Overview
Atlantic City is a mid-sized coastal city on Absecon Island along New Jersey's southern shore, roughly 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia. It rose to national prominence in the early twentieth century as a seaside resort and later reinvented itself following the legalization of casino gambling in New Jersey in 1976. Today it operates as the primary gaming destination on the East Coast outside of the greater New York and Connecticut areas.
The city is compact and walkable in its core tourist corridor, centered on the world-famous Boardwalk — a roughly four-mile wooden promenade that edges the Atlantic Ocean beach. Casino hotels, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues line the Boardwalk and the parallel Atlantic Avenue. Beyond the resort strip, the city has distinct residential neighborhoods and a working port.
Atlantic City attracts a wide range of visitors: gamblers, beach-goers, concert-goers, and day-trippers from the Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas. It is not a purely upscale destination but offers options across multiple price ranges and travel styles.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Atlantic City is located within the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel history. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) or the US Department of State (travel.state.gov) for current requirements before booking.
Climate
Atlantic City has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–August) are warm to hot with high humidity; temperatures routinely reach the mid-to-upper 80s°F (around 29–32°C). Winters are cold and can be raw, with temperatures frequently below freezing and occasional coastal storms. Spring and fall are mild and considerably less crowded. The shoulder months of May and September offer beach-compatible weather with smaller crowds.
What to Pack
- Beach season: sunscreen, light clothing, a light jacket for cooler evenings on the Boardwalk
- Winter visits: warm layers, wind-resistant outerwear — the oceanfront is exposed
- Comfortable walking shoes for the Boardwalk
- Valid ID — casinos require government-issued photo identification from all patrons; the minimum gambling age in New Jersey is 21
Practical Heads-Up
Some casino hotels offer discounted or complimentary rooms tied to gambling activity via their player loyalty programs. If you plan to gamble, it is worth enrolling in a program before or upon arrival. Room rates fluctuate considerably based on day of week, season, and events; weekends and holiday weekends command significant premiums.
Getting There
By Air
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in nearby Egg Harbor Township serves the area with a limited number of carriers, primarily Spirit Airlines. It is a small regional airport, so flight options may require connections. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is approximately 60 miles west and offers far broader domestic and international connectivity; many visitors fly into PHL and drive or take ground transportation to Atlantic City.
By Car
Driving is the most common way to reach Atlantic City. The Atlantic City Expressway connects directly to the city from the Philadelphia area. From New York, the Garden State Parkway is the primary route south to the exits serving Atlantic City. Traffic on summer weekends and holiday periods can be heavy; plan accordingly. Parking is available at casino garages; some resorts offer free or reduced parking to hotel guests and players club members — verify with your specific property.
By Bus
Greyhound and several regional operators run bus service from New York City, Philadelphia, and other regional cities. Some casino operators historically ran subsidized bus programs from nearby cities — check individual casino resort websites for current promotions.
By Train
New Jersey Transit operates rail service from Philadelphia (30th Street Station) to Atlantic City on the Atlantic City Rail Line. Travel time is roughly 70–90 minutes. From New York Penn Station, passengers typically transfer in Philadelphia; verify current schedules and connections at njtransit.com.
Getting Around
Walking and the Boardwalk
The core tourist area — the Boardwalk and the casino hotels — is walkable, though the full Boardwalk stretches approximately four miles. Most major casino resorts are clustered in two main groupings along the Boardwalk, making it feasible to walk between several properties.
Jitney
Atlantic City's Jitney service is a network of small buses that run 24 hours a day along several fixed routes through the city, including the Boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue corridors. It is an inexpensive and practical option for getting between casino properties or reaching areas slightly off the Boardwalk. Fares are paid in cash; verify current fares locally.
Rideshare and Taxis
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) and traditional taxis operate in Atlantic City. These are the most practical option for reaching restaurants or neighborhoods away from the main resort strip, or for late-night travel.
Car
A personal vehicle is not necessary within the resort corridor but is useful for day trips to outlets, state parks, or surrounding towns. Note that parking in the casino district during summer weekends can require patience.
Where to Stay
Atlantic City's accommodation landscape is dominated by large casino hotel resorts on or near the Boardwalk. Several major branded and independently operated casino hotels are currently operating in the city; the number of active properties has changed over the years as casinos have opened and closed, so verify current operating status before booking.
Beyond casino hotels, there are a smaller number of independent motels and hotel chains located along Pacific Avenue and in areas just off the main strip. These tend to be more affordable but offer fewer on-site amenities and are not connected to gaming or entertainment facilities.
If you are not interested in gambling, non-casino hotel options in nearby communities — such as Ventnor City, Margate City, or Brigantine — can provide a quieter base with easy access to beaches, with Atlantic City a short drive away.
Rates vary significantly: midweek stays are generally much less expensive than weekend stays, and summer weekends during peak season or around major entertainment events can command premium pricing. Book well in advance for holiday weekends and major concert or boxing events, which sell out quickly.
