In addition to mouth-watering treats, bar hopping, sightseeing, the Boardwalk boasts a variety of entertainment shows, such as sports events, concerts, stand-up comedies, and more! Everyone from the Rolling Stones to Beyoncé has played here, and summer always promises big names.
This seaside convention hall is also home to Miss America Pageant since 1940, which used to draw tens of thousands of pageant spectators.
An interesting fact about the Boardwalk Hall is that it houses the largest musical instrument in the world, a pipe organ that has over 33,000 pipes and eight chambers. Every Monday, there is a free half-hour concert and tour of the organ.
13: Eat fresh seafood
Thanks to its great location by the Atlantic Ocean, the Jersey state brings the amazing taste of the ocean right to your table. Whether you’re a seafood fan or not, consider a visit to one of the seafood shacks along or near the famous Boardwalk, such as Dock’s Ouster House.
This family-owned business since 1898 has always been filled with regulars and, while there, grab a seat at the piano bar and order a dozen fresh oysters and steamed clams! Other great options for seafood are Harry’s Oyster Bar near the lobby of Bally’s and Olon in Tropicana.
Any lobster fans? Head to the Knife & Fork Inn, which started as a men’s drinking and dining club for their famed The Lobster Thermidor - 2.5lb lobster split open and dressed in a creamy mushroom sauce with Parmesan.
14: Splurge At one of the fine dining restaurants
With a Las Vegas vibe, Atlantic City features many restaurants owned by renowned chefs, such as Chef Vola’s and Bobby Flay Steak. Most of the great ones are in Caesar’s resort, such as the Gordan Ramsay Pub & Grill, KWI Restaurant and Noodle Bar, and Nero’s Italian Steakhouse. The quality of the food, as well as the dining ambiance, is not something you can get from your go-to Chinese spot.
If you are looking for a romantic date or a place to celebrate your anniversary, these are the spots to hit! A friendly reminder: they tend to be filled quickly and book your spot in advance. Also, for some, there are dress codes. So, don’t just show up in your beach pants or flip flops. Doll yourself up!
15: Check the oddities at Ripley’s believe It or not museum
If you want some whimsical fun, Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum is where you should be!
This touristy heaven can be found almost in every country you visit, but it is still entertaining and oddly educational. History buffs and lovers of all things weird will enjoy a visit here past over 400 buzzard exhibits like shrunken human heads, rare animal skeletons, an exhibit about the mythical Jersey Devil, and a statue of the Incredible Hulk made of car parts.
The museum is located right on the Boardwalk, just steps away from the beach and major casinos. Tickets are $18.99 for adults (13+), $12.99 for children (5-12), $14.99 for seniors (65+), and free for 4 and under.
16: Get airborne at the Atlantic City paraglide
If you want to experience what it is like to be a human kite and take in some great views of the Boardwalk and the city from above, this is your best bet for only $75 per person. If you want to get wet on hot summer days, ask for a quick dip in the ocean at the end.
17: Go dolphin watching
Believe it or not, there are actually dolphins hanging out by the Jersey Shore. You can get a glimpse of them playing from an Atlantic City Cruises boat while listening to commentary from a marine naturalist.
18: Learn to surf or stand-up paddle board
Surfing may not be what first comes to mind when you think of Atlantic City, but the choppy yet not too crazy waters here make AC one of some best surfing spots in NJ. If this is your first time, consider taking a 3-hour class of various skill levels at the Atlantic City Surf School for just $60.
If you are an experienced surfer, bring your paddle and pop up and ride the waves! Also, please note that water activities are recommended between 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM when the safety guards are present.
19: Go to Atlantic City Beach
If you aren’t in the mood for water sports, then sit on the beach and take in a dose of sunlight, or snooze and do absolutely nothing. You can also bring your picnic basket and roll out a blanket for some small treats while enjoying the views of both sides - the ocean and the boardwalk.
Atlantic City, New Jersey is a fun town to visit any time of year, but no time is better than during the summer months.
New Jersey is known for many great things, but most notably for the gorgeous Jersey Shore beaches.
White sand beaches with world-class restaurants, epic nightlife, exciting casinos, water sports galore, and so much more, line the Atlantic Ocean in this aptly named city.
The resort town is rife with luxury destinations like world-class spas, high-end shopping, and fine dining, however, Atlantic City is a humble town with tons to do at all price points.
Whether you’re visiting AC for the first time, a short time, or an extended stay, narrowing down noteworthy and reputable attractions can be difficult for a tourist.
Herein, we have compiled a dynamic list of amazing attractions, historical landmarks, restaurants, amusements, and arts to help you compile an extraordinary itinerary.
Things To Do In Atlantic City
1. Atlantic City Boardwalk
f11photo / Shutterstock
Beyond the casinos and beaches, Atlantic City’s most iconic attraction is the Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey.
