Atlantic City Polar Bear Plunge
Start 2026 with an icy splash at the Tropicana, then warm up with world-class entertainment! Atlantic City's New Year's Day tradition combines beach thrills with casino excitement.
Plunge & Play in AC!
Take the icy plunge, then warm up with slots, table games, and world-class dining!
Quick Facts
Jan 1, 2026
Wednesday
12:00 PM
Plunge Time
Tropicana
Location
FREE
Beach Access
About the Atlantic City Polar Plunge
Atlantic City offers a unique polar plunge experience that combines the thrill of an icy ocean dip with the glamour of casino entertainment. Hosted at the Tropicana, one of Atlantic City's premier casino resorts, this New Year's Day tradition draws participants from across the region.
What makes Atlantic City's plunge special is the immediate access to warm-up venues. Steps from the beach, plungers can duck into the Tropicana to thaw out with hot drinks, grab a meal at one of the resort's many restaurants, or try their luck at the gaming tables. It's the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and indoor entertainment.
Atlantic City's beaches are FREE and open to the public year-round - no beach badge required. The famous 4-mile boardwalk connects all the major casinos, making it easy to explore after your plunge. For those looking for a quieter experience, neighboring Ventnor and Brigantine offer beautiful winter beach walks.
Polar Plunge Budget
What to expect for a New Year's Day plunge trip:
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plunge Registration | FREE | Walk-up event, no ticket needed |
| Beach Access | FREE | AC beaches are free year-round! |
| Casino Hotel (NYE) | $150-300 | Book early - NYE rates are higher |
| Parking (Tropicana) | $0-20 | Often comped with casino play |
| Post-Plunge Brunch | $25-50 | Tropicana restaurants or boardwalk |
| Casino Entertainment | $0-100+ | Gambling budget varies - set a limit! |
| Total (Day Trip) | $25-75 | Parking + food, no hotel |
| Total (Overnight) | $200-450 | Hotel + food + entertainment |
First-Timer Mistakes
Plunging into 42°F water is intense. Don't make it worse:
Wearing cotton everything and expecting to warm up fast
Cotton holds water. You're shivering in wet clothes for 30 minutes trying to change. Miserable.
✓ Wear a swimsuit under quick-dry layers. Bring a dry bag with warm clothes, towel, and flip-flops for the walk back.
Leaving your warm-up spot to chance
Tropicana is packed. You're dripping wet in the casino lobby with no plan. Security is not amused.
✓ Book a room at Tropicana or Caesars. Even a day-use room gives you a warm shower and place to change.
Driving in on NYE morning without a parking plan
NYE brings crowds. You're circling for 30 minutes, miss the countdown, and pay $40 for parking.
✓ Stay overnight, or arrive early and use Tropicana's garage. Parking often comped with $20+ casino play.
Forgetting the January 1st reality: everything is slow
Restaurants understaffed, casino recovery mode, hangover city. Service is slower than usual.
✓ Embrace the chaos. Bring snacks, have patience, and enjoy the unique NYD vibe. Or book brunch reservations ahead.
FREE Beach Access
Atlantic City is one of only a few Jersey Shore towns with completely free beaches - no beach badge required, ever! Enjoy unlimited beach access for the plunge and year-round visits.
See all free beaches →Plunge Day Schedule
Schedule is approximate - check Tropicana's social media for exact timing.
Location & Parking
Plunge Location
Tropicana Beach
2831 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Access the beach from the boardwalk near Tropicana's main entrance
Parking
Tropicana has a self-parking garage (fees apply, but often validated with casino play). Street parking available throughout Atlantic City. The AC Jitney runs along the boardwalk.
Where to Stay
Tropicana Atlantic City
Plunge site
Casino, restaurants, and warm-up right at the venue
Caesars Atlantic City
Boardwalk
Connected to Tropicana via skybridge
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1 mile
Former Trump Taj Mahal, boardwalk location
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Warm Up at Tropicana
After your plunge, the Tropicana offers plenty of ways to warm up:
Tropicana Casino Floor
Gaming
Cuba Libre Restaurant
Cuban Dining
The Palm Restaurant
Steakhouse
IMAX Theatre
Entertainment
Other Polar Bear Plunges
Frequently Asked Questions
Start 2026 in Atlantic City!
Take the plunge, then roll the dice on a lucky New Year!