Atlantic City — Beaches, Games & Attractions
It's one of the most popular cities right on the coast of New Jersey in the eastern United States: the city that lures visitors with beaches, the legendary Boardwalk, and plenty of glittering casinos. In Atlantic City, a beach vacation on the Jersey Shore awaits, complete with shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and a touch of Las Vegas. Just a stone's throw from the metropolis of New York City, the legendary Big Apple, Atlantic City is easy to fit into any East Coast USA itinerary. It's simple to reach by rental car, and regular bus services connect it to nearby cities, so no one has to worry about driving after a wild night out. The casinos are what made Atlantic City famous, but the city actually has so much more to discover.
Why Atlantic City?
Atlantic City offers an incredible variety of things to do. The many casinos — like the gigantic Caesar's Atlantic City — invite you to spend your nights at slot machines and gaming tables. The countless shows are reminiscent of Las Vegas and provide plenty of entertainment. The spas, restaurants, and bars offer pure relaxation and indulgence. And of course, there are the beaches just across the Boardwalk where you can soak up the sun and let your worries melt away. The city was founded in the 19th century and has been attracting visitors from the region — such as New York and Philadelphia — from across the United States, and from around the world ever since. Everyone wants to stroll along the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. As you can see, there's plenty to do, which is exactly what we want to showcase so you can make the most of the East Coast's answer to Las Vegas.
Experience the Iconic Boardwalk
One of the world's most famous entertainment zones, right on the coast, is the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The city gained even greater fame when its streets were used for Hasbro's iconic board game "Monopoly". Walking along the Boardwalk, one side is lined with one entertainment venue after another, while a glance to the other side reveals the white sand beach and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon. The 6 km of Boardwalk are easy to stroll, but you can also hire a rolling chair — pushed in the traditional 1980s style by experienced guides.
Explore the Casinos
Atlantic City wouldn't be the Las Vegas of the East Coast without its many sparkling casinos that radiate the true Las Vegas feeling and promise nights of gaming fun. Gambling was legalized here back in the 1970s. Casinos began springing up, and visitors flocked to the city in droves. Beyond the legendary Caesar's Casino, more than a dozen casinos await. The Borgata Casino is especially famous and popular. All the most popular casino games are represented — from blackjack and mini baccarat to roulette and the ever-popular Texas Hold'em poker. Whichever game you choose, whether at a real poker table (don't forget your poker face!), at the roulette wheel, or relaxed at a slot machine, boredom is simply not an option here.
Everything for a Beach Vacation
When you think of Atlantic City, images of casinos and entertainment spring to mind — and sure, it can't quite compete with the legendary beaches of Florida's vacation regions. But don't forget that the Jersey Shore is also an excellent beach destination. First-class resorts with pools and breathtaking ocean views offer luxurious relaxation. Just a few steps across the Boardwalk and you're on the white, sandy beach. If you want to escape the Boardwalk bustle, you can reach a variety of other beautiful beaches within less than an hour's drive. Spring Lake is a pristine beach with elegant dining options and romantic bed-and-breakfasts. If you're ready to plunge into the cool waters of the Atlantic, grab a board and enjoy water sports at Crystal Beach or Delaware Avenue Beach.
Climb the Absecon Lighthouse
Rounding off a beach vacation in Atlantic City is the iconic Absecon Lighthouse. It's easy to reach on foot or by bus. According to Expedia, visitors can climb 228 steps to enjoy the view from the top and marvel at the 5.8-ton lamp dating back to the 1850s. Although the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1933, the massive beacon still shines into the darkness of the night. At the on-site museum, visitors can learn all about the lighthouse and the history of the area and get a glimpse of what Atlantic City looked like in the 19th century.
Visit the Aquarium
Another impressive attraction in Atlantic City is the aquarium. If gazing at the ocean isn't quite enough, you can practically dive into the depths yourself and admire the many fascinating marine creatures. In the open shark tank, you can even touch the animals. The main tank holds an incredible variety of exotic underwater life, and there's plenty to learn about the East Coast's marine ecosystem. Among the eight enormous aquariums, you'll discover all sorts of surprises — from underwater and land animals to artifacts recovered from sunken shipwrecks.
The entertainment city of Atlantic City has something for everyone. While the many casinos remain the main draw for plenty of visitors, the city truly offers so much more, making Atlantic City an excellent travel destination on the US East Coast. Whether it's a weekend getaway, a bachelor party, or a beach vacation — everyone will find what they're looking for in Atlantic City.
