It is hardly a surprise that the resort city of Atlantic City in Atlantic County is often referred to as “America’s favourite playground”. With a bustling boardwalk, high stakes poker tables, scenic beaches and high-end retail options, this Southern New Jersey city entertains its visitors with its own unique style and vibes. Whether it is venturing into the Atlantic Ocean to surf, fish and parasail or splurging your blackjack winnings on your favourite designer brands, you will not run out of options for family fun and entertainment in this amazing entertainment capital on the Jersey shore. There are also numerous accommodation options, from affordable and friendly hotels to luxury hotels.
From taking a casual stroll along the world-famous boardwalk to raising the stakes at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino, here is a list of the essential things to do in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
1. Catch the latest events at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is an events arena in Atlantic City that’s home to the largest pipe organ, which is also the largest musical instrument in the world. This grand venue is often the home of ice hockey games and major live concerts, with past performances by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The arena was formerly called the Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall and was dedicated to Senator Jim Whelan in 2017.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Address: 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
Website: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
2. Take a ride at Steel Pier amusement park
Ready for some amusement park fun in Atlantic County? Located near the Atlantic City beaches and major casinos, Steel Pier is the perfect place to go to if you are looking for some thrill-seeking adventures and fun games. With an observation wheel that stands 227 feet tall (69 metres) tall observation wheel with sweeping views of the city’s skyline, a slingshot that skyrockets you up to a height of 225-feet (68 metres) in 15 seconds and a helicopter ride that lets you cruise along the beaches and the shoreline and gives you a stunning birds-eye view of the city, the amusement park offers excitement for everyone at a whole new level. Steel Pier amusement park also features over 20 kiddie rides, roller coasters, and carnival games to keep the little ones busy.
Steel Pier
Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, Atlantic County NJ 08401
Website: Steel Pier
Opening hours: 1pm - 12am
Price: From 10 USD
3. Get some angling action at Historic Gardner's Basin
Located on the hub of Absecon’s Islet in Atlantic County and with magnificent ocean views, Historic Gardner’s Basin is home to the Atlantic City aquarium with more than a 100 varieties of fishes and some of the area’s best fishing excursions. Whether you prefer to fish from the shore or in the deep sea, there are loads of fishing charters that will take you out for a day of fishing fun. You can also choose to go high roller fishing along with your families if you want to escape the seasickness.
Historic Gardner's Basin
Address: 800 North New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City, Atlantic County NJ 08401
Website: Historic Gardner’s Basin
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm
Price: From 30 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Gamble at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino
Try out your luck at one of the well-renowned casinos and luxury hotels in Atlantic City. Featuring over 2,100 slots and 120 table games, the casino at Hard Rock Hotel is the perfect way to take your excitement to the next level in Atlantic City. With exclusive offers and promotions throughout the year, the casino includes multislot gameplay and also offers provisions for games that can be played online on desktop, tablets and smartphones. If you can’t get enough of the casino scene, try Caesars Atlantic City Casino and Ocean Casino Resort too.
Hard Rock Hotel Casino
Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Website: Hard Rock Hotel Casino
Opening hours: 12am - 12am
5. Buckle up at Central Pier Arcade
Take a break from the sea, sand and surf and head to Central Pier Arcade and race around in NASCAR-style go-karts with your friends and family. The arcade, one of the best entertainment venues in Atlantic City, offers rides for up to seven persons and also features double seat rides if you wish to zoom around with the little ones. The arcade also includes paintball, games of chance, slot machines and video games that draw in fun seekers from all over the boardwalk.
Central Pier Arcade
Address: 1400 Boardwalk & Tennessee Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Website: Central Pier Arcade
Opening hours: 11am - 12am
6. Take a stroll down Atlantic City Boardwalk
Being a part of the fun and excitement that happens in Atlantic city’s boardwalk is just something that you can’t miss during your trip to this popular destination. The city’s iconic boardwalk is among the world’s foremost boardwalks and is famous for all the right reasons. There is nothing quite like taking a leisurely stroll along the wooded way with stunning Atlantic Ocean views on one side and a slew of restaurants, gift shops, and establishments serving delicious pub food and craft beer on the other. The boardwalk is also home to an array of arcade games, museums and parades that happen all year round.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Address: 2336 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City 08401
Website: Atlantic City Boardwalk
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm
Price: Free
7. Shop till you drop at The Quarter at Tropicana
When it comes to shopping, Atlantic City has it all. Located on the boardwalk, The Quarter at the Tropicana resort is home to a selection of more than 25 shops and chic retail establishments. From luscious chocolate chip cookies to the finest and most expensive jewellery in Atlantic city, The Quarter at Tropicana will keep the shopaholic in you more than happy during your visit.
The Quarter at Tropicana
Address: 2831 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Website: The Quarter at Tropicana
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm
8. Soak up breathtaking views of the city's skyline from the Absecon Lighthouse
Situated in the northern corner of Atlantic City overlooking the Absecon inlet, the Absecon Lighthouse is New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse with 228 steps and breathtaking views of the city’s skyline at the top. The historic lighthouse is steps away from the boardwalk and is hard to miss. The well-trimmed grounds and the storied structures of the lighthouse is ideal for group trips as a picnic spot for both kids and adults.
Absecon Lighthouse
Address: 31 S. Rhode Island Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Website: Absecon Lighthouse
Opening hours: 11am - 4pm
Price: 8 USD
9. Snap a pic in front of the New Jersey Korean War Memorial
The New Jersey Korean war memorial was erected as a tribute to the Korean soldiers and their families. This memorial is a must visit for those looking to understand the history of the war and the important role that the United States played. And while you are there, click a pic with all the exquisitely sculpted heroes that served as a symbol of valour and dedication.
New Jersey Korean War Memorial
Address: 124 Park Pl, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA
Website: New Jersey Korean War Memorial
Opening hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
10. Watch exotic animal shows at Atlantic City Aquarium
Get up close with the ocean’s most fascinating magnificent creatures at the Atlantic City Aquarium. The aquarium features exhibits and touch tanks of eels, sharks, jellyfishes, stingrays, piranhas and many other marine animals of the mid-Atlantic Ocean and the Great Bay estuary. Watch divers hand feed rays and turtles and get face to face with animals, lizards and critters from exotic locations of the world.
Atlantic City Aquarium
Address: 800 N New Hampshire Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Website: Atlantic City Aquarium
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm
Price: 10 USD
11. Marvel at the modern art at Noyes Arts Garage
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University is home to numerous studios and shops and you can choose to observe the painters at work here and even be able to purchase their work. From paintings to sculptures, you will find many kinds of artists here absorbed in their pursuits. Go through the appealing galleries and shops and end your trip by grabbing a bite at the Atlantic Cafe housed in the art garage.
Noyes Arts Garage
Address: 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Website: Noyes Arts Garage
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 6pm
Have a blast
Whether it is a wild getaway with your friends or a relaxed holiday with your family, there is no shortage of things to do in Atlantic City. And before you end your trip in this Jersey shore town, make sure you visit some of the fun attractions here, including the Atlantic City Historical Museum. There are also some cool places nearby to check out, such as Lucy the Elephant in Margate City, African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey in Newtonville, Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Mays Landing, and the historic Batsto Village in Hammonton.
Plan your trip soon and add some of these places to your itinerary!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to