Atlantic City

Atlantic City stretches along Absecon Island on the New Jersey coast. A four-mile wooden boardwalk connects massive casino resorts to the Atlantic Ocean. You move between climate-controlled gaming floors and salt-water breezes in minutes. The city works best if you lean into its dual nature: high-stakes energy inside, faded seaside charm outside.

Atlantic City food culture splits sharply into two categories. You have high-end casino steakhouses run by celebrity chefs inside the resorts. Outside, you find historic Italian sandwich shops and beachside candy counters that have operated for over a century.The local submarine sandwich is built on fresh Italian rolls delivered daily from local bakeries. Saltwater taffy originated along this boardwalk in the 1880s, pulled and wrapped on mechanical conveyers behind glass storefronts.

• Order the White House Special

  Head to White House Sub Shop on Arctic Avenue. A half-sub feeds one person easily; a full sub measures over two feet long.

• Eat during off-peak hours

  Casino fine dining tables fill completely on Friday and Saturday nights. Book dinner reservations at least two weeks out.

Atlantic City began as a railroad terminus designed to bring Philadelphia residents to the seashore. The city built its famous wooden boardwalk in 1870 to keep ocean sand out of hotel lobbies. During Prohibition, the town became a capital for illegal liquor and unregulated nightlife under political boss Enoch 'Nucky' Johnson.

1. 1854

   Railroad arrives

   The Camden and Atlantic Railroad opens, turning a remote barrier island into a resort destination.

2. 1870

   First boardwalk constructed

   City authorities build the original temporary wooden walkway along the beach to protect hotel carpets.

3. 1920

   Prohibition era boom

   The city ignores federal alcohol bans, turning its hotels into speakeasies and concert halls.

4. 1976

   Casino gambling legalized

   New Jersey voters approve casino gaming to revitalize the shore town, opening Chalfonte-Haddon Hall in 1978.

Choose your hotel based on whether you want ocean sounds or resort amenities. Boardwalk hotels give you immediate beach access and pedestrian traffic right outside the lobby door. Marina District hotels offer larger room layouts, quieter corridors, and expansive self-contained complexes, but require rideshares to reach the sand.

• First-time visitorsBoardwalk Central — Direct beach access and walkable casino hopping.
• Resort loyalistsMarina District — High-end dining, sprawling spa facilities, and larger pools.
• Quiet seekersNorth End / Inlet — Lower pedestrian traffic and proximity to historic landmarks.

You do not need a personal car once you arrive in Atlantic City if you stay along the main corridors. The city operates a dedicated minibus system called the Jitney that runs 24 hours a day. Walking works well along the boardwalk, while rideshares quickly bridge the gap between the Boardwalk and the Marina District.

• Small green Jitney buses run routes along Pacific Avenue and between casinos. Fares cost $2.50 in cash or contactless payment.

• Human-powered wicker wheelchairs carry passengers along the boardwalk. Attendants charge rates based on distance or time.

• Casinos charge guest parking fees between $5 and $10 per stay or per entry. Tier status on gaming cards often waives this.

• Traffic heading east on the Atlantic City Expressway backs up heavily on Friday afternoons in summer.

Atlantic City matches standard US Mid-Atlantic resort pricing. Casino restaurants carry premium price tags, but independent neighborhoods inland offer reasonable dining alternatives. Open alcoholic beverages are permitted inside designated Tourism District zones if carried in official plastic cups.

• White House Sub: $12–18

  A full half-sub easily satisfies one adult for a complete meal.

• Jitney bus fare: $2.50

  Single ride route fare across town paid directly to the driver.

• Beach badge fee: $0

  Public access to all city beaches remains entirely free year-round.

• Casino self-parking: $5–10

  Flat daily garage fee imposed by major resort properties.

• Carry government identification

  Casinos enforce age limits strictly. Security staff ask for photo ID at every gaming floor entrance.

• Understand open container laws

  Alcohol is allowed on the boardwalk only in open container cups stamped with official city logos.

• Free drinks require active play

  Cocktail servers circulate gaming floors. Beverage service is complimentary only while you are actively betting.

• Watch for seagull swoops

  Boardwalk seagulls steal exposed food from hands. Keep boardwalk meals covered while walking outside.

• Swim only near lifeguards

  Atlantic Ocean rip currents are strong. Ocean swimming is restricted to blocks guarded by the Atlantic City Beach Patrol.