comrade and another soldier holding the dog tags of the fallen.
12. Caesars Atlantic City Casino
Caesars, a well-known casino on the boardwalk, offers its guests an exceptional entertainment experience. The casino has amazing restaurants, bars, a spa, salon, and pool where you can relax and prepare for a show or some games.
The resort, which has a distinct tall tower and sign, was established in 1979 and is inspired by ancient Roman and Greek themes. It boasts an impressive number of slot machines and various top-notch table games, making it one of the largest casino floors in Atlantic City.
Visitors can also bet on sporting events and enjoy concerts, comedy nights, and shows at the Circus Maximus theatre. In addition to exploring the luxurious interior, guests can indulge in delicious dining options, enjoy the pool, or shop at the nearby Playground Pier.
11. Lucy the Margate Elephant
Just a short drive from the city’s boardwalk, you’ll find one of its most famous landmarks: Lucy the Margate Elephant. This six-story sculpture has been in the same place since 1881 and now has a gift shop and museum next to it. When you look from the waterfront, you can see this huge elephant towering over Josephine Harron Park.
It’s made of wood and tin and is 65 feet tall. On top of its back, there’s a colorful covered balcony. Originally, it was built to attract people to buy homes in the area, but now it’s a popular spot for taking pictures. You can also go inside and take tours to learn more about its interesting history as a National Historic Landmark.
10. Atlantic City Aquarium
The Atlantic City Aquarium is a great place to see a variety of fish, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Families really enjoy visiting this aquarium because it has large tanks and a lot of coral. It’s located in the historic Gardner’s Basin along the Absecon Inlet.
The aquarium first opened to the public in 1999 and now has over a hundred different types of marine species from all over the world. Some areas of the aquarium focus on animals and ecosystems found in New Jersey, while others take you to places like the Tropics and Pacific Ocean.
They also have amphibians and reptiles, and a special touch tank where you can pet starfish, rays, and even some sharks. Every day, they have animal shows that introduce you to some of the interesting creatures there. If you want to explore the coast, you can even take a scenic cruise that leaves from right outside the aquarium.
9. Harrah’s Atlantic City Casino
At the northern end of the island, you can find the impressive Harrah’s Atlantic City Casino, which is conveniently located near Brigantine Bridge. This casino is one of the largest in the area and offers a variety of dining options, shops, a concert venue, and a conference center.
It was the first casino built in the marina district and has been welcoming guests since 1980, with its grand hotel tower and casino. Over the years, they have also added a modern spa, high-quality restaurants, and a lovely pool surrounded by palm trees and plants.
While the resort is great for relaxation, the casino itself is massive, featuring an astounding 5,500 slot machines, 140 table games, and even a poker room. Additionally, the casino hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and boxing matches, making it a popular destination for entertainment.
8. Atlantic City Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the heart and soul of life in town and runs alongside a long beach. It is a lively place with glitzy casinos, amusement parks, and shopping malls scattered throughout. This boardwalk is actually the oldest in the entire US and has been around since 1870. It stretches over four miles now.
Aside from the casinos, there are other main attractions like Boardwalk Hall, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and various piers reaching into the ocean. When you visit Atlantic City, you must take a stroll along the energetic yet relaxed boardwalk. It has a contagious atmosphere and offers many fun things to see and do.
With high-end resorts, restaurants, and shops, the boardwalk’s numerous attractions are the highlight of many people’s visits to the town.
7. Boardwalk Hall
In Atlantic City, there is a place called Boardwalk Hall which is famous for more than just its casinos. This huge arena is where you can go to see amazing shows like concerts, dance performances, beauty pageants, organ recitals, and sports events.
It was built a long time ago, between 1926 and 1929, and even though there are now tall buildings surrounding it, the hall still stands proudly with its massive curved ceiling. What’s really cool is that inside this building, there is another exceptional thing – the world’s biggest musical instrument, a gigantic pipe organ.
At Boardwalk Hall, you have the chance to watch incredible performances by famous artists like Michael Buble, Bon Jovi, and Beyonce, as well as exciting boxing matches and basketball games.
