Things to Do in Atlantic City
50 curated spots from Atlantic City itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Absecon Lighthouse
Take a short rideshare or Jitney (about 10–15 minutes) to New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse. Climb the 228 steps for expansive ocean and city views and wander the small grounds with coastal plants.
1h 30m · $10-15 per person
Atlantic City Boardwalk Stroll
Walk the stretch between Caesars and Tropicana at a slow pace, pausing on benches to watch the waves, explore the dune grass, and duck into pocket parks or piers.
2h · Free
The Quarter at Tropicana
Explore the indoor, Havana-themed shopping and entertainment area with palm trees, warm lighting, and faux sky effects that echo a lush, tropical vibe. Window-shop, grab a non-alcoholic drink, or just enjoy the atmosphere together.
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Steel Pier Amusement Park
Head onto the pier for rides, arcade games, and great ocean views at night. Try a Ferris wheel ride together for a romantic overlook of the Boardwalk lit up below.
2h · $20-40 per person (ride tickets)
Atlantic City Miniature Golf
Play a round of mini-golf at one of the jungle- and waterfall-themed courses right off the Boardwalk (for example, the Atlantic City Miniature Golf near Bally's area) with colorful plants, rocks, and water features.
1h · $10-15 per person
Gardner’s Basin Waterfront Stroll
Explore the small marina area with boats, occasional craft stalls, and open water views across the bay; sit on benches and watch the light change.
1h · Free
Steel Pier Rides & Ocean Views
Walk out onto Steel Pier in the evening, ride the Ferris wheel or just enjoy the ocean breeze and views back toward the city skyline lit up at night.
1h 30m · $10-25 (depending on rides)
Tanger Outlets – The Walk
Stroll the open-air outlets just inland from the boardwalk, browsing mid-range brands and picking up any clothes or gifts you want.
2h · Free to wander (shopping extra)
Absecon Lighthouse & Grounds
Visit the historic lighthouse, climb the 228 steps if you like for a panoramic ocean and city view, and spend some time in the small garden and surrounding green area at the base.
1h 30m · $10
Absecon Lighthouse Climb
Climb New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse for panoramic views over the city, ocean, and wetlands; spend a bit of time in the small museum and on the grounds with their greenery.
1h 30m · $10-15
Absecon Lighthouse Visit
Climb New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse (steps can be a workout) for views over the city and shoreline; explore the small garden and museum around the base.
1h 30m · $10-12 per adult, discounted kids
Atlantic City Aquarium (if reopened) / Basin Wildlife Watching
If the small aquarium is open during your visit, explore the exhibits; otherwise, use the time to watch for birds and fish activity around the docks and marsh edges.
1h · $10-15 or Free
Atlantic City Aquarium & Gardner’s Basin
Visit the small but engaging aquarium (check current opening status) to see local marine life, then wander Gardner’s Basin to watch boats, browse a few shops, and enjoy the harbor atmosphere.
2h 30m · $10-20 per person
Atlantic City Aquarium & Gardner’s Basin Stroll
Visit the small aquarium (if open) and then wander the basin area with boats, water views, and a laid-back, harbor feel.
2h · $10-15
Atlantic City Aquarium & Historic Gardner’s Basin
Explore small marine exhibits at the aquarium (check current opening status) then wander the basin’s docks, boats, and bayside paths for a quieter, more natural atmosphere.
2h · $10-20 (if aquarium open) or Free to walk the basin
Atlantic City Beach
Free public beach for lounging, swimming, and people-watching; hit golden hour pre-sunset (~7 PM) from pier ends for empty-frame shots.
2h · Free
Atlantic City Beach (Central Boardwalk stretch)
Walk down to the sand near Caesars/Bally’s and wander the shoreline—look for dune grass and wooden walkways for a slightly wild, coastal feel, and bring a towel if you want to sit and watch the waves.
1h 30m · Free
Atlantic City Beach & Boardwalk (Lower Chelsea stretch)
After eating, walk 5–10 minutes east to the sand and Boardwalk near Lower Chelsea. Stroll north along the beach or Boardwalk, sit on the sand, or just walk by the dunes. This first stretch is quieter and feels a bit wilder, especially in the morning.
