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Atlantic City, New Jersey

City Guide

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Features of this Destination

Atlantic City has become synonymous with its sparkling strand of hotel casinos, 12 in all - Bally's, Caesars, The Borgata, The Atlantic City Hilton, Harrah's, Resorts, The Sands, Showboat, Tropicana, and three bearing the Trump name, The Plaza, The Marina and The Taj Mahal. Millions of annual visitors flock to the city, on southeast New Jersey's Absecon Island, to try their luck at the casinos, where cards shuffle and chips snap 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The casinos have more to offer than the chance to make a quick million, and the city has more to offer than just the casinos.

Situated on a vast stretch of white, sandy beaches, Atlantic City has been a tourist destination since the mid-19th century, when it became a favorite of Philadelphia residents seeking a summer refuge. As beach resorts go, Atlantic City boasts an impressive list of firsts: the world's first boardwalk, first color postcards, first saltwater taffy, and the first Miss American pageant, which continues to be held here every October.

Redevelopers halted the city's slow decline in the 1970s, when the resort was opened to gambling. The old seaside hotels gave way to glitzy casinos on prime Boardwalk property. Now, more than 34 million people visit annually to experience the casinos' headline entertainment, fine dining and shopping. A state-of-the-art Convention Center replaced its antiquated predecessor, promising scores of conferences and trade shows to further boost tourism.

The city is working to create a more culturally rich environment as well. A new Ocean Life Center explores the fragile connection between sea and shore, with live fish and marine exhibits. The Atlantic City Historical Museum documents the city's rich history. Atlantic City is also home to two sports teams - the Atlantic City Seagulls, a United States Basketball League franchise, and Atlantic City Surf, a semi-pro baseball team.

The fun doesn't stop when you cross the bridge to leave. Drive through southern New Jersey's Pine Barrens to 18th-century Smithville or down the coast to the posh beach towns of Stone Harbor or Sea Isle City. And at the southern tip of the state, about an hour from the bustle of the casinos, visitors can enjoy the charming Victorian mansions that abound in Cape May.

Area Attractions

The Boardwalk (888) 847-4822, (609) 348-7100

It’s the most valuable property on the Monopoly board, which was modeled after Atlantic City, and it’s the hottest spot in town. Built in 1870, it’s the world’s first boardwalk. Victorian ladies and gentlemen once strolled its venerable planks – “walking the boards” – to take in the ocean breezes. Now, the 4.5-mile Boardwalk is lined with casinos, hotels, restaurants, shops and amusements, all overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

Atlantic City Convention Center Mississippi Avenue Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 (609) 449-2000 The ultra-modern convention center calls itself “America’s Northeast Business Address.” With 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and an additional 109,100 square feet of meeting space, the facility is larger than any other convention center from Boston to Atlanta.

Atlantic City Historical Museum Garden Pier Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 (609) 347-5839 Free

Adjacent to the Boardwalk, the museum features a permanent exhibit titled: “Atlantic City: Playground of the Nation,” which includes costumes, posters, souvenirs and Miss American memorabilia. Other exhibits showcase the city’s piers, nightlife and ethnic contributions.

Ocean Life Center Gardner’s Basin 800 N. New Hampshire Avenue Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 (609) 348-2880 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

This marine science attraction explores the connection between the sea and the land, especially well-suited to its venue, as Atlantic City is located on a fragile barrier island. The center’s goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of the ocean world. An atrium contains 29,800 gallons of live exhibits, and the center also features interactive displays and indoor/outdoor observation decks.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum New York Avenue and Boardwalk Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 (609) 347-2001 This museum exhibits oddities from Robert Ripley’s world travels. Visitors can also view films and experience an interactive funhouse.

Absecon Lighthouse Rhode Island Avenue Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 (609) 449-1360 Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, or by appointment

Opened in 1857 and last used in 1933, historic Absecon Lighthouse once helped guide mariners into the island’s treacherous inlet. The double-walled masonry structure is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey. Though no longer used, it is a romantic symbol of days past.

Lucy the Elephant 9200 Atlantic Ave. Margate, N.J. 08402 (609) 823-6473 Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, April to mid-June and September to October 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily mid-June to Labor Day

There is nowhere else in the world you can step inside a 6-story, 90-ton metal elephant, which was built in 1881 for $38,000 as a real estate marketing stunt. When she was new, Lucy attracted throngs of visitors who wanted to tour her insides and step out on the “howdah” – her observation deck – to view the ocean. In the 1970s, Margate residents raised money to repair Lucy, who had fallen into disrepair and had been closed to visitors since the early 1960s.

Nearby Attractions

Towne of Historic Smithville Route 9 and Moss Mill Road Smithville, N.J. 08201 Hours: Variable by season (609) 652-7777

Take a 10-mile ride from the glitz and glitter of the casinos and you can immerse yourself in an 18th-century village. The Smithville Inn was once a stagecoach stop; today, the painstakingly restored property serves as a fine restaurant. Other restored cottages and colonial homes are now used as gift shops and smaller eateries.

Wheaton Village 1501 Glasstown Road Millville, N.J. 08332 (800) 998-4552 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April 1-January 2 (winter hours limited)

Glassblowing is a time-honored South Jersey craft, and Wheaton Village is dedicated to the art. The museum showcases some of the finest glass art of the region, and includes educational displays about the glassblowing process.

Noyes Museum of Art Lily Lake Road, off Route 9 Oceanville, N.J. 08231 Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday

Dedicated to art collection, the Noyes Museum features the work of regional artists as well as 19th- and 20th-century folk and fine art.