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Destinations / United States

Atlantic City

Boardwalk, casinos and Jersey Shore nostalgia

nightlifebeacheshistorycouples
Plan your trip to Atlantic CitySee the top 10
38,959Population
372,989Metro area
EnglishLanguage
USDCurrency
3 daysIdeal stay
$200-350Typical day

Atlantic City is a seaside resort on the New Jersey shore, known for its historic boardwalk and big casino hotels. It mixes beach days with gaming, shows, dining and outlet shopping. It suits weekend breaks from the Northeast, and nearby towns like Margate and Cape May add old-fashioned shore charm.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. The first boardwalk in the US, running for miles past casinos, shops and the beach. It is the city's main promenade.

    2 to 3 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free to walk.

    Tip. Rent a bike in the morning when cycling is allowed.
    See on the map

  2. A historic amusement pier with rides and an observation wheel over the ocean. It is good for families.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Check the official site for current prices.

    Tip. Ride the wheel at sunset.
    Official siteSee on the map

  3. The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, from 1857, which you can climb. It offers sweeping views of the city.

    1 hourTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Check the official site for current prices.

    Tip. The climb is many steps, so pace yourself.
    Official siteSee on the map

  4. A six-storey wooden elephant from 1881 you can tour inside. It is a quirky national historic landmark.

    1 hourTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Check the official site for current prices.

    Tip. Tours run on a set schedule; check the site.
    Official siteSee on the map

  5. Large casino resorts with gaming, shows and restaurants, along the boardwalk and in the Marina District. They are the city's main draw.

    EveningTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Check the official site for current prices.

    Tip. Set a budget before you play.
    See on the map

  6. A wide sandy beach along the boardwalk with lifeguards in summer. It is free to use.

    Half dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free beach access.

    Tip. Swim between the lifeguard flags.
    See on the map

  7. An outdoor outlet mall in the center with brand stores. It is good for tax-free clothing shopping in New Jersey.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Check the official site for current prices.

    Tip. Clothing is exempt from New Jersey sales tax.
    See on the map

  8. A Victorian seaside town with painted houses, beaches and a lighthouse. It is one of the prettiest towns on the shore.

    Full dayTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Check the official site for current prices.

    Tip. About 1 hour by car.
    See on the map

  9. A village of colonial-style shops and restaurants around a lake. It is a calm half-day outing.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Check the official site for current prices.

    Tip. About 25 minutes by car.
    See on the map

  10. A maritime park with boat tours, an aquarium and seafood. It is the base for dolphin watching cruises.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Check the official site for current prices.

    Tip. Dolphin cruises run in summer.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Atlantic City in three days

Day one boardwalk, day two Lucy the Elephant and the beach, day three Cape May or Smithville.

  1. Atlantic City Boardwalk2 to 3 hours · Free
  2. Steel Pier2 hours
  3. Absecon Lighthouse1 hour
  4. CasinosEvening
  5. Lucy the Elephant1 hour
  6. Atlantic City BeachHalf day · Free
  7. Tanger Outlets The Walk2 hours
  8. Cape May (Day Trip)Full day
  9. Historic Smithville2 hours
Beyond the city

Day trips

Philadelphia

Liberty Bell and historic America.

59 mi · Train or bus, about 1 hour 30 minutes each way

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife drive with marsh birds.

12 mi · Car, about 20 minutes

Ocean City, New Jersey

Family beach town with a boardwalk.

25 mi · Car, about 40 minutes each way

Wildwood

Classic boardwalk with doo-wop motels.

47 mi · Car, about 1 hour each way

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: June to September. Beach weather and the liveliest boardwalk.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.7JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

40°F
Typical daily high
Average35°F
Rain3.2 in
About10 rainy days
Sun strength2.0 kWh/m²

Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Jul

Independence Day

July 4

Fireworks over the beach.

Oct

Atlantic City Marathon

October 17 (2026)

Road race through the city.

Year

Taste Atlantic City

Annual

Food and drink event; check the date.

Year

Soar & Shore Airshow

Summer, dates vary

Air show above the beach.

Year

ShopRite LPGA Classic

Early summer, dates vary

Professional golf event in the area.

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Know before you go

At a glance

3/5
Safety

There is no US advisory for its own cities, so this is based on UK FCDO advice for the USA, which notes violent crime rarely affects tourists but urges care in unfamiliar areas at night; in Atlantic City stay on the busy boardwalk and casino areas at night and use rides rather than walking through quiet side streets.

4/5
Walkability

The boardwalk links most casinos and attractions on foot.

3/5
Public transport

NJ Transit buses and the Atlantic City rail line connect to Philadelphia, and local jitneys run along Pacific Avenue.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
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1. Boardwalk casino hotels

$$WalkabilityThe boardwalk links everything.

Best for: first-timers, nightlife

Right on the beach with entertainment inside.

See on the map

2. Marina District

$$$WalkabilitySelf-contained resorts; you will ride.

Best for: couples, luxury

Larger resorts like the Borgata away from the boardwalk.

See on the map

3. Ventnor and Margate

$$WalkabilityEasy beach and boardwalk walks.

Best for: families

Quieter shore towns south of the city.

See on the map

4. Boardwalk casino district

$$$WalkabilityBoardwalk, shops and dining are steps away.

Best for: nightlife, couples, groups

Hotels attached to casinos with restaurants, shows and beach access.

See on the map

5. Brigantine

$$WalkabilityQuiet; car needed for most things.

Best for: families, local feel

Residential beach island north of the city.

See on the map

Getting there and around

Main airportAtlantic City International Airport (ACY), 10 mi from the center
To the centerTaxi, ride app or bus; many visitors fly into Philadelphia (PHL) and continue by road or rail.
Around townWalk the boardwalk and use the local jitney or ride apps; a car helps for Cape May and Smithville.
Ride appsUber, Lyft
Taste it

What to eat

Saltwater taffy

Chewy candy, a boardwalk classic.

Submarine sandwich

Local delis claim a long sub tradition.

Boardwalk pizza

Thin, cheesy slices.

Jersey tomatoes and corn

Summer farm produce.

Boardwalk fries

Fries with vinegar and salt.

Fresh seafood

Local catch and crab dishes.

White House subs

A famous local sub sandwich.

Funnel cake

Fried pastry with sugar.

Good to know

PlugsType A and B, 120 V
Tap waterSafe to drink
TippingTip 18 to 20 percent in sit-down restaurants and bars, and a few dollars for hotel and taxi services.
PaymentsCards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere.
EtiquetteAmericans are informal and friendly; tipping is expected for most services.
  • Beach badges are not required on Atlantic City beaches, unlike many Jersey Shore towns.
  • You must be 21 to gamble.
  • Casino hotel prices swing widely between weekdays and weekends.
  • Rolling chairs, a boardwalk tradition, can be hired.
  • Ocean water is cool until July.
  • Gambling age is 21; carry ID.
  • Beach access rules and fees can change by season, so check with the city.
  • Summer weekends are crowded.

A short history

Atlantic City was built as a health resort in the 1850s after a railway linked it to Philadelphia. In 1870 it built the first boardwalk in the United States, so sand would stay out of hotel lobbies. It boomed in the early 20th century and gave its street names to the Monopoly board game. After a long decline, legalised casino gambling in 1976 brought a new wave of development.

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Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Atlantic City