1h 30m · Free
Atlantic City Beach & Playtime (South End)
Spend free time on the sand near the quieter south end of the Boardwalk, building sandcastles and playing in the waves.
2h 30m · Free
Atlantic City Beach Relax Time
Pick a spot on the sand near the central Boardwalk, spread a towel, and relax to the sound of waves. Swim if the conditions and lifeguards allow, or just sit together and enjoy the sea breeze.
2h · Free (chair/umbrella rentals extra)
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Stroll the 6-mile iconic path; best angles from Steel Pier toward ocean for retro neon + waves; photography highlight with less-crowded north end.
1h 30m · FreeAtlantic City Boardwalk – Central Section
Walk from around Tennessee Avenue to Central Pier, taking in the ocean views, small shops, and classic boardwalk atmosphere; pause at beach access points for quick toes-in-the-sand moments.
2h · Free (shopping/snacks extra)
Atlantic City Boardwalk (Central Section)
Stroll the central stretch of the Boardwalk between Caesars, Bally’s, and Resorts, with sea views on one side and lively storefronts on the other. Focus on relaxed walking, people‑watching, and ducking down onto the sand whenever you feel like it.
1h 30m · Free
Atlantic City Boardwalk Morning Stroll
Walk the stretch around Caesars, Bally’s, and Resorts; enjoy sea breeze, small shops, arcades, and photo spots with dunes and ocean.
1h 30m · FreeAtlantic City Boardwalk Morning Walk
Start near Central Pier and wander the wooden planks east or west, watching the ocean, dunes, and early-morning joggers; stop for photos by the beach entrances and the classic Boardwalk signs.
1h 30m · FreeAtlantic City Boardwalk Stroll & Beach Time
Start at around Caesars or Bally’s and walk the wooden boardwalk toward Steel Pier, stopping at the beach to play in the sand, paddle in the water, and take photos of the dunes and ocean. Look for stretches with beach grass and wooden stairways for a slightly wild, coastal feel.
2h 30m · FreeAtlantic City Boardwalk Sunrise Walk
Start at Boardwalk Hall and walk east or west as the sun rises over the Atlantic; enjoy sea air, early-morning runners, and nearly empty sand.
1h · FreeAtlantic City Murals & Arts Walk
Wander the streets around Tennessee Avenue and the Arts Garage area to see colorful murals and street art; bring a camera for couple photos against bold, urban backdrops.
1h 30m · Free
Atlantic City Murals & Street Art Walk
Use your free explore time to notice large murals and colorful street art scattered on building sides near the outlets and along Arctic Avenue.
1h · Free
Atlantic City Outlets – The Walk
Stroll this open-air outlet mall for discounted brands, people-watching, and street-style photography; focus on a few key stores to keep things simple.
2h · Free to browseRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Hayday Coffee
Specialty coffee shop with pastries and light bites. Choose plain pastries, avocado toast, or other vegetarian options; confirm no lard or gelatin in baked goods and avoid any alcohol-based flavorings.
45m · $8-15 per person
Kelsey's
All-day breakfast spot with pancakes, omelets, and waffles—no shellfish on menu; order NJ diner-style eggs benedict (minus hollandaise if concerned).
45m · $15-25 per person
A Dam Good Sports Bar (Veg/Seafood-Only Ordering Strategy)
Casual bar-restaurant inside Tropicana where you can end your trip with a laid-back meal. To stay halal, order only vegetarian or seafood items, such as mozzarella sticks, nachos without meat, salads, and any fish/seafood dishes that do not use wine or beer in the sauce; confirm ingredients with staff and avoid all meat items.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Applebee’s Grill + Bar (Vegetarian Selections)
Chain restaurant where you can order vegetarian pasta, salads, and sides; ask for no meat, no alcohol-based sauces, and confirm ingredients with your server.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Atlantic City Halal Grill
Simple Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spot that advertises fully halal meats, including chicken and lamb platters, shawarma, and kebabs. Order mixed grill platters with rice, hummus, and salad for the family to share.
