Since the mid-1800s, Atlantic City, New Jersey has been a vacation haven. With beautiful beaches and a world-famous Boardwalk, tourists have been strutting their stuff there for decades. To survive and thrive for 170 years is an urban accomplishment. The old girl has witnessed “Boardwalk Empire”-inspired Prohibition (upfront and personal), two World Wars, and the advent of casino gambling. That’s a lot, but she’s still standing through economic ups and downs and years of cultural changes.
Whether you’re a kid on a Steel Pier amusement ride or friends partying the night away, Atlantic City has got something for everyone. And that eagerness to please is exactly why the resort continues to draw day trippers, summer tourists, concertgoers, bachelor parties, and family outings. Yes, a celebration for everything. Paris may have its Eiffel Tower and Las Vegas its manmade glitz and glitter, but ain’t nobody got 5 ½ miles of Boardwalk stories and Atlantic City history and nostalgia.
Things to Do
Geographically speaking, Atlantic City’s location is a draw. Located in the heart of the northeast corridor, 40% of the US population is within a 150-mile drive. That stat has not escaped the Atlantic City Sports Commission (ACSC). From the 2025 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer to War at The Shore — Offshore Powerboat Racing, sports enthusiasts of all flavors can find their piece of entertainment. This summer, ACSC will host the annual Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest For The Ring” Championship Fishing Week as well as the World Tournament Championships for the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
If you’re more of a sports participant than an observer, Atlantic City hosts several running marathons throughout the year — 5, 8, 10, and half marathons. Tour de Downbeach, an annual bike ride originating just a few miles down the Boardwalk in Ventnor, New Jersey, draws quite a crowd. Other sports activities include floating above the beach with Atlantic City Parasail or surfing lessons for any level with Mucho Aloha Surf in nearby Brigantine.
Atlantic City’s long history must include mention of its music. Entertainers have graced many a stage, club, and casino venue for decades. Between the 500 Club, the in place to be seen in the 50s and 60s, to Steel Pier headliners like the Supremes and Duke Ellington, and even the Beatles choosing to perform at Convention Hall in 1964, Atlantic City has been an entertainment mecca.
Today, casino headliners in music and comedy reign. This summer, names like Earth, Wind, & Fire, Sam Hunt, and Steve Miller take center stage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Tribute bands also can be found all over town including Michael Jackson, Motown, and Jimmy Buffet at Resorts Casino.
Outside the casinos, beach bars like the newly expanded Landshark Bar & Grill at Resorts Casino, Bally’s Beach Bar, and Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall offer live music on the sand/great outdoors while you eat and drink!
Build It and They Will Come
In recent years, there has been a lot of groundbreaking, literally and figuratively, in Atlantic City. From Stockton University building and expanding the University District in lower Chelsea to the multi-million-dollar indoor water park adjacent to the Showboat Resort, there’s a whole lotta new business shakin’ going on! The Orange Loop project, named after the orange properties in Monopoly — New York Ave., St. James Place, and Tennessee Avenues has brought a wave of revitalization to that area including new residential properties, restaurants, a coffee house, and even a chocolate bar.
Eric Millstein, a local real estate developer working with the ALC Development Group LLC, sees AC’s value as a resort. To date, four new construction duplexes have been built and sold in the city. Currently, ALC is building eight luxury townhomes with plans to build six additional luxury bayfront townhomes — and more in the future. Millstein appreciates Atlantic City and her potential, “I was born and raised in this community and I have deep roots here. Few places on the East Coast offer new construction this close to the beach, casinos, restaurants, and all the Boardwalk has to offer at such a great value.”
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
From the Inlet to Chelsea, Atlantic City offers a wide selection of restaurant options. Italian food such as Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern has continued to serve up pasta and more for decades. And speaking of Italian, Tony’s Baltimore Grill has been the place for unique homestyle pizza since 1927. For a more traditional, true-blue Atlantic City restaurant, Dock’s Oyster House and the Knife & Fork offer steak and seafood options with a fine dining ambiance.
Located in the University District, the Byrdcage is the first LGBTQ+ owned/operated restaurant and lounge to open in Atlantic City in nearly 20 years. In addition to daily happy hour and full-service dining, the fun and funky spot prides itself on “welcoming all” to experience its cool vibe — karaoke, qwizo, DJ’s and dancing on the weekends, Sinatra Sundays, Sunday drag brunch, and more.
In addition to traditional seafood and steak options, AC also offers more ethnic menus ranging from Mexican to Indian to Vietnamese cuisine all over town. And, no list of Atlantic City fare would be complete without mentioning world-famous subs from White House Sub shops as well as Sac o’ Subs.
Visit Atlantic City, where every celebration is unforgettable, and every visit is an opportunity to create memory-making moments and celebrate life’s greatest adventures.
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