Atlantic City Travel Guide

Atlantic City sits on Absecon Island along the southern New Jersey shore, roughly 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia and 130 miles south of New York City. With a permanent population of around 39,000, it punches well above its weight as a destination, drawing millions of visitors each year to its casinos, beaches, and the iconic Boardwalk.

The city's resort identity dates to the mid-19th century, when the first Boardwalk was built in 1870 to keep sand out of hotel lobbies. That four-mile wooden promenade remains the spine of the city and the basis for the original Monopoly board game, which took its property names directly from Atlantic City streets. The legalization of casino gambling in New Jersey in 1976 fundamentally reshaped the city, and while the industry has contracted from its late-1990s peak, several large casino-hotel complexes remain active.

Beyond gambling, Atlantic City offers a genuine Atlantic beach, a growing food and bar scene, live entertainment, outlet shopping, and a handful of cultural attractions. It functions as a short-break destination rather than a prolonged travel stop — most visitors arrive for a long weekend and leave having spent the bulk of their time on the Boardwalk or casino floor.

Visas

Atlantic City is in the United States. For visa requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Department of State website or your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, as rules vary significantly by nationality.

When to go

Summer (June–August) is peak season: beaches are open and lifeguarded, Boardwalk activity is at its highest, and most outdoor events take place. Expect higher hotel rates and crowds, especially on weekends. Spring and fall offer milder weather, lower prices, and smaller crowds while casinos remain fully open year-round. Winter is the quietest period; some Boardwalk businesses close or reduce hours, but casino floors stay active and room rates drop considerably.

What to pack

• Beach gear if visiting June–September (the ocean can be cold even in summer)
• Comfortable walking shoes — the Boardwalk is long and best explored on foot
• A light jacket for evenings, even in summer, when sea breezes pick up
• Valid ID: you must be 21 or older to enter casino gaming floors or purchase alcohol

Health and vaccinations

No destination-specific vaccinations are required or broadly recommended beyond routine immunizations. Confirm your own health needs with a medical professional before travel.

By air

Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in Egg Harbor Township, roughly 10 miles west of the city center, serves a limited number of domestic routes. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), approximately 60 miles away, offers far more connections and is the practical gateway for most travelers arriving by air. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is another option at roughly 130 miles.

By car

Driving is the most common way to reach Atlantic City. The Atlantic City Expressway runs directly into the city from the Philadelphia area; the Garden State Parkway connects from northern and southern New Jersey. Parking is available at casino garages (fees vary; verify with individual properties) and in city lots.

By bus

Coach bus services run frequently from New York City, Philadelphia, and other regional cities to Atlantic City's bus terminal. Several casino properties operate their own subsidized bus programs from regional pick-up points — verify current routes and terms directly with each casino.

By train

NJ Transit's Atlantic City Rail Line connects Philadelphia's 30th Street Station to Atlantic City's rail terminal on Atlantic Avenue, with stops at several intermediate stations. The journey takes roughly 90 minutes. Check NJ Transit's official website for current schedules and fares.

Atlantic City is compact enough that the central casino corridor and Boardwalk are walkable from most hotels. The Boardwalk itself stretches about four miles and is open to pedestrians; rolling chairs (wicker chairs pushed by attendants) have historically been a novelty attraction — verify current availability locally.

NJ Transit bus routes serve the city and connect to surrounding communities including Ventnor, Margate, and Longport along the shore. Taxis and rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate throughout the city. The Jitney — a small bus service that has run in Atlantic City for decades — circulates along Atlantic Avenue and other main corridors; verify current routes and fares locally as they adjust periodically.

Renting a car is useful if you plan to explore the wider South Jersey shore or the Pine Barrens, but within the city itself a car can be more hindrance than help given parking costs and the walkable Boardwalk layout.

Accommodation in Atlantic City is dominated by casino-hotel complexes, which range from mid-market to upscale and offer the convenience of having gaming, dining, entertainment, and rooms under one roof. Rates fluctuate significantly between weekdays and weekends and between summer and off-season — booking well in advance for summer weekends is advisable.

Active casino-hotel properties at the time of writing include Borgata, Hard Rock Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City, Tropicana Atlantic City, Resorts Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, and Bally's Atlantic City, among others. Verify which properties remain open and their current room rates directly, as the market has seen openings, closures, and rebranding over the years.

Beyond casino hotels, a smaller number of independent motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and chain hotels exist in and around the city. The nearby beach communities of Ventnor City, Margate City, and Longport offer quieter, more residential accommodation options within a short drive.

The Boardwalk

The original 1870 Boardwalk is the city's defining feature. Walking its length takes you past casino entrances, amusement arcades, souvenir shops, food stands, and open ocean views. It is free to walk at any hour.

Beaches

Atlantic City's beaches run along the eastern edge of the island. Beach access is free — unlike many New Jersey shore towns, Atlantic City does not charge a beach badge fee. The beaches are lifeguarded during summer months; verify current hours with the city's beach patrol.