Stretching five miles along the Atlantic Oceans coast, the boardwalk lines this New Jersey beach town and is a bustling tourist attraction.
Of note, the boardwalk is packed with attractions for all ages and tastes.
You may weave in and out of towering casinos to try your luck at card tables and slot machines or just check out the restaurants, shows, and nightlife within.
Outside of the casinos, the boardwalk is home to lively artists and musicians, boutique and luxury shopping, small local restaurants, and amusements galore.
Along the boardwalk, piers jut out into the ocean and have countless points of interest.
For instance, Garden Pier is known for its arts and cultural scene, while the Steel Pier is known for its thrilling rides and carnival games.
Finally, the boardwalk is home to many unique shops purveying regional delights like Saltwater Taffy, homemade fudge, and AC souvenirs.
Of all the exciting places to visit in New Jersey, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is a must see.
Address: 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
2. Steel Pier Amusement Park
ESB Professional / Shutterstock
Steel Pier Amusement Park is a top 10 Atlantic City attraction that’s suitable for visitors of all ages.
New Jersey is fraught with shore towns and boardwalks but this boardwalk amusement park takes the cake.
Situated adjacent to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the 1,000 foot-long amusement park is packed with thrill rides like wild roller coasters, a swinging carousel, and the “Monster Plunge,” the adventure seekers in your group will be right at home.
More kid-friendly amusements like a teacups ride, bumper cars, and the “Silly Steamer” are all perfect for little ones.
In addition to the super-fun rides, Steel Pier Amusement Park has tons of food and drink vendors, fun games with top prizes, and so much more.
Each of these amusements is situated on an open-air pier space that juts out over the Atlantic Ocean.
The seaspray and ocean breeze add to the charming summer nights at the park.
Whether you’re planning to visit today or this weekend, Steel Pier is always bustling with high-energy excitement.
Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
3. Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
John Arehart / Shutterstock
If you’re looking for unique, family-fun things to do in Atlantic City, New Jersey, be sure to check out this wild museum.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! houses amusing oddities from all over the world as well as local curiosities.
The museum’s aptly named “Odditorium” is home to bizarre exhibits by the hundreds.
Some of the many unique things visitors can expect to see include a spider made from scissors and knives, a roulette table crafted entirely of jelly beans, the world’s tiniest car, and creepy shrunken heads.
With over 12,000 square feet of museum space, the oddities keep coming.
In addition to the wild exhibits, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! is also home to a super fun “Lazer Maze Challenge” that is like something out of an action movie.
Visitors will duck, crawl, and navigate the maze comprised entirely of laser beams hoping not to touch a laser.
With so much stuff to do under one bizarre roof, you’ll leave the museum scratching your brain at all you’ve just encountered.
Be sure to enjoy walking around the museum and navigating the maze at one of Atlantic City’s truly interesting points of interest.
Address: 1441 Boardwalk Corner of Boardwalk and, S New York Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
4. Chicken Bone Beach
Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock
Atlantic City’s Chicken Bone Beach is a bit of New Jersey history that the city is likely not proud of.
A once segregated beach, Chicken Bone Beach was named for the unfounded claim that the shore was littered with the discarded chicken bones left behind by African Americans on this “blacks only beach” in the early to mid-1900s.
A woeful time in American history, the beach became segregated long after the end of the Civil War because of pressure from local businesses.
It wasn’t until 1964, with the passing of the Civil Rights Act, that the beach, like all AC beaches, was opened to all.
Although the beach blends in with surrounding ones, there is a memorial plaque that distinguishes it from others.
If you’re interested in enjoying a lovely stroll along the New Jersey shoreline with a touch of American history, this beach is one of many interesting yet beautiful places to see.
What’s more, it’s one of a few free things to do in the small town.
Address: 2100 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
5. Borgata Casino
Racheal Grazias / Shutterstock
This premier Atlantic City venue is out of this world.
Opened in 2003, this hotel and casino is home to several world-class accommodations, restaurants, gaming, and amenities.
It’s quite literally an adult’s playground.
To begin, the hotel accommodations run the gamut from small, economy rooms to presidential suites, all of which are superbly outfitted and decorated.
On the facility’s casino floor, visitors can win big playing slot machines, card games, roulette, sports betting, and more.
Beyond the hotel and casino, Borgata houses dozens of amazing restaurants, some of which are owned by celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay and Michael Symon.
A handful of nightclubs and bars keep the party going day and night at Borgata.
Moreover, Borgata’s event center frequently hosts big-time musicians, comedy acts, and more.
Finally, after long days and nights of dining, imbibing, and gambling, you can wind down in the pools, spa, salon, or fitness center.
With so many fun things to do in Atlantic City, Borgata is on a shortlist of top tourist attractions you won’t want to miss.
Address: 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
Visiting other parts of New Jersey? Why not check out some of the things to do in Cape May?
