Looking for the best things to do in Atlantic City?? Welcome to the “Las Vegas of the East,” Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Atlantic City is all about scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class seaside resorts, sandy beaches, theme parks, plenty of entertainment venues, giant casinos, theaters, and fun streets. That means it is totally for entertainers.
That’s why it calls the Las Vegas of the East.
Although it was a clam and traditional fishing village in the late 1800s, after building the Boardwalk in 1870, the city became one of the leading tourist destinations in the United States.
Actually, now it is a famous seaside resort city, a water sports hub, home to the Miss America pageant, and an entertaining hub in the country. Therefore, Atlantic City attracts couples, families, business people, solo travelers, travel groups, and beautiful models worldwide.
The most highlighted things to do in Atlantic City, NJ are visiting Atlantic City Broadwalk, enjoy time at Steel Pier Amusement Park, visiting Absecon Lighthouse, visiting Atlantic City Aquarium, taking a romantic cruise, and more.
Here’s the list of the best and fun things to do in Atlantic City, NJ. Just check whether you have added them to your list or not.
Things to do in Atlantic City
1. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall (arena) or Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall was the primary convention center of the city. Also, it is one of the only existing old buildings from the early days of the city (built in 1929). Therefore, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
That is the historical story about Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. But, why should you visit there in the first place?
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall always hosts entertaining concerts, pageants, and events. Obviously, since it has been the city’s primary convention center for so many decades, it still does its function.
Spreading for 2 hectares of land area, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall can have 10,500 visitors at once. So, surely attend a fun event at this fun arena. It may be Miss America finals, a Lady Gaga’s show, a Beyonce’s show, or any other celebrity event.
On the other hand, Boardwalk Hall is home to the world’s largest musical instrument. It is a pipe organ with eight chambers, 33,000 pipes, and 1,000 stop keys.
Whether you are a music lover, a fashion lover, or any type of entertainer, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall has plans for you. So, add it to the top.
Address: 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-348-7000
Official website: www.boardwalkhall.com
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Club Wyndham Skyline Tower
Things to do in Atlantic City
2. Atlantic City Boardwalk
Atlantic City Broadwalk is undeniably the most popular tourist attraction in the city. It is a four miles long wooden path filled with plenty of fun things. Initially built in 1870, this is one of the oldest walks in the city.
You can explore this entertaining path by walking, hiring a rickshaw, or using the iconic Boardwalk Electric Tram Service. Whatever the way, it is undoubtedly a delightful and scenic path to visit while catching the sea breeze.
Broadwalk always offers you numerous entertaining things.
Ex: delicious seaside restaurants, fun shopping malls, live music, live shows, Atlantic City’s Walk of Fame called Entrance to the Stars, high-end casinos, luxury hotels, nightclubs, bars, and more.
Mainly, Entrance to the Stars contains handprints of celebrities. It is just like Hollywood’s Walk of Fame differently. Do you like to see your favorite star’s handprint?
Whether in the daytime or nighttime, Broadwalk means fun and entertainment.
Address: 3109 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ocean Casino Resort
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3. Steel Pier Amusement Park
Steel Pier Amusement Park is a long amusement park located on a pier of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Actually, it is a 1,000-foot-long park built into the ocean in 1898. Yeah, it is an old amusement park. But, still, it is fun and scenic, just like Coney Island in New York.
This amusement park features various challenging carnival games, 25 rides, street vendors, adventurous experiences, food kiosks, a pub overlooking the ocean, and many other things.
Especially, Steel Pier’s rides are famous among visitors.
It offers various themed rides for all ages. Ex: tiny trains and teacups ride for kids, roller coaster rides and swing carousel for adults and older kids, the MIX/the Slingshot and the Freedom Flyer rides are for adventurous riders.
And the most highlighted and scenic ride in the Steel Pier is its impressive Feris Wheel, The Wheel. It is 227 feet high and capable of carrying 240 passengers in its cabins/gondolas. Moreover, since those gondolas are temperature-controlled, the Wheel can work throughout the year without any weather barrier.
That’s why Steel Pier Amusement Park considers a top tourist attraction in Atlantic City, NJ. (Book your tickets from the below official web link)
Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-345-4893
Official website: https://steelpier.com/
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City
Things to do in Atlantic City
4. Things to do in Atlantic City: African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
Ralph E. Hunter, Sr. was the founder of African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. Containing over 12,000 objects, he wanted o present the struggling experience of the African Americans over the centuries.
