Atlantic City needs no introduction—but it's changed dramatically since your parents' generation. The 4.8-mile boardwalk that invented the American seaside vacation (built in 1870) still anchors the experience, but today's AC mixes casino gaming with celebrity chef restaurants, world-class nightclubs, and beaches that remain completely free. No badge required, ever. Hard Rock earned "Best Overall Gaming Resort 2024" from Casino Player magazine, edging out longtime leader Borgata.
The beach here is wide, flat, and uncrowded compared to what you'd expect from a city this size. Most visitors never leave the boardwalk, which means anyone willing to walk 50 yards to the sand finds plenty of space. Lifeguards patrol from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The water quality matches any shore town, though the views include casinos instead of Victorian homes. Best spots: the beach in front of Ocean Casino for amenities, or head toward Ventnor where the boardwalk ends for a quieter experience away from the crowds.
The boardwalk itself is the main event. Steel Pier's 227-foot observation wheel (third-largest in the US) gives views 60 miles on clear days. Absecon Lighthouse—New Jersey's tallest at 171 feet—still operates its original 1854 Fresnel lens weighing 12,800 pounds. Beyond the historic attractions, Tanger Outlets stretch across 9 city blocks with 100+ stores, and the casino shopping rivals any resort destination. Rainy days disappear into the casino floors, and the 24/7 schedule means there's no such thing as "off-hours."
Dining has transformed AC from buffet-and-steakhouse territory into a legitimate food destination. Gordon Ramsay (Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay Steak), Guy Fieri (Chicken Guy, Guy's Bar-B-Que Joint), Wolfgang Puck, and Bobby Flay all have restaurants here. Knife & Fork Inn (1912) predates the casinos and remains the power-lunch spot. Dock's Oyster House serves raw bar classics since 1897. Expect $50-100/person at celebrity chef spots, $25-40 at mid-tier restaurants, or hit the casino food courts for $12-15. BYOB isn't really a thing here—stick to restaurant wine lists.
Atlantic City works best for weekend getaways, bachelor/bachelorette parties, concert-goers, and anyone who wants the beach without the beach-badge fees. Peak summer brings family crowds to the boardwalk, while off-season (October-April) sees a casino-focused crowd and lower hotel rates ($79-149 midweek vs. $200-400 summer weekends). The club scene peaks Thursday through Saturday—HQ2 at Ocean Casino ranks #14 among World's Best Clubs and pulls headliners like Steve Aoki, Tiesto, and Fisher.
Atlantic City divides people. Those expecting Cape May's charm or Ocean City's family focus will be disappointed—this is a casino town with a beach, not the other way around. But visitors who embrace what AC actually is—a 24/7 resort with gambling, shows, clubs, and yes, a surprisingly good beach—find a shore experience you can't get anywhere else in New Jersey. If you want boardwalk games and mini-golf, head to Wildwood. If you want casinos, concerts, and celebrity chefs with a free beach attached, this is your spot. The jitney runs 24 hours between casinos for $2.75.