Things to See & Do
The Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk, built originally in 1870, is the city's central public space and one of the oldest in the United States. Walking, cycling (on designated sections during permitted hours), people-watching, and browsing shops and food stands are all free activities. The Boardwalk is accessible around the clock.
Casinos
Casino gaming — slots, table games, poker rooms, and sports betting — is the city's primary draw for many visitors. Each operating casino resort has its own layout, game selection, dining options, and entertainment programming. The minimum gambling age is 21. Online sports betting and online casino gaming are also legal in New Jersey for those physically present in the state.
Beaches
Atlantic City has a public beach running the length of the developed Boardwalk area. Beach access is free, though some sections may charge for beach tags during summer season — verify locally for current requirements. The beach is generally well-maintained during summer and suitable for swimming; follow any posted lifeguard flags and hours.
Entertainment and Concerts
Several casino resort venues host nationally touring music acts, comedy shows, boxing matches, and other live events year-round. Check individual venue box offices and ticketing platforms for current schedules.
Steel Pier
Steel Pier is a historic amusement pier adjacent to the Boardwalk offering rides and attractions. Verify current operating status, hours, and admission fees directly, as these change seasonally.
Historic and Cultural Sites
- Atlantic City Historical Museum at Garden Pier offers free admission and documents the city's history from its resort heyday to the present
- Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and is open to the public for climbing; verify current hours and admission
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum is located on the Boardwalk; verify current status and fees
Food & Drink
Atlantic City's dining scene ranges from inexpensive buffets and casual Boardwalk fare to upscale restaurants from nationally recognized chefs, many located inside casino resorts. The casino buffet, once a signature value offering, has diminished considerably post-pandemic; verify which properties still operate them.
What to Eat
- Seafood: Given the coastal location, fresh seafood — crab, clams, shrimp, and local fish — is widely available and a regional highlight
- Salt water taffy: A Boardwalk tradition; James' Candy is among the longstanding producers on the Boardwalk
- Hoagies and pizza: South Jersey / Philadelphia-style hoagies are easy to find; the regional pizza style has a loyal following
- Steakhouses and upscale dining: Multiple casino resorts operate serious steakhouses and signature restaurants with accomplished kitchens
Bars and Nightlife
Casino bars operate around the clock; many casino resorts have dedicated nightclubs and lounges with cover charges and dress codes that vary by venue. The Boardwalk and surrounding blocks also have standalone bars and lounges. New Jersey's legal drinking age is 21.
Outside the Casino Corridor
Venturing a few blocks off the Boardwalk to the Ducktown neighborhood and along Atlantic and Arctic Avenues reveals local restaurants serving Italian, Latino, and other cuisines that tend to be less expensive than resort dining.
Shopping
Shopping within the casino resort corridor is largely oriented toward resort retail — branded clothing, jewelry, and convenience items within hotel shops. The Boardwalk itself has a mix of souvenir shops, candy stores, and a few retail chains.
For serious shopping, the Atlantic City Outlets — The Walk is a pedestrian outdoor outlet mall connecting the bus and train terminals to the Boardwalk, featuring a range of brand-name outlet stores. It is a practical stop for travelers arriving by transit.
Tanger Outlets in the nearby community of Hamilton (outside Atlantic City) is a larger outlet center with a broader selection; a vehicle is needed to reach it. Verify current tenant listings before visiting, as outlet centers experience tenant turnover.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance. For non-emergency police matters in Atlantic City, contact the Atlantic City Police Department — their non-emergency number can be verified locally or on the city's official website (cityofatlanticcity.org).
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice in the United States. For restaurant servers, 18–20% of the pre-tax bill is typical. Tip casino dealers, cocktail servers, and hotel staff at your discretion; cocktail servers on casino floors (where drinks may be complimentary to active players) are customarily tipped per drink.
Accessibility
Casino resorts are generally large, accessible facilities with elevators, ramps, and ADA-compliant accommodations. The Boardwalk surface is wooden and may present challenges for some mobility devices; conditions vary by section. Contact specific properties in advance for detailed accessibility information.
Connectivity
Cell service and Wi-Fi are broadly available throughout the resort corridor. Casino properties typically offer Wi-Fi; verify whether it is complimentary or fee-based with your property.
Safety
Atlantic City presents a mixed safety picture that visitors should understand clearly. The Boardwalk resort corridor and the interiors of casino hotels are generally well-monitored environments with substantial security staff. However, certain blocks away from the main resort strip — particularly in some residential neighborhoods — have higher rates of property crime and occasional violent crime. The contrast between the resort zone and surrounding areas can be sharp.
Practical precautions:
- Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night and when walking between properties
- Avoid poorly lit or visibly quiet side streets, especially alone after dark
- Keep valuables secured; do not leave items unattended on the beach
- The Boardwalk is generally busy and active until late; moving between casinos via the Boardwalk is generally fine, but exercise common sense
- If using ATMs, use those inside casino properties rather than standalone street machines
Visitors who stay within the resort and Boardwalk corridor and exercise standard urban travel precautions will generally have uneventful stays. If you need police assistance, casino security desks can also direct you to appropriate resources.
