The Atlantic City issue, November 2026
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is defined by the sharp contrast of salt air and neon.
Plan your Atlantic City trip
Live prices from our booking partners.
Guests & rooms
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The Atlantic City reading list
All 41 Atlantic City stories
Tours and ticketsThe lead story
Inside Atlantic City's Only Legal Distillery on Baltic Avenue
Atlantic City's first and only legal distillery pours a walk-in flight four days a week on Baltic Avenue, and you drink it in sight of the production room behind the glass.
Sanne de Vries
Tours and tickets
Watching Dolphins Off Atlantic City in October
There is one boat and one departure a day, and by October 2026 the crowd has thinned. How to do the Gardner's Basin dolphin sailing properly, and what to do with the afternoon if the sea is flat.
Sanne de Vries
Tours and tickets
Walking Caesars Atlantic City and the Boardwalk Around It
A free forty-five-minute route through the Roman theming at Caesars, then out onto the boards to the pier, the lighthouse and the sub shop, with the door rules, the prices and an honest verdict.
Sanne de Vries
Late September on a Calmer Atlantic City Boardwalk
After Labor Day the crowds thin, the ocean stays warm and half the city switches to a Wednesday-to-Sunday week. Here is how to plan around that, from Steel Pier to Gardner's Basin.
Sanne de Vries
Where to See Live Music in Atlantic City
From grande-dame arena tours to free lounge sets and a bar on the sand — the honest, walkable guide to Atlantic City's music rooms in 2026.
Sanne de Vries
More from the Atlantic City issue
Boardwalk or Marina on Your First Atlantic City Trip
Sanne de Vries
Two Days in Atlantic City Without Setting Foot in a Casino
Sanne de Vries
Halloween in Atlantic City Beyond the Casino Floors
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Walking Atlantic City's Orange Loop street by street
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Atlantic City Still Works as a Beach Trip in Early October
Sanne de Vries
North Beach Is the Quiet End of the Atlantic City Boardwalk
Sanne de Vries
A Comedy Weekend in Atlantic City, Planned Around the Show
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Beyond the Buffet: Atlantic City's Quiet Dining Renaissance
Dominic Ferraro
Getting to Atlantic City From New York Without a Car
Sanne de Vries
Three Nights of Phish and the Atlantic City In Between
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A Cheap Atlantic City Weekend That Starts on the Sand
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How to Build a Birthday Weekend in Atlantic City
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How to Plan a First Concert Weekend in Atlantic City
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The Absecon Lighthouse and the Inlet: Atlantic City's Quiet Northern Edge
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Where to Eat and Drink on Atlantic City's Orange Loop
Marnie Whitlock
Where to Stay in Atlantic City the First Time Around
Sanne de Vries
Under 21 in Atlantic City and Nowhere Near a Casino
Sanne de Vries
Day Trips That Stretch an Atlantic City Weekend
Sanne de Vries
The Bay Side: Atlantic City's Salt Marsh, Clamming Boats and Quiet Back Channel
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Under the Boardwalk: Atlantic City's Prohibition Ghosts and Speakeasy Secrets
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Atlantic City with Kids Beyond the Casino Floor
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Tours and tickets
Island Waterpark in October on the Atlantic City Boardwalk
Sanne de Vries
Beyond the Boardwalk: Atlantic City's Best Escapes on the Water
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Four Miles of Wooden Planks: The Story of Atlantic City's Boardwalk
Sanne de Vries
Midtown Atlantic City between the outlets and the Boardwalk
Sanne de Vries
Riding Atlantic City's Steel Pier Wheel After Dark
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Atlantic City Without a Car, Route by Route
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The Best Water-Based Tours in Atlantic City
Sanne de Vries
Tours and tickets
Dinner at Hard Rock Atlantic City in September 2026
Sanne de Vries
Where Atlantic City Crowned Its First Miss America
Sanne de Vries
Galleries and red sauce in Atlantic City's Arts District
Sanne de Vries
Salt Water and Sugar: Atlantic City's Taffy Shops and the Candy That Built the Boardwalk
Sanne de Vries
North Beach, the quieter end of Atlantic City's Boardwalk
Sanne de Vries
Why Atlantic City's Casinos Look the Way They Do
Sanne de Vries
Atlantic City Casinos Turned the Floor Into a Stage
Sanne de Vries
Walking the Kentucky Avenue district in Atlantic City
Sanne de Vries
An insider’s read on Atlantic City
Born as a health resort in the 19th century, the city pioneered the American boardwalk and became a playground for the East Coast. During Prohibition, it operated as a wide-open haven for bootleggers and politicians, a colorful era that cemented its identity as a town that loves a good time. The introduction of legalized gambling in the late 1970s transformed the skyline, creating a landscape where historic brick architecture stands in the shadow of modern resort complexes.
