Things to Do in Atlantic City
America's Playground with Free Beaches. Discover beaches, attractions, dining, and local experiences.
1
Beaches
11
Restaurants
6
Must-See Spots
3/5
Family Rating
Don't Miss in Atlantic City
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Must Seeboardwalk
The original boardwalk (1870), stretching 4.8 miles with casinos, shops, rolling chair rides, electric tram, and street performers.
Steel Pier
Must Seeattraction
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 Seeattraction
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 Seebar
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.
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All Attractions
🎡Boardwalks
Atlantic City Boardwalk
The original boardwalk (1870), stretching 4.8 miles with casinos, shops, rolling chair rides, electric tram, and street performers.
🎢Attractions
Steel Pier
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
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.
Atlantic City Airshow
Annual August event featuring military jets and aerobatic performances over the beach.
🍻Bars & Nightlife
HQ2 Nightclub & Beachclub
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.
🛍️Shopping
Tanger Outlets
100+ stores spanning 9 city blocks including Nike, Coach, Kate Spade—spread across streets rather than a pedestrian mall.
Beach Highlights
View all beaches →Atlantic City Beach
Wide, FREE beaches with no badge required. Surprisingly uncrowded compared to the bustling boardwalk above.
Atlantic City Vibe
Primary Vibe
Entertainment Capital
Family Friendly
3/5 Stars
Nightlife
5/5 Stars
Quietness
1/5 Stars
Atlantic City is Best For
Events & Festivals
AC Wing Fest
Late JanuaryAnnual wing competition at Hard Rock Hotel with 20+ vendors, celebrity judges, and live entertainment.
Atlantic City Boat Show
Late FebruaryMajor boat show at the Atlantic City Convention Center featuring hundreds of boats, marine accessories, and fishing gear.
MAAC Basketball Championships
Early MarchMetro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Week of college basketball excitement.
Atlantic City St. Patrick's Day Parade
Weekend before March 17Annual boardwalk parade from Ocean Casino to Albany Avenue. Casino celebrations and Irish brunches throughout the day.
Taste Atlantic City
All of MarchMonth-long culinary celebration with 50+ restaurants offering special prix-fixe menus at various price points.