Over 15 Things to Do in Atlantic City Besides Gambling

March 4, 2019 newjerseyisntboring

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 City and see what else there is to do? Well, NJIB is here to help with a few ideas.

In addition to this list, keep in mind the casinos and hotels have lots of fun shows as well as traveling shows. I personally am going to see a comedy show later this month! Atlantic City also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, perfect to plan a weekend trip!

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:

If you haven’t been to Gardner’s Basin, it’s definitely a location to add to your list. 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

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

Central Pier Arcade & Speedway
1400 Boardwalk, Tennessee & the Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 345-5219

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.

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

Arts and Culture:

Noyes Art Garage
2200 Fairmount Ave, Atlantic City, NJ; (609) 626-3805

Definitely one of my favorite places to visit in AC! The Arts Garage houses artist studios, galleries, shops, a café, a flexible workshop/classroom, and hosts special events throughout the year.

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

AC also has amazing food and I definitely recommend checking out places that are outside the casinos. My personal favorite is Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria on Arctic Avenue. Best tacos ever!