Atlantic City Travel Guide
Best neighborhoods, things to do, and when to visit
Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City sits on a barrier island where a wooden Boardwalk, dating to 1870, runs past saltwater taffy shops, piers, and wide Atlantic beaches. Summer afternoons hover near 82°F (28°C), while winter walks come with bracing wind off the water.
Airport
Atlantic City International Airport, just outside the city
Language
English, with Spanish widely spoken along the Boardwalk
Currency
US dollar (USD, $); cards accepted, some cash for kiosks
Ideal trip length
Two to three days, or four with day trips
Best time to visit Atlantic City
September – October
Average temperature
46-78°F (8-26°C), Mild, sunny days with cool ocean breezes and moderate rainfall.
Crowd Level
Moderate
Reason To Visit
September and October bring days near 68-78°F (20-26°C), warm enough for the beach and calm enough for long boardwalk walks. Summer lines fade while restaurants and events stay busy.
Fall eventAtlantic City Marathon
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Things to do
Walk the boardwalk from Absecon Lighthouse to Ventnor, cycle the beachfront in the morning hours, then browse the Steel Pier and the shops at Gardner's Basin before sunset.
Popular events
Spring
Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival, Somers Point Bayfest, Atlantic City's Seashore Seafood Festival
Summer
Independence Day Fireworks, Res, Beachstock
Fall
Atlantic City Marathon, Phish, Chicago at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Winter
Goose, Atlantic City Wing Fest 2026, Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Bath
Where to stay in Atlantic City
Three bases near the shore, from quiet residential streets to inlet waterfront.
Ventnor City
A calm shore town just down the coast, with a boardwalk stretch and easy beach access.
Known for
Quiet beach blocks and a low-key boardwalk
Things to do nearby
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Nearby neighborhoods
Chelsea Heights
Venice Park
A small residential pocket on the bay side, ringed by lagoons and boat slips.
Known for
Bayfront homes and boating access
Things to do nearby
Gardners Basin, Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City Boardwalk
Nearby neighborhoods
Chelsea Heights
Absecon
Named for the inlet on the city's northern edge, where the bay meets open ocean.
Known for
Inlet views and waterfront walking
Things to do nearby
Absecon Lighthouse, Gardners Basin, Atlantic City Boardwalk
Nearby neighborhoods
Venice Park, Chelsea Heights
Must see places in Atlantic City
Ocean piers, a lighthouse climb, and a marina aquarium along the Jersey Shore
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Casinos, shops, and beachfront dining line this busy stretch above the sand.
Things to do nearby
Steel Pier, Boardwalk Hall
Time needed
2-3 hours
Steel Pier
A historic pier stacked with rides, games, and wide views over the Atlantic.
Things to do nearby
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Boardwalk Hall
Time needed
2-3 hours
Absecon Lighthouse
Climb for panoramic views, then study the Fresnel lens exhibit in the small museum.
Neighborhood
Inlet
Things to do nearby
Gardners Basin, Atlantic City Boardwalk
Time needed
1 hour
Boardwalk Hall
Concerts and events fill this landmark hall, home to the world's largest pipe organ.
Neighborhood
Duck Town
Things to do nearby
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Steel Pier
Time needed
2-3 hours
Historic Gardner's Basin
An easygoing marina with seafood spots, boat trips, and a renovated aquarium.
Neighborhood
Inlet
Things to do nearby
Atlantic City Aquarium, Absecon Lighthouse
Time needed
2 hours
Atlantic City Aquarium
Compact marina aquarium with Jersey Shore species and a touch tank for kids.
Neighborhood
Gardner's Basin
Things to do nearby
Gardners Basin, Absecon Lighthouse
Time needed
1 hour
Lucy the Elephant
An 1881 elephant-shaped landmark in Margate, climbable to a howdah viewpoint.
Neighborhood
Margate City
Things to do nearby
Ventnor City Beach
Time needed
1 hour
Ventnor City Beach
Soft sand, fishing pier access, and a quieter boardwalk just south of the city.
