Atlantic City, New Jersey Travel Guide

City Famous resort city known for boardwalk attractions

Along the salted boardwalk, Atlantic City advertises casinos and live shows but also draws beachgoers, amusement rides on Steel Pier, salt-water taffy stalls, outlet shopping, and quick trips to the Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge for birdwatching.

Costs

Mid-to-high: $150-250/day

Casino hotels and shows push prices up; gambling adds extra expense.

Safety

Higher-risk after dark

Tourist zones are policed but some neighborhoods have elevated crime after dark.

Best Time

May-September

Summer brings beaches, boardwalk crowds, and peak entertainment seasons.

In This Guide

Why Visit Atlantic City, New Jersey?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

39,260

Infrastructure & Convenience

Compact boardwalk area with taxis and buses; rail connection exists but services are limited.

Popularity

Draws gamblers, beachgoers, day-trippers and convention crowds.

Known For

Casinos, Atlantic City Boardwalk, sandy beaches, Steel Pier, outlet shopping, nightlife, convention center, historic casinos, concerts and shows, boardwalk games and arcades

Atlantic City's famous boardwalk opened in 1870 and is the oldest boardwalk in the United States.

Why Visit Atlantic City, New Jersey? #

A seaside resort with old-school glamour, Atlantic City is famous for its Boardwalk, casino nightlife and beach culture. Pier attractions like Steel Pier and the city’s casinos share space with saltwater taffy shops and seaside restaurants, so entertainment and boardwalk indulgences run late into the night. Events and concerts keep the calendar busy, while easy access to Atlantic City’s beaches and the historic Miss America legacy give the destination a unique, nostalgic draw.

Top Things to Do in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Don't Miss

Atlantic City Boardwalk - Iconic oceanfront promenade with arcades, shops, and classic boardwalk eateries.
Absecon Lighthouse - Historic 19th-century lighthouse offering panoramic climbs and a small maritime museum.
Steel Pier - Family amusement pier with rides, midway games, and seasonal concerts over water.
Borgata Casino & Entertainment - Large casino complex featuring dining, nightlife, and headline entertainment in Midtown.

Hidden Gems

Gardner's Basin & Atlantic City Aquarium - Historic fishing basin housing an aquarium, boat tours, and seafood restaurants.
Noyes Arts Garage - Collective of artist studios and galleries in restored boardwalk-era warehouse spaces.
Lucy the Elephant (Margate) - Whimsical six-story elephant structure in Margate, available for tours and photos.

Day Trips

Cape May - Historic seaside town with Victorian architecture, beaches, and a renowned birding hotspot.
Philadelphia - Short drive to Philadelphia's museums, historic sites, and renowned dining scenes.

Best Time to Visit Atlantic City, New Jersey #

Atlantic City is at its liveliest in summer for beaches, boardwalk action and nightlife, while late spring and early fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Watch for occasional summer storms and elevated coastal flood risk in late season.

Winter

December - February · -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F)

Chilly, gray coastline with quieter boardwalks, cheaper rooms and occasional snow; many attractions operate reduced hours, but restaurants and casinos remain lively.

Spring

March - May · 6°C to 18°C (43°F to 64°F)

Mild, breezy days perfect for strolling the boardwalk and early beach visits; crowds thin and rates drop before the summer tourist rush.

Summer

June - August · 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F)

Hot, humid, and packed with sun-seekers-boardwalk energy at its peak; beaches lively, higher prices, and occasional summer storms in the evenings.

Best Time to Visit Atlantic City, New Jersey #

Climate

Atlantic City, New Jersey's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1064 mm/year), wettest in August, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

JulyJuneAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

33°

Warmest Month

-15°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

-2° – 7°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

91 mm

Rainfall

5.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.6h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

3°

Feels Like Cold

3°C

Temperature

-2° – 7°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

79 mm

Rainfall

5.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.5

UV Index

Low

10.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

1° – 9°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

5.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

5° – 14°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

93 mm

Rainfall

5.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

13.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 19°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

86 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

High

14.2h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

16° – 25°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

74 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.8

UV Index

Very High

14.7h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Mild

24°C

Temperature

19° – 28°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

93 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.8

UV Index

Very High

14.5h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Mild

24°C

Temperature

19° – 28°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

113 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

13.5h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

21°

Feels Like Mild

21°C

Temperature

16° – 25°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

79 mm

Rainfall

4.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

12° – 20°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

77 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

11.0h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

6° – 15°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

87 mm

Rainfall

4.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

9.9h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

1° – 10°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

88 mm

Rainfall

5.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.3h daylight

How to Get to Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City is served by Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) and has direct rail service from Philadelphia via NJ Transit's Atlantic City Line to the Atlantic City Rail Terminal. Many visitors also arrive by car or intercity bus from Philadelphia and New York.

