Atlantic City New Jersey

Atlantic City
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Atlantic City Zone - Atlantic City NJ

Think you know all about Atlantic City? This oceanfront town in coastal New Jersey is almost always summed up by most folks in a single work: casinos.

Or perhaps three words: Miss America Pageant (the Pageant is held in Atlantic City every year).

While it's true that Atlantic is certainly known for its gambling and glamour, thanks to over-the-top resorts like Donald Trump's Taj Mahal hotel and Caesar's Atlantic City casino, Atlantic City is becoming popular as a resort town with attractions for many different people.

The variety and combination of activities and attractions are what make Atlantic City the perfect long-weekend getaway for families, friends, and colleagues.

The famous Atlantic City Boardwalk was the world's first boardwalk, debuting in 1870. The boardwalk's original purpose was to keep sand out of the shoes of aristocratic visitors as well as off the floors of hotels, restaurants, and passenger cars.

Over the years, newer and wider boardwalks were constructed. The fifth and final boardwalk was finished in 1896, is 40 feet wide and four miles long, and is composed of wooden slats.

Businesses have multiplied and prospered along the Boardwalk, including music stores, theaters, eateries, and even a Persian rug shop.

In 1898, the famed Steel Pier opened as a world-class amusement center.

Steel Pier quickly became a haven for top-notch musicians and comedians, hosting the likes of Glenn Miller, Nat King Cole, Abbot and Costello, and the Three Stooges.

The famous Steel Pier also allowed crowds of people to witness sideshow-style acts such as boxing midgets, boxing cats, high-diving horses, and performing chimpanzees.

Steel Pier remains an amusement center to this day during the summer months, although it's much smaller than in past years.

Today's Atlantic City Boardwalk is still a great place to go for a stroll, rent bicycles, enjoy people watching, and savor the oceanfront views and air without getting covered with sand.

Atlantic City's Absecon Lighthouse and More Attractions

Atlantic City government has also spent a fair amount recently refurbishing the 1857-built Absecon Lighthouse, which now offers views of the entire city skyline.

Another addition not far from the Boardwalk and the strip is the Ocean Life Education Center in Gardner's Basin, which features marine life exhibits.

And, of course, there are those famous casinos and major resort hotels, with plans for developing more in the near future.

So sure, you can visit Atlantic City for the Miss America Pageant, or to spend a long weekend enjoying the casino action. But if that's all you were thinking Atlantic City has to offer, think again!

Somehow it always seems the most popular destination spots are great for one specific type of vacation, but have trouble offering a broad range of activities and attractions that appeal to everyone. Fortunately, Atlantic City, New Jersey, is known as "America's Playground" for a reason, and has a lot to offer for all types of travelers! For starters, Atlantic City offers everything from gourmet cuisine to 'home-cooking' country food, in settings ranging from restaurants to diners. In addition to the staple American fare of steaks, seafood and hamburgers, cuisines from around the world can be found throughout the area, so no one in your group will go hungry!

For entertainment, there are numerous theatres scattered throughout the Atlantic City area that offer productions ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary works. Concerts and special performances by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and famous entertainers are held throughout the year at a variety of Atlantic City casino showrooms. Also, Atlantic City's nightclubs are open until the small hours of the morning, and there is round-the-clock gambling available at the casinos. Some of the nearby oceanfront towns have clubs and entertainment centers with a lively atmosphere along the boardwalks into the evenings.

For daytime fun, shopping in and around Atlantic City appeals to all tastes and budgets. Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth is the State's largest outlet shopping mall, while upscale shopping malls feature the famous department stores of Macy's, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue. Bargains on brand-name merchandise can be found at the Secaucus Outlet Center in Secaucus. Liberty Village and Turntable Junction outlet centers in Flemington offer equally attractive deals. Antique stores fill nearby small New Jersey towns, and outdoor flea markets offer an eclectic array of jewelry, clothing, house wares, furniture and more. As a bonus, there is no sales tax on clothing in New Jersey!

Finally, there are literally dozens of festivals and events celebrated here throughout the year, including the annual Miss America Pageant. You can also attend the Annual Black Heritage Celebration, Atlantic City's famous Annual St Patrick's Day Parade, the Annual Monmouth Festival of the Arts, and the Atlantic City Fall Festival.

So if some travelers in your group were hoping to find vacation fun in a place other than a casino, rest assured: Atlantic City has something for everyone!

The changing landscape of Atlantic City

It is an exciting time here in Atlantic City, on the beautiful Jersey Shore. The city is currently undergoing a major renaissance and multi-billion dollar remodeling job. With 37 million visitors last year, there is no doubt that Atlantic City is living up to its motto: "America's Favorite Playground."

If you are thinking of visiting us, there couldn't be a better time. The latest casino, the duly impressive Borgata, is a wonderful addition to the selection of great entertainment centers in the city. If gambling is your game (pun intended), Atlantic City just might become your favorite place on earth. Card games, betting, slots - you name it, it is here. If you prefer catching some of the most popular musicians performing today, you can do so nightly. In fact, it will be impossible to see more than a small percentage of the great shows happening here, so choose well!

Of course, don't forget the miles of great swimming and sunbathing beaches. This section of the Atlantic shore is perfect for swimming: the beaches are wide and inviting. All beaches in Atlantic City are free and open to the public. On top of that, they are all quite easily accessible. The famous boardwalk runs parallel to the beach for miles. Besides providing convenient beach access, the boardwalk is lined with fantastic shops, restaurants, and casinos. The best shopping, dining, and fun, all available in a compact area of the city - and beachside, at that!

If the beach reminds you of a monster sand trap, you might prefer one of the 23 superb golf courses in the area. From pro to first-time putter, there is room for everyone. Or, charter a boat for a chance to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife: whales, dolphins, and porpoises all frequent the area. Of course, there is a tremendous variety of bird life, both sea birds and inland species. The mouth of the Delaware River, just south of Atlantic City, makes for a rich array of wildlife in the region. Wildlife cruises and sightseeing trips are very popular.

The beauty of Atlantic City lies in the fact that it has something to suit any interest. You may have an image of a city consisting only of casinos. Admittedly, there are some great ones - but within a few minutes of arriving here you'll realize that there is a lot more to see and do than play cards! But don't take it from me. Discover Atlantic City for yourself.