Things to Do in Atlantic City
America's Playground with Free Beaches. Discover beaches, attractions, dining, and local experiences.
1
Beaches
115
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
March 5-10Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall draws college basketball fans for six days of championship games airing on ESPN.
Atlantic City St. Patrick's Day Parade
First Saturday in MarchAtlantic City's 38th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade features bagpipers, Irish dancers, and school bands along the world-famous Boardwalk.
Taste Atlantic City
All of MarchMonth-long culinary celebration with 60+ restaurants offering tiered prix-fixe menus from $20-$60. Expanded from the former Atlantic City Restaurant Week.
Soar & Shore Festival
Late MayAtlantic City Airshow draws 500,000+ spectators for aerial performances over the beach and Boardwalk. Free viewing from beach featuring military aircraft and precision flying teams.
Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival
Early June20th annual festival at Atlantic City Convention Center features 100+ breweries, live entertainment, and local bites across two sessions.
Boardwalk Summer Concert Series
June-September (Thursdays)Free weekly concerts at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk every Thursday evening from June through September. Family-friendly entertainment with ocean views.
July 4th Fireworks
July 4thIndependence Day fireworks and drone shows at multiple casino resort locations including Tropicana and Ocean Casino Resort. Free beach and Boardwalk viewing.
Atlantic City Jazz Fest
Mid-SeptemberAnnual jazz festival at Sound Waves inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino showcasing top jazz performers. Evening celebration of jazz music and culture.
Atlantic City Marathon
October 17-18Nation's third oldest marathon since 1960 features eight miles of oceanfront Boardwalk running. Fast, flat USATF certified Boston Qualifier with half marathon and 10K options.
Deck the Hall: Festival of Trees
December-early JanuaryAnnual charitable event at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall displays dozens of custom-decorated holiday trees. Free daily viewings benefit CASA for Children of Atlantic counties.