Tips on What To Do in Atlantic City

Most of the activity in Atlantic City is centered on the four-mile Boardwalk, which connects major attractions and casinos. People generally visit Atlantic City spend the day relaxing at the beaches. Beyond that though, the number of attractions here are relatively limited.

• This isn't Vegas. There's not a lot to do beyond the casino hotels, shopping and the beach, and though the neighborhood in the immediate vicinity of the Boardwalk is looking better nowadays, we still don't recommend walking around that area after dark." -- Frommer's

Casinos/Nightlife

Casinos along the strip include Trump Plaza, Trump Taj Mahal and Bally's, among many others. The casinos are also the center of Atlantic City's nightlife, featuring showrooms like Bally's Palace Theater for performances. If showrooms are not your thing, the Boardwalk is also lined with a handful of bars and clubs.

Recent visitors recommend visiting the IMAX Theatre at the Tropicana for a different way to spend the night.

• Take a chance with lady luck at one of Atlantic City's 11 casinos -- from the urban sophistication of the Borgata to the overblown glitz and glamour that has survived from the '80s at Harrah's." -- Sherman's Travel
• Nothing can compete, in my opinion, with the massive poker room at the Trump Taj Mahal. With well over 80 tables, they have the most diverse selection of games & limits anywhere in Atlantic City." -- About.com
• Atlantic City sells itself as the fun nighttime city, but the nightlife centers on the casinos and boardwalk amusements. Once you get bored with slot machines there is little else to do." -- Rough Guides

Beaches

If you grow weary of the slots or need a way to entertain the kids, visitors can turn to the city's shoreline. However, while you'll find a nice sea breeze and an escape from the casinos, recent travelers say the Atlantic City beach is not exactly the cleanest or safest and can sometimes be populated by a less than savory crowd. Travelers do appreciate the beach's convenient location; backed by a busy, store- and hotel-filled Boardwalk that's an attraction in itself.

• In addition to gambling, Atlantic City is best known for its beach. Hours can be spent just lounging back on the warm sand while you listen to the sounds of the waves and the call of the gulls. Or, take a walk along the boardwalk and see the sights." -- AOL Travel

Boardwalk

In addition to the sand and surf, several piers extend from the Boardwalk including Steel Pier -- which features old-fashioned amusement rides and carnival games -- and Garden Pier, home to the Atlantic City Art Center and the Atlantic City Historical Museum. Writers and recent visitors also recommend the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, one of the Boardwalk's mainstays.

• Stroll down four miles of wooden planks to enjoy the crowds and the beach on the first boardwalk in the world; also a gateway into most of Atlantic City's casinos, restaurants, and shops." -- Sherman's Travel
• Whether you are a historian or tourist, the Atlantic City Historical Museum is the perfect spot to get started. Find out about Atlantic City's early beginnings. " -- Travel Channel
• The free Atlantic City Historical Museum, New Jersey Avenue and the Boardwalk (tel. 609/344-1943; www.acmuseum.net), offers some interesting insights into the city's history through various exhibits and artifacts (including a larger-than life Mr. Peanut!). Do check out the interesting video that plays continuously in the museum." -- Frommer's

Sightseeing

Leisure and professional travelers alike recommend the Absecon Lighthouse which sits by the Boardwalk at the most northern end of the city. You can climb to the top of the 19th-century era lighthouse for views of the surrounding water.

A few miles south of AC in Margate City, you'll find a 65-foot tall and 90-ton elephant-shaped building, named Lucy the Elephant. Visitors can take half-hour tours of its interior and get great views of the surrounding city from the top.

• Built in 1881 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, [Lucy the Elephant] is one of those curious pieces of Americana that you just don't see too much of anymore, so go ahead and take the 30-minute tour of its interior." -- Frommer's
• You can take in an Atlantic City Surf minor league baseball game from a suite or the large picnic area in the team's $15 million stadium (545 N. Albany Ave.; 609-344-8873; www.acsurf.com)." -- Condé Nast Traveler

Daytrips

If you want a little less glitz and a little more serenity, head to the nearby seaside town of Cape May (just 50 miles away). There you'll find Victorian bed and breakfasts, a peaceful New Jersey shore and some interesting activities for the kiddos at places like the Cape May County Park and Zoo and the Cape May Point State Park. You might also want to drive the 30 minutes to the historic Renault Winery, located in Egg Harbor City. There, you can taste test everything from Riesling to Cabernet Sauvignon, tour the vineyard and winery and enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant.

• You can also head 16 miles inland to sample the bubbly at Renault, in Egg Harbor City. The country's oldest continuously operating winery, it's known for its blueberry champagne (72 N. Bremen Ave.; 609-965-2111)." -- Condé Nast Traveler