Out of staters may only know a handful of things about New Jersey, and one of them is bound to be Atlantic City. Not only is the seaside community a storied place with tons of history, but it’s also one of the US’s premier gaming locations.
With Atlantic City’s proximity to major metropolises like New York City and Boston, it’s no surprise the beachside city still plays host to millions of tourists each year—around 27 million, according to Visit NJ.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the boardwalk was synonymous with summer fun. But today, as mentioned above, skyscrapers loom above the boardwalk. As a result, places like Borgata and the Hard Rock welcome thousands of gamers and punters each year, increasing numbers since New Jersey updated its gaming laws back in 2018.
Still, not everyone thinks Atlantic City’s new makeover makes it worth a visit. In fact, the city is more expensive than ever before, with many of the recognizable tourist traps that dot other popular destinations like Miami and Vegas in evidence.
The casino resorts have all launched online sites, which means gaming deals and free bet offers from sportsbooks can all be found online. The deals are more competitive, and the options are more convenient. Though many prefer the buzz of a live environment, is it enough to justify a trip to Atlantic City? And what about travelers who don’t have any interest in betting on the NCAA or figuring out when to split their aces in blackjack?
Keep reading for three key insights that will help you decide if AC is suitable for you.
Timing is Everything
Those who are determined to visit Atlantic City and find themselves struggling to convince friends to come along can propose a day trip. In fact, most positive reviews related to the seaside community highlight how much they did in a day before heading back home.
One of the critical issues in Atlantic City is the pricey nature of its hotels. According to Champion Traveler, a 7-day trip will cost just under $2,000. On the other hand, a day trip lets travelers target specific locations they’re interested in seeing—and nothing more.
New & Exciting Attractions
Aside from arranging a shorter trip, travelers should also shop around for worthwhile establishments before heading out. The boardwalk is designed to rope in wayward wanderers who want to play a game or see an exhibit. While fun (and a big part of the AC experience), be wary of what you step into—many attractions, like the Steel Pier, charge a pretty penny.
Still, this isn’t true across the board. Atlantic City has a growing list of odd and intriguing attractions that will tickle many tourists. There are multiple scavenger hunts hosted by adventure groups, which introduce tourists to the area fun and dynamic.
There are the Tanger Outlets for those who want to shop, biking tours for those who like to get active, or haunted houses for those with a taste for excitement. The list goes on and on.
A Peek into the Past
As mentioned above, Atlantic City is one of the most storied vacation destinations in the country. Those who have watched a few episodes of Boardwalk Empire know just how illustrious the area once was for investors and people in business.
Luckily for history buffs, locals have worked hard to preserve the area’s culture. One of the most popular destinations in AC is the Absecon Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest on the continent. Nearby, there’s also a war memorial that visitors can walk through for free.
The Atlantic City Historical Museum offers a more traditional look at the area’s history. Since 2005, the history museum has worked with local authorities to mark and preserve areas of significance. To date, there are 43 locations that commemorate important events, people, and places that surround the boardwalk. Visitors can pick up brochures that make self-guided tours a breeze.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