By Air

Atlantic City International Airport (ACY): ACY is the closest airport (about 10-15 miles from the casino/resort area). Taxis or rideshares to the Boardwalk typically take 20-30 minutes and cost around $25-40; rental cars are available at the airport.

Philadelphia International (PHL) / Newark Liberty (EWR): Many visitors fly into Philadelphia (≈1-1.5 hours drive) or Newark (≈2-2.5 hours) and use rental cars or public transport connections to reach Atlantic City. Driving times depend on traffic; expect 1-2 hours from Philadelphia and 2-3 hours from New York/Newark areas.

By Train & Bus

Train: NJ Transit operates the Atlantic City Line from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station to Atlantic City Rail Terminal (journey ≈1 hour). Fares vary by origin; from Philadelphia the single-fare is modest (typical NJ Transit regional fares are in the single-digit to low-double-digit USD range).

Bus: Regular bus and coach services run to Atlantic City from Philadelphia, New York City and other regional hubs; Shore Transit and private coach operators serve the city, with travel times and fares varying by route (expect 1-3 hours and fares from about $10-25 one-way). Local jitney and shuttle services provide short hops around the city and to nearby casinos.

How to Get Around Atlantic City, New Jersey #

Atlantic City’s core is very walkable along the Boardwalk and casino row; the boardwalk itself connects most hotels, restaurants and attractions. Buses (NJ Transit) and shuttles run along major routes; taxis and ride‑hailing are available but fares and wait times can fluctuate. Driving is common for visitors from nearby states, but parking at casinos and on the boardwalk can be expensive. If you’re staying on the boardwalk, you can get by mostly on foot.

Where to Stay in Atlantic City, New Jersey #

Budget

Boardwalk/Beach - $40-180/night

Budget travelers will find inexpensive rooms at casinos and motels, especially off-season. Beachblock rates rise on weekends and during events.

Bally's Atlantic City - Casino hotel with frequent deals and packages
Tropicana Atlantic City - Large casino-hotel, affordable rooms off-peak

Mid-Range

Boardwalk/Marina - $100-300/night

Good mid-range options are plentiful along the boardwalk and Marina District; expect dining, casinos, and easy beach access.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa - Upscale casino resort with restaurants
Caesars Atlantic City - Central boardwalk location, mid-to-upscale amenities

Luxury

Boardwalk/Marina - $200-500+/night

Luxury casino resorts dominate; rooms, dining, and nightlife are concentrated on the boardwalk and Marina districts.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City - Modern rooms, music-themed amenities
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa - High-end rooms, casino, spa, top restaurants

Where to Eat in Atlantic City, New Jersey #

Seafood & Atlantic classics

Atlantic City blends classic boardwalk indulgence with long-running seafood institutions and family-run Italian taverns close to the ocean.

Dock's Oyster House - Historic oyster bar serving fresh shellfish
Chef Vola's - Old-school Italian-American supper club, reservation required
White House Sub Shop - Famous, no-frills submarine sandwiches since 1946

Boardwalk bites & late-night

Beyond fine dining, the boardwalk and casinos offer quick bites, late-night comfort food and family-style seafood counters for informal meals.

Gilchrist Restaurant (Boardwalk area) - Casual breakfasts and seafood near the boardwalk
Boardwalk food vendors - Quick bites: saltwater taffy, pizza, fries
Classic steakhouses & grills - Evening dining for steaks and cocktails

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Atlantic City, New Jersey's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza

Burger

Italian

American

Mexican

Asian

Donut

Coffee Shop

Steak House

Sandwich

Chinese

Chicken

Seafood

Breakfast

Japanese

Ice Cream

Vietnamese

Bagel

Noodle

Pub

Nightlife in Atlantic City, New Jersey #

Nightlife revolves around the casinos - bars, lounges, casinos clubs and regular headliner shows - plus occasional concerts at Boardwalk Hall. Outside the resorts, the Boardwalk offers late‑night snack bars and arcades, but the overall scene is casino‑focused rather than a diverse bar crawl district.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa - Major casino with clubs, upscale bars and frequent headline shows.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City - Casino resort with late‑night bars, live music and event programming.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall - Historic arena hosting concerts, sporting events and touring performances.

Shopping in Atlantic City, New Jersey #

Shopping in Atlantic City is pragmatic rather than boutique: the Boardwalk and casino arcades host most souvenir stalls, while casino retail and duty‑free style stores handle branded goods. There are a few indoor shopping promenades inside major casinos for dining and gift purchases. If you’re looking specifically for outlet bargains, check local outlet centers outside the immediate boardwalk area; otherwise expect tourist‑oriented shops along the shore.

The Quarter at Tropicana - Indoor shopping/dining promenade inside Tropicana casino complex.
Atlantic City Boardwalk (souvenir shops) - Boardwalk strip with beachside souvenir stalls and small retail kiosks.