🏖️Shore Guide
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Atlantic City

Free Beach

America's Playground with Free Beaches

Atlantic City needs no introduction. Home to the first boardwalk in America (built in 1870), this legendary resort city offers something unique at the Jersey Shore: completely free beaches with no badge required. The casino landscape continues evolving—Hard Rock earned "Best Overall Gaming Resort 2024" from Casino Player magazine, surpassing long-time leader Borgata.

The 4.8-mile boardwalk stretches from the inlet to Ventnor, lined with casinos, celebrity chef restaurants, and historic attractions. Steel Pier features The Wheel—a 227-foot observation wheel ranking third-largest in the US. The original 1854 Fresnel lens (12,800 lbs) still functions at Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest at 171 feet.

Beyond gambling, world-class dining from Gordon Ramsay, Guy Fieri, Wolfgang Puck, and Bobby Flay has transformed the culinary scene. HQ2 Nightclub at Ocean Casino brings world-renowned DJs (Steve Aoki, Tiesto, Fisher) to a two-level club ranked #14 among World's Best Clubs. Tanger Outlets span 9 city blocks with 100+ stores.

casinosnightlifeentertainmentfree beachiconic

What Makes Atlantic City Special

Entertainment Capital

Known for its casinos and nightlife atmosphere

Perfect For

nightlife seekers, gamblers, budget travelers (free beach)

Free Beach Access

No beach badge required - enjoy the sand for free!

Easy Transit Access

NJ Transit to Atlantic City Station

Did You Know?

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Did You Know?

Monopoly's street names are all real Atlantic City streets. The game's creator mapped the board to reflect the city's racial and economic segregation—expensive Boardwalk was white-only.

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Did You Know?

Steel Pier's famous diving horses leaped 40 feet into a pool from 1929 to 1978. One rider, Sonora Webster Carver, went blind from a dive but continued performing for 11 more years.

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Did You Know?

Atlantic City built the first boardwalk in America in 1870. It was invented to keep sand out of hotel lobbies.

Historical Note

Atlantic City was the inspiration for Monopoly—created by Charles Darrow during the Great Depression. The game's properties trace the city's real streets, from Baltic Avenue's modest boardinghouses to the exclusive Boardwalk.

Beach Badge

FREE

Parking

~$20/day

From NYC

2hr 15min

Transit

Train + Bus

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Don't Miss in Atlantic City

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Must See

The original boardwalk (1870), stretching 4.8 miles with casinos, shops, rolling chair rides, electric tram, and street performers.

Steel Pier

Must See

Operating since 1898. The Wheel (227-foot observation wheel, 3rd largest in US) offers 40 temperature-controlled gondolas with panoramic views. Helicopter rides available.

Absecon Lighthouse

Must See

New Jersey's tallest lighthouse (171 feet). $7 to climb 228 steps for "stunning 360° views." Original 1854 Fresnel lens (12,800 lbs) still functions. 4.6/5 stars.

HQ2 Nightclub & Beachclub

Must See

Ocean Casino's world-class venue ranked #14 World's Best Clubs. World-renowned DJs (Steve Aoki, Tiesto, Fisher). Two-level club plus 45,000 sq ft beachclub with 6 bungalows featuring private pools.

Also Worth Checking Out

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Tanger Outlets — 100+ stores spanning 9 city blocks including Nike, Coach, Kate Spade—spread across streets rather than a pedestrian mall.
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Atlantic City Airshow — Annual August event featuring military jets and aerobatic performances over the beach.

Where to Eat in Atlantic City

See All 11 Restaurants →

Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen

fine diningamerican
$$$$

Try: Beef Wellington

• celebrity chef• TV famous

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill

americanbar grill
$$

Try: Fish & Chips

• celebrity chef• pub fare

Angeline by Michael Symon

italianfine dining
$$$

Try: Mom's Lasagna

• celebrity chef• Italian
See All 11 Restaurants →

Where to Stay in Atlantic City

See All 7 Options →
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Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Resort • Marina District

$$$$

2,727 rooms generating 26% market share. 161,000 sq ft gaming, 54,000 sq ft spa, best poker room in Atlantic City. Some note "declining standards under MGM" but remains premier destination. $89-$500+/night.

casinospa
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Resort • Boardwalk

$$$

"Best Overall Gaming Resort 2024" - Casino Player magazine. Music-themed with rock memorabilia, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena (5,000+ seats), clean modern rooms on 17 boardwalk acres. $100-$400+/night.

casinomusic theme
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Ocean Casino Resort

Resort • Boardwalk

$$$

Tallest building in AC at 4.0/5. "Best hotel lobby and rooms" with stunning floor-to-ceiling ocean views, 3 pools, HQ2 Nightclub ranked #14 World's Best Clubs. $80-$400+/night.

casinonightclub

Looking for more options? Search all available accommodations.

Search on Booking.com
See All 7 Options →
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Getting to Atlantic City

🚆 Public Transit

Atlantic City is accessible via NJ Transit at Atlantic City Station and bus routes 319, 501, 502, 504, 505, 551, 552, 553, 554, 559.

Atlantic City Rail Line from Philadelphia. Extensive bus service.

View all transit options →

🚗 By Car

  • From NYC: 2hr 15min
  • From Philadelphia: 1hr
  • From Newark: 2hr
Get Directions

Best Time to Visit Atlantic City

Peak Season

June - August

Warmest weather, all attractions open, full beach services. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Off-Season Perks

  • •Lower accommodation prices
  • •Fewer crowds
  • •Easier parking
  • •More authentic local experience

Explore More

Atlantic City Beaches

1 beaches to explore

Dining in Atlantic City

11 restaurant recommendations

Stay in Atlantic City

7 places to stay

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