Atlantic City, New Jersey: A Comprehensive Visitor's Guide

Visitors Guide to Atlantic City, NJ

Discover Atlantic City New Jersey: The Crown Jewel of the Jersey Shore with endless year round entertainment, casino gambling, a world-class boardwalk, excellent variety of restaurants, shopping, relaxing on the beach, and more.

Welcome to Atlantic City, New Jersey, a vibrant seaside resort known for its iconic boardwalk, bustling casinos, and live entertainment.

The city's legendary Boardwalk stretches for miles and is filled with shops, eateries, and amusements, as well as picturesque ocean views.

While casino gambling continues to be the main Atlantic City attraction, this Jersey Shore resort destination has become increasingly popular as a multi-night getaway for visitors and families who do not gamble, looking for a weekend getaway or vacation.

While there is a year-round activity, with summer being the peak season, more budget-minded visitors might consider coming in the winter from January to April when almost all hotel casinos offer outstanding deals, and the facilities are less crowded.

For overnight visitors, there is a wide variety of accommodations, from the pricey glitzy, high-end casinos on the boardwalk to the less pricey B&Bs and motels scattered blocks from the beach and as far as twenty minutes away.

Atlantic City has a long and fascinating history

During prohibition and the Depression, this Jersey Shore tourist attraction was a center for bootlegging, smuggling, speakeasies, and illegal gambling. The mafia found Atlantic City to be a good place for profitable business operations and vacationing.

The nearby Pine Barrens were convenient and well-suited for the mafia's activities. Because of its seclusion and forest cover, and proximity to Atlantic City (as well as New York and Philadelphia where many mafia resided), the Pine Barrens proved to be ideal for distilling, bootlegging, and body disposal.

It was here that the Mafia established itself as a national organization. Fearing the end of prohibition and the loss of profitable bootlegging operations, Mafia leaders from the Midwest and East Coast, --- Al Capone Frank Costello, Meyer Lansky, and Lucky Luciano --- held their first national conference in 1929 at the President Hotel. It was here that they were able to develop a system of arbitration and solidify networks made through bootlegging to become a national organization.

It is the real-life model for the board game Monopoly, the nation's first Boardwalk, the world's first big Ferris wheel, the first color postcards, and the home of the first Miss America Beauty Pageant.

Atlantic City
Frequently Asked Questions

Question
When is the best time to visit Atlantic City?

Answer
The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when the weather is warm, and most attractions, like beach activities and boardwalk events, are in full swing.

Question
What are the top attractions in Atlantic City?

Answer

  • Atlantic City Boardwalk: A must-visit with shops, arcades, and eateries.
  • Casinos: Popular spots include Borgata, Harrah’s, Tropicana, and Caesars.
  • Steel Pier: A historic amusement park offering rides, games, and dining.
  • Absecon Lighthouse: New Jersey's tallest lighthouse with scenic views.
  • Outlet Shopping: The Tanger Outlets are great for bargain shopping.
  • Cultural Spots: The African American Heritage Museum and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Question
What activities are available for families with kids?

Answer

  • Visit the Atlantic City Aquarium for interactive marine exhibits.
  • Explore Steel Pier for kid-friendly rides.
  • The Island Waterpark @ Showboat Hotel labled as the "world's largest" oceanfront water park," is an enormous 120,000-square-foot water park that features slides, a lazy river and a surf simulator.
  • Enjoy mini-golf or arcade games along the boardwalk.
  • Spend time at the beach with activities like kite flying or sandcastle building.

Question
Are there free activities in Atlantic City?

Answer

Yes! Enjoy these budget-friendly options:

  • Beach Access: Public beaches are free in Atlantic City.
  • Boardwalk Strolls: Perfect for people-watching and ocean views.
  • Seasonal Events: Free concerts and fireworks displays are held throughout the year.
  • Historical Sites: The Absecon Lighthouse offers free access to its museum.

Question
How do I get around Atlantic City?

Answer

Atlantic City is pedestrian-friendly, especially along the boardwalk. Other transportation options include:

  • Jitneys: Minibuses offering affordable rides throughout the city.
  • Taxis and Rideshares: Readily available for convenience.
  • Bikes: Rentals are available for boardwalk rides.
  • Rolling Chairs: Unique to Atlantic City, these are manually pushed carts for boardwalk travel.

Question
What are the dining options like?

Answer

Atlantic City offers a wide range of dining experiences:

  • Seafood Restaurants: Like Dock’s Oyster House and Chart House.
  • Fine Dining: Options include Gordon Ramsay Steak and Chef Vola's.
  • Casual Eats: Plenty of pizza, sandwiches, and boardwalk treats.
  • Local Favorites: Don’t miss saltwater taffy and funnel cakes.

Question
What nightlife options are available?

Answer

Atlantic City boasts vibrant nightlife with:

  • Casinos: Offering shows, gaming, and nightclubs.
  • Bars and Lounges: Enjoy cocktails with ocean views.
  • Live Music Venues: Check out performances at the Hard Rock and Borgata Hotels,

Question
What are the parking options in Atlantic City?

Answer

  • Casinos: Most offer paid parking, often validated with gaming or dining.
  • Public Parking: Available near the boardwalk and attractions.
  • Street Parking: Limited but available; check for meter rules.

Question
Are pets allowed in Atlantic City?

Answer

Many hotels and rental properties are pet-friendly, but policies vary. Certain parts of the beach allow leashed dogs during off-peak hours, so check local regulations.

Question
Are there day trip options from Atlantic City?

Answer

  • Cape May: A charming seaside town known for Victorian architecture.
  • The Wildwoods: A family destination with a "Doo-Wop" heritage, fantastic beaches, and a world-class boardwalk with amusement piers.
  • The Pine Barrens: Perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Philadelphia: Less than a 1.5-hour drive for history and culture.

More Atlantic City Visitor's Information

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