Atlantic City has long been associated with excitement, a retro vibe, and a never-ending celebration of life. Many travelers wonder: is it worth choosing this city for a vacation when its former glory seems to have faded? Nevertheless, Atlantic City can surprise even experienced tourists if you plan your route properly and select the right places to visit. How can you get the most out of your experience and what should you definitely include in your travel plan?
Why Atlantic City continues to attract visitors
Founded in 1854 as a resort on the Atlantic coast, the city quickly became an entertainment hub for Americans. In the early 20th century, Atlantic City gained fame as the gambling capital after the legalization of casinos in 1976. Its heyday came during Prohibition, when speakeasies and secret deals attracted celebrities. Today, the city is changing: traditional gaming halls are being complemented by cultural events, gastronomic festivals, concerts, and contemporary art exhibitions.
Proximity to New York and Philadelphia ensures convenient logistics: it’s easy to get here by train or car in 2–3 hours. Tourism experts such as Jonathan Brown (Forbes Travel Guide) note that Atlantic City is seeking new ways to develop, focusing on family vacations and cultural tourism.
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Accommodation options for any budget
The variety of hotels in the city is impressive. Luxury lovers can choose Borgata or Hard Rock Hotel here you’ll find spacious rooms, signature restaurants, and direct access to the famous Boardwalk. Those who prefer to save money can opt for apartments or budget hotels in the city center, where it’s easy to save on meals and transfers.
When choosing accommodation near the Boardwalk, it’s convenient to have quick access to the beach and main attractions. Casino hotels offer bonuses for guests: free shows and discounts at restaurants. However, keep in mind that during peak season, prices increase by 30–40%, so it’s better to book in advance through official websites—such as booking.com and hotel websites.
Personal experience shows: a comfortable stay is also possible in apartments with a kitchen. This is especially relevant for families with children or large groups, as it allows you to arrange meals and leisure on your own schedule.
Affordable, convenient, and diverse shopping in Atlantic City
Shopping enthusiasts should pay attention to Tanger Outlets, located right in the city center. Here you’ll find stores like Nike, Guess, Coach, and dozens of other brands. If you’re traveling by car—parking is available and usually free for shoppers. For fans of active recreation, Bass Pro Shop is interesting: the range of fishing and camping goods will please even experienced tourists.
Ross Dress for Less offers seasonal discounts of up to 70%. For true bargain hunters, experts recommend visiting Jackson Premium Outlets—they are about 40 minutes away and often offer a wider selection of goods at low prices. Current addresses and information about sales can be found on the official websites of shopping centers.
The Boardwalk as the heart and soul of the city
Atlantic City’s main promenade—the legendary Boardwalk—was opened in 1870 and is still considered the longest wooden boardwalk in the world. Here, vintage architecture, modern boutiques, cafes, and souvenir shops blend harmoniously.
While strolling along the Boardwalk, be sure to pay attention to historic buildings: the former Ritz Hotel (now a residential complex) and places associated with the series Boardwalk Empire. The route should also pass by shops with saltwater taffy and sea-themed souvenirs—they create a unique atmosphere. It is recommended to be attentive: in the evening, the Boardwalk gets crowded, and the weather by the ocean is unpredictable, especially in autumn and spring.
The question arises: what does the Boardwalk hide behind its glitzy facade? To find the answer, you should visit old coffee shops and art galleries located on the front line, where another side of the city is revealed.
Casinos and entertainment are now more than just gambling
The atmosphere of the largest casinos, such as Hard Rock Casino and Borgata, has long gone beyond gambling. Even for those who don’t like gambling, there are free exhibitions with unique items. For example, at Hard Rock Casino, you can see Elvis Presley’s rare 1963 Rolls Royce Phantom V, as well as collections of items from Madonna, The Beatles, and Bruce Springsteen.
However, many note that offline casinos in Atlantic City are gradually starting to lose market share, which is being taken over by online casinos. IGaming attracts users through various marketing campaigns, including no deposit bonuses.
The IGaming segment is becoming more attractive to new users thanks to various marketing campaigns and promotions. New players have long noted the low entry barrier due to the offered gifts and welcome bonuses. Popular gambling sites publish information about various promotions so that users are aware of such offers. Information from one such top-ranked site showed the variety of no deposit casino bonuses, and the number of such offers is actively growing. If you add to this the thousands of games available right from your phone, the point of visiting land-based casinos becomes even less.
Thus, Atlantic City is gradually transforming from a city known only for its casinos into a hub for diverse activities, where offline atmosphere and online entertainment complement each other and expand the audience.
According to experts, the role of casinos for the city is gradually changing. Now people come here for concerts, gastronomic festivals, and nightlife, not just for betting and roulette.
Top ideas for kids and parents
Modern Atlantic City offers plenty of entertainment for families. At the Arcade and Island Water Park at Showboat Casino, there are arcade machines, water slides, and pools for all ages. The ticket price for the water park ranges from $40 to $60 depending on the day of the week; there are family packages and discounts for online booking.
To save money, it is recommended to visit arcades during off-peak hours and buy tickets in advance through the official website. This will help you avoid lines and get the best spots.
Historical and unusual attractions of the city
One of the most unusual locations is the famous Lucy the Elephant in Margate, built in 1881. This six-story elephant-shaped building is visited by hundreds of tourists daily. It’s best to book a tour inside in advance on the official website.
Boardwalk Hall is world-famous for its largest organ and free organ concerts on weekdays at noon. Its exhibits include Miss America pageant costumes and themed souvenirs. The statue of the winner is easy to find near the main entrance to the Boardwalk.
Day trips and attractions nearby
If you prefer combined itineraries, pay attention to Six Flags Great Adventure—the largest amusement park in the Eastern US. You can get there in an hour, and a full day visit starts at $55. Those who prefer tranquility will enjoy Spring Lake—a cozy seaside town with Victorian architecture.
In the near future, the Bruce Springsteen archive is planned to open in New Jersey. The convenient location of Atlantic City makes it easy to combine your trip with a visit to New York or Philadelphia, as well as other resorts in the state.
Practical tips for independent travelers
You can get to Atlantic City by New Jersey Transit train from Philadelphia (ticket price about $12) or by intercity bus from New York to the Atlantic City Bus Terminal. Drivers will appreciate the quality roads and affordable parking near hotels.
The weather on the coast is unpredictable: in summer there may be storms, in spring and autumn it’s cool, and in winter many museums and attractions operate on a reduced schedule. Always check current schedules and book tickets on the official leisure and transport websites.
Atlantic City today and what awaits tourists next
The city is truly undergoing a transformation: some tourists note the casinos’ tired atmosphere, others praise the comfort of new hotels and the variety of entertainment. Among the advantages are accessibility, wide beaches, and rich history; among the disadvantages—seasonal restrictions and the need to plan leisure in advance.
Experts advise: to get the most out of your vacation, choose a diverse program, get to know the city’s history, and don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path. And what discoveries awaited you in Atlantic City? Every visit can be the start of a new story if you are open to all the unusual experiences this amazing city has to offer.