On one side of the wooden planks lies the Atlantic Ocean; on the other, massive casino towers rise like glass monoliths.
From our Atlantic City guide
Eleven neighbourhoods, eleven ways to stay
Pick the neighbourhood first and the trip follows. Each one opens its own guide, with the hotels inside it.
The Boardwalk
First-time visitors who want to be in the center of the action. The trade-off is constant noise, high crowds, and premium prices.
The classic tourist corridor, lined with massive casino resorts, souvenir shops, and amusement piers.
Where to stay High-rise casino resorts like Caesars, Ocean Casino Resort, or Hard Rock.
Stay in The Boardwalk
The Marina District
Travelers seeking a more polished, resort-centric experience away from the boardwalk bustle. The trade-off is that you must take transit or a taxi to reach the beach.
A modern, upscale enclave set back from the ocean, dominated by self-contained mega-resorts.
Where to stay Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa or Harrah's Resort.
Stay in The Marina District
Ducktown
Food lovers and bargain hunters. The trade-off is a slightly gritty aesthetic away from the polished resort zones.
The historic Italian neighborhood, now a mix of traditional eateries, residential streets, and outlet shopping.
Where to stay Mid-range hotels near the Tanger Outlets area.
Stay in Ducktown
Chelsea
Travelers looking for a quieter beach experience and authentic local dining. The trade-off is fewer nightlife options nearby.
A diverse, quieter neighborhood south of the main casino strip, featuring a mix of historic homes and local restaurants.
Where to stay Boutique inns or classic motels near the beach.
Stay in Chelsea
The Inlet
Nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace. The trade-off is a lack of immediate casino access and limited dining options.
The northernmost tip of the island, where the ocean meets the inlet channel, offering a maritime atmosphere.
Where to stay Vacation rentals or small local guesthouses.
Stay in The Inlet
Lower Chelsea
Families and long-term visitors who want a neighborhood feel. The trade-off is that it is entirely residential with almost no hotels.
An upscale, primarily residential neighborhood bordering Ventnor, featuring grand old homes and wide streets.
Where to stay Private vacation rentals.
Stay in Lower Chelsea
North Beach
Atlantic City's northern resort cluster is where visitors combine Steel Pier rides, casino entertainment, ocean views, family attractions and late-night dining. Busiest from late spring through early fall; Steel Pier and beach attractions have the fullest schedules in summer.
Stay in North Beach
The Orange Loop
This compact, walkable three-block district is Atlantic City's best off-Boardwalk evening for independent restaurants, bars, coffee, public art and live music. Best on Thursday through Saturday evenings; outdoor seating and neighborhood events are strongest from late spring through early fall.
Stay in The Orange Loop
Atlantic City Arts District
Centered around Fairmount Avenue and the Noyes Arts Garage, this is the city's most concentrated stop for galleries, working artists, murals and cultural exhibitions. Museums and galleries are most reliable Wednesday through Sunday; check event calendars for summer gallery walks and arts festivals.
Stay in Atlantic City Arts District
Midtown Atlantic City
The central inland grid gives visitors a useful off-Boardwalk mix of Tanger Outlets, Atlantic Avenue food stops, local bars and access to the Orange Loop. Shopping and dining operate year-round; summer weekends and holiday periods are liveliest.
Stay in Midtown Atlantic City
Kentucky Avenue Cultural District
Once the center of Atlantic City's Black entertainment scene, Kentucky Avenue offers a compact heritage-focused walk around local history, public art, music and community events. Best during summer cultural programming and the annual Kentucky Avenue Renaissance Festival; daytime visits are generally preferable outside event nights.
Stay in Kentucky Avenue Cultural DistrictBook before you land
Top-rated tours and tickets in Atlantic City, with live prices from Viator.
