Is Atlantic City worth visiting? Atlantic City, located on the coast of New Jersey, has long been known as a haven for entertainment and gambling. But is it worth visiting?
With its iconic boardwalk, active nightlife, and stunning beaches, Atlantic City offers a unique blend of excitement and relaxation that appeals to many visitors.
Whether you’re looking to try your luck at the casinos, indulge in world-class dining, or simply soak up the sun on the beach, the City has something for everyone.
So, if you’re searching for a destination that combines the thrill of Las Vegas with the charm of a seaside town, Atlantic City is worth a visit.
Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?
Yes, Atlantic City is worth visiting. With its iconic boardwalk, vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and diverse entertainment options like casinos and amusement parks, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re seeking excitement or relaxation, Atlantic City offers a unique blend of attractions and experiences suitable for all ages and interests, making it a destination worth exploring.
What Is Atlantic City Known for?
Atlantic City is primarily known for its casinos, vibrant nightlife, iconic boardwalk, and stunning Atlantic Ocean beaches, hosting about 27 million visitors annually.
The City is famous for inspiring the U.S. version of the Monopoly board game, with various Atlantic City street names and landmarks featured.
Additionally, Atlantic City was the longtime host of the Miss America pageant and legalized casino gambling in the mid-1970s, becoming a renowned gambling destination.
How to Get to Atlantic City
Getting to Atlantic City is easy, and there are quite several ways to reach there.
Flying to Atlantic City – There are two nearby airports, Atlantic City International Airport, only 12 miles away, and Philadelphia International Airport, located 60 miles from Atlantic City.
By Car – The Atlantic City Expressway provides a direct route from nearby cities like Philadelphia, NYC, Baltimore, or Washington, D.C., making travel stress-free.
Use a Bus – You can select charter services such as Stout’s Transportation, and Guenther Charters & Tours for arranging group transportation to casino resorts in Atlantic City.
Taking the Train to Atlantic City – You can use NJ TRANSIT’s railway services, including the Atlantic City Rail Line.
Daily services are available from different locations, and the terminal is conveniently situated next to the Atlantic City Convention Center.
Once you arrive, you can walk to nearby hotels or use complimentary shuttles to reach casino resort accommodations.
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What Is the Best Time to Visit Atlantic City?
The best time to visit Atlantic City is from May to early September, during the spring and summer.
This period offers warm and sunny weather, perfect for enjoying activities like strolling along the boardwalk and relaxing on the beach.
This timeframe is ideal if you’re looking for good weather, sunny beach days, and outdoor activities.
Visit during the fall for indoor and outdoor shopping and activities. The weather cools down but remains comfortable for exploring places like Tanger Outlets.
Avoid winter this season due to the harsh cold, especially given the proximity to the water. If you do visit during winter, focus on indoor activities. On the bright side, hotel prices are at their lowest during this time.
Additionally, if you’re on a budget, consider visiting right before or after the peak travel season, from late September to March, when hotel prices drop and crowds thin out.
Things to Do in Atlantic City
So, you’ve just landed in the Atlantic City; what next? Well, something that you won’t need to worry about is what you’ll do in ‘The World’s Playground.’ You can engage in one or more of the activities below.
- Atlantic City Boardwalk – Explore the iconic 4.8-mile boardwalk offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, A.C. beaches, and easy access to casinos, hotels, and attractions. It’s a family-friendly destination suitable for all ages.
- Dolphin Watch with Atlantic City Cruises – Watch dolphins from May to October, with daily excursions lasting around an hour. Enjoy ethical animal encounters and the chance to see bottle-nosed dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Atlantic City Airshow – Attend the annual Atlantic City Airshow, one of the largest in North America, featuring hundreds of planes. Spectators can purchase tickets or find vantage points throughout the City to enjoy the thrilling aerial displays.
- Ocean Casino Resort – Visit this five-star casino resort on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Enjoy a luxury casino environment with thousands of slot machines and table games. Don’t forget to check out fine dining venues like Linguini By The Sea.
- Central Pier Arcade – Experience the chaos and fun of Central Pier Arcade. Enjoy classic arcade games, penny falls, and an outdoor go-karting track. It’s a family-friendly destination located along the main boardwalk.
- Atlantic City Experience at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall – Gain insight into Atlantic City’s history through exhibits, live exhibits, and virtual clips at the Atlantic City Experience held in Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. It’s an ideal attraction for those interested in the City’s earlier days.
- Atlantic City Ballet – Attend a performance by the highly respected Atlantic City Ballet, known for its diverse shows such as The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Dracula.
- Steel Pier Amusement Park – Enjoy the family-friendly activities at Steel Pier Amusement Park, featuring gold-gilded fairground rides, a huge Ferris wheel, and an oceanfront locale.
- Try A Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity3 – Indulge in the famous frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity3, located within the Ocean Casino Resort. Experience a slushier version of hot chocolate with real melted chocolate and cocoa powder.
- Lucy The Elephant – It’s a colossal building with the design of a giant elephant. Take a guided tour inside the 6-floor building and learn about its history as the oldest roadside attraction in the U.S.
- Chicken Bone Beach – Visit Chicken Bone Beach, one of the best Atlantic City beaches with spacious sands and historical significance related to America’s racist segregation.
- New Jersey Korean War Memorial – Pay a visit to the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, a sad yet important activity featuring a huge monument with inscribed names and realistic soldier statues.
- Atlantic City Miniature Golf – Enjoy classic mini golf at Atlantic City Miniature Golf, offering a few hours of entertainment for families and adults.
- Test Your Nerve with Watersports – Enjoy watersports such as tubing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and banana boats with Totally Tubular Watersports during summer.
- Bass River State Forest – Take a break from amusement parks and casinos by heading to Bass River State Forest for a natural experience featuring hiking trails and diverse landscapes.
Best Neighborhood to Stay in Atlantic City
The following are the safest neighborhoods in Atlantic City where you can stay and feel safe.
- Atlantic City Boardwalk – Known for entertainment and iconic hotels like Ocean Casino Resort and Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City. Offers a variety of dining options and attractions like Steel Pier Amusement Park.
- Marina District – Ideal for mature visitors, featuring hotels like Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.
- Downtown – Perfect for shopping enthusiasts, with proximity to Tanger Outlets and The Walk. It features a range of dining options but fewer hotel choices than the Boardwalk area.
5 Hotels You Must Check Out While in Atlantic City
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – Known for its various restaurants, fine dining options, and highly-rated staff, Borgata offers a luxurious stay with enjoyable amenities such as gambling, comedy shows, and vibrant nightlife.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City – It is a casino hotel that offers a variety of food court options, table games, and live music.
- Ocean Casino Resort – This resort boasts top-notch dining options like Dolce Mare and Amada and beautiful ocean views from rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. The casino offers a great selection of table games and slots.
- Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina – Golden Nugget provides a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable rooms, multiple bars, live weekend music, and scenic marina views. Modern slot machines and video poker are also available.
- Resorts Casino Hotel – Well-equipped and centrally located near boardwalk attractions, Resorts Casino Hotel offers comfortable rooms with ocean views. It’s known for outstanding seafood options and diverse dining choices.
Conclusion
Is Atlantic City worth visiting? Atlantic City offers a unique blend of excitement and relaxation, making it worth a visit. With its beaches, boardwalk, and vibrant nightlife, there is something for every tourist.
Whether you’re interested in trying your luck at the casinos, indulging in world-class dining, or simply enjoying the sun on the beach, Atlantic City has it all.
The best time to visit is from May to early September when the weather is sunny and warm. However, the off-peak season from late September to March can offer lower hotel prices and fewer people.