Neighborhood
Ventnor City
Time needed
Half day
Local recommendations by Airbnb hosts in Atlantic City
The spots Atlantic City hosts send guests to - and the tips they pass along
Atlantic City Boardwalk
- Walk or bike the four-mile Boardwalk, lined with bars, restaurants, shops, and nostalgic carnival-style games.
- Head out early for a bike ride among colorful signs and rolling waves; bikes aren’t permitted after 10 AM.
- Explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, featuring unusual exhibits like the world’s smallest production car and shrunken heads.
Tropicana Atlantic City
- Explore The Quarter, a Havana-themed indoor complex with extensive shopping, dining, bars, and an IMAX Theatre.
- Head to the IMAX Theatre inside The Quarter, a convenient family activity on rainy Atlantic City days.
- Enjoy varied nightlife under one roof, including bars, clubs, live music, comedy shows, and a large casino.
- Plan time to dine at well-known spots in The Quarter like Carmine’s, P.F. Chang’s, The Palm, and Cuba Libre.
- Consider Tropicana on rainy days, with many indoor shops, restaurants, and entertainment options along the historic Boardwalk.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
- Head to the Borgata buffet for a wide variety of options, including prime rib and salmon.
- Explore the high-end casino, where the atmosphere is lively and horse racing bets are available.
- Try one of the many restaurants, from fine dining spots to a lower-level food court for late-night snacks.
- Book spa services in advance to enjoy the spa pool area and treatments during your visit.
Steel Pier
- Ride The Wheel observation wheel for sweeping views of Atlantic City, the ocean, and sunsets.
- Enjoy over 20 rides ranging from kiddie attractions and bumper cars to extreme thrills like the Slingshot.
- Play old-fashioned midway arcade and carnival games along the pier for classic boardwalk fun.
- Grab boardwalk-style food or visit the full-service pub and bar right on the pier.
Places to eat and drink in Atlantic City
Bay-view decks, Italian subs, and historic interiors across Atlantic City.
White House Subs
A 1946 sub counter on Arctic Avenue turning out Italian hoagies on seeded rolls.
Highlights
Italian subs, cheesesteaks
Why do locals love it
The half-sub is a manageable portion of a very long roll.
Dock's Oyster House
Family-run since 1897, serving raw-bar oysters and broiled local fish near Atlantic Avenue.
Highlights
piano music
Why do locals love it
Five generations of one family have kept the same dining room running.
Knife and Fork Inn
A 1912 Flemish-style landmark at Albany and Pacific known for lobster thermidor.
Highlights
Historic interiors, lobster thermidor
Why do locals love it
The building's timbered façade is a photograph on its own.
Tony's Baltimore Grill
Thin-crust bar pies and jukebox booths on Atlantic Avenue, open around the clock.
Highlights
tabletop jukeboxes
Why do locals love it
Late hours make it a reliable stop after a long boardwalk walk.
Kelsey's Atlantic city
Soul food kitchen on Pacific Avenue with fried chicken, catfish, and collard greens.
Highlights
live music
Why do locals love it
Weekend music sets share the room with plates of cornbread and greens.
Chef Vola's
Reservation-only basement dining room near the Boardwalk, known for veal parmigiana.
Highlights
Veal parmigiana
Why do locals love it
Finding the unmarked residential entrance is part of the evening.
Back Bay Ale House
Waterfront tables for jerk wings and mason jar cocktails as the sun drops over the bay.
Highlights
Jerk wings, mason jar cocktails
Why do locals love it
Outdoor seating faces the water for sunset.
Sirens Bar and Grill
A tucked-away outdoor bar with bay views, live music, and lawn games.
Highlights
Live music, bay views
Why do locals love it
Lawn games and open-air seating stretch an afternoon by the water.
Explore Atlantic City: The best travel itineraries
Two ways to shape a stay in Atlantic City, from a single boardwalk day to a longer run of beaches, marina docks and supper clubs.
