Atlantic City never went out of style. I have friends plan a "quick weekend," then call me and say, "We're staying three more days!" Trust me, if you're seriously debating what to do in Atlantic City, buckle up — there's a lot more than the boardwalk and the casinos.
First things first, you're not going to have a true Atlantic City experience unless you get a foot into that sun-bright sand. The beaches unfold like a big-open-arms welcome sign, full of the sound of people's laughter and the infrequent street performer who's worth more than half the shows you'd shell out a buck for.
I prefer starting every morning by walking the entire boardwalk, coffee cup and all, and getting drawn into conversation with a few of the locals about the best off-the-beaten-path breakfast haunts. It's during these leisurely moments that I am reminded as to why your things to do in Atlantic City list always needs to start outside under the fresh sky.
Yes, people always talk about the tables and the slots. But listen: the true jackpot exists beyond the casino floors. Last spring, I stumbled on a pop-up art display just inside the Borgata. No admission necessary. No upscale dress code. Just raw, unedited talent.
Nightlife in Atlantic City at the casinos these days is so many layers deep — live jazz evenings, Michelin-starred dining experiences, even speakeasy-style cocktail lounges that don't quite advertise themselves (say the secret password to the right bartender, and you're golden).
When I took my nieces on the weekend outing, I was a little skeptical. Was there really enough "kid stuff" beyond the blinking lights? There was. The Steel Pier was a revelation unto itself — a half-dozen rides, cotton candy as tall as the children, and that Ferris wheel vista that left me genuinely misty-eyed (no regret).
Not all of the Atlantic City fun is advertised on the marquee, but they are out there if you look close enough. There's mini golf courses among the stores, an Aquarium show featuring live dolphins, and even an esc room that tested the teens.
Aside from the typical attractions one finds everywhere else, there's a somewhat unconventional side of this city. While lost totally from a wrong GPS turn one day, I chanced on a food tour. Hands down the trip's best wrong turn. Ranging from secret taffy recipes all the way to subterranean speakeasies, off-the-beaten-path things to do in Atlantic City are what distinguish this city from the typical East Coast beach resort town.
The cherry on top of that is that if you're a YouTuber or side hustle entrepreneur such as me, traveling while working is a reality. During downtime, I took a quick YouTube earning check estimate this month (did you know that 64% of YouTube creators check earnings on the go?) Multi-tasking at its finest.
Strip away all you've heard about the nightlife of Atlantic City. Yes, the casinos do sparkle like Christmas time, but the beat is at the rooftop lounges and hole-in-the-wall clubs. I won't ever forget the tiny bar tucked away behind a gift shop where a three-piece jazz ensemble brought the house down — for a $5 cover charge, of all things.
Your best bet for finding nightlife activity in Atlantic City aside from the traps of the bars is to follow the live music or the smell of fresh-baked pizzas — this never fails.
You won't believe, but the pinnacle of one of my top city of Atlantic mornings featured not a casino and not a shopping excursion, but 100% ocean-breezy ambiance. I rented a kayak from a grumpy old fellow who turned out to be very funny and paddled a few hours through still backwater creeks, watching cranes and a curious seal.
If your list of things to do around Atlantic City requires a do-over button, outdoor activities like a hike up the Absecon Lighthouse or boat rides through the salt marsh are irreplaceable.
Others splurge. I bargain. Tanger Outlets alone account for 90% of my best fashion decisions. Tip: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days the true clearance racks burst into full bloom — that tidbit of advice was imparted by a store manager after a very spendy Saturday misstep.
A day of shopping is vastly under-appreciated in Atlantic City by someone like me. Aside from Tanger, the boardwalk specialty stores have treasures you won't find anywhere else at a chain. The stores actually hand-made a leather wallet while I was having lunch at a restaurant close by.
Spring and early fall are golden. Fewer crowds, better hotel rates, and you still get beautiful beach days without the sweat-soaked chaos of July.
Absolutely. Free summer concerts on the beach, historic walking tours, and art installations along the boardwalk give you more than enough bang for literally zero bucks.
100%. Stay a few blocks off the boardwalk, eat where the locals eat (not at chain restaurants), and keep an eye out for happy hour deals. You can absolutely dominate the Atlantic City things to do scene without maxing out your card.