Especially since Atlantic City originally contained a considerable amount of African Americans, it has so many stories to say. So, the museum tries to show them all through photos, memorabilia, artifacts, and artworks.
And also, African American Heritage Museum has memorabilia of WWI soldiers who represented Atlantic Country.
Further, the museum’s permanent collection shows how media and marketing insulted the black community in the past. Also, it contains furniture, housewares, jewelry, photos of houses, and talented Black entertainers at that time.
Address: 661 Jackson Rd, Newtonville, NJ 08346, United States Phone: +1 609-704-5495
Things to do in Atlantic City
5. Things to do in Atlantic City: Absecon Lighthouse
Opened in 1856, Absecon Lighthouse is located on the north end of Atlantic City, NJ (overlooking Absecon Inlet).
Having 171 feet in height, it is the third tallest stonework lighthouse in the country and the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey. Therefore, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It is made with brick, iron, and granite blocks and painted in black and white colors.
Incredibly, this 228-step lighthouse still has its original First-Order Fresnel lens. Also, Absecon’s top offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Apart from that, this place contains the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and an interesting museum. And the museum features several shipwrecks, local maritime history, and the history of lighthouses.
If you like to climb to the top at night, they offer unique chances called “Keeper Sleeper sleep-over events.”
Address: 31 S Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-449-1360
Official website: http://www.abseconlighthouse.org/
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ocean Casino Resort
Things to do in Atlantic City
6. Atlantic City Aquarium
Atlantic City Aquarium is a large aquarium that features unique underwater exhibits and many other impressive exhibits. Located in Historic Gardner’s Basin’s Ocean Life Center complex, this aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in the city.
It features over 100 varieties of fish, marine animals, interactive exhibits, and many fun events.
For example, its Tropical Shark Touch Tank contains several shark species. And also, there are Terrapins, seahorses, moray eels, and moon jellies.
On the other hand, the aquarium’s Mid-Atlantic Coastal Zone features sea urchins and horseshoe crabs like local organisms.
Apart from those exciting exhibits, Atlantic City Aquarium offers you entertaining sea shows and feeding events.
Are you looking for an exciting place to visit in Atlantic City with kids? Atlantic City Aquarium is undoubtedly the best option.
Address: 800 N New Hampshire Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-348-2880
Official website: www.cityofatlanticcity.org/pages/acaquarium/
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Atlantic City
Things to do in Atlantic City
7. Atlantic City Historical Museum
Opened in 1985, Atlantic City Historical Museum is located in Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall’s Atlantic City Experience. So if you want to know the city’s whole story of over 150 years, just head to this museum.
It tells you how this small fishing village became a leading resort destination in the United States. You can know stories about the Atlantic City beach, the story of building the Broadwalk, becoming the home to the Miss America pageant, and many other success stories.
The Atlantic City Historical Museum contains attractive memorabilia, artifacts, postcards, costumes, song sheets, and photographs. Ex: Scenic beach shots of Thomas Edison Beach, fantastic memories of the Miss America Pageant, information about the world-famous Steel Pier, etc.
Are you a history buff? Then, Atlantic City Historical Museum is the perfect place for you.
Address: 600-698 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-347-5839
Official website: www.atlanticcityexperience.org
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Atlantic City Beach Block
Things to do in Atlantic City
8. Ocean City, New Jersey
Are you in Atlantic City with kids? Then, Ocean City is a must-visit place.
Located 11 miles south side of Atlantic City, Ocean City offers you plenty of scenic beaches. And especially, this area is entirely alcoholic free since 1879 after church ministers establishments.
Ocean City also has a fun Broadwalk that stretches for two and a half miles along the scenic Atlantic Coastline. This Broadwalk also contains shops, restaurants, amusement parks, live music, other entertaining events, and the Ocean City Historical Museum.
So, you can visit the sandy beach, fun amusement parks, and the museum with your kids.
Significantly, the Ocean City Historical Museum offers you a chance to have an idea about the city’s past through its various exhibits. Ex: old furniture, vintage clothing, postcards, photographs, and artifacts.
On the other hand, the beach is perfect for various water activities. Visitors usually kayak, kiteboard, fish, play volleyball, and do many other fun beach activities. Since there are equipment rentals near the beach, anyone can easily enjoy them.
If you like to play golf, Ocean City’s municipal golf course offers you a great chance. Or, if you like biking along the beach, there are biking paths and bike rentals as well.
Ocean City is all about fun, sports, and entertainment. So, your kids will love it.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Flanders Hotel
Things to do in Atlantic City
9. The Quarter at Tropicana
Do you like to visit an old Havana-themed shopping mall? The Tropicana Casino Resort Atlantic City offers you that chance.