6. Playground Pier
There is a popular place called Playground Pier that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a huge complex where people can go shopping, eat at nice restaurants, and enjoy the nightlife. The mall has many fancy stores and restaurants on four different floors.
It was opened to the public in 2015, replacing the Million Dollar Pier that was there for many years. Since it opened, lots of local people and tourists have been coming to the mall every day to shop, eat, and have fun at the busy bars. There are many stores that sell different things like clothes, technology, accessories, and jewelry. On the top floor, you can see a beautiful view of the beach, boardwalk, and city buildings in the distance.
5. Bally’s Atlantic City Casino
Bally’s is a famous and luxurious casino located at ‘Park Place and the Boardwalk’, which are two well-known spots on the US Monopoly board. Inside the casino, there is a Wild West theme, with shiny fake gold mines and waterfalls adding to the atmosphere.
You can have a great time playing various slot machines and table games, as well as popular games like blackjack, poker, and roulette. When you feel hungry or want a drink, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, including a revolving lounge that provides a fantastic view of the casino floor.
Bally’s resort offers more than just gambling, with many other amenities and entertainment options available for guests. For instance, there is a spa where you can enjoy saunas, swimming pools, and hot tubs. Additionally, you’ll find shops and cafes scattered around the resort’s three hotel towers, and there are even live DJ sets that regularly take place.
4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a popular attraction on the boardwalk that is filled with amazing and unique objects. The building is easily recognizable because there is a gigantic globe crashed in the side of it. Inside, you can find a collection of around 400 bizarre items, such as rare animal skeletons and shrunken human heads.
There are also interesting things like an intricate miniature church sculpture and a huge metal Hulk model. Not only that, but they also have the world’s smallest motor car and a roulette made out of jelly beans. In addition to all the artifacts, artworks, and stuffed animals, visitors can also try to find their way out of the Vault Lazer Maze Challenge.
3. Hard Rock Casino
If you’re looking for great food and entertainment, head to the north end of the boardwalk. There, you’ll find the Hard Rock Casino and its hotel. At the casino, you can enjoy playing a variety of table games and slot machines. Additionally, the casino complex offers several restaurants, cafes, and bars for your dining pleasure.
The casino, which opened in 2018, is huge and offers stunning views of the bustling boardwalk and the endless ocean. It replaced the bankrupt Trump Taj Mahal. The casino floor is vast and has over 2,000 of the latest slot machines and more than a hundred different table games.
You can choose from around fifteen different restaurants, ranging from fancy steakhouses and sushi bars to casual eateries and the famous Hard Rock Cafe. If you want some relaxation, the complex also has a spa and pool. Nearby, you can enjoy thrilling live shows and visit the Steel Pier. Overall, it’s a fantastic place to have fun or stay for a while.
2. Trip to Ocean City
Ocean City, located on the Jersey Shore, is just a short fifteen-minute drive down the coast. It is a popular tourist destination known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort” due to its exciting attractions, amusement parks, and entertainment options.
For almost one hundred years, people have been drawn to this scenic seaside community for its stunning beaches and inviting waters. Along the lively boardwalk, you can find a variety of fun activities such as movie theaters, mini-golf courses, arcades, and amusement parks.
The atmosphere is enhanced by talented street performers and numerous shows, parades, and festivals that take place throughout the year. Additionally, the city offers fantastic seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and, of course, plenty of sandy beaches. As a result, Ocean City is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day.
1. Storybook Land
If you want to have a good time with your family, Storybook Land is a great place to visit. It’s located on the outskirts of the city and offers rides and attractions based on fairy tales. You can ride small rollercoasters and carousels, as well as try out teacups and trains.
As you walk along the paths, you’ll see colorful characters from stories like Mother Goose and the Three Little Pigs. In addition to enjoying the stories, you can have a picnic or eat at the park’s cafeterias. Throughout the year, there are also special events held at the park that have been entertaining children since 1955.
