Top Things to Do in Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City packs a full day into one trip, from boardwalk landmarks to hands-on history, live music, and a beach that never charges admission. The easiest way to get there without fighting for parking is aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner. Whether you’re sailing over on our Lucky 7 Excursion or driving up after landing in Cape May, this guide covers the things to do in Atlantic City that are worth building your day around.
Start Your Trip with the Cape May - Lewes Ferry’s Lucky 7 Excursion
Of all the Atlantic City activities on this list, the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s Lucky 7 Hard Rock Excursion is the only one that gets you there without a car. The package includes round-trip ferry passage from the Lewes Ferry Terminal plus round-trip motor coach transportation straight to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, with driver gratuity included. Reservations are required and multiple sailing dates run throughout the year, so it’s worth booking ahead of your preferred date.
Atlantic City Piers & Rides
The Atlantic City Boardwalk
Stretching over four miles, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is where beach-town relaxation meets casino excitement. From ocean views to carnival rides, beach bars, arcades, live music, restaurants, and easy access to the major casinos, the Boardwalk is the beating heart of AC.
Families will love the amusement piers (Steel Pier is a must). Adults can walk from resort to resort, play table games, or catch live entertainment. Everyone will love the breezy seaside vibe that makes Atlantic City such a legendary destination.
Steel Pier Atlantic City
No trip to the Boardwalk feels complete without a stop at Steel Pier Atlantic City, and its Observation Wheel is the main reason why. The 227-foot ride, a $14 million project that opened in December 2017, is one of the largest wheels of its kind in the country. Each of its 40 enclosed, climate-controlled cars seats up to 6 people for a 10 to 15-minute ride over the beach and skyline, a nice way to catch your breath (and the view) between stops. Just keep in mind the wheel doesn’t run when temperatures drop below 40 degrees, so plan around a warmer day if riding is on your list.
Atlantic City Landmarks
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
For nearly a century, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall has been home to Atlantic City’s biggest moments. It hosted the Miss America Pageant from 1940 to 2004, and today it still holds the Midmer-Losh pipe organ, a Guinness World Record holder as the largest musical instrument ever built, with an official pipe count of 33,112. Beyond its history, the arena regularly hosts concerts, sporting events, and conventions, so it’s worth checking the calendar before your visit in case a show lines up with your trip.
The Absecon Lighthouse
Want unbeatable views? Climb the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third-tallest masonry lighthouse in the country. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the ocean, city skyline, and AC’s expansive beaches. The historic site still houses its original Fresnel lens from 1857 and is operated by passionate, knowledgeable staff who bring its maritime history to life.
Lucy the Elephant in Atlantic City
About five miles south in Margate, Lucy the Elephant has stood watch over the shore since 1881, making her the oldest surviving roadside attraction in the United States. Standing 65 feet tall and built from tin and nearly a million pieces of wood, Lucy started life as a real estate gimmick and has since become one of the most photographed landmarks on the Jersey Shore. Guided tours take you up inside her frame, so if you have room in your day for a quick detour, she’s an easy add-on to your Atlantic City itinerary.
Atlantic City Shopping
Tanger Outlets Atlantic City
If you love the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth, you’re in luck. Atlantic City’s Tanger Outlets bring the same beloved brands to a walkable, open-air shopping district just minutes from the Boardwalk. Explore more than 50 stores including Nike, Coach, Under Armour, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Chico’s, and more.
Pro Tip: Join the digital TangerClub or use the mobile app to access their coupon book.
The Quarter at Tropicana
No visit to AC is complete without exploring The Quarter at Tropicana, a beautifully styled indoor streetscape inspired by old Havana. With boutique shops, buzzing bars, lounges, and some of the city’s best restaurants, The Quarter is the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll or a lively night out. Whether you’re craving tapas, cocktails, chocolate, or a full, sit-down dinner, you’ll find it here.
Atlantic City Nightlife & Entertainment
Escape AC
Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and test your wits at Escape AC, one of our favorite escape rooms on the East Coast. Choose from themed rooms, decipher clues, solve creative puzzles, and race against the 60-minute countdown to escape. It’s a perfect indoor activity for groups and a great way to add some adrenaline to your AC itinerary.
Atlantic City Beaches & Waterfront Attractions
Atlantic City Beach
If you’re in the mood for a swim, Atlantic City Beach is free to the public, with no beach badge required. The sand runs the full length of the Boardwalk, so you can step off the boards and into the surf whenever you need a break from the casinos and crowds. Whether you’re catching a sunrise before a day of sightseeing or cooling off between stops, it’s one of the easiest, no-cost additions to your Atlantic City day trip.
Gardner's Basin
Tucked along the back bays on the quieter side of town, Gardner’s Basin offers a different pace from the Boardwalk. This waterfront park is home to dining with a view, sightseeing, dolphin-watching cruises, and a small artists’ village, a nice stop if you want a break from the casino crowds.
Atlantic City Aquarium
Gardner’s Basin is also home to the Atlantic City Aquarium, a hands-on stop for families. Its eight tanks hold 29,800 gallons of water and more than 100 species of fish and marine animals, giving kids an up-close look at local sea life without ever leaving the mainland.
LandShark Bar & Grill
Part of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand, LandShark Bar & Grill sits directly on the sand at 1133 Boardwalk, the only permanent, year-round beach bar in Atlantic City. Grab a table with your toes practically in the sand, order something tropical, and enjoy live music as the sun goes down over the ocean.
Looking for Even More Ways to Spend Your Ferry Day?
Atlantic City isn’t the only stop worth planning around your crossing. If you’re sailing from the Lewes side, check out our Lewes, Delaware Day guide for more ideas, or browse Things to Do at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminals for ways to fill time before you even board.
Plan Your Atlantic City Adventure Today
Whether you’re shopping for deals, tasting your way through top restaurants, climbing a lighthouse, hitting the casino floor, or strolling the Boardwalk, Atlantic City offers endless ways to play, and the Ferry gets you there in style.
Ready to roll the dice on a perfect day trip?
Book your Ferry crossing or reserve your Lucky 7 Excursion today and start your Atlantic City adventure the moment you board.
FAQs
How can I spend a day in Atlantic City?
A single day is enough to cover the Boardwalk plus two or three additional stops, such as Absecon Lighthouse or Steel Pier. Most major attractions sit within walking distance of each other. See our full guide on things to do in Atlantic City above for the complete list of stops worth building your day around.
Is Atlantic City suitable for kids?
Yes. Free beaches and the Atlantic City Aquarium make AC a straightforward destination for families.
Where are concerts held in Atlantic City?
Many major concerts are held at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena. The Lucky 7 Hard Rock Excursion provides same-day access for visitors planning around a show.
What is there to do in Atlantic City if you don't gamble?
Atlantic City offers plenty outside the casino floor, including Absecon Lighthouse, the Boardwalk, and Escape AC. See our full things to do in Atlantic City blog above for more non-gaming options.
What is Atlantic City known for?
Atlantic City is best known for its casino resorts and the Boardwalk, the oldest in the country. It’s also home to landmarks like Absecon Lighthouse and Steel Pier’s Observation Wheel. See our full guide above for more of what makes it worth the trip.
