Location: Atlantic City
Top Things to do in Atlantic City
What to do and see in Atlantic City, New Jersey (NJ): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Absecon Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 505 reviews
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.
2. Civil Rights Garden
3. New Jersey Korean War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
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.
4. In the Line of Duty Sculpture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
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.
5. Kennedy Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 2024florida - Union, United States
Tiny AC museum inside!! Free, 15-30 minute stop. Look at old pictures from Atlantic City’s past, sit and watch a movie. Look at old costumes, posters and cute salvaged items. An organ is on display and they give special tours of the organ for a donation
6. Atlantic City Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,528 reviews
Opened on June 26, 1870, the world-famous Boardwalk stretches along six magical and glittering miles of Atlantic City beachfront.
Reviewed By 661latonyaj
The board walk had alot of nice outdoor restaurants like sugar which I loved great candy and drinks,the balcony bar food was delicious and Wet Willie's drinks was awesome. We enjoyed walking around and playing video games.We rode the go carts which was fun and had a great romantic night watching the water and ferris wheel.I went for my birthday and I really enjoyed my time. definitely going again next month. Atlantic City was awesome even wearing mask and social distancing.
7. Boardwalk Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 482 reviews
Boardwalk Hall is a multi-purpose facility located on the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk and features the 141,000-square-foot main arena with a capacity of 14,770 seats as well as the 23,100-square-foot Adrian Phillips Theater with a capacity of 3,200. Constructed in 1929 as the country’s original convention center, for 85 years Boardwalk Hall has dazzled guests and residents of Atlantic City with legendary stage icons such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. In 2001, a $90-million restoration project was completed to transform the original convention hall into its current state as a modern special events arena capable of hosting concerts, sporting events and family shows. Boardwalk Hall is owned and funded by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Spectra by Comcast Spectacor provides both Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality to Boardwalk Hall.
Reviewed By LenKarenPittsburghPa
We took the 2 hour behind-the-scenes curator's tour (Wednesdays at 10:00 AM). The tour was amazing and the volunteers did an excellent job showing off the largest organ (and largest musical instrument period) on the planet. The organ is undergoing restoration and you get to see the workshop as well as the rooms with the pipes (they range in size from 3/8" to 64 feet high). The tour is followed by a 30 minute organ concert. Very well worth the time. Also, the tour is free with a suggested donation of $10/person to be used towards the restoration.
8. Greek Temple Monument World War I Memorial
9. Gardner's Basin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By enigma00225 - Atlantic City, United States
Nice little area on the water to get something to eat, drink or go on a boat ride. There are a couple of restaurants back here including Gilcrhist which has a great oudoor breakfast, Back Bay Ale house which has great food & drinks (also outdoors) and a cute outside bar for drinks which is convenient especially if you are going on the Atlantic City Cruise boat ride. All worth checking out this area! Easy free parking. The AC aquarium is back here also but not sure if its open yet due to the pandemic restrictions.
