You’re sure to have a memorable night at the Horse Dive Bar at Caesars, located in the lobby of The Hook. Photo: Courtesy of Visit Atlantic City
There are some towns that need no introduction, and Atlantic City is one of them. It is well known as the birthplace of the Boardwalk, the longtime venue of the Miss America competition, and was the street-name inspiration for the board game Monopoly. And, of course, don’t forget to enjoy its stretch of the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic City was made for big rollers and big comebacks.
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WHAT TO DO
Let’s start with the obvious: gambling. If you’re into it, there are nine casinos, each offering its own personality, with more than half a million square feet of gaming space in all. Enough said. Each of these venues offers fine dining, top-notch accommodations, and a regular roster of live music and entertainment, from comedians to celebrity impersonators. At the Tropicana, there’s an IMAX theater for a fully immersive film experience, and at Caesars, there’s The Hook, a Vegas-style variety show with awe-inspiring aerial acts.
Showboat has rolled the dice to bring family amusements, with an all-ages, year-round waterpark that is touted to be the world’s largest, as well as Lucky Snake arcade, with hundreds of games, mini-golf and an indoor racetrack.
Venture beyond the Boardwalk to premier shopping at Tanger Outlets or Princeton Antiques, an afternoon-stealing antique bookshop with 250,000 titles in stock. History buffs will enjoy a trip through the city’s past at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, where you can tour the world’s largest organ, a circa 1929 instrument that is an unmatched feat of engineering.
WHERE TO EAT
Angeline at the Borgata. Photo: Courtesy of Angeline
You can bet on a fabulous meal in this town. Japanese fusion? Nobu at Caesars. Latin flavors? Cuba Libre at Tropicana or tapas at Amad at Ocean Casino Resort.
Feeling Italian? Head for Angeline in the Borgata, Capriccio’s at Resorts, or go for the over-the-top experience of Italian-inspired, funked up Superfrico at Caesars. Or go off-Boardwalk to Girasole’s or Chef Vola.
For seafood, hit Dock’s Oyster Bar. Brunch? Oak Council at the Hard Rock, Harper’s at Ocean Casino Resort, or head to the Orange Loop area for the urban-chic Cardinal’s.
Steakhouses are too plentiful to name, but B-Prime and Old Homestead (Borgata), the newly opened Park Place Prime (Bally’s) and the Knife and Fork Inn are favorites.
For a burger, try Wahlburgers at Ocean Casino, or check out Limonada, a new all-day dining option at Showboat.
Nightlife runs the gamut in this town. There’s plenty of bar hopping to be had. Consider Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall for a nightcap or Bar 32 for spirits and over-the-top desserts. Get your party on at Harrah’s Pool After Dark, or relive the disco era at Boogie Nights at the Tropicana.
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WHERE TO STAY
All nine casinos offer fancy digs, so feel free to select by your mood. Feeling like a high roller? Nobu Tower at Caesars or Borgata and its MGM Tower are sure to please. Need some rock for your soul? The Hard Rock, of course. Head to Tropicana’s Latin Quarter for an island-themed staycation. At Ocean Casino Resort, multilevel decks offer unmatched outdoor lounging space with fire pits and expansive views of the sea.
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