Atlantic City, New Jersey Travel Guide

Discover Atlantic City: A dynamic blend of historic charm, thrilling entertainment, and natural beauty on the New Jersey shore.

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Atlantic City

Located on the picturesque Atlantic coast of New Jersey, Atlantic City is a vibrant destination known for its bustling boardwalk, exciting casinos, and beautiful beaches. As you stroll along the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk, you'll be greeted with stunning ocean views, lively entertainment, and a variety of shops and eateries. The boardwalk, built in 1870, is the heart of the city and offers a nostalgic charm combined with modern attractions. Atlantic City is famous for its casino resorts, where visitors can try their luck at an array of gaming tables and slot machines. The city's nightlife is equally thrilling, with numerous nightclubs, bars, and restaurants offering diverse dining experiences and live performances. If you're looking for a cultural experience, the Atlantic City Art Center and the Absecon Lighthouse provide a glimpse into the city's rich history and artistic heritage. Beyond the glitz and glamour, Atlantic City offers natural beauty and outdoor activities. The sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Venturing a bit further, you can explore the scenic coastal trails and wildlife of the nearby Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you are seeking excitement, relaxation, or a bit of both, Atlantic City has something to offer every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Atlantic City.

Visit the boardwalk early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Check the schedule for free events and concerts on the Boardwalk Hall's website.
Use the Atlantic City Jitney service for convenient and affordable transportation around the city.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as many attractions are best explored on foot.
Don't forget to try the saltwater taffy, a local sweet treat that originated here.

Explore Atlantic City: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Atlantic City

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino

Experience the ultimate blend of gaming, dining, and entertainment at Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, a premier destination on the iconic Boardwalk.

4.1

Resorts Casino Hotel

Discover the ultimate blend of luxury and gaming at Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City's premier destination for entertainment and relaxation.

4.2

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and rich history of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, a must-visit destination for tourists seeking fun and relaxation.

4.4

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Discover the lively Atlantic City Boardwalk, a historic landmark filled with entertainment, dining, and stunning ocean views that promise a memorable seaside escape.

4.4

Best landmarks in Atlantic City

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Caesars Atlantic City

Discover the luxury of Caesars Atlantic City: a premier hotel and buffet restaurant offering exquisite accommodations and dining along the iconic boardwalk.

4.2

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Discover the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk, a stunning seaside promenade filled with entertainment, dining, and unforgettable experiences.

4.4

Steel Pier

Experience the excitement of Steel Pier, a historic amusement park on Atlantic City's Boardwalk, featuring thrilling rides, games, and ocean views.

4.3

Playground Pier

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Playground Pier in Atlantic City, where shopping, dining, and nightlife come together with stunning ocean views.

3.9

Best restaurants in Atlantic City

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Hard Rock Cafe

Discover American cuisine and rock 'n' roll culture at Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City – where every meal is an experience!

4.2

Kelsey's Atlantic city

Experience authentic Southern soul food at Kelsey's Atlantic City - where every meal is a celebration of flavor!

4.4

Margaritaville - Atlantic City

Experience island vibes at Margaritaville - Atlantic City with delicious American cuisine and refreshing cocktails on the famous Boardwalk.

4.0

Rainforest Cafe

Discover the magic of dining amidst lush jungles and animatronic wildlife at Rainforest Cafe in Atlantic City.

4.1

Best bars in Atlantic City

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LandShark Bar & Grill - Atlantic City

Experience the vibrant flavors and coastal charm of LandShark Bar & Grill in Atlantic City, where every meal is a seaside celebration.

4.0

Irish Pub and Irish Pub Inn

Discover the essence of Ireland in Atlantic City at the Irish Pub Inn, where hearty meals and festive atmosphere await.

4.4

Back Bay Ale House

Experience the best of Atlantic City with grilled delights and craft cocktails at Back Bay Ale House, your go-to coastal dining destination.

4.5

Bally's Beach Bar

Experience the vibrant beachside atmosphere at Bally's Beach Bar in Atlantic City, where refreshing cocktails and delicious food await you.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Atlantic City

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The Pool After Dark

Experience the electrifying nightlife at The Pool After Dark, Atlantic City's ultimate destination for unforgettable parties and vibrant entertainment.

3.3

HQ2 Nightclub at Ocean Casino Resort

Experience dazzling nightlife at HQ2 Nightclub in Atlantic City, where world-class DJs and luxurious vibes create unforgettable evenings.

3.2

Anthem Lounge

Discover the exhilarating nightlife at Anthem Lounge, the ultimate night club experience in Atlantic City, offering cocktails, music, and a vibrant atmosphere.

3.5

Boogie Nights

Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Atlantic City at Boogie Nights, where disco meets modern beats for an unforgettable clubbing experience.

4.3

Best shops in Atlantic City

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Tanger Outlets Atlantic City

Discover unbeatable deals and an extensive selection of brand-name stores at Tanger Outlets Atlantic City, your ultimate shopping destination.

4.4

Playground Pier

Discover Playground Pier, a vibrant shopping mall in Atlantic City offering shopping, dining, and nightlife against stunning ocean views.

