Things to do in Atlantic City
Late June through early September is peak beach and boardwalk season with warm water and the busiest nightlife; May and September bring smaller crowds and pleasant weather, while winters are quiet, windy, and cold though the casinos run year-round.
Best months: June, July, August, September
What is worth your time in Atlantic City
Gardner's BasinDo not miss
A working bayfront marina village with the aquarium, dolphin-watch cruises, waterfront seafood, and live music away from the casino crowds.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr4.8
Absecon LighthouseDo not miss
New Jersey's tallest lighthouse rewards a 228-step climb with a sweeping view over the city, inlet, and shoreline.
Historic Site · 1.1 hr4.6
Lucy the ElephantDo not miss
A six-story elephant-shaped building from 1881 in nearby Margate, the oldest roadside attraction in America and a beloved photo stop you can tour inside.
Landmark · 1.1 hr4.6
Atlantic City BeachDo not miss
Wide, free public sand stretching along the Boardwalk, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and summer beach concerts and fireworks.
Beach · 2.8 hr4.5
Borgata Hotel Casino and SpaDo not miss
AC's premier resort in the Marina District, a destination for top-tier gaming, headline concerts, fine dining, and nightlife.
Landmark · 3.5 hr4.4
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic CityDo not miss
A music-themed boardwalk casino with memorabilia, multiple concert stages, and a lively floor at the former Taj Mahal site.
Landmark · 3.5 hr4.3
Jim Whelan Boardwalk HallDo not miss
A grand 1929 boardwalk arena and former home of the Miss America pageant, hosting top concerts and the world's largest pipe organ.
Architecture · 1.9 hr4.3
Steel PierDo not miss
A historic amusement pier jutting into the ocean with thrill rides, an observation wheel, games, and classic boardwalk food.
Activity · 3 hr4.3
Atlantic City AquariumDo not miss
A hands-on aquarium at Gardner's Basin with local marine life, a touch tank, and reef and shark exhibits, a reliable family stop.
Activity · 1.5 hr4
Atlantic City BoardwalkDo not miss
America's first and most famous boardwalk runs over four miles past casinos, piers, arcades, and the open Atlantic, the beating heart of any AC visit.
Landmark · 2 hr
Atlantic City Cruises
Dolphin-watch, skyline, and sunset cruises departing Gardner's Basin for an easy on-the-water look at the coast and marine life.
Activity · 2 hr4.8
Batsto Village
A preserved 19th-century iron and glassmaking village deep in the Pine Barrens, with a mansion, gristmill, and nature trails.
Historic Site · 3 hr4.8
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
An eight-mile wildlife drive through coastal salt marsh near Brigantine, prime for herons, egrets, and migrating shorebirds with AC's skyline beyond.
Nature · 2.3 hr4.8
Marine Mammal Stranding Center
A Brigantine rescue center and small museum dedicated to rehabilitating stranded seals, dolphins, and sea turtles along the Jersey coast.
Activity · 1.1 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- The Boardwalk is the spine of the city and most beaches, casinos, and piers sit right along it, so plan to walk it end to end and use the rolling chairs or the jitney shuttle to cover longer stretches.
- Atlantic City beaches are free and open to the public, unlike many other Jersey Shore towns that sell beach tags.
- A car helps for the best day trips and the shore towns south of the city (Margate, Ventnor, Ocean City, Cape May) since transit thins out beyond the Boardwalk.
- Casino floors run 24 hours and the entertainment district peaks at night, so balance late evenings with morning beach and boardwalk time.
- Summer weekends and holiday concerts at Boardwalk Hall sell out and hotel rates spike, so book rooms and shows ahead and expect heavier traffic on Friday and Sunday.