Steel Pier

This historic amusement pier, jutting into the Atlantic from the Boardwalk, has operated in various forms since the early 20th century. It houses carnival-style rides and games. Verify current operating hours and pricing directly with the pier.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! and other attractions

Several Boardwalk attractions cater to families and casual visitors, including the Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum. Verify admission fees and hours on-site or via the official website.

Atlantic City Art Center and the Atlantic City Historical Museum

Both are located at Garden Pier on the Boardwalk. The Historical Museum provides a free or low-cost look at the city's resort history, including Boardwalk Empire-era memorabilia, the Miss America pageant's Atlantic City roots, and casino history. Verify current hours locally.

Casinos and entertainment

Casino gaming is the primary draw for many visitors. Beyond slot machines and table games, casino properties host major concert acts, boxing and MMA events, comedy shows, and residencies. Check individual casino event calendars for current bookings.

Nearby nature

The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, a few miles north, protects tidal marshes and is an excellent birding site, particularly during migratory seasons. Admission fees and hours are available on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

Atlantic City's dining scene has improved considerably since casino-era dining rooms gave way to a broader mix of celebrity-chef restaurants, independent spots, and ethnic eateries. Most of the larger casino properties house multiple restaurants covering steakhouses, Italian, Asian, and casual American cuisines.

Boardwalk classics

A few food traditions are synonymous with the Boardwalk. Salt water taffy has been sold here since the late 19th century; several shops along the Boardwalk sell house-made varieties. Pork roll (also called Taylor Ham in other parts of New Jersey) sandwiches are a regional staple available at diners and delis. White House Sub Shop, operating since 1946 on Arctic Avenue, is one of the city's most cited local institutions — verify current hours before visiting.

Beyond the casinos

Venture off the Boardwalk and casino corridor to find more affordable and locally focused options along Atlantic and Pacific Avenues. The city has a notable immigrant history that surfaces in its food — look for Caribbean, West African, and Latin American restaurants in neighborhood areas.

Drinking

Casino bars operate around the clock. New Jersey state law governs alcohol sales; the legal drinking age is 21. A small number of independent bars and lounges exist outside the casino properties.

The Tanger Outlets, located just off the Atlantic City Expressway at The Walk (a pedestrian corridor connecting the bus terminal to the Boardwalk), houses a substantial collection of outlet stores across multiple brand categories. This is the main dedicated shopping draw for visitors.

Boardwalk shops skew heavily toward novelty souvenirs, taffy, and casual resort merchandise. For more varied retail, the surrounding communities and the broader Atlantic County area offer standard suburban shopping centers. Verify current tenant listings at The Walk directly, as outlet retail rosters change.

Emergency contacts

In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance. For non-emergency police matters in Atlantic City, contact the Atlantic City Police Department — verify the non-emergency number locally.

Money

ATMs are ubiquitous inside all casino properties and along the Boardwalk. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally. Be aware that casino ATMs sometimes charge higher-than-average fees — compare before withdrawing.

Internet and connectivity

Most casino-hotels offer Wi-Fi; coverage and cost vary by property. Mobile data coverage from major U.S. carriers is generally strong throughout the city.

Tipping

Tipping is standard practice in the United States. 18–20% is typical at sit-down restaurants. Tipping casino dealers, cocktail servers, and hotel staff is customary — amounts are discretionary.

Accessibility

The Boardwalk is largely flat and accessible. Casino properties generally meet ADA accessibility requirements, though visitors with specific needs should contact properties directly to confirm arrangements.

Atlantic City's safety profile is uneven. The Boardwalk, casino interiors, and heavily trafficked tourist areas are well-lit, staffed, and generally safe. However, parts of the city away from the tourist corridor — particularly some residential neighborhoods inland from the Boardwalk — have higher crime rates relative to similarly sized U.S. cities. Standard urban travel precautions apply: stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items openly, and stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark if you are unfamiliar with the neighborhood.

Casino security is present and active on gaming floors; if you feel unsafe inside a property, casino security staff are generally responsive. Keep your room key and any winnings secured; be cautious about accepting unsolicited help from strangers near ATMs.

For current travel advisories and public safety information, consult the Atlantic City Police Department's official communications and, for international visitors, your home government's travel advisory service.

Atlantic City has a layered cultural identity that extends well beyond its casino reputation. The city was a significant destination for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era, when it was one of the few East Coast resort towns with meaningful Black-owned business districts and hotels — a history explored in part through local historical resources and documented in works on the 'Chitlin' Circuit.'

The Miss America pageant, founded in Atlantic City in 1921, ran here for most of its history, cementing the city's place in American pop culture. The pageant has relocated in recent years — verify its current status and location.

The HBO series Boardwalk Empire, set in Prohibition-era Atlantic City, renewed international interest in the city's history of political corruption, organized crime, and the business of vice — themes that are not mythologized but are genuine parts of its documented past. The Atlantic City Historical Museum at Garden Pier is the most focused resource for exploring this history in person.

The city's current population is diverse, with significant African American, Latino, and immigrant communities whose presence shapes the character of neighborhoods beyond the Boardwalk.