It contains the Quarter at Tropicana shopping mall with over 40 stores, eleven nightclubs, a luxury spa, and nine delicious restaurants. Having three stories, Quarter at Tropicana is all about entertainment.
After shopping the world-famous brands, you can visit its luxury Blue Mercury Spa to have a relaxing time. After that, you can visit a nightclub or Tropicana’s IMAX Theatre to watch a fun movie.
Finally, you can have dinner from one of the award-winning restaurants in the Quarter at Tropicana. Are you ready to empty your pockets?
Address: 2821 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
Recommended Hotel: Tropicana Casino and Resort
Things to do in Atlantic City
10. Things to do in Atlantic City: Playground Pier
Playground Pier is another top attraction located on Atlantic City Broadwalk. It is a four-story pier that features world-class restaurants and shopping malls. Actually, locals call it the all-in-one shopping spot.
Sitting in front of the Atlantic Ocean, Playground Pier offers a world-class shopping experience and offers scenic views of the ocean over the windows.
Obviously, Atlantic City is famous for shopping. However, playground Pier is one of the best places out of all.
Also, its wonderful interior attracts many selfie-takers and window shoppers. Since the entrance is free, anyone can enjoy its interior and the scenic ocean views.
Address: 1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
Things to do in Atlantic City
11. Lucy the Margate Elephant, Margate City
Lucy the Margate Elephant is a historical landmark in Margate City, New Jersey. (Margate City is a small coastal town located just five miles south of Atlantic City)
Lucy the Elephant is a six-story high elephant made with wood and tin sheeting by the American inventor James V. Lafferty in 1881. Actually, the aim of establishing this landmark was to attract potential buyers to summer homes in the town.
So, it has been a unique observation deck, an inn, and a summer home from 1881 to the present day. Due to the historical value of Lucy the Margate Elephant, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Now, it sits Josephine Harron Park. If you visit Lucy the Margate Elephant with your kids on her birthday, July 20, you all can attend the free party that organizes by the park every year.
Aside from that, actually, it is totally worth visiting this oldest surviving unique architectural wonder and getting panoramic views of the area.
Address: 9200 Atlantic Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402, United States
Official website: www.lucytheelephant.org
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta ES Suites Somers Point
Things to do in Atlantic City
12. Things to do in Atlantic City: Knife & Fork Inn
Knife and Fork Inn is a famous steakhouse in Atlantic City founded in 1912. That means it is one of the oldest establishments in the city as well.
Having a rich and fantastic history, Knife and Fork Inn initially opened as an exclusive men’s club. So, it attracted celebrities, people in business, and many other famous people.
Still, you can see its glorious architecture with mahogany furniture, sweeping staircase, hand-painted ceilings, and unique dining rooms.
Aside from attractive looks, Knife and Fork Inn serve delicious steaks, fresh seafood dishes, with a vintage wine list representing the whole world.
Surely try dinner at Knife and Fork Inn when you are in Atlantic City, NJ.
Address: 3600 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
Things to do in Atlantic City
13. Storybook Land, New Jersey
Storybook Land is a beautiful amusement park located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, United States (northwest of Downtown Atlantic.). It is a 20-acre family amusement park opened in 1955 by John and Esther Fricano.
Storybook Land features storybook-themed playhouses, rides, and many other attractions. So, if you are looking for impressive things to do in Atlantic City with your kids, surely add this place to your list.
Storybook Land allows your kids unlimited rides anywhere in the park.
You can also introduce your favorite storybook character to your kids. And they will also present their favorites too.
Aside from all these features, another impressive thing about Storybook Land is its location. It is surrounded by plenty of trees, not plenty of buildings. So, it is like you are really living in a fairy tale.
Isn’t this an incredible place to have fun with your kids?
Address: 6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, United States Phone: +1 609-646-0103
Official website: http://www.storybookland.com
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites Atlantic City Egg Harbor Township
Things to do in Atlantic City
14. Things to do in Atlantic City: War Memorials
War Memorials in Atlantic City??
Yes, although Atlantic City is famous as a fun and entertaining city in the present, it was dark in the past. So, it is home to some great war memorials.
For example, World War I Memorial is the oldest one built in 1922 as a dedication for the heroes who lost their lives during the Great War in 1914-1918.
