Introduction
I’ll admit: when I first planned my trip to Atlantic City, I expected casinos, a noisy boardwalk and maybe a beach day. What I found, though, surprised me. The city has that classic East Coast boardwalk charm, yes—arcades, salt‑water taffy, Ferris wheels—but it also has sun‑soaked sand, family‑friendly rides, seafood that made my eyes widen, and plenty of culture beyond the slot machines.
Whether you’re going for a romantic weekend, a family getaway or just a fun escape from the daily grind, Atlantic City offers so much more than meets the eye. Here are 12 fun things to do and places to visit in Atlantic City, NJ—personal highlights, practical tips, and photos to inspire.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Atlantic City, NJ (2026)
1. Stroll the Atlantic City Boardwalk
One of the first things I did was wander the legendary boardwalk. It’s not just a walkway—it’s a full daytime & nighttime scene: shops, snack stands, people watching, sea breeze, and views of the ocean. According to a guide, the boardwalk is “lined with fry stands, ice cream shops, mini golf courses, arcades and more.”
What I loved: Starting my morning here with coffee in hand, toes in the sand, then coming back after dusk to see the lights come alive.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes, and if you go in the evening, bring a light jacket—the breeze from the sea can catch you off‑guard.
2. Spend time on the beach
Yes—the beach is a big part of Atlantic City’s appeal. The sand, the sea, the horizon—it all comes together. A travel guide notes the beach is family‑friendly, free to enjoy, and offers more than just sunbathing (surfing, kayaking, etc).
What I loved: Sprawling out on a beach towel, listening to the waves, letting the boardwalk energy ebb in the background.
Tip: Arrive early for the best choice of beach chairs/umbrellas. If you plan to swim or bring gear, check lifeguard posts and weather conditions.
See Also: 28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Cape Cod, MA
3. Ride the rides & games at Steel Pier
For a mix of nostalgia and thrills, Steel Pier is a winning stop. According to Wikipedia, it opened in 1898, features 24+ rides, arcade, food stands and more.
What I loved: The moment I sat on the Ferris wheel and looked out over the Atlantic City skyline + ocean—pure “pinch‑me” travel.
Tip: Kids, couples and groups will all enjoy it—but to beat crowds, go earlier in the day. Keep coins/ride‑cards handy for arcade games too.
4. Visit the iconic Absecon Lighthouse
For a quieter, more historic moment, I climbed Absecon Lighthouse—tall, scenic and offering panoramic views of the city and sea. A guide lists it among top Atlantic City attractions.
What I loved: The climb of 228 steps, the ocean breeze at the top and the view stretching beyond the casinos into real coastline.
Tip: Wear good shoes for the staircase. Bring your camera or phone—sunset from the top is a memorable shot.
5. Dive into casino & resort fun
Of course, Atlantic City is known for its casinos and resorts—and for good reason. One guide highlights major resorts like the Borgata and others as full‑on experiences of dining, gaming, shows and luxury.
What I loved: Even though I’m not a high‑roller, walking through a casino at night—slot machines flashing, live music in the background, dining options galore—felt like being part of a show.
Tip: Set a budget if you’ll gamble. But even if you don’t, many resort amenities (bars, restaurants, shows) are worth experiencing.
6. Enjoy a show or concert at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Looking for something more cultural? Boardwalk Hall delivers. Built in 1929, it’s historic, versatile, and still hosting big events.
What I loved: Checking the event schedule, booking a show (concert, comedy, sporting event) and heading out for an evening of energy and entertainment.
Tip: Buy tickets ahead. Even if you’re just passing by, the building’s architecture is worth a glance.
7. Discover fun and surprises at the boardwalk arcades
If you want something lighter, the boardwalk arcades are pure fun. From skee‑ball to prize machines, they’re nostalgic and playful. Redditors mention the Lucky Snake arcade at Showboat as a fun stop.
What I loved: The sound of coins, the flashing lights, trying to win a silly prize—made me feel like a kid again for an hour.
Tip: Bring some small bills or coins. If you’re with kids, let them pick a prize—it adds to the memory.
8. Go shopping at outlets & local boutiques
For a change of pace, I spent part of an afternoon shopping. A guide notes Atlantic City has great outlet shopping (Tanger Outlets) and resort‑integrated malls.
What I loved: Picking up a few souvenirs, browsing local brands, and finding deals I didn’t expect.
Tip: If you’re staying in a resort, check what retail malls are attached—they’re convenient. For outlets, go mid‑day when light is good.
9. Savor fresh seafood & old‑school restaurants
One of the simplest pleasures: eating well. There are seafood houses, historic restaurants and boardwalk classics. Business Insider recently praised the 128‑year‑old Dock’s Oyster House for its seafood tower.
What I loved: A dinner where I treated myself—oysters, crab cake, good wine—while remembering I’m by the Atlantic.
Tip: Make reservations if it’s a well‑known spot. Consider a seafood place for one dinner, a casual boardwalk snack for another.
10. Experience a unique cocktail or nightlife twist
For something unexpected, check out nightlife twists. For example, Bally’s launched a 360° rotating bar called Carousel Bar.
What I loved: Sipping a cocktail while slowly rotating with the city behind me—quirky, fun and memorable.
Tip: Check dress code for upscale venues. If you want a calmer drink, seek a rooftop bar with ocean views; for fun, seek a novelty bar like the rotating one.
11. Take part in special events or shows
Depending on when you visit, there may be very special events. For instance, the “Thunder over the Boardwalk” airshow is a massive beachside spectacle.
What I loved: Walking onto the beach, looking up to see jets flying over the sea, feeling part of something unique.
Tip: Check event calendars before you travel. Big events mean bigger crowds but also bigger energy.
12. Explore museums & quieter spots
Not every moment has to be bright lights and rides. I found value in quieter gems: the aquarium, the historical museum, even “Lucy the Elephant” (nearby). These spots offer narrative and calm. Guides mention them.
What I loved: A slow morning exploring marine life or learning a bit of the city’s past—it balanced all the high‑energy fun.
Tip: Use these spots as “cool down” breaks in your itinerary. Great for families, couples or anyone looking to mix pace.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Atlantic City turned out to be more than I expected—it’s not just about gambling and neon, though those are part of the mix—it’s about salt‑air walks, spectacular sunsets, feel‑good seafood, nostalgic arcade chatter and the sound of waves.
Here are some take‑aways for your own visit:
- Balance your time. One day for beach/boardwalk, one evening for casino/resort fun, one morning for something quieter (lighthouse, museum).
- Budget smart. Some parts are splurge (dinner at a high‑end seafood place), others are free or low cost (walks, beach, arcades).
- Plan by time of day. Morning: beach & boardwalk. Afternoon: shopping, arcades. Evening: rides, casino, dinner. Night: show or cocktail.
- Pack accordingly. Swimwear, sun protection, comfy shoes for walking, and perhaps something dressy for a nightlife or dining slot.
- Go with curiosity. Some of my best moments were unplanned—finding a quirky bar, stumbling into an arcade game I hadn’t tried, catching a special event.
If I had to pick top three experiences you shouldn’t miss:
- A sunset beach or boardwalk stroll with ocean breeze and glow.
- Ferris wheel/ride time at Steel Pier to get that elevated view of sea + city.
- Dinner at a classic seafood house under the lights of the resort corridor.
When I left Atlantic City, I didn’t just pack my suitcase—I carried memories of salt air in my hair, the glow of arcade lights, and the sound of waves against the boardwalk at night. Whether you’re heading there for one day or a full weekend, I hope you find a mix of adventure, relaxation, laughter and the unexpected.