Spirits Tasting at Little Water Distillery
from $15
Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruise in Atlantic City
from $50
Aces to Ashes: Apparitions of Atlantic City Boardwalk Ghost Tour
from $26
Island Waterpark at Showboat
from $49
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Atlantic City by Operation City Quest
from $10
Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City
from $41
North Beach Mini Golf Experience in Atlantic City
from $15
An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Roll The Dice In America's Playground
from $12
Prices from Viator; we may earn a commission when you book — at no extra cost to you. Tours are sold and operated by Viator, the merchant of record. Ratings are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.
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The Atlantic City guide
Where to eat, drink and look, how to get around, and what locals expect of you. Open any chapter.
Where to eat
Dining
Dock's Oyster House
Operating since 1897, this wood-paneled institution survives on pristine raw-bar quality and a refusal to succumb to casino-floor trends.
Signature: The roasted seafood platter or fresh bluepoint oysters.
Knife & Fork Inn
A former speakeasy from 1912, offering upscale dining in a restored, multi-story brick building with leaded glass windows.
Signature: Lobster Thermidor.
Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse
Located inside the Golden Nugget, it pairs top-tier steaks with exceptionally fresh, colossal cold-water seafood.
Signature: Colossal shrimp scampi.
Old Homestead Steak House
An outpost of the legendary New York steakhouse, located inside the Borgata, serving heavy-cut, dry-aged beef.
Signature: The Gotham Ribeye.
Gordon Ramsay Steak
A sleek, modern steakhouse inside Harrah's featuring prime beef cuts and a high-energy dining room.
Signature: Beef Wellington.
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
Located in the Hard Rock, this sophisticated room features an in-house butcher shop and dry-aging room visible to diners.
Signature: Dry-aged bone-in ribeye.
Chef Vola's
An iconic, subterranean Italian hideaway operating out of a house basement, requiring reservations months in advance via phone.
Signature: Veal chop parmigiana.
White House Sub Shop
Serving legendary overstuffed sub sandwiches on fresh, locally baked bread since 1946.
Signature: The White House Special (extra meat).
Angelo's Fairmount Tavern
A classic, red-sauce Italian tavern that has been a favorite of locals and visiting politicians for decades.
Signature: Homemade lasagna.
Amada
Jose Garces' stylish Spanish restaurant inside Ocean Casino Resort, offering ocean views and authentic tapas.
Signature: Cochinillo (roast suckling pig).
Il Mulino New York
An upscale, white-tablecloth Italian dining experience inside the Hard Rock, known for meticulous service.
Signature: Rack of lamb with red wine reduction.
Angeline by Michael Symon
Located in the Borgata, this restaurant serves nostalgic, elevated Italian soul food inspired by the chef's mother.
Signature: Mom's Lasagna.
Tony's Baltimore Grill
A 24-hour dive bar and pizzeria that has served thin-crust pies and spaghetti to late-night crowds since 1927.
Signature: Sausage pizza.
Pancho's Mexican Taqueria
A tiny, authentic spot next to the White House Sub Shop serving freshly pressed corn tortillas and slow-cooked meats.
Signature: Tacos al pastor.
Bill's Gyro Souvlaki
A boardwalk staple offering quick, reliable Greek street food to fuel long walks along the planks.
Signature: Lamb gyro.
Kuro
Located in the Hard Rock, this upscale Japanese restaurant offers a sophisticated selection of vegetarian sushi and tempura.
Signature: Tofu tobanyaki.
Siam Garden
A reliable local Thai spot with a comprehensive vegetarian menu featuring fresh tofu and vegetable curries.
Signature: Green curry with tofu.
After dark
Nightlife
The Pool After Dark
A unique club set around Harrah's massive indoor tropical pool dome, offering a warm-weather party vibe year-round.
HQ2 Nightclub
An indoor/outdoor club at Ocean Casino Resort featuring a massive outdoor beach club during the summer months.
Bar 32 Chocolate & Cocktails
A unique lounge on Tennessee Avenue pairing hand-crafted chocolate made on-site with bespoke cocktails.
The Lobby Bar at Borgata
The premier spot for people-watching, pre-dinner drinks, and classic cocktails in an upscale setting.
