12 Best Things To Do In Atlantic City (New Jersey) 2022
Atlantic City, perhaps New Jersey’s best-known seaside resort, was founded in the 1850s and offered long, sandy beaches and an immense variety of entertainment and amusement. It is also widely known as the “Las Vegas of the East”, largely due to the many magazine theatres.
What scenery is shown throughout the day and events like boxing matches and beauty pageants? Most restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues are located on the boardwalk, a five-and-a-half-mile long, 60-foot wide boardwalk.
Although Atlantic City began as a sleepy fishing village in the late 1800s, it grew into a leading resort, and for decades it has been a popular place to enjoy water sports such as surfing, swimming, and boating.
Since 1870, when the boardwalk was built, Atlantic City has become one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, with 37 million people spending more than $4 billion on its attractions.
1. The Promenade
The boardwalk is the most famous and popular Atlantic City attraction and is packed with attractions. Almost everything worth seeing on the city lines is a four-person main wooden span originally built in 1870, most of whom have survived the Sandy Hurricane in 2012.
Easily investigated on foot, in the iconic electric trolley or on the famous chair – large wicker pushed chairs like a rickshaw – this is a great place to see and see when catching the busty of the ocean enjoying the show or using a meal or some shopping. At the same time, children lose their rhythm in arcades.
Among the attractions on the promenade are the famous entrance to the stars, in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, from the hands of stars, such as Johnny Carson, Cher, Stevie Wonder and Frank Sinatra.
2. The Steel Spring
The Steel Pier in Atlantic City’s answer to Coney Island in New York. Built-in 1898, this wonderful old amusement pier, once one of the most visited tourist attractions in the nation, has found a new lease of life after being rebuilt in 1993.
There are many attractions for all ages, including teacups and small trains for children and more adventurous rides such as the swing carousel and roller coasters for older children and adults.
The most daring visitors will enjoy rides like the Flyer, the MIX or the Slingshot, while those who want incredible views of the boardwalk and Atlantic City will want to ride the latest addition, The Wheel.
This impressive Ferris wheel stands at the height of 227 feet and carries 240 passengers in its temperature-controlled gondolas, allowing it to be operated year-round (weather permitting).
Admission to the games is ticket-based, and there are also many carnival-style games for the whole family to enjoy.
A little further up the boardwalk is another old Ocean One pier, which had drawn visitors since 1906 when Captain John Young opened his famous Million Dollar Pier at this location. The pier has been converted into a high-end shopping centre, the Pier Shops at Caesars, highlighting its spectacular musical fountain.
Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey
3. Absecon Lighthouse
The 228-step Absecon Lighthouse still has the original first-rate Fresnel lens installed when the structure was built in 1857. At 171 feet, it is the tallest in New Jersey and the third tallest in the U.S.
Commemorating New Jersey’s 300th anniversary, the lighthouse is made from granite, brick, and iron blocks and painted in its original black and yellow.
It offers magnificent views over the Atlantic. Other highlights include the lighthouse’s quarters and an interesting museum with exhibits on lighthouses and their keepers, local maritime history, and shipwrecks.
Address: 31 South Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, New Jersey
4. Family Ocean City
A small 11 miles south of Atlantic City, Ocean City is an extremely popular place for people travelling with children. It offers some of the best beaches on the Atlantic coast, but it is completely free from alcohol because it created church ministers in 1879.
Like its first cousin in the north, it also has an excellent Boardwalk, stretching for two and a half miles with an eclectic mix of shopping and dining options in the quaint downtown area.
Attractions include several amusement parks, theatres, and Ocean City Historical Museum, with its displays depicting the early history of the city through period furniture, artefacts and vintage clothing, as well as displays of old photographs and postcards.
Other things to do include riding a bike on the city’s many bike paths; golf on the municipal 12-hole course; fish; Boat tour; and water sports rentals, from kayaks to kitesurfing.
Address: 1735 Simpson Ave, Ocean City
5. Lucy the Margate Elephant
Few coastal attractions are as iconic as Lucy, a 65-foot, six-story tall wooden and tin elephant built in the small seaside town of Margate in 1881 to attract potential buyers to the summer homes in the area. Since then, Lucy has been a tavern, summer house, and observation deck.
After being rescued from her disappearance almost in the 1960s, today Lucy takes pride in Josephine Harron Park and has been listed on the National Park’s Register of Historic Landmarks.
The highlight of a visit is climbing the spiral staircase to the “howdah”, the little cabin-like structure on its back, with its wonderful panoramic views. Various guided tours are available.
Address: 9200 Atlantic Ave, Margate City, New Jersey
6. Boardwalk Hall
If you plan to stay in Atlantic City, be sure to check out the concert list at the famous Boardwalk Hall. Opened in 1929, it remains the most popular concert and event venue in the city and is particularly famous for being the home of the Miss America finals.
It’s also where you’ll find the world’s largest musical instrument, a pipe organ with 33,000 pipes, eight chambers, and 1,000 stop keys.
