A trip to the East Coast is usually intriguing like no other. It’s even more fulfilling if you’re heading there with a list of things to do. We have developed a perfect one-day itinerary in Atlantic City, consisting of the top places to go and the fun activities to try.
The American East Coast has numerous popular travel destinations. Yet, none of them compares to Atlantic City. With an exquisite casino gaming experience, beautiful beaches, and high-end hotels, Atlantic City has everything you need for a fantastic vacation. But, with all those attractions surrounding you, it’s easy to lose track of the most important sights in the city. This itinerary, therefore, will show you everything you should check out while here. Let’s get going!
What’s the best time to visit Atlantic City?
Among its other hidden gems, this city also boasts pleasant summer breezes and cool days, which makes the months of March to May and June to August the best times to visit Atlantic City. Just remember that the crowds are much bigger in summer. Early spring is a much better option if you want to avoid that, provided that you come before Memorial Day.
A few facts about Atlantic City
Atlantic City is arguably one of the most fun-filled places in the United States. However, before visiting this East Coast City, there are a few things you need to refresh your mind with. If you’re a first-time sightseer, you should always know that:
– Before the Boardwalk and all other attractions came into place, the City’s most popular attraction was a diving horse.
– Atlantic City is home to America’s first-ever Boardwalk
– Atlantic City brings around more than 30 million visitors annually, making it one of the leading destinations in the United States
– While in the City, you’ll never run short of a place to stay. There are more than 10,000 hotel rooms for tourists all year round.
One Day in Atlantic City Itinerary
This iconic travel destination on the East Coast comes with numerous exciting points that will leave you satisfied with your perfect one-day itinerary. You can also find more information about all the places to visit on our website, highlighting everything else you need to know. Here’s our in-depth look into the best places to see in Atlantic City.
Take a walk along the Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is one of the first tourist destinations you’ll notice when you step into Atlantic City. Construction of this Boardwalk dates back to the 1870s and has since become one of the leading tourist spots on the East Coast. The Boardwalk attracts millions of people annually, thanks to its convenience and a range of fun activities to do.
The most notable thing about the Boardwalk is that it shows you a great view of the Atlantic Ocean on one side. The four-mile-long Boardwalk also has some of the best Atlantic City hotels, bars, and restaurants lined on the other side. If you want an experience in one of the prominent Atlantic City casinos, the Boardwalk offers you a perfect getaway. You can play Eye of Horus Tricks on the go to get ready for the real thing, but other activities like biking are also allowed on the Boardwalk, especially if you can’t conquer the four-mile stretch on foot.
Go to the Atlantic City Beach
Love boogie boarding and wave jumping? Why not add the Atlantic City beach to your itinerary? Unlike most beaches on the East Coast, the Atlantic City beach is endowed with the waves from the Atlantic Ocean, making it a perfect spot for active beach events. And even better, the beach is accessible to the public, which means you won’t pay a dime for a beach pass.
Another thing about the Atlantic City beach is its proximity to the Boardwalk. You don’t have to take a long walk to get a taste of the beach environment. Furthermore, you can easily purchase your favorite beach gear from one of the shops along the Boardwalk. If you are an adult, you can opt for a walk along the flat terrain near the water or join the young ones in other fun beach activities. You also have little to worry about as lifeguards, showers, and changing rooms are available here, too.
Visit the Atlantic City Steel Pier
It would not be a good idea to visit Atlantic City without going to the Steel Pier. Arguably Atlantic City’s most popular attraction, the steel pier, is the cradle of fun-filled adventures on the East Coast of New Jersey. The pier is connected to the Boardwalk and comprises an amusement park with more than 25 themed rides. You’ll also find unlimited game adventures, food kiosks, and a family-friendly pub overlooking the water.
The common rides at the Steel pier amusement park include a double-decker carousel, the Ferris wheel, and the Slingshot. Besides these rides, be sure to experience the best view of the coastline and skyline on a helicopter right from the Steel Pier.ć
Go Shopping at the Playground Pier
Since various parts of the world began easing coronavirus restrictions, you can now travel around and recreate all the fun you missed during the lockdown. One such way is going shopping at the Playground Pier, previously known as The Pier Shops. You can find everything here, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, and many more high-end products.
The Playground Pier sits on a 900-foot-long dock that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a perfect place for window shopping, and it’s usually open every day of the week but with varying hours of operation.
Don’t Forget the Entertainment and Nightlife Galore
There are many reasons why Atlantic City is commonly referred to as America’s favorite playground. One of the reasons is its nightlife experience and endless entertainment spots. Numerous concerts, top Atlantic City events, and conventions define what the City is all about throughout the year.
