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In 1870 Atlantic City laid down the first boardwalk in the United States, and this resort on Absecon Island has been reinventing seaside fun ever since. Railroads brought Philadelphians to the Jersey Shore here in the late 1800s, its streets later gave the Monopoly board their names, and the Miss America pageant began here in 1921.
Today the city is best known for its oceanfront casino resorts, wide free beaches and the long wooden Boardwalk lined with shops, arcades and saltwater taffy stands. Steel Pier still has rides and an observation wheel, Boardwalk Hall hosts concerts and holds one of the world's largest pipe organs, and the Marina District has the Borgata and quieter bay views.
Away from the casinos, visitors can climb the Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, explore the aquarium and boat tours at Gardner's Basin, and learn about Chicken Bone Beach. Lucy the Elephant in nearby Margate and the beaches of Ventnor and Ocean City make easy side trips.
Opened in 1870, the Boardwalk runs for miles along the beach past casinos, piers, arcades, gift shops and saltwater taffy stores. Walk it, rent a bike in the early morning, or ride one of the wicker rolling chairs pushed by an attendant. Sunrise over the ocean is the quietest time to go.
Lit in 1857, this 171-foot lighthouse is the tallest in New Jersey and still has its original first-order Fresnel lens. Climb the 228 steps of the spiral staircase for views over the city and the ocean, then visit the keeper's house museum. Check opening days before going in the off-season.
Opened in 1929, this huge Boardwalk arena hosted the Miss America pageant for decades and still stages concerts, boxing and shows. It holds the Midmer-Losh pipe organ, one of the largest in the world, and volunteer organ tours and short recitals are offered on some days. Check the event calendar in advance.
A historic amusement pier that opened in 1898 and once featured the famous diving horse. Today it has carnival rides, games, food stands and a large observation wheel with enclosed gondolas that look out over the ocean and the city. Rides are paid by ticket, and evenings are the busiest time.
The largest casino resort in the city, set in the Marina District away from the Boardwalk. It has a big gaming floor, poker room, a spa, a long list of restaurants from casual to fine dining, and a concert venue that hosts comedians and touring bands. Parking is easiest in its own garage.
Opened in 2018 in the former Trump Taj Mahal building on the Boardwalk, this resort displays rock and roll memorabilia throughout its casino floor and hotel. It has restaurants, bars, a large concert hall and an entrance right across from Steel Pier. Big name shows often sell out, so book early.
A tall glass resort at the north end of the Boardwalk, built as Revel and reopened as Ocean in 2018. Rooms and restaurants have wide views over the Atlantic, and the resort has a casino, spa, pools, nightclub and concert venue. It is a good base for walking the quieter northern stretch of Boardwalk.
A wide sandy beach runs the full length of the Boardwalk, and unlike many Jersey Shore towns it is free to use, with no beach tags. Lifeguards watch marked areas in summer, and chairs and umbrellas can be rented. Swim only where guards are on duty and watch for strong rip currents.
A small maritime park on the inlet at the north end of the city, with docks, fishing boats, waterfront restaurants and craft shops. Sightseeing cruises, dolphin watching trips and fishing charters leave from here in summer. It is a relaxed contrast to the casinos and a good spot to watch the sunset over the bay.
A compact aquarium at Gardner's Basin focused on the marine life of the Jersey Shore and nearby waters. Visitors see sea turtles, sharks, rays and local fish, and children can use the touch tanks. It takes about an hour, so combine it with lunch or a boat tour at the basin next door.
The stretch of beach at Missouri Avenue was where Black residents and visitors were confined during decades of segregation, and it became a lively gathering place for families and entertainers. Today it is a historic site, and a foundation hosts a free summer jazz concert series nearby. Look for the marker on the Boardwalk.
An open-air outlet center spread over several downtown blocks between the convention center and the Boardwalk. It has dozens of brand-name outlet stores, plus restaurants and cafes along the walkways. Shopping here is popular on rainy beach days, and some casino hotels are within walking distance.
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