Things to Do in Atlantic City Besides Gambling
Yes, Atlantic City is home to plenty of casinos, nightlife, and restaurants…but what if you don’t want to do any of those things? What if you actually want to explore Atlantic and see what else there is to do? Well, NJIB is here to help with a few ideas.
The Beach/Boardwalk:
Ah warm weather. I could spend a long time walking on the boardwalk, getting salt water taffy, and sitting on the beach to read a good book. It sounds like a no brainer, but a lot of people don’t take advantage of the beach and the boardwalk, and it’s been a NJ landmark since 1870. There’s plenty to do including surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing. Even when it’s cold, there is still shopping and food to eat on the boardwalk, so I would categorize is as a place you can visit year round.
Gardner’s Basin:
I had never been to Gardner’s Basin until recently, and I loved it. From their website “Historic Gardner’s Basin is conveniently located on the Waterfront at New Hampshire Ave. and the Bay in Atlantic City, NJ and features waterfront dining, breath taking views, fishing, boating, sightseeing and dolphin watching cruises, shops and crafters village. Gardner’s Basin sits on the hub of Absecon inlet, commanding magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, Absecon Inlet Absecon Bay and Atlantic City’s three waterfront casinos.”
When I was there I ate at Gilchrist Restaurant on the water which was amazing. Everyone there knew each other, and the food was very affordable. Based on the recommendation of the restaurant, I got blueberry pancakes.
The aquarium is also in Gardner’s Basin. Right near it is this awesome Poseidon statue:
Fun for Families/Kids:
Altlantic City Aquarium
800 No. New Hampshire Ave, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 348-2880
I had lots of fun at the aquarium, where you can see fish and turtles, pet sting rays and more!
Steel Pier
1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
Rides and attractions for the whole family!
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 347-2001
Yes, it’s a bit of a tourist trap…but it’s fun to walk around. Plus I see deals and coupons for it all the time.
Atlantic City Miniature Golf
1 Kennedy Plaza, Boardwalk at Mississippi Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 347-1661
IMAX Theatre at Tropicana
2831 Pacific Ave. At The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ
Perfect for rainy days!
Central Pier Arcade & Speedway
1400 Boardwalk, Tennessee & the Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 345-5219
Playcade Amusements
2629 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 345-8260
Absecon Lighthouse:
31 S Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 449-1360
The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, third tallest in the country. To climb the lighthouse it’s $7, but the museum is free to visit.
A photo posted by New Jersey Isn’t Boring (@newjerseyisntboring) on
The view from the top is amazing. If you have a chance to go, I recommend it.
Plus, if you make it to the top, they give you a card to prove it! (I was the first one that day)
Museums:
African American Heritage Museum of Southern NJ:
2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 350-6662
Atlantic City Historical Museum
Garden Pier, Boardwalk at New Jersey Ave. Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 347-5839
New Jersey Korean War Memorial
Brighton Park (Park Place & the Boardwalk) Atlantic City, NJ
Tours:
Atlantic City Trolley Company does 3 tours to give you history about AC. The Shorelines & Shipwrecks Tour, Splash of Atlantic City Tour, and the Roaring 20s Tour
A1 Tours features A LOT of different tours around Atlantic City including a 21-Point Atlantic City Tour, Atlantic City Ultimate Wine & Dine Tour, Atlantic City Heritage Tour and much more!
Arts and Culture:
Noyes Art Garage
2200 Fairmount Ave, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 626-3805
Atlantic City Art Center
Garden Pier on Boardwalk at New Jersey Ave. Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City Ballet
2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 348-7201
Dante Hall Theater of the Arts
14 N. Mississippi Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 347-2162