Address: 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey
7. Atlantic City Aquarium
The Atlantic City Aquarium has many fun, hands-on interactive exhibits that showcase marine life from around the world. Highlights include marine life off the New Jersey shore, such as sea bass, sand tiger shark, and northern stingrays to coral reef creatures as well as predators.
Kids love the tropical and stingray shark tanks, as well as the many species of reptiles and amphibians on display. An exotic animal show features some of the aquarium’s most interesting residents twice a day and provides insight into their eating habits, habitats, and more.
Address: 800 North New Hampshire Ave, Atlantic City, New Jersey
8. Atlantic City Historical Museum
The Atlantic City Historical Museum tells the story of the city’s conversion from a small fishing town to one of the busiest tourist destinations in the U.S. Exhibits, including artefacts, costumes, photographs, song sheets, postcards, and a collection of memorabilia from Miss America.
There is also archival footage of Thomas Edison’s beach, mesmerizing footage from the Miss America pageant, and the world-famous Steel Pier high-jumping horse.
Also of interest is the Atlantic City Experience, a series of collections and research materials related to the city’s unique development, on display at the Atlantic City Free Public Library (Wednesday through Thursday only).
Address: Garden Pier, South New Jersey Ave and Boardwalk, Atlantic City
9. War Monuments
Perhaps surprisingly, Atlantic City is a home for two outstanding war monuments on a city with a reputation for fun. The oldest monument of World War II is, in 1922 and devoted to those who lost their lives in the Great War 1914-1918.
An impressive dome houses freedom in danger, a bronze statue of nine colours. The second attention of the New Jersey Memorial War Veterans Memorial, built to remind those who died in the name of Democracy, fighting for the Korean peninsula from 1950 to 1953, providing a better future for South Korean people.
10. Museum of the African American Heritage of Southern New Jersey
African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey offers an important and fascinating look at African Americans for centuries, with interesting exhibits and over 11,000 historical and cultural artefacts.
The museum also houses a collection of memorabilia from Atlantic County soldiers spanning World War I through current conflicts.
The permanent exhibits include a look at how stereotypes in media and marketing have had a lasting negative effect on African Americans, furniture and household items from early African American life, and the history of African American artists who played prominent roles during the glory of Atlantic City days.
Address: Noyes Art Garage Stockton College, 2200 Fairmount Ave, Atlantic City, New Jersey
11. Gardner Basin
Gardner’s Basin is a maritime town and waterfront park with various interesting features, including original maritime exhibits, such as the Steel Pier Diving Bell, which lowered guests to the bottom of the sea.
It’s also a popular spot to embark on a dolphin-watching or fishing cruise or explore while browsing the area’s unique shops. Crafters Village. It also offers oceanfront dining with beautiful views over the Atlantic, and it’s where you’ll find the Atlantic City Aquarium.
Address: 800 North New Hampshire Ave, Atlantic City, New Jersey
12. Atlantic City Art Center
The Atlantic City Art Center, the only gallery in the country built on a municipal waterfront, stands out for its art exhibitions by national and regional artists.
A respite from the commercialism and excess of the city, the museum features ever-changing exhibits that include photography, sculpture, and paintings, among other mediums.
The Art Center also hosts concerts, gallery talks, artist demonstrations, and literary readings throughout the year, so be sure to check back to see what happens.
Address: New Jersey Ave and Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Things To Do In Atlantic City
Are the beaches free in Atlantic City?
Whether you’re looking to surf, kayak, fish, or swim, Atlantic City provides free access to it all. Ideal for a romantic getaway, or even a family adventure, Atlantic City is one of the most popular free beaches in all of New Jersey.
How safe is Atlantic City?
The rate of crime in Atlantic City is 44.23 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. People who live in Atlantic City generally consider the north part of the city to be the safest.
Is Atlantic City Boardwalk safe?
Watch your pockets Theft and pickpocketing throughout Atlantic City is common. Stay on the boardwalk Though the city is generally safe during the day, you shouldn’t wander too far off the beaten path, especially after dark. Avoid walking behind the casinos and on the beach at night.
Are Atlantic City beaches clean?
Yes the AC beaches are clean. They rake it daily. There is specialized equipment called sandcrabbers that picks up garbage between the Boardwalk and the dunes. And they send out humans to clean the dunes.
Do you need beach tags in Atlantic City?
Atlantic City, Sandy Hook, Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Strathmere and Corson’s Inlet State Park are New Jersey’s free beaches, no badges required. While visiting New Jersey beaches, visitors are advised to wear masks where it is difficult to properly social distance.
Which is better Atlantic City or Ocean City?
Ocean City is quieter, safer and more relaxing. AC is wonderful for seeing shows & concerts and shopping at the Walk but not great for enjoying the great outdoors. IMHO Ocean City is much better than Atlantic City for beach and boardwalk. The only reason to go to AC is for the ca inos and shows.
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