Atlantic City, NJ Things to Do and Attractions
Built in January of 1857, Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and 3rd tallest in the United States. Just minutes away from the northwestern end of the boardwalk, the lighthouse is open for visitors to ascend its 228 steps and
Built in January of 1857, Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and 3rd tallest in the United States. Just minutes away from the northwestern end of the boardwalk, the lighthouse is open for visitors to ascend its 228 steps and look out at breathtaking views of the city skyline and entertainment strip. Next door, the replicated 1925 Keeper's House serves as a museum where guests can see exhibits featuring photos from the 1800s and lighthouse memorabilia.
The lighthouse and grounds are available for private events. Absecon Lighthouse is open Thursday through Monday, September to June, from 11 AM to 4 PM and daily, July to August, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $4 for children ages 4-12, $7 for adults and $5 for seniors ages 60 and older. Admission for children under 3 and active military is free. Group rates are available.
The $4 million, three-story Aquarium and Ocean Life Center houses over 100 varieties of fish and marine life from all over the globe, including a 25,000-gallon exhibit featuring local aquatic life. Guests have the opportunity to visit 14 different
The $4 million, three-story Aquarium and Ocean Life Center houses over 100 varieties of fish and marine life from all over the globe, including a 25,000-gallon exhibit featuring local aquatic life. Guests have the opportunity to visit 14 different exhibits including the Clownfish & Anemones Exhibit, showcasing six different species of clownfish, and Live Coral, a 1,000-gallon exhibit containing various different types of coral from the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. Also popular is the Shark & Ray Touch Tank Exhibit, where visitors can run their hands along White spotted bamboo sharks, Cownose rays and Southern stingrays.
Located at Gardner's Basin, the aquarium is nearby several other attractions, including a local Crafter's Village, displaying local hand-crafted gifts, collectables and art. At the nearby marina guests can find Atlantic City Cruises and sightseeing tours.
The aquarium offers customized group tours and group accommodations in the Harborview Room for up to 100 guests. The Aquarium Center is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $4 for children ages 7-12, $7 for adults and $5 for seniors ages 62 and older. Admission for children under 3 is free.
Along New Jersey Avenue and the Boardwalk, the historic Garden Pier became famous in the early 20th century for its open-air theater and flower gardens. Today it is the home of both the Art Center and Atlantic City Historical Museum. The Art Center
Along New Jersey Avenue and the Boardwalk, the historic Garden Pier became famous in the early 20th century for its open-air theater and flower gardens. Today it is the home of both the Art Center and Atlantic City Historical Museum. The Art Center has three galleries featuring paintings, sculpture and photography from both national and regional artists. Concerts, talks, art demonstrations and literary readings are also offered at the Art Center.
The historical museum details Atlantic City's rich history and events. Along with rotating exhibits, the museum offers a permanent exhibit Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation, whose collection includes costumes, photographs, songsheets, postcards and Miss America memorabilia. A miniature Boardwalk also showcases original sand art. The center and museum are open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free.
Atlantic City's original convention center, Boardwalk Hall opened in 1929 as the largest freestanding building in the world, having no support by columns for its arched roof. After its first convention for the National Electric Light Association
Atlantic City's original convention center, Boardwalk Hall opened in 1929 as the largest freestanding building in the world, having no support by columns for its arched roof. After its first convention for the National Electric Light Association Convention, Boardwalk Hall had a colorful history including serving as the permanent home of the Miss America Pageant in 1940 and host to the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Today it is Atlantic City's premier entertainment venue, hosting everything from local sporting events to popular music acts such as Christina Aguilera.
Having recently completing a $90 million renovation and restoration project, Boardwalk Hall is a unique historic location with modern amenities that can cater to any event, large or small. The Boardwalk Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Ticket prices and schedules vary based on event.
Located on the Boardwalk and New York Avenue, the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum is one of the most interesting places on the boardwalk, as well as the oldest such "odditorium" in the world. Exhibits range from the creative a life-sized statue of
Located on the Boardwalk and New York Avenue, the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum is one of the most interesting places on the boardwalk, as well as the oldest such "odditorium" in the world. Exhibits range from the creative a life-sized statue of Michael Jordan made of paper, plastic, wire and glass to the just plain odd the remains of a purported Fiji Island mermaid. With over 400 exhibits showcasing oddities and unique treasures, Ripley's fits in nicely with the fun and lighthearted boardwalk vibe.
Ripley's Believe It or Not is open daily, May to August, from 10 AM to 10 PM and Monday through Friday, September to April, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 8 PM. Admission is $9.99 for children ages 5-12, $14.99 for adults and $11.99 for seniors. Group rates are available.
