Atlantic, a seaside resort city is a vibrant city located in South Jersy on Absecon Island. The city is popularly known for its taxis, casinos, nightlife, boardwalk, and the Atlantic Ocean beaches. With a bustling nightlife, the city is also widely recognized as the Las Vegas of the East Coast.
The Atlantic City offers a mix of fun and entertainment catering millions of visitors every year. From the historic Boardwalk to famous casinos, the city provides endless opportunities for visitors.
So, we have prepared a list of the 20 best things to do in Atlantic City, New Jersey during your next visit in the following article.
1. Walk Around The Atlantic City Boardwalk
Walking around the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk is a delightful experience. The boardwalk spans over miles along the beautiful Atlantic coastline. As you stroll around, you'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and other entertainment options.
The entire path is filled with a lively atmosphere and stunning views of the ocean. During your visit, you can also stop by one of the many restaurants and enjoy the local cuisine.
Throughout the boardwalk, musicians and street performers continue to entertain the visitors. As one of the prominent places in the entire city, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is a must-visit place for travelers.
2. Try Your Luck At Borgata Casino
Widely recognized as the casino city, Atlantic City has numerous casinos to try your luck. Among them is the Borgata Casino situated at 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ. It is one of the popular destinations among those looking for a fun evening.
The casino invites visitors with dazzling lights and sounds of many slot machines and gaming tables. It offers a wide range of gaming options such as poker, blackjack, roulette, and many more.
It also houses one of the largest poker rooms in Atlantic City, attracting players from all over the country. Whether you're new to gambling or an experience one, the Borgata Casino might be a great option for a memorable experience.
3. Catch A Show At Boardwalk Hall

Boardwalk Hall is a historic venue in Atlantic City with multiple entertainment options. The hall hosts various popular events including concerts, sporting events, and theatrical performances that you can attend. The hall itself is a piece of art with a grand design and well-built acoustics.
The top-notch sound and lighting system of the hall makes every performance feel like a live movie. The atmosphere inside the hall also plays an important role in keeping you engaged throughout the performances.
Standing as a significant landmark, a visit to Boardwalk Hall is one of the prominent things to do in Atlantic City.
4. Visit The Absecon Lighthouse
Another historic landmark in the Atlantic City is the Absecon Lighthouse. This tower offers visitors a glimpse into the city's maritime past. With a height of 171 feet, it is the tallest lighthouse in the entire New Jersey. After a climb of 228 steps, the top of the lighthouse treats you with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Although the climb seems moderately difficult, the end view is worthwhile. At the top, the lighthouse also features a museum presenting exhibits on the lighthouse's history.
The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that help you to explore the maritime heritage of Atlantic City.
5. See The Marine Life At The Atlantic City Aquarium
Located in the historic Gardner's Basin, the Atlantic City Aquarium is a wonderful place to explore marine life. It is home to different sea creatures, like colorful fishes and exotic marine animals. The touch tanks are the major attractions that allow you to get closer to some of these animals.
In addition to the exhibits, the aquarium also offers education programs and activities for those interested in exploring more about the marine life of the Atlantic. Filled with knowledge of marine life, the Atlantic City Aquarium is a perfect place to learn and explore the beauty of the underwater world.
6. Have Fun At Steel Pier Amusement Park

Steel Pier Amusement Park in Atlantic City is a destination filled with fun and thrills. Situated right on the boardwalk, Steel Pier features different exciting rides and attractions. Popular of them all are the roller coasters, spinning rides, and bumper cars.
The Ferris wheel is another standout ride, offering a beautiful view of the ocean and the city skyline. Alongside the rides, the park has games and food stalls where you can collect snacks during the visit.
The Park's area is always filled with a lively atmosphere giving a festive vibe filled with laughter and the bright lights of the rides during a fun exploration.
7. Visit The African American Heritage Museum
Honoring the contributions and history of African Americans, the African American Heritage Museum is a cultural center. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits from the era of slavery.
All these exhibits let you gain insights into the daily lives of African Americans. During the visit, you can be immersed in the rich stories and experiences of these people. Beyond the permanent displays, the museum also hosts special events.
The museum not only educates visitors but also celebrates the vibrant culture and spirit of the African American community.
8. See A Movie At The Tropicana Showroom
The Tropicana Showroom is located within the famous Tropicana Casino and Resort. It is a perfect place for a unique and luxurious movie experience. The showroom has comfortable seating and a stylish ambiance that provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the latest films.
With top-notch sound and picture quality, the viewing experience reaches the next level. The showroom is also renowned for hosting special screenings and film festivals.
After a perfect movie night, you can explore the different dining options available inside the Tropicana complex. Combining entertainment with elegance, the Tropicana Showroom is a fantastic place for film enthusiasts.
9. Take A Walk On The Beach
As one of the most relaxing activities to perform in Atlantic City, a beach walk is a must-do for visitors. The soft sand, soothing sound of the waves, and fresh sea winds offer you a peaceful atmosphere to relax. Whether you're walking along or with friends and family, the beach is perfect for enjoying the scenic environment.
The beach is also a great place for picnics with open spaces to enjoy your meal with an ocean view. As you stroll around, the sights of historic boardwalks, hotels, and casinos add excitement to the experience.
A beach walk in Atlantic City provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
10. Go On A Boat Tour
A boat tour in Atlantic City is a great way to explore the scenic coastline and marine life of the Atlantic Ocean. These tours offer a unique perspective of the city with stunning views of the skyline and surrounding waters. These tours are mostly focused on letting you take a closer look at the marine life in their habitats.
As you cruise along you might see dolphins, seabirds, and other marine animals enjoying the water. Alongside these sea creatures, the guides also offer insights into the city's history and landmarks throughout the trip.
Offering a fresh way to explore the city and appreciate its natural beauty, a boat tour is one of the major things to do in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
11. Explore The AC Escape Room
An adventurous and fun way to spend your day in Atlantic City is by visiting the AC Escape Room. This escape room offers an intellectually stimulating activity suitable for both friends and families. While in the escape room, participants are required to collaborate and solve puzzles.
You must complete the clues as soon as possible and escape the room before the time runs out. The AC Escape Rooms has multiple rooms with unique themes and challenges to choose from.
As you work through the challenges, you'll test your problem-solving skills and teamwork. This particular activity is a fantastic way to bond with others and enjoy a thrilling adventure.
12. Visit The Noyes Arts Garage Of Stockton University

