The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Atlantic City, New Jersey (NJ)

January 23, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

It's the East Coast's answer to Las Vegas. Atlantic City's casinos draw tourists by the car- and bus-load, but even if your main objective is to play some blackjack, you'll want to save time for sightseeing. Stroll along the famous boardwalk with its numerous amusements and eateries or visit the historic, recently restored Absecon Lighthouse. Several fine courses attract golf enthusiasts, and in summer, local beaches are popular with families. Water-based activities include parasailing, charter fishing and tall ship cruises. Casino hoppers have 12 establishments to choose from, which run the gamut from elegance to a Wild West theme, so there's something for everyone's taste. Those who remember Atlantic City in its pre-gambling days can wax nostalgic with a taste of saltwater taffy, which has been an Atlantic City specialty for over 100 years.
Restaurants in Atlantic City

1. Metamorphosis Boat Charters

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 46 reviews

Metamorphosis Boat Charters

Take a break from the casinos, boardwalk & the beaches with a charter boat cruise along the AC waterways. Bay & ocean voyages available with plenty of options including sightseeing, fishing charters, & memorials at sea (ashes scattering, burials at sea). Take a shoreline cruise & see the incredible skyline views. Enjoy a casual cruise or a high speed thrill ride aboard the 40 foot luxury vessel "Metamorphosis"! Bachelor and bachelorette trips welcome. Private Charters 6 passengers maximum

2. Escape AC - Escape Rooms

2831 Boardwalk Tropicana Atlantic City, Atlantic City, NJ 08401-6338 +1 609-246-7772 [email protected] http://www.EscapeAC.com
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 140 reviews

Escape AC - Escape Rooms

Escape AC is located right in the heart of Atlantic City at the Tropicana Casino Hotel. Our top quality venue combines highly immersive sets with clever puzzling to deliver four themed and challenging escape room adventures. We recommend ages 13+ due to the challenging nature of our puzzles. Visiting the shore in South Jersey and ready for 60 intense minutes and 1 seriously good time? Look no further, Escape AC is Atlantic City's finest hour!

Reviewed By dollsgreat123 - Jersey Shore, United States

This was such a fun activity, initially we were four people getting ready to go in and three people spontaneously walked in and were placed in our group. Initially I wasn't sure how it would go being we didn't know the people that were added. However, we bonded quickly under the circumstances and worked together very well! Everybody had a great time! We did NOT escape the room, unfortunately, but we had a fantastic time trying and are already planning our next Escape AC adventure! The staff and our game master Nick were very kind, patient and accomodating (since most of us were first timers, we had tons of questions/comments....a very chatty group!!). This is an awesome super fun experience, do not miss an opportunity to experience it!

3. Little Water Distillery

807 Baltic Ave Unit B, Enter from Lexington Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401-5230 +1 609-344-7867 [email protected] http://www.littlewaterdistillery.com/
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

Little Water Distillery

Reviewed By FoodieCritic57 - Wallingford, United States

We were staying in a town, nearby, for a long weekend & were looking for fun things to do & decided to check out Little Water Distillery! Our visit truly exceeded our expectations! Mark & his staff are amazing! First off, do the tour, hear the passionate amazing story behind this family venture, & you won’t be disappointed! All of the cocktails are very tasty; the “mules” are made with their own ginger beer & spirit of choice! The spirits are all very good! I love the story behind the names! We will return the next time we are in NJ! I encourage you to also support this small business!

4. Absecon Lighthouse

31 S Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401-7760 +1 609-449-1360 [email protected] http://www.abseconlighthouse.org/
Excellent
51%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 505 reviews

Absecon Lighthouse

New Jersey's tallest lighthouse awaits you at Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues in Atlantic City (walking distance from Showboat Casino). Take an amazing journey into time and above it all as you ascend the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. You'll see breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline and up top you'll come face-to-face with the original first-order Fresnel Lens, first lit in 1857.The lighthouse's recent multi-million dollar restoration also includes a stunning replica of the Lightkeeper's dwelling, an educational museum, charming gift shop, Fresnel Lens exhibit in the original Oil House and expansive grounds.The Absecon Lighthouse is on both the New Jersey and National Registries of Historic Places.

Reviewed By LakeMilligan - Mansfield, United States

One of the sites we wanted to see while visiting Atlantic City. Was an awesome view, but like I said in the title it is a workout! It also may not be for people who are scared of heights lol. It's a long way up. Great visit though and I'd recommend it for sure.

5. Extreme Windsurfing

Excellent
77%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Extreme Windsurfing

Atlantic City's home for Windsurfing, Kitesurfing & Standup Paddleboarding (SUP). Lessons, Rentals (sorry no kite rental w/o lesson), Repairs and retail sales. Our site has easy parking close to the water. 300FT deck, Sandy beach, Snack bar. Everything you need for a GREAT day including the BEST wind conditions in the Mid Ataltic Area. Also SUP lessons and rentals for the waves at the local beaches

6. AC 3-D Light Show

Boardwalk Hall 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 +1 609-348-7100 http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/visitors/thingstodo/lightshow.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=duality%20atlantic%20city&utm_campaign=Light%20Show
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 352 reviews

AC 3-D Light Show

7. Boardwalk Information Center

Pop Lloyd Blvd In Boardwalk Hall complex, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Boardwalk Information Center

Reviewed By 250MikeS250 - North Royalton, United States

The wonderful Ambassador that talked to us on the Boardwalk is a treasure! She gave us so much history and information.

8. Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University

2200 Fairmount Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401-4080 +1 609-626-3805 http://artsgarageac.com/
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University

Shop Creatively! At the Arts Garage, you will find individual artists working in their studio/shop spaces. Each artist focuses on a different medium. Visitors are invited to watch the artists at work, ask questions about their creative process, and purchase original artwork. Stroll through the galleries and shops and enjoy convenient parking in the heart of Atlantic City. -- Current exhibitions: The Links Incorporated: Karen Y Buster, Selections from the Noyes Permanent Collection, closer-- Upcoming Events: SSM Watercolor Painting Classes- Several dates (see website for more info) Second Friday- March 12th, 6:00-8:00 PM

9. New Jersey Korean War Memorial

124 Park Pl, Atlantic City, NJ 08401-6833 http://www.nj.gov/military/korea/
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 178 reviews

New Jersey Korean War Memorial

Reviewed By DaviedaveNY

A touching and beautiful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country, as well as those who served during this conflict. A great place to stop while walking the boards in AC.

10. In the Line of Duty Sculpture

Atlantic City Boardwalk at St James Place Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/and-first-responders-memorial-unveiled-in-atlantic-city/article_b35d3310-7cc6-11e4-91b5-c3c001c39bc1.html
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 71 reviews

In the Line of Duty Sculpture

Reviewed By VineyardSiren - Boston, United States

It is really nice that Atlantic City has such a beautiful memorial right on the boardwalk with a nice sitting area.

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