Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City was the home of the first boardwalk in the country (circa 1870), and it’s just as entertaining as an urban destination today as when it first wowed guests with its beachside location and fantastic attractions (hello diving horses and the Miss America Pageant).
Today, the expansive (and free) beach still delivers summer fun, and the approximately 5-mile-long boardwalk has an ocean’s worth of diversions to offer guests year-round, with casinos, live entertainment, and amusements.
Gaming and Entertainment
A visit to Atlantic City wouldn’t be complete without trying your luck at one of the nine casinos lining the boardwalk and marina, offering everything from penny slots to high-stakes poker. You can also catch big-name performers, ranging from comedians such as Kevin Hart and Jerry Seinfeld to musical acts like Rod Stewart and Alicia Keys. In addition to major concerts, the circa 1929 Boardwalk Hall offers indoor spectator sports and other special events (it’s also the home of the largest pipe organ in the world!).
Classic Experiences
For family-friendly city fun, the boardwalk’s Steel Pier has swirling-twirling rides, including a classic carousel, a Ferris wheel with Atlantic Ocean views, and the thrilling Slingshot bungee over the beach. During cold weather, visit Island Waterpark at Showboat, one of the largest indoor water parks in the country.
To experience a beloved, local landmark, head 6 miles south of Atlantic City to the town of Margate. Here you’ll find Lucy the Elephant, a six-story-tall, more than 140-year-old, wooden structure that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dining Scene
Dining out is a favorite pastime in Atlantic City. Celebrity chefs — including Nobu Matsuhisa (Caesars), Gordon Ramsay (Harrah’s), and Michael Symon (Borgata) — have restaurants tucked into AC’s casino hotels. You also can’t go wrong at the iconic Knife and Fork Inn, with a century of history and high-quality seafood and steaks. Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern is another local institution; it’s been serving up red sauce Italian cuisine since 1935, while Tony’s Baltimore Grill is a local favorite to grab a pizza after a night on the town.
