Atlantic City Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Atlantic City is a place where grit meets glamour, a historic seaside resort that has reinvented itself time and again while holding onto its nostalgic soul. It is the spiritual home of the American boardwalk, a 4-mile wooden spine that separates the high-rise casinos from the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, the salt air mixes with the scent of funnel cake and the faint chime of slot machines, creating an atmosphere that is undeniably electric.

Beyond the neon lights of the gaming floors, “AC” offers a surprisingly rich tapestry of experiences. From the quiet historic charm of the Gardner’s Basin to the roar of the airshow in the summer, the city caters to thrill-seekers and beach bums alike. Whether you are here to test your luck, dive into the history of the Prohibition era, or simply watch the sunrise over the ocean, Atlantic City promises an escape from the ordinary.

The World’s Famous Playground

Atlantic City’s history is as colorful as a Monopoly board, which, incidentally, was based on the streets of this very city. Once a quiet health resort, it transformed into the “Playground of the World” during the Roaring Twenties. Remnants of this golden age are still visible in the architecture of Boardwalk Hall and the enduring legacy of spots like the Knife & Fork Inn, which flourished during Prohibition. Today, that history blends with modern luxury, creating a skyline where 1920s masonry sits comfortably beside glittering glass towers.

Culturally, the city is a melting pot of the Tri-State area, drawing energy from Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. It’s a town of resilience and reinvention, where high-end celebrity chef restaurants sit just blocks away from old-school sub shops that haven’t changed a recipe in 70 years. This duality is what makes visiting Atlantic City so fascinating; you can spend your afternoon exploring the charming, elephant-shaped architecture of the Victorian era and your evening dancing in a mega-club that rivals Las Vegas.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Lucy the Elephant - Located just 2 miles south in Margate, this six-story elephant structure is a National Historic Landmark built in 1881. It is the oldest surviving roadside attraction in America. Tours cost $8.50 for adults.

Absecon Lighthouse - Standing at 171 feet, this is New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and the third tallest in the country. A climb to the top offers stunning 360-degree views of the Jersey Shore. Admission is $10 for adults.

Steel Pier - Extending 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean opposite the Hard Rock Hotel, this historic amusement park features the famous Observation Wheel. Individual ride tickets start around $1.50, but the Wheel is approx. $15.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall - A historic architectural marvel built in 1929, famous for hosting the Miss America Pageant and housing the world’s largest musical instrument, a pipe organ with over 33,000 pipes. Concert ticket prices vary by event.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Atlantic City is relatively straightforward. If you are flying, Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is just 12 miles away, though many travelers fly into Philadelphia (PHL), which is about an hour’s drive. For those driving, the Atlantic City Expressway provides a direct link from Philadelphia, while the Garden State Parkway connects you to New York City in about 2.5 hours. Once you arrive, the famous “Jitney” mini-buses run 24/7 along Pacific Avenue, offering a cheap and convenient way to hop between the Marina District and the Boardwalk.

When packing, bring layers. Even in the height of summer, the ocean breeze can cool things down significantly at night. Comfortable walking shoes are a non-negotiable item if you plan on traversing the boardwalk. If you plan to dine at high-end casino restaurants or visit nightclubs, be sure to pack smart-casual or dressy attire, as many venues enforce dress codes after dark.

Atlantic City is a destination that truly offers something different with every roll of the dice. Whether you visit for the summer sun or the winter solitude, the city’s unique blend of history, hospitality, and excitement ensures that you’ll leave with a story to tell.