From sandy beaches to decadent casino hotels, the New Jersey seaside city has no shortage of attractions to draw in visitors. A wholesome holiday hotspot by day and a glitzy party playground at night, every generation will discover what makes them tick. Whether you’re here for a royal flush, an indulgent spa retreat, or simply to have your fill of fun, the New “Joisey” favorite has got you covered.
Boardwalk
Whether you’re after beach-styled fun and frolics or a simple seaside stroll, you have to visit America’s oldest boardwalk. Stretching for miles across the seafront, the breezy promenade is lined with glamorous casino hotels, quaint shops and tempting restaurants. You’ll also find a cluster of big attractions here including Boardwalk Hall, the city’s sporting event and musical concert venue, the Steel Pier, a fairground full of illuminated rides and family fun, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum. History buffs will appreciate The Atlantic City Historical Museum, while arty types will enjoy an afternoon at the Atlantic City Art Center.
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
A hop, skip and a short drive away from Atlantic City into Ocean City, you’ll find another one of the region’s premier attractions. A firm family favorite, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier does exactly what it says on the tin. The family-run seaside amusement park is home to a quintessential Ferris wheel, an ornate 1920s carousel, traditional fairground games, and rides that’ll appeal to all ages. Come nightfall the pier bursts to life with colorful lights and a buzzing holiday atmosphere. For cotton candy flavored fairground fun, it doesn’t get much better.
The Quarter at Tropicana
If the urge to splurge gets the better of you, The Quarter at Tropicana makes for a one of a kind shopping experience. The Old Havana-themed shopping mall comes complete with a faux, painted sky and indoor palm trees, giving it an almost 1950s movie set appeal. The opulent mall is home to over 40 shops, both well known stores and more upmarket boutiques, alongside a handful of classy eateries. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find an IMAX movie theater, comedy club, and an array of trendy nightclubs – making The Quarter a top notch destination, day and night.
Atlantic City Aquarium
Housed within a rustic exterior, the Atlantic City Aquarium allows visitors to explore the depths of the ocean world, through 11 marine life exhibits. From mysterious seahorses and ethereal jellyfish, to comparatively sinister ocean beasts like the giant moray eel and sand tiger shark, it's thrilling and educational in equal measure. For the more hands on, the aquarium’s touch tank allows guests to get up close and personal with the likes of sea urchins and hermit crabs. You’ll also find a plenty of interactive exhibits such as The Art of Sailing, which uses models to demonstrate the challenges of seafaring.
The Borgata Casino
You can’t visit Atlantic City without trying your luck in one of the many casinos. One of the best is The Borgata, the ritzy heart of the hotel of the same name. Here you’ll find 161,000 square feet of grown-up games, with thousands of slot machines and hundreds of roulette and blackjack tables. Adorned with grand pillars, glossy marble floors and decorative carpets, jackpots come in suitably luxe surroundings. Even if you’d rather hold onto your chips, the atmosphere and a martini will have you feeling like 007 or a Bond girl in no time.
