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Things to Do in Atlantic City

America's Playground with Free Beaches. Discover beaches, attractions, dining, and local experiences.

1Beaches
6Must-See
$Check fitFamily

The top things to do in Atlantic City are Atlantic City Boardwalk, Steel Pier, Absecon Lighthouse, plus its beach — listing guides and practical checks below.

1

Beaches

115

Restaurants

6

Must-See Spots

Check fit

Your group

Don't Miss in Atlantic City

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Must See

boardwalk

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

attraction

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

attraction

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.

bar

Ocean Casino's nightclub. Headline 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.

Atlantic City Airshow

Annual August event featuring military jets and aerobatic performances over the beach.

Bars & Nightlife

HQ2 Nightclub & Beachclub →

Ocean Casino's nightclub. Headline 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. Often less crowded than the boardwalk above.

familiesfree beachesboardwalk access

Atlantic City Vibe

Primary Vibe

Entertainment Capital

Family Friendly

Check ages, access and activities for your group

Nightlife

Check current venue calendars and return transport

Quietness

Check event dates and the specific location

casinosnightlifeentertainmentfree beach

Atlantic City is Best For

casinosentertainmentnightlifeboardwalkfree beaches

Dated outings in Atlantic City

These dates come from the 2026 record. Check the organizer for changes before making plans.

An Evening with Jon Stewart

November 6, 2026

Questions about a Atlantic City outing

What are the best things to do in Atlantic City?

Use the recorded Atlantic City listings to research local attractions, dining and outdoor plans. Check each venue’s calendar, your group’s needs and the weather before choosing an outing.

Is Atlantic City good for families?

Atlantic City offers family-friendly activities including beach outings, local restaurants, and seasonal activities. Confirm ages, access, opening days and any beach patrol coverage for your visit.

What are free things to do in Atlantic City?

Consider a walk, shops or a listed free event, then check the specific access rules, operating hours and any parking or admission charges. Beach access and badge requirements vary by location and date.

Make a plan for your actual dates

Confirm the venue’s own calendar, admission and access for your group. Outdoor rides, indoor attractions and beach facilities can operate on different schedules.

Consider a nearby outing

These neighboring town guides have existing listings. Check the actual venue schedule and your travel arrangements.

Keep the details before you reserve

Confirm the actual operating day

Check the operator calendar for your date and arrival time. A boardwalk, beach or outdoor venue can be accessible while its rides, tours or facilities are closed.

Check the whole group

Ask about ages, height restrictions, mobility access, equipment and supervision. Confirm any water activity requirements with the operator.

Compare the complete activity cost

Include the number of tickets, required equipment, parking and any booking charge. Compare packages only when their actual inclusions fit your visit.

Keep the weather terms

Read cancellation deadlines, weather postponement and refund rules before paying. Choose an indoor backup with a confirmed schedule.

Keep your Atlantic City plans moving

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Plan Your Visit to Atlantic City