Atlantic City, NJ

Travel Guide
Atlantic City Aquarium showing marine life, a park and flowers
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 outdoor eating, cafe lifestyle and street scenes

North End

4.5/5(267 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North End, Ocean City Boardwalk and Ocean City Beach 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

4/5(13 area reviews)

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 $40 per night from May 1 to May 2
$40
$86 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy 9 restaurants, a casino, and 4 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (4,145 reviews)
"The 16th floor had people arguing in their rooms and down the hallway till into the early morning hours. Not acceptable. Management needs to figure out a buffing system for noice. Ignorant, rude people will continue to be a problem."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Ocean Casino Resort
Ocean Casino Resort
4 out of 5
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $109 per night from May 1 to May 2
$109
$162 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 18 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (7,637 reviews)
"It was my first time there and it was great!!! The room was well kept and very clean! The layout was awesome as well!!! I would definitely tell my friends to go there for a nice weekend getaway!!!"

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

Ocean Casino Resort
Tropicana Atlantic City
Tropicana Atlantic City
3.5 out of 5
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $48 per night from May 1 to May 2
$48
$94 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 13 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the clean ...
6.8/10 (12,139 reviews)
"Overall the stay was great for it being the first time my daughters came to Atlantic City."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Tropicana Atlantic City
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
Stay at this business-friendly condo in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,381 reviews)
"We were inform through Expedia that free breakfast was included. But that was not true. Mr. Devit charged me for parking when others got parking included. Other than that it was a good stay."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 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! (1,508 reviews)
"Everyone one was friendly..clean room..manager was great the employees..I will definitely take kids and grandkids there.tgank you"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 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 golf vacation home in Absecon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (645 reviews)
"I love visiting this property, I’ve been here multiple times with & without my 2 year old. It’s family friendly with plenty to do and the service is always great!"

Reviewed on Apr 26, 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

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
Apr 16, 2020

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 20, 2020

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
Mar 20, 2020

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
Mar 19, 2020

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
Mar 19, 2020

Nice place for a quick getaway

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 18, 2020

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

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