1h 15m · $18-28 per person
Back Bay Ale House (Seafood & Veg Options)
Casual bayside spot with outdoor seating and marina views; stick to grilled or blackened fish, shrimp dishes, and salads, confirming no alcohol-based sauces or pork cross-contact in your choices.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Bill’s Gyro & Souvlaki (fish/veg only)
Stick to vegetarian platters, salads, grilled fish if available, and fries; avoid gyros and meats as they are not halal-certified.
45m · $12-20 per person
Birchwood Grill by the Golden Nugget
Steakhouse with chops, seafood-free pastas, salads; get filet mignon or chicken piccata.
1h 15m · $35-50 per person
Boardwalk Halal Cart (near Resorts/Hard Rock area)
Choose halal chicken or lamb over rice, falafel, or mixed platters; look for clearly marked halal signage and confirm with the vendor.
30m · $10-18 per person
Boardwalk Hall Concessions / Nearby Casual Spot
Pick a simple boardwalk-side eatery near Boardwalk Hall that offers clearly seafood or vegetarian mains—think grilled fish platters, veggie pizza slices (check for pork-free toppings) or falafel wraps, and confirm no alcohol in sauces.
45m · $15-25 per person
Borgata Bread + Coffee (Borgata Baking Company)
Cozy bakery-café inside Borgata with pastries, breads, and hot drinks; focus on simple breads, croissants, and non-alcoholic beverages, verifying there’s no pork gelatin or alcohol-based flavoring if you’re concerned.
45m · $8-15 per person
Café 2825 (for vegetarian Italian dishes)
Cozy Italian restaurant known for its homemade pastas and tableside mozzarella. Request strictly vegetarian dishes such as fresh mozzarella with tomato, simple pasta with tomato/basil, or vegetable sides; confirm no meat stock, lard, wine sauces, or animal rennet in cheese.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Casa Taco & Tequila Bar (Veg & Seafood Choices)
Order grilled fish tacos, shrimp dishes, and vegetarian tacos or bowls, making sure to specify no pork and asking to omit any alcohol-based sauces or marinades.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
China Sea of Absecon (Halal Menu Section)
Chinese restaurant with a specific halal menu section featuring halal chicken and beef dishes—ask for the halal menu on arrival and choose options like halal General Tso’s chicken, beef with broccoli, and mixed vegetables.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Cuba Libre Restaurant
Latin grill with empanadas, ropa vieja, plantains—no shellfish; order grilled skirt steak for safe tropical flavors.
1h · $25-45 per person
Cuzzin's Pizza
Casual local pizza spot just off the Boardwalk. Order a plain cheese or vegetable slice and confirm they use vegetable (not animal) rennet in their cheese; avoid any meat toppings since they are not halal.
45m · $10-18 per person
Doc's Cafe
Classic diner with pancakes, french toast, eggs—no shellfish; order stuffed French toast for local twist.
45m · $12-22 per person
Fresh Harvest Buffet (Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City)
Large buffet with many seafood and vegetarian options—stick to clearly labeled seafood (like shrimp dishes, fish fillets) and vegetarian items (salads, cooked vegetables, pasta without meat). Avoid any meat dishes since the restaurant is not halal and ask staff which items are alcohol-free and cooked separately from pork.
1h 15m · $30-45 per person
Gilchrist Restaurant – Atlantic City
Classic waterfront diner-style spot at Gardner’s Basin. Go for pancakes, omelets, or fish-focused breakfasts and explicitly ask for no pork/ham/bacon, no alcohol in preparation, and use of clean surfaces; choose vegetarian or seafood items to stay halal-friendly.
1h · $15-20 per person
Gilchrist Restaurant – Gardner’s Basin
Waterfront diner-style spot famous for pancakes; order pancakes, eggs, home fries, and other breakfast classics while avoiding any pork meats and checking that no alcohol is used in sauces.
1h · $12-18 per personMore on Atlantic City
BUILD YOUR ATLANTIC CITY PLAN
Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.
Start Planning