The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University is a vibrant cultural hub in Atlantic City. This unique venue presents you with numerous artworks from local and regional artists. The entire garage features multiple artistic styles and mediums. You can find paintings, sculptures, and photographs all around the gallery.
The gallery also has artist studios, where you can watch artists at work and purchase original pieces directly from one of the creators. It is a perfect place to appreciate and support the local artists.
While in the area, you can also attend performances, workshops, and community events, hosted by the gallery itself. The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University is an inspiring place for art enthusiasts.
13. Take A Day Trip To Ocean City
Just a 20-minute drive away from Atlantic City, Ocean City is a coastal gem. It is a family-friendly destination covered with beautiful beaches. You can begin with a short stroll around the Ocen City Boardwalk lined with shops and eateries.
After exploring the boardwalk for a few hours, you can spend some time on sandy beaches to relax, swim, and try water sports. The city also has a few historic areas that you could visit.
As the day comes to an end grab a meal from the local restaurant and enjoy it along with the soothing sunset view over the ocean.
14. Take A Ride On The Boardwalk Tram
The Boardwalk Tram is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the famous boardwalk. The tram runs through the entire boardwalk, letting you hop on and off at various spots. As your tram goes through, you'll see iconic landmarks, historic hotels, and shops lined up on the boardwalk.
The tram travels at a minimal speed offering you time to enjoy the view and the lively atmosphere. It is an ideal choice to cover the boardwalk without any physical effort.
A ride on the Boardwalk Tram is another one on the list of fun things to do in Atlantic City to experience the city in a fun and comfortable way.
15. Go Shopping In Atlantic City

Atlantic City offers a variety of shopping options suitable for all tastes and budgets. Many high-end boutiques, designer stores, local shops, and souvenir stands cover the entire city. The Tanger Outlet, AKA The Walk is a popular shopping destination with stores offering great deals and discounts.
No matter what you are looking for, the entire area has something for everyone. The entire city is a shopping hub with popular areas like the boardwalk and Tanger Outlet housing numerous shops.
Exploring each one of these shopping areas is a fun and rewarding activity suitable for families, friends, and partners. It is also a great way to collect souvenirs from the trip.
16. Hike Or Bike The Gardners Basin Park
Gardners Basin Park in Atlantic City is a beautiful waterfront area. It is an excellent place for hiking and biking that houses multiple trails. These scenic trails wind through lush greenery along the waterfront, offering stunning views of the marina.
The trails are easily accessible and enjoyable for hikers or bikers of any skill level. Throughout the trail, you will find multiple picnic spots to relax and enjoy a meal after the hike.
The park is also home to the Atlantic City Aquarium and several restaurants that offer additional activities to enjoy the outdoors.
17. Watch A Show At Etess Arena
Located within the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Etess Arena is a popular venue for live entertainment. The arena hosts a variety of events like concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events. Performances by talented artists in the state-of-the-art facility make it an amazing experience.
The vibrant atmosphere and spacious seating arrangements add excitement to the performances. As a part of the audience, a night at Etess Arena is always memorable and enjoyable.
18. Visit The Atlantic City Historical Museum

For history enthusiasts, the Atlantic City Historical Museum is a perfect place to explore the city's history. The museum was initially located at Garden Pier and has now been moved to the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. The museum's exhibits explain the early days of the city and its development as a resort destination.
You'll find artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays providing insight into the history of Atlantic City. With multiple learning options, it is a place that provides a rich and engaging experience.
The museum also features special exhibits and programs suitable for history buffs to explore multiple aspects that have shaped the Atlantic City.
19. Go Kayaking Or Paddleboarding On The Atlantic Ocean
Kayaking or paddleboarding on the Atlantic Ocean is a relaxing way to enjoy the water. The calm water near the shore provides a perfect setting for these activities. During these activities, you will have a different view of the coastline. You can also spot marine life like dolphins and seabirds, adding more fun to the experience.
Both of these activities allow you to connect with nature while enjoying the waves and views of the ocean. You can go on a solo for a peaceful experience or join a guided group to socialize and enjoy the tour with other adventurers.
20. Visit The Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium
The last one on the list, Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium is a fascinating attraction that showcases a variety of unique and surprising items. The museum is filled with a wide number of unusual and astonishing exhibits.
As you explore around, you'll encounter shrunken heads, rare artifacts, optical illusions, and interactive displays. The entire odditorium is both educative and entertaining offering a glimpse into the strange and the extraordinary.
While you stroll around, kids can enjoy fun activities like crossing the tunnel of lights and exploring the laser maze. The interactive nature of the museum makes it one of a kind, attracting millions of visitors every year.