Atlantic City is a popular vacation destination, with its beaches and world-famous Boardwalk. It also has a lot of fun things to do that don’t involve the casinos!
It’s easy to get sucked into the excitement of playing blackjack and slots at Atlantic City casinos, but there are many other things to do that don’t involve gambling. PlayNJ gives tourists 10 options to check out on their next trip to the Jersey Shore.
1. Take a mini cruise
AC is surrounded by water and has a beautiful bay and coast line. Boating trips such as “Atlantic City Cruises” allows patrons to get a tour around the island and get some beautiful pictures from the sea. They even have dolphin watch cruises for people to see the creatures first hand.
2. Try out the rides at Steel Pier
Take a ride on the Ferris wheel or try your luck at a game of chance. Steel Pier has been around since 1898 which makes it one of the oldest functioning amusement attractions in the country.
3. Go shopping at Tanger Outlets
There are over 30 different stores at Tanger Outlets, including Nike and Adidas stores as well as shops for jewelry, electronics and more.
4. Stroll down the Atlantic City Boardwalk
When taking that next walk along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, stop and check out some music. The stage at y Kennedy Plaza across from Boardwalk Hall offers tons of free entertainment. Most acts occur during the summer and include a variety of performances.
5. Take a day trip to the Atlantic City Beach
The beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Atlantic City. The AC shoreline attracts thousands of visitors each summer. The beach is located near several casinos, hotels, and restaurants, so there are lots of places nearby where you can grab a quick bite or some refreshments while enjoying the sun and sand. During the prime summer season, Atlantic City casinos offer seasonal amenities like beach bars and live entertainment.
Lighthouse Challenge of NJ this weekend! Open S&S 8am-6pm, last climb at 5:30pm. 😎👍 pic.twitter.com/1WN8iSuHwk
— Absecon Lighthouse (@AbseconLight) October 13, 2022
6. Check out the Absecon Lighthouse Museum
Located at 31 S Rhode Island Ave, the Atlantic City Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest in New Jersey and is over 150 years old. The museum is a great place to visit if you’re in the area. It’s got a ton of fun activities, and it’s easy to get there from any casino. The museum has an indoor section with exhibits on the history of lighthouses and their importance to the Atlantic City area — from its early days as a fishing village through the present day.
7. Get your gaming on at Lucky Snake Arcade
This massive arcade is located in the Showboat Hotel. The Atlantic City Lucky Snake Arcade is a fun and exciting place to spend the day. It features over 30 classic games, including Pac-Man, Frogger and Space Invaders. The arcade also has a great selection of pinball machines, crane machines and indoor miniature golfing. The Lucky Snake Arcade also has a full bar with drink specials every day of the week.
The Raceway at Lucky Snake opened earlier this year. It’s a 40,000-square-foot state-of-the-art indoor electric go-kart track.
8. Enjoy a night of fine Atlantic City dining
Atlantic City is home to some world-famous restaurants. Some are known throughout the country, and with good reason. If you’re looking for a place to eat in Atlantic City, these are the places worth trying:
- Angeloni’s II – This restaurant specializes in Italian food and has been rated one of the best Italian restaurants in New Jersey. Besides the excellent food, the establishment has a great old-school Italian atmosphere as well.
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Hell’s Kitchen Gordon Ramsay Steak – This is another one of our favorite restaurants in Atlantic City. It’s a steakhouse that serves up some of the best steaks around. You can’t go wrong with their prime rib or filet mignon! This world-class restaurant is stationed in Harrah’s Resort. On a side note, Hell’s Kitchen is now open at Caesars Atlantic City. And it’s the first on the East Coast.
- Chef Vola’s – This restaurant is located right off the Boardwalk and offers amazing food choices. It is also one of the hardest reservations to secure in AC. The family-owned restaurant does not accept walk-ins. Their extensive menu includes everything from seafood to pasta, so there’s something for everyone here. Don’t forget to try the banana cream pie for dessert.
9. Appreciate some local art
Located just outside the Tanger Outlets, The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University is a space for artists and performers to create, collaborate, and showcase their work. It’s a place where people from all walks of life can come together and find community through the arts.
The Noyes Arts Garage is one of many organizations that make Stockton University such an amazing place for students to learn and grow. This art house is open to the public weekly.
10. Grab a drink at the Irish Pub
If you’re looking for a place to kick back and relax with a Guinness, you’ve come to the right place. The Irish Pub Atlantic City is located on St. James place and is a local favorite. Besides the drinking establishment, it is also home to rooms for rent nightly.
The bar is oozing with history as well. According to their website:
“The history of the Irish Pub dates back to the 19th century. It has survived hurricanes, prohibition, two world wars, high tides and low tides. It has fed the famous and infamous and if you sit at the front table it is said eventually everybody in the world would pass by you. Joe DiMaggio stayed at the Inn for many years.”
The pub is filled with many locals and highlights their daily affordable app and dinner specials.
