United States Destinations

Atlantic City offers much to east coast visitors

By Dirk Vanderwilt

Boardwalk Empire, the HBO show set in Prohibition-era Atlantic City, now in its second season, has been a hit.

That is prompting people to take another look at the New Jersey seaside resort, whose streets gave their names to those in the game of Monopoly. If you are visiting New York City and feel like some gambling action, Atlantic City is a natural.

But there are a lot of other reasons to visit Atlantic City besides gambling. Here are a few ideas to make the most of your vacation without having to step foot inside a casino – unless you want to!

Stroll along the Boardwalk

Atlantic City is famous for having the world’s first oceanside boardwalk. Today, visitors will encounter a wide range of food vendors, carnival-type games, gift shops and unique attractions.

Whether it’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum, the Korean War Memorial or one of many saltwater taffy shops, there’s something for every interest. And if you get tired, take a ride in one of Atlantic City’s institutions: a rolling chair.

Relax on the beach

Atlantic City's beach is always free to access, even during the peak summer months, unlike others in New Jersey. Although the beach itself isn't as well maintained as some of the other Jersey Shore beaches, it sure is difficult to beat that price!

Bargain-hunt at Atlantic City's outlet mall

The Walk is Atlantic City’s outlet mall. With more than 80 stores and eateries spread among several city blocks at the eastern end of the Atlantic City Expressway, and easily accessible from the Boardwalk, it’s a great place to spend the afternoon.

Shop, dine and dance in Old Havana

Tropicana's groundbreaking The Quarter complex is a trip back in time to Old Havana – a themed shopping, dining and entertainment venue. By day, it offers unique shopping and top-rated restaurants including The Palm Restaurant, P.F. Chang's, and Cuba Libre.

At night the atmosphere takes on the air of a nightclub with both locals and visitors enjoying its indoor streets. It is also home to an IMAX theatre, which features both current and past IMAX films.

Stuff yourself at buffets

Atlantic City offers many buffet-style restaurants – at least one per resort. These pay-one-price-and-eat-yourself-silly places are staples of casino resorts.

While you won't get the food spread or discounts you may expect in Las Vegas, the food is still abundant and the ambience is fun. Favourite buffets include The Virginia City Buffet at Bally's Wild Wild West Casino and The French Quarter Buffet at Showboat.

Pamper yourself with a swim and spa day

Most resorts have a comprehensive spa, fitness centre and swimming pool. Check with your resort beforehand to see exactly what they offer, as resorts do vary in terms of spa availability and services.

Harrah’s Resort features one of the best swimming pools in Atlantic City: a glass-enclosed, year-round oasis with trees, bar service and even rentable cabanas. On many nights, the pool area is transformed into a nightclub.

Catch a show

Many of the resorts have at least one show venue. Most feature local and recurring acts, usually musical or comedy, but a few of the larger venues host touring celebrities.

Boardwalk Hall, which is not part of any resort, is the biggest and best, and it hosts many arena-sized events, including tours by national acts. This venue was the home of the Miss America pageant for many years. The House of Blues at Showboat is another major venue, with many celebrity acts headlining its stage.

Indulge in fine dining

In recent years, Atlantic City has really upped the ante – so to speak – when it comes to fine dining. The Borgata set a new standard for fine food when it opened in 2003 with celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck, and the other resorts have been clamouring to catch up.

Fine dining is available at resorts throughout Atlantic City, catering to virtually every taste. The best spots are at Caesars and The Borgata, but each resort has its own claim to culinary fame.

Enjoy an amusement pier

Just as in Atlantic City’s illustrious past, one defining characteristic of the Queen of Resorts is its amusement piers. While piers have come and gone over the years, today there are four fully-operating amusement piers, each of which offers its own brand of amusements.

From south to north: The Pier Shops at Caesars is an upscale shopping and dining complex attached to Caesars Atlantic City; Central Pier is home to a video arcade and go-kart track; Steel Pier is Atlantic City’s own midway-style amusement park; Garden Pier features the Atlantic City Historical Museum and Art Gallery.

Visit the Atlantic City Aquarium

Families travelling with younger children will be pleasantly surprised with the Atlantic City Aquarium, a small but informative indoor aquarium located at Historic Gardner’s Basin, just off the north end of the Boardwalk. During the summertime, Gardner’s Basin is home to unique shops, restaurants and boat tours.

Whether you plan to play your luck on the many slot machines throughout Atlantic City or visit one of the attractions above, you’re sure to enjoy all the Queen of Resorts has to offer. Just be sure to bring your camera as there are always a variety of photo opportunities along the way!

Dirk Vanderwilt is the creator of Tourist Town Guides.