LandShark Bar & Grill
The only year-round bar located directly on the beach side of the Boardwalk, offering frozen drinks and ocean breezes.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
A massive arena inside the Hard Rock hosting legendary rock bands, pop stars, and comedy acts.
Anchor Rock Club
An independent, historic live music venue on New York Avenue hosting indie rock, punk, and local bands.
Art & history
Culture
Atlantic City Historical Museum
Located on Garden Pier, this museum showcases vintage postcards, Miss America memorabilia, and historic boardwalk photos.
African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
Located inside the Noyes Arts Garage, this museum features thousands of artifacts documenting the African American experience in the region.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
A classic boardwalk attraction filled with oddities, interactive exhibits, and bizarre artifacts.
Absecon Lighthouse
New Jersey's tallest lighthouse, built in 1857, offering panoramic views of the skyline and ocean.
Lucy the Elephant
A six-story historic wooden elephant structure built in 1881, located just a short drive down the coast.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
A historic 1929 arena that houses the world's largest pipe organ, featuring massive Romanesque arches.
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University
The art hub of the city, housing artist studios, galleries, a community clay studio, and local shops.
The Holtzman Gallery at the Claridge
An upscale gallery located inside the historic Claridge Hotel, showcasing fine art, sculptures, and pop art.
Timing
When to visit
Spring
Crisp ocean breezes and lower hotel rates. The boardwalk is quiet, making it ideal for walking without the summer crowds.
Summer
Peak season. The beaches are packed, outdoor beach bars are open, and headliner concerts fill the arenas. Room rates are at their highest.
Autumn
Warm ocean waters remain through September, and the summer crowds thin out. Golf courses in the area are at their best.
Winter
Cold and windy on the boardwalk. Life moves entirely indoors to the heated casino floors, spas, and theater venues. Lodging deals are abundant.
What it costs
Budgeting
Logistics
Getting around
From the airport
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is located about 12 miles northwest of the city. The dedicated Jitney Airport Shuttle service has been discontinued, meaning travelers must rely on taxis, rideshares, or car rentals to reach the coast.
Public transit
The Atlantic City Jitney operates small minibuses 24/7 along Pacific Avenue and connects major casinos. NJ Transit offers direct bus and rail connections from Philadelphia, New York, and various points across New Jersey. Note that NJ Transit rail schedules underwent updates effective May 31, 2026, so check timetables before departure.
Passes & tickets
Jitney ticket books offer frequent rider discounts and are highly recommended if you plan to travel between the Marina and the Boardwalk frequently. These can be purchased at designated ticket machines for a lower per-ride rate (approximate budget band: €).
On foot
The Boardwalk is highly walkable and provides a scenic, car-free route connecting most major resorts. Walking off the Boardwalk into the city center is easy during the day, but caution is advised on quieter side streets after dark.
Local etiquette
Safety & etiquette
- Tipping is highly expected: 18-20% for restaurant servers, $1-2 per drink for bartenders, and tipping casino dealers and valet staff is standard practice.
- Do not take photos or videos of players at the casino gaming tables, as this is strictly prohibited by security.
- Be mindful of the rolling chairs on the boardwalk; step aside to let them pass.
Travel smart
Practical tips
- Sign up for casino player loyalty cards; they are free and often grant instant discounts on dining and parking.
- The Jitney Airport Shuttle is discontinued, so pre-arrange a rideshare or taxi if flying into ACY.
- Check the updated NJ Transit rail schedules (effective May 2026) before planning a train trip.
- Buy Jitney ticket books in advance if you plan to ride frequently to access multi-ride discounts.
- Park at one casino and walk or use the Jitney; parking fees accumulate quickly if you move your car from garage to garage.
- Avoid walking alone on the side streets off the Boardwalk late at night; stick to the main, well-lit thoroughfares.
Before you go
Atlantic City FAQs
Is the beach free?
Yes, the beaches are completely free to the public, with no beach tags required.
How do I get around cheaply?
The Atlantic City Jitney minibuses run 24/7 along the main avenues and cost only a few dollars per ride.
Can you drink alcohol on the beach?
Alcohol is generally prohibited on the public beach, though designated beach bars serve drinks on their licensed sand areas.
Are casinos open 24/7?
Yes, all major casino resorts operate their gaming floors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Is there a train from Philadelphia?
Yes, the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line offers direct rail service from Philadelphia 30th Street Station.