Things to do in Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Atlantic City’s street names served as the primary inspiration for the original board game Monopoly.
- The city pioneered the nation's first boardwalk in 1870, originally constructed to keep sand out of luxury hotels and railroad cars.
- During the Prohibition era, the city earned the nickname 'The World's Playground' due to its status as a hub for illegal alcohol trade and nightlife.
- The world's largest elephant-shaped structure, Lucy the Elephant, was built in 1881 to attract real estate buyers to the area.
- Atlantic City was the host of the first-ever Miss America Pageant, held in 1921 to extend the summer tourism season.
About Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a coastal resort city in New Jersey globally recognized for its iconic boardwalk and legalized casino gaming. Beyond the gaming halls, the city features historic engineering landmarks such as Lucy the Elephant and the towering Absecon Lighthouse. Visitors can explore diverse architecture at sites like the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church or enjoy traditional seaside entertainment at the Steel Pier. The city serves as a regional hub for tourism, balancing its deep-rooted history with modern oceanfront recreation.
Highlights of Atlantic City, New Jersey
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Amusement parks
This historic amusement pier extends over the Atlantic Ocean and features classic rides and games.
Historical places
This six-story, elephant-shaped architectural marvel is the oldest surviving roadside tourist attraction in America.
Historical places
Visitors can climb 228 steps to reach the top of this 1857 brick lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast.
Beaches and ponds
This specific stretch of shoreline is favored for its quieter atmosphere compared to the main boardwalk beaches.
Beaches and ponds
This beach holds historical significance as a site that was segregated for African Americans during the Jim Crow era.
Temples
This church is known for its detailed masonry and serves as a significant religious landmark in the city.
Temples
This parish is an architectural fixture that reflects the long-standing community history of the inlet area.
Places of interest
This bridge connects local communities and serves as a vital infrastructure link for residents and tourists alike.
Top things to do in Atlantic City, New Jersey
The 25 highest-rated places in Atlantic City, New Jersey, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Steel Pier is a historic amusement park extending 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean in Atlantic City. Originally establ...
2
Amusement parks
Storybook Land is a family-oriented amusement park in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, featuring attractions themed afte...
3
Amusement parks
Playland's Castaway Cove is a long-standing family-oriented amusement park located directly on the Ocean City boardwalk...
4
Historical places
Lucy the Elephant is a six-story, 65-foot-tall novelty architectural structure shaped like an elephant, located in Marga...
5
Parks
Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System, covering over 122,000...
6
Historical places
Batsto Village is a former industrial iron-making community located within the Wharton State Forest in the New Jersey Pi...
7
Historical places
Absecon Lighthouse is New Jersey's tallest lighthouse, standing at 171 feet. Built in 1857, the structure was designed b...
8
Amusement parks
Fantasy Island Amusement Park is a family-oriented destination located on Long Beach Island in Beach Haven, New Jersey....
9
Natural attractions
Bass River State Forest is the oldest state forest in New Jersey, established in 1905 to protect the unique Pine Barrens...
10
Parks
Corson's Inlet State Park protects one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along the New Jersey coastline. The park e...
11
Museums
Tuckerton Seaport Museum is a 40-acre maritime living history village situated along the Tuckerton Creek in New Jersey....
12
Beaches and ponds
13
Beaches and ponds
14
Temples
15
Temples
16
Places of interest
17
Zoos
18
Venues
19
Temples
20
Historical places
21
Places of interest
22
Museums
23
Places of interest
24
Temples
25
Natural attractions
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Atlantic City, New Jersey on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Atlantic City, New Jersey
Late June through August offers the best weather for beach activities and boardwalk events, though shoulder seasons in May and September provide fewer crowds.
2-3 days, which provides enough time to balance casino resort activities with historical sightseeing and beach time.
The city is largely walkable along the boardwalk, with the Atlantic City Jitney providing efficient shuttle service throughout the main resort corridor.
Staying near the Boardwalk provides direct access to the beach and major entertainment venues, while the Marina District offers a more modern, resort-focused environment.
Mid-range; hotel pricing fluctuates significantly based on the weekend and major event schedules.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 25 curated attractions in and around Atlantic City, New Jersey, ranked by traveller ratings.
Steel Pier is the highest-rated place to visit in Atlantic City, New Jersey right now.
The largest category is temples, with 4 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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