The original Steel Pier was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to fires and severe storms, including the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944.
During its mid-20th-century peak, the pier hosted famous high-diving horses, a unique attraction where horses jumped into tanks of water.
The pier served as a legendary venue for big band leaders like Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra during the mid-1900s.
It holds the historic distinction of being the former home of the Miss America Pageant, which was hosted on the pier for several decades.
The current observation wheel was installed in 2017 as part of a significant modernization of the attraction portfolio.
Steel Pier is a historic amusement park extending 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean in Atlantic City. Originally established in 1898, the pier currently features over 25 rides and carnival-style attractions. The park's signature landmark is the 227-foot tall observation wheel, known as the Wheel, which offers climate-controlled gondolas. Visitors access the pier directly from the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The site operates as a pay-as-you-go venue using ticket credits rather than an all-inclusive admission gate. It remains one of the longest-operating amusement piers in the United States. The attraction layout includes a mix of family-friendly rides, thrill rides, and classic midway games. Food options are integrated into the pier structure, focusing on traditional boardwalk concessions.
The gondola of the observation wheel at its apex offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic City skyline and the coastline.
Purchase ticket bundles or day passes online in advance to save on individual ride costs.
Check the official weather page before visiting, as high winds on the ocean can lead to the temporary closure of the observation wheel and higher-elevation rides.
Visit during the shoulder season to enjoy the same rides with significantly shorter queue times.
Avoid purchasing individual ride tickets if you intend to ride more than three attractions, as it is significantly more expensive than bundled packages.
The pier is primarily a seasonal attraction, operating at full capacity from late spring through early autumn; it remains closed or has very limited operations during winter months.
Casual beach attire is acceptable; however, shirts and footwear are required to enter the ride zones and indoor dining areas.