Originally opened in 1898, Steel Pier was Atlantic City's hotspot during the 1920s and 1950s, attracting big name entertainers such as Charlie Chaplin, the Three Stooges, Frank Sinatra and Mae West. Thousands of visitors flocked to the pier daily,
Originally opened in 1898, Steel Pier was Atlantic City's hotspot during the 1920s and 1950s, attracting big name entertainers such as Charlie Chaplin, the Three Stooges, Frank Sinatra and Mae West. Thousands of visitors flocked to the pier daily, going to see films, concerts, attractions and spectacles such as the High Diving horse and the water-skiing Rex the Wonder Dog. After neglect and damage from a 1982 fire, the pier was renovated and is now home to 24 rides and games including the Tilt a Whirl, Ferris Wheel and Grand Prix Go Carts.
The Steel Pier's in season hours are Monday through Friday from 3 PM to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 1 AM. Single ride tickets are $0.75 each with discounted rates for bulk ticket books.
For a great golf course set in a beautiful seaside location, look no further than the Links at Brigantine Beach. Located just over the bridge north of Atlantic City on the barrier island of Brigantine, it is one of the east coast's best Scottish
For a great golf course set in a beautiful seaside location, look no further than the Links at Brigantine Beach. Located just over the bridge north of Atlantic City on the barrier island of Brigantine, it is one of the east coast's best Scottish Links Golf Courses. Designed in 1927 as part of the island's master plan, the course was reported to have been a practicing ground for 1920s pros before they headed to the British Open. Boasting breathtaking bayside views, marshes and rolling, treeless grounds, the 18-hole, par-72 course offers a great experience for golfers of any skill level.
The Grill at the Links is a great place to host unforgettable seaside events, with a ballroom/dining room that can accommodate up to 100 people. Course schedules and fees vary.
Located at Tropicana Casino and Resort, the Cuba Libre offers the atmosphere and ambiance of old Havana in the heart of Atlantic City. Helmed by award-winning chef Guillermo Pernot, the restaurant offers diners a chance to experience the sultry
Located at Tropicana Casino and Resort, the Cuba Libre offers the atmosphere and ambiance of old Havana in the heart of Atlantic City. Helmed by award-winning chef Guillermo Pernot, the restaurant offers diners a chance to experience the sultry flavors of authentic Cuban and Latin American cuisine, taste a variety of vintage rums and enjoy Latin floor shows and salsa dancing beginning at 11 PM. Signature dishes include Camarones con Cana, or pan-seared jumbo shrimp in a mango barbecue glaze, and Arroz con Pollo, a homestyle favorite of chicken, chorizo, saffron rice and vegetables.
The restaurant has 12,000 square feet of dining space with four bars, two outdoor patios and a large private dining space for hosting events. Its function spaces can be customized to be as colorful and entertaining as those old Havana nights.
Cuba Libra serves lunch Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and dinner Monday through Thursday from 4 to 11 PM. All-day menus are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 11 PM. The bar is open Monday through Thursday until 2 AM, Friday until 3:30 AM and Saturday until 4 AM. Lunch entrees range from $15 to $19.50 and dinner entrees range from $18.50 to $32. Reservations are recommended.
One of the oldest family owned restaurants in Atlantic City, Dock's Oyster House has been owned and operated by the Dougherty family since 1897. For true historic Atlantic City character and arguably the freshest seafood around, guests need look no
One of the oldest family owned restaurants in Atlantic City, Dock's Oyster House has been owned and operated by the Dougherty family since 1897. For true historic Atlantic City character and arguably the freshest seafood around, guests need look no further than this culinary institution on Atlantic Avenue. Dock's keeps a small two-page menu featuring delicious and fresh seafood dishes, eight of which have been on the menu since 1897, lobsters and steaks along with an award-winning wine list. The main attraction, however, is the extensive raw bar, offering eight to 10 varieties of oysters in addition to clams on the half-shell, lobster, tuna, shrimp and crabmeat.
The main dining room is available for private events of up to 100 people. Dock's Oyster Bar is open daily at 5 PM. Oysters cost around $2 each while other raw dishes range from $7.50 to $22. Main entrees range from $20 to $65. Reservations are recommended.
The original Homestead, a staple of the Manhattan Meatpacking District for over 135 years, opened a second location in the Borgata Resort Casino in Atlantic City. A must-stop location, the restaurant claims specialties in four major food groups:
The original Homestead, a staple of the Manhattan Meatpacking District for over 135 years, opened a second location in the Borgata Resort Casino in Atlantic City. A must-stop location, the restaurant claims specialties in four major food groups: beef, beef, beef and beef. The menu is consistent with that of the original in New York, and favorites include the Kobe beef burger and 34-ounce Gotham rib steak.
The Old Homestead Steakhouse offers several rooms for private dining of 10 to 75 guests. The dining room is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 11 PM, Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to midnight and Sunday from 4 to 11 PM. Entrees range from $32 to $90. Reservations are recommended.