3.9

Bass Pro Shops

Explore the ultimate outdoor shopping experience at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City, where adventure begins with every aisle.

4.5

Nike Factory Store - Atlantic City

Discover unbeatable deals on Nike sportswear in Atlantic City, featuring a wide selection of athletic wear for the whole family.

4.2

Explore Atlantic City on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Atlantic City, mapped for you.

Atlantic City Essentials

Atlantic City is located in New Jersey, United States. The nearest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), approximately 60 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle, or use public transportation to reach Atlantic City. Alternatively, Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is about 10 miles from the city center and offers some domestic flights. Amtrak trains also service the area, with connections via the Atlantic City Rail Terminal. Additionally, various bus services, including Greyhound and NJ Transit, operate routes to Atlantic City from neighboring cities.
Atlantic City offers multiple transportation options. The Atlantic City Jitney Association operates mini-buses that run throughout the city and to nearby areas. NJ Transit buses cover regional routes, while the Atlantic City Rail Terminal provides train services. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available. For a more leisurely option, visitors can use bike rentals or take a stroll along the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk.
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in casinos and major tourist areas. It is advisable to carry some cash for small vendors or tips, but most transactions can be handled electronically.
Atlantic City is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it has areas with higher crime rates. Tourists should avoid venturing into less populated areas, particularly at night. The neighborhoods of Ducktown and areas around Pacific Avenue have experienced higher crime rates targeting tourists. Always stay in well-lit, populated areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The city has several hospitals, including AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. For non-urgent medical needs, there are numerous pharmacies and clinics. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress casually, but neatly. Beachwear is acceptable on the boardwalk and beach but not in restaurants or casinos. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect places of worship. Public Transport: Do be polite to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do be friendly and use common greetings like 'hello' or 'hi'. A handshake is acceptable in formal situations. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and boardwalk treats like saltwater taffy. Don't refuse hospitality, especially if invited to a meal.
To experience Atlantic City like a local, visit the historic Gardner’s Basin, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and maritime activities. Explore local eateries off the boardwalk for authentic cuisine. Attend seasonal events and festivals, such as the Atlantic City Airshow. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share insider tips. Don’t miss a walk or bike ride along the Atlantic City Boardwalk for a quintessential experience.

When is the best time to visit Atlantic City?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Atlantic City

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Atlantic City. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [Hey]
- GoodbyeLater
  [Lay-ter]
- YesYeah
  [Yeah]
- NoNah
  [Nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No worries
  [Pleez/No wah-rees]
- Thank youThanks a lot
  [Thanks uh lot]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [Pahrd-un me/My bad]
- How are you?How you doin'?
  [How you doin'?]
- Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [Good. You?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [You speak English?]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCheck out the menu, please
  [Check out the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't do meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to pay
  [I'm ready to pay]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [Get lost!]
- Call the Police!Call the Cops!
  [Call the Cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [Get a doc!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [Just browsing]
- How much is it?How much?
  [How much?]
- That's too expensiveThat's a ripoff
  [That's a ripoff]
- Can you lower the price?Can you do better?
  [Can you do better?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
- MorningMorning
  [Morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [Evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Atlantic City

Atlantic City was founded in 1854 as a health resort by Dr. Jonathan Pitney and civil engineer Richard Osborne. The city quickly grew in popularity due to its strategic location on Absecon Island, its beautiful beaches, and the completion of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad, which made it easily accessible from Philadelphia.
In 1870, Atlantic City introduced its iconic Boardwalk, the first of its kind in the United States. Initially built to keep sand out of hotel lobbies, the Boardwalk quickly evolved into a bustling promenade lined with shops, eateries, and entertainment venues, becoming the heart and soul of the city.
During the 1920s, Atlantic City became a hotspot for illegal activities, including bootlegging and gambling, during the Prohibition era. The city thrived as a playground for the rich and famous, earning a reputation as 'The World's Playground.' This period saw the rise of influential figures such as political boss Enoch 'Nucky' Johnson, who controlled much of the city's vice operations.
The Miss America Pageant was first held in Atlantic City in 1921 as a way to extend the summer tourist season. The event quickly gained national attention and became an annual tradition, showcasing young women's talent, poise, and beauty. The pageant played a significant role in the cultural fabric of Atlantic City and brought widespread recognition to the city.
After World War II, Atlantic City experienced a decline in tourism as new vacation destinations emerged and the allure of the city waned. Many of its grand hotels fell into disrepair, and the city's economy suffered. The once-thriving resort town faced significant challenges during this period.
In 1976, New Jersey voters approved a referendum to legalize casino gambling in Atlantic City, marking a turning point in the city's history. The first casino, Resorts International, opened in 1978, followed by several others. The influx of casinos revitalized the city's economy, attracting tourists and creating jobs, though it also brought new challenges and competition.
In recent years, Atlantic City has undertaken various revitalization efforts to diversify its economy and attract a broader range of visitors. Initiatives such as the development of luxury resorts, entertainment complexes, and the establishment of the Atlantic City Alliance have aimed to rebrand the city and enhance its appeal beyond gambling. These efforts continue to shape the future of Atlantic City as a vibrant destination.