Atlantic City, New Jersey 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.
Atlantic City, New Jersey at a Glance#
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.
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.
Atlantic City, New Jersey Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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.
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.
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 is easiest to reach by car, coach or the NJ Transit rail line from Philadelphia; once in town the Boardwalk and casino district are very walkable, with taxis and hotel shuttles filling gaps after public-transport hours.
- NJ Transit (Atlantic City Line) ($8-$20 (depends on origin)) - The Atlantic City Line runs between Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and the Atlantic City Rail Terminal - a convenient direct option from Philly with a journey time around 1 hour. Trains are a practical choice for day trips or avoiding traffic to the shore.
- Bus / Coach ($10-$30) - Intercity buses from New York and Philadelphia serve Atlantic City; private coaches and park-and-ride services expand options during peak seasons and events. Fares are generally cheaper than driving and times depend heavily on traffic - plan for 1-3 hours from nearby cities.
- Taxi / Rideshare ($20-40) - Taxis and rideshares from ACY or nearby hubs drop you at the Boardwalk in 20-30 minutes; fares vary by pickup point and time of day. Local taxi services are convenient for short trips around town late at night when public transport is limited.
- Car / Parking ($10-40/day (varies)) - Driving is common - Atlantic City has multiple parking garages near the Boardwalk and casinos (paid hourly/daily). Traffic and event parking surcharges can push costs up during weekends and holidays.
- Local Shuttles & Jitneys (Often free-$5) - Hotels and casinos often run free or low-cost shuttle services between properties, parking areas and nearby transport hubs. These are useful for short hops but schedules vary by operator and season.
- Walking - The Boardwalk and casino district are compact and best experienced on foot; most casinos, beaches and nearby restaurants are within an easy walking distance of each other.
Where to Stay in Atlantic City, New Jersey#
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
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
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#
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
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.
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.
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.
