Things to Do in Atlantic City

The city is a playground for kids and grown-ups, with carnival-like attractions, thrill-seeking rides, fine food and junk food, the beach, a seahorse hangout and even the occasional mermaid! Come explore history, fiddle with the fishes, and get saltwater taffy stuck in your teeth—because when you stay in Atlantic City, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime.

Barefoot on the Boardwalk

Stroll along the famous 4-mile boardwalk for prime people watching, scoping out snack shops and sampling some of Fralinger's Original—since 1885—saltwater taffy at the James Candy Company. Each night, watch the 3-D light and sound show projected on the facade of Boardwalk Hall. If you missed the show—don’t worry—it’s projected every half hour. Visit the century-old Steel Pier, where you can spend hours in a 1,000-foot-long amusement park. Options are endless, with an arcade, kiddie rides, a double-decker carousel, Ferris wheel and more than two dozen extreme rides suspended over the Atlantic Ocean. From the Steel Pier, walk about three blocks north to the Garden Pier, first built in 1913, and soak up the culture at the art and history museums.

A Fishy Tale

You'll have some fish tales of your own to tell after your visit to the historic Gardner's Basin waterfront at Absecon Inlet. Here, you'll find the Atlantic City Aquarium with its seahorse habitat and tropical rain forest. Talk to a diver who feeds the fish that swim about the aquarium's 25,000-gallon saltwater tank. Catch a glimpse of the whopping, 400-pound endangered loggerhead turtle named Groman. Help feed the stingrays and get your hands on a number of fascinating species in the touch tank. Wander to the waterfront to board a dolphin cruise or a charter fishing boat, enjoy fresh seafood, and watch the seasonal artists' colony at work in Crafters Village.

Hit the Beach

Miles of broad sandy beach is reason enough to vacation in Atlantic City, but a beach towel on the sand is just the beginning. If you’re a surfer, head to Downtown Beach at Raleigh Avenue, Delaware Avenue Beach or Crystal Beach at New Hampshire Avenue to catch some big waves. If you’re a newbie, it’s easy to rent gear and take a surf lesson. For fishing, cast off from Main Avenue jetties, the inlet off the boardwalk, or the beach after swim hours. If windsurfing or kayaking is more your speed, visit the Jackson Avenue Beach. If you want to take in some sounds, don't miss out on one of the free or ticketed summer concerts that pack the beach with thousands of music-lovers.

See Absecon Lighthouse

Climb 228 steps to the top of New Jersey's tallest—and the country's third-tallest lighthouse. Absecon Lighthouse, built in 1857, is all about the views. Warm up for your climb with the short walk from the northernmost section of the boardwalk. See the Keeper's House Museum and grounds for free. The lighthouse is open year-round with limited off-season hours.

Gotta Love Lucy

If you're traveling with the kids, be sure to introduce them to Lucy the Elephant. Standing six stories tall and made of wood and tin, Lucy has been a Margate staple since 1881. Guided tours every half hour tell of her checkered history and invite you to climb the spiral staircase inside, leading to a scenic outlook. From there, you can survey a panoramic view of Absecon Island and take some terrific vacation snapshots and selfies. Paying a visit to this National Historical Landmark is good fun for any age group.

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