Experienced Airbnb hosts in Atlantic City
750+
Places to stay in Atlantic City
1,550+
Verified guest reviews in Atlantic City
66,330+
Average rating in Atlantic City
4.8
1 Day trip
Start on the sand, climb a lighthouse in the afternoon, then settle in for veal parmigiana at a neighborhood classic.
Morning
Boardwalk first
Go early for quieter planks and easier beach access.
Afternoon
Climb for the view
The stair climb is steep, so bring water.
Evening
Old-school Italian dinner
Reservations are essential at this tucked-away spot.
3 Day trip
Three days built around the beachfront, the marina at Gardner's Basin, and the neighborhood dining rooms locals have kept busy for decades.
Morning
Boardwalk first
Go early for quieter stretches of the boards before the shops open.
Afternoon
Lunch and a landmark hall
Order an Italian sub to split before touring the arena.
Evening
Oysters and piano
Reserve ahead; the dining room fills on weekends.
Morning
Climb the lighthouse
The tower stairs are steep, so pace yourself on the way up.
Afternoon
Marina and touch tank
The touch tank is a good stop with younger kids.
Evening
Jerk wings by the water
Ask for outdoor seating to catch the sunset over the bay.
Morning
Rides over the ocean
Buy ride tickets in bundles if you plan more than a couple of turns.
Afternoon
Meet Lucy
Tours run on a schedule, so check times before you drive over.
Evening
Lobster thermidor
Reservations are essential at this small, historic dining room.
5-7 Day trip
A five-day loop through Atlantic City's beachfront classics, marina afternoons, and Italian dining rooms that have been feeding the resort for generations.
Morning
First walk on the Boardwalk
Head out early, when the ramps and beach are still quiet.
Afternoon
Sub stop and city history
Order a whole Italian sub if you plan to share it on the sand.
Evening
Piano and oysters
Ask for a table near the piano for the full room.
Morning
Jersey Shore tanks
The touch tank is the easiest win with younger travelers.
Afternoon
Up over the bay
Book a mid-afternoon flight for clearer views of the skyline.
Evening
Jerk wings at sunset
Grab an outdoor table before the sun drops behind the bay.
Morning
228 steps up
Go before midday heat; the tower stairs are steep and unshaded.
Afternoon
Green space by the water
Bring a coffee and a book for the benches.
Evening
Beers with local ingredients
Ask what is pouring fresh; the lineup rotates.
Morning
Soft sand and a fishing pier
Beach tags are checked in summer, so buy one at the entrance.
Afternoon
Inside the elephant
Tours climb to the howdah, so wear shoes you can manage stairs in.
Evening
Bay views from the deck
Deck seats fill first on clear evenings.
Morning
Rides over the water
Ride the wheel first for the widest view of the beach.
Afternoon
Postcards and old photographs
Set aside an hour; the collection is small but dense.
Evening
Lobster thermidor
Reserve ahead, especially on weekends.
Family travel
Spend a morning at Steel Pier rides, meet sharks at Atlantic City Aquarium in Gardner's Basin, then build castles on Chelsea Beach.
Couple travel
Share a sunset stroll on Garden Pier, dinner in the Ducktown district, and a slow ride on the Steel Pier observation wheel.
Solo travel
Walk the Boardwalk from Absecon Lighthouse to Ventnor, then browse the Atlantic City Arts Foundation murals downtown.
How to get around Atlantic City
Metro and train
Rail service links Philadelphia with the Atlantic City terminal near the convention center. Check the operator for current schedules before you travel.
Bus
Local buses and a jitney service connect the Boardwalk, Marina district, and neighborhoods. Confirm routes and payment options with the operator.
Rental car
Driving here is straightforward on a flat grid, though summer traffic slows. Reserve parking in advance, since garage space fills near the Boardwalk.
Walking
The Boardwalk runs about four miles and is flat the whole way. Morning hours are set aside for cycling, so ride early and walk later.
Generated with AI and may contain mistakes. Sources include third-party travel data and Airbnb data from listings, hosts, and host guidebooks. Updated September 2026.