It features a rotunda with a nine-foot bronze statue named Liberty in Distress designed by the famous American sculptor Frederick William MacMonnies. Due to the historical values, World War I Memorial in Atlantic City was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
Address: O’Donnell Parkway, S. Albany and Ventnor Avenues, Atlantic City, New Jersey
And the other famous war memorial is New Jersey Korean War Veterans Memorial. It is a monument that reminds the heroes who died during the fighting in the Korean peninsula from 1950 to 1953.
They are the people who ensured a better future for South Koreans. So, it is worth visiting this memorial and give them respect.
Address: 124 Park Pl, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States.
Things to do in Atlantic City
15. Atlantic City Bottle Company
Atlantic City Bottle Company is a lively bar in Atlantic City that serves high-quality crafted beer, wine representing the whole world, and whiskey.
It also contains an elegant restaurant called The Iron Room that serves delicious homemade pasta, fresh seafood, game meats, burgers, and various dishes representing European and American cuisines.
Visit Atlantic City Bottle Company at its Happy Hour. You will get exceptional dishes like Duck Confit Cheese Fries, Fish Tacos, a great list of wines, killer cocktails, and many other delicious choices.
Are you ready to eat more and drink more?
Address: 648 N Albany Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-348-6400
Official website: https://www.acbottlecompany.com/
Things to do in Atlantic City
16. Things to do in Atlantic City: Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a strange museum in Atlantic City’s boardwalk that displays rare animal skeletons, shrunken human heads, and many other odd objects.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a world of oddities with 14 indoor galleries. It features skulls, a roulette table made of over 14,000 jellybeans, a spider made from knives and scissors, the smallest production car in the world, a laser maze challenge for the whole family, and many other strange things.
Are you looking for unique things to do in Atlantic City? Then, try Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Address: 1441 Boardwalk Corner of Boardwalk and, S New York Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-347-2001
Things to do in Atlantic City
17. Harry’s Oyster Bar and Seafood
Harry’s Oyster Bar is a restaurant & a sports bar that serves seafood dishes and cocktails with scenic ocean views.
This sports bar was opened in 2011 became famous as one of the best sports bars in Atlantic City.
On the other hand, Harry’s oyster dishes are the most highlighted thing here. And they also serve lobsters, littleneck and cherrystone clams, jumbo shrimp, and many other seafood dishes throughout the day.
Especially in the dinner, you can get clam bakes, beer-battered fish with chips, garlic sriracha shrimp tacos, sea sandwich options like Maine lobster rolls, fried calamari, crabmeat nachos, bang bang shrimp, and more.
Also, it has pint beer choices, a world-class wine collection, and seasonal cocktails.
Hey seafood lovers, are you ready?
Official website: https://www.harrysoysterbar.com/
Address: 1900 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-431-0092
Things to do in Atlantic City
18. Things to do in Atlantic City: Little Water Distillery
Little Water Distillery is a famous Distillery in Atlantic City as the first legal craft distillery. Two brothers founded it, and they offer fine rum, tastings, artisan spirits, seasonal events, and educational tours throughout the year.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Atlantic City for couples, surely try visiting Little Water Distillery and taste bottles of fine brews.
For those who are more interested in the brewery industry, book a tour at Little Water Distillery and know more.
Address: Park and Enter on, 807 Baltic Avenue, Lexington Ave unit B, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-344-7867
Official website: http://www.littlewaterdistillery.com/
Things to do in Atlantic City
19. Atlantic City Parasail
Looking for a good parasailing ride service in Atlantic City?? Join Atlantic City Parasailing, one of the best service providers in the city.
They offer any kind of watersport opportunity under the guidance of a fully licensed and certified parasailing operator. So, no need to worry about safety.
Also, their parasail boat is capable of taking 12 people at once. So, your whole family can have fun together. Even your grandmother and the young kid can enjoy this thrilling experience.
Atlantic City Parasailing is located in Gardner’s Basin, Boardwalk. So, it is not difficult to find. Just call them and book your tour now.
Address: 800 N New Hampshire Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: +1 609-345-1212
Things to do in Atlantic City
20. Things to do in Atlantic City: Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is a world-class restaurant chain in the United States. Atlantic City also has a rock ’n’ roll-themed Hard Rock Cafe that serves delicious American classics, burgers, and much other food.
They have a kids’ form menu as well.
Aside from its mouthwatering food menu, Hard Rock features a luxury hotel and a huge casino floor. On the other hand, it features fun live music, a rock spa, and a salon.
That means Hard Rock Cafe is for casino players, spa lovers, food lovers, and entertainers.
Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
Recommended Hotel: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Things to do in Atlantic City
