Atlantic City, NJ

Travel Guide
Steel Pier showing rides as well as a large group of people
Come for gambling, the Boardwalk, saltwater taffy, activities on the water and concerts in this very popular New Jersey tourist destination.

From the beaches and boardwalk to casinos and concerts, Atlantic City offers fantastic daytime and nighttime activities for an active and exciting vacation. Select from varied choices for a wild weekend, a gaming holiday, a romantic getaway or a family vacation.

Built in 1870, long before gambling came to Atlantic City, the Boardwalk was an attraction powerful enough to draw visitors. Meander for more than 4 miles (8 kilometers) along the wide wooden walkway and step onto the sandy beach. Find a spot to relax under an umbrella or swim, surf, kayak, fish or windsurf on the ocean. Come early to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean or stay late for a sunset stroll.

On the other side of the Boardwalk, enjoy dining, shopping and nightlife. Stop at one of the many souvenir shops and have some saltwater taffy, invented here in 1883. Go just beyond the southwestern end of the Boardwalk to see Lucy the Elephant, a six-story historical landmark.

At the northeastern end of the Boardwalk, visit the Atlantic City Aquarium and the very tall restored Absecon Lighthouse. Walk out onto Steel Pier for amusement park rides, dining and carnival games.

Different types of games were introduced in 1978 with the first casino in Atlantic City. Today, choose from several very large casinos, offering not only gambling, but also hotel accommodations and celebrity entertainment.

The renowned Atlantic City Ballet performance venue is along the Boardwalk. Visit the Atlantic City Free Public Library to view its heritage collection and listen to the International Night Concert Series. Check the schedule of events at Boardwalk Hall, which hosts music, comedy, films and even the Miss America Pageant.

Head inland for golf, outlet mall shopping and more cultural attractions. Shop and meet artists at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University. Travel to nearby Newtonville for the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.

Whatever your interests, find plenty to do in Atlantic City.

Where to stay in Atlantic City

Ocean City featuring a house

North End

If you're spending some time in North End, Ocean City Boardwalk and OC Waterpark are top sights worth seeing.

North End
Jersey Shore featuring shopping and interior views

Midtown South

While visiting Midtown South, you might make a stop by sights like Atlantic City Boardwalk and Hard Rock Casino Atlantic City.

Midtown South
Ocean City featuring outdoor eating, cafe lifestyle and street scenes

Downtown Ocean City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Ocean City, Ocean City Boardwalk and Pirate Island Golf are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Ocean City
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South End

While visiting South End, you might make a stop by sights like Ocean City Beach and Corson's Inlet State Park.

South End
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Gold Coast

If you're spending some time in Gold Coast, Ocean City Beach and Discovery Seashell Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Gold Coast
The Quarter at Tropicana featuring interior views and shopping

Chelsea

While visiting Chelsea, you might make a stop by sights like Atlantic City Boardwalk and Tropicana Casino.

Chelsea
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
4 out of 5
777 Harrah's Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $116 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$116
includes taxes & fees
$94 per night
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 9 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the comfy rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (5,377 reviews)
"N/a"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Tropicana Atlantic City
Tropicana Atlantic City
3.5 out of 5
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $127 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$127
includes taxes & fees
$104 per night
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 13 restaurants. Popular attractions Tropicana Casino and ...
6.8/10 (12,388 reviews)
"We stayed in the Havana tower. It was clean and seemed recently renovated. The room was spacious and the bathroom was wonderful. Check in was contactless on a kiosk- paid $15 for early check in. Was fairly easy. Only issue with rooms was you hear EVERYTHING. The traffic outside (I was on 55th floor) ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024

Tropicana Atlantic City
Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
3.5 out of 5
1900 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $94 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$94
includes taxes & fees
$76 per night
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Book a stay at this beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the comfy rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7/10 Good! (5,603 reviews)
"Cleanliness"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
3.5 out of 5
60 N Maine Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
Book a stay at this business-friendly condo in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hard ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,478 reviews)
"Great location, nice view, elevator wait is a little too long. Overall good stay."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
3 out of 5
1400 Ocean Avenue, Brigantine, NJ
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Brigantine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,547 reviews)
"Everything was great, from the moment we checked in to checking out. Front desk, valet and housekeeping was great. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
Marriott's Fairway Villas
Marriott's Fairway Villas
3 out of 5
500 East Fairway Lane, Absecon, NJ
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified vacation home in Absecon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (662 reviews)
"I love the property, we go here once or twice a year."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024

Marriott's Fairway Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Atlantic City

Driving is by far the most convenient way to see Atlantic City. Rent a vehicle of your own, or rely on the huge fleet of taxis that serve the city. Sections of the boardwalk can be explored on foot, but at 4 miles (6 miles) long, you won’t often feel like walking the whole thing. Rent a rolling chair, a shaded seat on wheels pushed by an operator. Or, take the Jitney (minibus) to headline sights. Visit the New Jersey Department of Transportation website.Browse Atlantic City rental cars.

Best time to visit

Plan your trip to Atlantic City for any time between late spring and early fall and you are sure to have warm weather. The temperatures here are rarely uncomfortably high, with daytime highs in July and August averaging around 80 F (26 C). Keep in mind that the summer months are the high season, so casinos and other attractions will be busier, but for many visitors, that adds to the lively atmosphere.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Atlantic City

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2136
" "5 - Excellent 28.678839957035446%
4 - Good
3435
" "4 - Good 46.119763694951665%
3 - Okay
1477
" "3 - Okay 19.830827067669173%
2 - Disappointing
268
" "2 - Disappointing 3.59828141783029%
1 - Terrible
132
" "1 - Terrible 1.7722878625134264%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is decent. I would go again after the coronavirus is gone forever.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

This is not a friendly city. Philidelphians and New Yorkers descend upon AC and think they own the town and demand attention, making the experience tense for everyone else; AC natives seem overworked and underpaid and with broken spirits.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I Love Las Vegas, but Atlantic City is A quick place that’s not to far From Maryland, And still find good eats and activity.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I highly recommend dining at Kelsey's. They have fantastic southern food and amazing live music at night (though it may be a bit loud for some people). Reservations are highly suggested but it is definitely worth it.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice place for a quick getaway

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Would have liked to have had more time to spend there, i am sure we would have had a great time.

Cities near Atlantic City