Comedy Clubs, the intimate arena at Jim Whelan Hall, and nightclubs rule the Atlantic City nightlife experience. Each of these entertainment experiences comes within your budget and in a taste that suits your preference. For instance, Boogie Nights at the Tropicana Resort serves you with the best oldies from the’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.
Where to stay in Atlantic City?
Ocean Casino Resort
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
If you’re looking for a good place to stay in Atlantic City, look no further than Ocean Casino Resort. The hotel is right on the Boardwalk and offers a spectacular ocean view, which is made all the more impressive thanks to the fact that the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Several pools and a spa center are also at your disposal, as well as a big casino, of course.
Homewood Suites Atlantic City Egg Harbor Township
3008 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Looking for a place to stay near Atlantic City Airport? Homewood Suites Atlantic City Egg Harbor Township is probably the best choice to make since it’s only 10 minutes away. An outdoor pool, lovely rooms (each of which has a small kitchen), and excellent staff will make sure your stay here is a pleasant one indeed. And you’re only 15 minutes away by car from the Boardwalk.
Club Wyndham Skyline Tower
100 South North Carolina Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
With great rooms, an indoor pool and a fitness center, Club Wyndham Skyline Tower is much more than your average three-star accommodation. Indeed, you will have absolutely everything you need here, and the view from the top of this 32-story building is absolutely breathtaking. Oh, and you’re just a block away from the Boardwalk. Definitely, something to consider!
FantaSea Resorts at Atlantic Palace
1507 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
FantaSea Resorts at Atlantic Palace is right on the Boardwalk and will provide easy access to Atlantic City Beach. This is actually a collection of suites which provide a wonderful view, and there’s also a wonderful sun terrace for you to enjoy. It’s also great value compared to some other places in the city, and all in all, you can expect to have a great time while staying here.
Day trips from Atlantic City
Staying for a few days in Atlantic City? Well, then you will have a chance to make some great day trips. No matter if you want to explore the rest of New Jersey or travel up the East Coast, there are plenty of fine destinations. Here are some of the best suggestions:
New York City
Spending one day in New York City is definitely doable as a day trip from Atlantic City because the two places are only about two hours’ drive apart. So, if you get a slightly earlier start, you could be having breakfast in the Big Apple before you go on to explore everything that one of the greatest cities in the world has to offer. The Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, all the great restaurants… the list just goes on and on.
Jersey City
You can also spend a day in Jersey City, which is just slightly closer to Atlantic City than New York. This is a great place to relax because people here like to take things slowly and there is a sense of real community permeating the air. Plenty of things to discover, so you certainly won’t be bored while here.
Cape May
On the other hand, if you’d like to explore the state of New Jersey a bit more, head to Cape May, an exceptionally charming town full of amazing Victorian mansions. It also has an excellent zoo, which is completely free of charge, so if you just want to take it easy a bit, this is one of the best day trips from Atlantic City you can make.
Smithville
If your idea of relaxing is a shopping spree, head to Smithville, a village full of quaint little shops that sell all kinds of different souvenirs. For shopaholics, this is probably a perfect way to spend a day.
Extra Tips for Visiting Atlantic City
Visiting Atlantic City is not different from touring any other place in the United States. But even so, you need to fully equip yourself with some tips to enjoy any fun and adventure. The following tips cover useful info and things to know about your trip:
Access the City Easily From Northeast Corridor – The best way to access Atlantic City is by train from the Northeast Corridor. You can quickly board a train from Philadelphia or New York City and arrive at your destination within hours.
When in the City, Use Taxis to Move Around – Unlike other destinations, taxi rides in Atlantic City are affordable. This makes them a viable means of moving around.
Carry Enough Cash – To be on the safer side, carry enough cash while in Atlantic City. This will save you from incurring substantial transaction charges in bank ATMs.
If You Need Free Drinks, Gamble in the Casinos – Atlantic City Casinos are famous for offering free drinks whenever you play. However, ensure you have enough tips for the waiter or waitress in charge.
Jeremy Ambrose
Jeremy Ambrose began traveling several years ago and travels to explore new corners of the world every year. He has faced many of the difficulties of traveling and now wants to share his experience and knowledge with his readers. Currently, he works at Assignyourwriter as a content creator.
Excellent post, Jeremy! Atlantic City is a popular tourist attraction, with over 30 million visitors annually. Atlantic City, well renowned for its fantastic beaches, Boardwalk, and casinos, is an excellent spot to have fun. You may get some fresh air and retail therapy while wandering the Boardwalk or nearby beach and then head inside the casinos if you have plans to win big.