Things to do in Atlantic City, NJ

Atlantic City considers itself "America's Playground," and why not? How else would you describe a resort city best known for gambling, shopping, and decadently fine dining? The Atlantic City Boardwalk is easily the most happening spot in this famous (infamous?) coastal city. It's one of the oldest boardwalks in America, and every one of its four miles is absolutely brimming with entertainment options. Feel like riding a carousel? Check. Want to catch a show at the House of Blues? Got it. How about getting your mind blown at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum? Done. No matter what you're craving, you can surely satisfy it by strolling a few feet on the Boardwalk.

Unbeknownst to many, Atlantic City actually struggled economically in the mid-20th century, but in 1976, when the state passed a referendum legalizing gambling in the city, "America's Playground" surged to life with voracious intent. Atlantic City is far and away the gambling capital of the East Coast, with 13 world-class casinos and thousands of high-end games and machines. Trump Taj Mahal is the crowning jewel of Atlantic City's gambling scene, and the flagship of billionaire Donald Trump's vast empire. Whether you're looking for...  

Read the full list of five »

Atlantic City considers itself "America's Playground," and why not? How else would you describe a resort city best known for gambling, shopping, and decadently fine dining? The Atlantic City Boardwalk is easily the most happening spot in this famous (infamous?) coastal city. It's one of the oldest boardwalks in America, and every one of its four miles is absolutely brimming with entertainment options. Feel like riding a carousel? Check. Want to catch a show at the House of Blues? Got it. How about getting your mind blown at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum? Done. No matter what you're craving, you can surely satisfy it by strolling a few feet on the Boardwalk.

Unbeknownst to many, Atlantic City actually struggled economically in the mid-20th century, but in 1976, when the state passed a referendum legalizing gambling in the city, "America's Playground" surged to life with voracious intent. Atlantic City is far and away the gambling capital of the East Coast, with 13 world-class casinos and thousands of high-end games and machines. Trump Taj Mahal is the crowning jewel of Atlantic City's gambling scene, and the flagship of billionaire Donald Trump's vast empire. Whether you're looking for blackjack, poker, slots, craps, roulette, keno, baccarat, or races, if gambling is your game, make AC your destination.

Let's be honest, most probably make a dubious (at best) association between MTV's The Jersey Shore and Atlantic City, but it's always fun to seeing in person sights you've seen on TV countless times. In 2010, HBO premiered the period show Boardwalk Empire to universal acclaim. The show has generated considerable, renewed interest in the Roaring Twenties era in Atlantic City since it debuted. You'll find evidence of this at the Resorts Casino Hotel (which rebranded in 2010 to align itself with the show's time period and theme) and with two trolley tour companies in AC that offer Boardwalk Empire-themed tours. 

Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore are largely one and the same, and the Jersey Shore is widely considered by many to be the best beach in the Northeast. If you're a seasoned beach comber who prefers his or her beaches well-trafficked and brimming with attractive people, you'll no doubt be inclined to agree. Most of AC's most popular resorts are located directly on the beach or the Boardwalk (which affords easy access to the beach), so you'll be able to roll right out of bed and hit the surf to wake up. Surfing and fishing are common activities, but you'll find most folks prefer to swim, tan, or stroll.

Whether Monopoly popularized Atlantic City or Atlantic City popularized Monopoly is a chicken or egg question, so we'll stick to the facts: as everyone knows, the properties of the iconic board game are named for locations in Atlantic City. The game was originally created in Indianapolis by Ruth Hoskins, but when she moved to Atlantic City she renamed the board with Atlantic City street names and sites, taught it to a group of Quakers, and the legend was born. Today, you can visit the Monopoly Monument at none other than Boardwalk and Park Place. 

Located off the New Jersey shoreline on Abescon Island, Atlantic City is known for towering casinos, flashy lights and late-night fun. Originally designed as a posh seaside resort before the turn of the century, Atlantic City fell on hard times until gambling was legalized in 1976. Today, the city attracts millions of visitors each year seeking to strike it rich at the slot machines and craps tables. Billionaire Donald Trump's monolithic and gaudy Taj Mahal is one of the biggest casinos in the world. First-time guests are often spellbound by the flamboyant décor and Oriental trappings. The casinos offer plenty of live entertainment, ranging from the venerable Tom Jones to the latest Elvis impersonator. During the daytime, take a stroll down the famous wooden Boardwalk lined with tacky tourist traps and wacky curio shops.

Located off the New Jersey shoreline on Abescon Island, Atlantic City is known for towering casinos, flashy lights and late-night fun. Originally designed as a posh seaside resort before the turn of the century, Atlantic City fell on hard times until gambling was legalized in 1976. Today, the city attracts millions of visitors each year seeking to strike it rich at the slot machines and craps tables. Billionaire Donald Trump's monolithic and gaudy Taj Mahal is one of the biggest casinos in the world. First-time guests are often spellbound by the flamboyant décor and Oriental trappings. The casinos offer plenty of live entertainment, ranging from the venerable Tom Jones to the latest Elvis impersonator. During the daytime, take a stroll down the famous wooden Boardwalk lined with tacky tourist traps and wacky curio shops.