6. Chef Vola’s
Chef Vola’s
Chef Vola’s is a fine Italian restaurant that has existed as Atlantic City’s best-kept secret since the Roaring Twenties.
Situated amid a suburban neighborhood of AC, New Jersey, Chef Vola’s, a long-time speakeasy, has always operated as a secret club of sorts.
If you were to visit their website, you’d discover no public record of the establishment’s phone number or address.
Now, with modern technology, that information can be found in other ways, but it doesn’t make it any easier to obtain a reservation.
This restaurant is so popular that if you plan to patronize it, you’ll have to make a reservation many months in advance.
What makes Chef Vola’s so unique, besides its fabulous cuisine, is its ambiance.
When approaching the restaurant, visitors walk through a residential neighborhood and find no indication of its existence; there’s no sign, parking lot, or other common indicators of a restaurant.
The restaurant is quite literally in the basement of an assuming home.
The walls are lined with pictures of celebrity guests from decades of patronage.
The restroom is in the kitchen and besides the impeccable service and delightful cuisine, you feel like you’re having dinner in your grandmother’s basement.
If you’re wondering about cool places to go when visiting Atlantic City, wonder no more; Chef Vola’s is a must do.
Address: 111 S Albion Pl, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
7. Atlantic City Ballet
There are so many amazing things to do in New Jersey, especially in AC, but none is more sophisticated than visiting the Atlantic City Ballet.
Residing at the Circus Maximus Theatre, the dance company is cast with the most talented dancers from all over the world.
Choreographed by acclaimed artistic director, Phyllis Papa, the beauty and artistry of each show is unprecedented.
The company aims to deliver a wide breadth of ballet artistry and through its 38 years as a company the Atlantic City Ballet has performed classic and original pieces.
Some of the pieces the company has performed in years past include “Nutcracker,” “Dracula,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Swan Lake,” “Cinderella,” and more.
The shows change seasonally, so no matter the time of year you’re visiting, you can be sure to catch an awe-inspiring show at Atlantic City Ballet.
The company has earned national recognition for its technical prowess and on-stage presence.
With so many wonderful activities in Atlantic City be sure to check out this.
Address: 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
8. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Mia2you / Shutterstock
One of the top vacation spots in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino serves up epic entertainment and so much more.
Comprising 120,000 square feet of casino space, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is thought to be the largest casino in the world.
So if you’re looking to win big in Atlantic City, this is the place to visit.
After gaming to your heart’s content, staying in one of the hotel’s luxury yet edgy rooms is your safest bet.
What would the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino be without the world-class entertainment it pays homage to?
With more than 20 nightclubs, restaurants galore, and live entertainment by both local and world-famous acts, there are always awesome Atlantic City attractions hosted at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Hotel amenities are also out of this world.
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is home to a superb spa, a full fitness center, a rooftop pool, and an epic gift shop.
Finally, the entire property is brimming with musical artifacts so that every step through the property is like visiting a museum.
You’ll never wonder what to see when visiting the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
9. The Sugar Factory
Sugar Factory
The Sugar Factory in AC is a sweet place to visit today, tonight, or even this weekend.
Situated on the boardwalk of this popular New Jersey town, The Sugar Factory is a dining experience like no other.
Outfitted in bright pops of color, dazzling crystal chandeliers, and a giant yellow ducky that greets you upon entry, this establishment will bring out your inner child and gobsmack any children you’re visiting with.
The sweets-themed restaurant has a respectable lunch/dinner menu, but the real draw is the extravagant dessert menu.
Some of the amazing selections include towering milkshakes topped with candy necklaces, full-size cupcakes, and giant lollipops and a monster 24-scoop ice cream sundae topped with donuts, cones, and candy galore.
Beyond the extreme dessert selections, The Sugar Factory also has a sweets shop that you’ve got to visit before leaving.
You’ll grab a bag of your favorite candies, chocolates, and other delectable sweets for the road.
Located near the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, The Sugar Factory is a fun date night for couples or families.
Address: 1000 Boardwalk Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
10. Little Water Distillery
Little Water Distillery
Located in the heart of Atlantic City, New Jersey and open Thursday through Sunday, Little Water Distillery is a craft distillery.
Producing exceptional spirits like rums, whiskey, vodka, and gin, Little Water Distillery answers the question of where to go when visiting the shore town.
The distillery’s acclaimed liquors stock the shelves of bars and liquor stores near and far as well as being available for online purchase.
If you’re visiting near the Atlantic City area, Little Water Distillery is one of many top places to visit.
The distillery offers guided tours and tastings where visitors can enjoy rotating cocktails in a chic atmosphere.
Additionally, Little Water Distillery hosts special events throughout the year.
If you’ll be visiting Atlantic City, New Jersey soon, be sure to include some of these extraordinary travel destinations to your list of must-see sights and activities.