"The World's Famous Playground" — Atlantic City, also known as the Las Vegas of the East and Monopoly City, is the East Coast's gaming and resort capital, drawing more than 27 million visitors a year.
Atlantic County·South Shore·Official site ↗
What people who actually go to Atlantic City know. Tips are moderated.
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NJT Atlantic City Line; Route 319 express from NYC; jitney service along Pacific Ave
Best transit access of any shore town south of Monmouth — train, bus, jitney
Atlantic City
NJ Transit 319 — Atlantic City Express
"The World's Famous Playground" — Atlantic City, also known as the Las Vegas of the East and Monopoly City, is the East Coast's gaming and resort capital, drawing more than 27 million visitors a year. A skyline of casino towers sets it apart from every other Shore town. Nine casinos currently operate; Hard Rock and Ocean both opened within the past decade.
Originally home to the Lenni Lenape, the city was incorporated in 1854. The Camden-Atlantic Railroad quickly tied it to Philadelphia, and Dr. Jonathan Pitney, the Father of Atlantic City, helped build it into a health resort by the sea.
The boardwalk itself was invented here. Built in 1870 to keep sand out of hotel lobbies, it remains the city's crown jewel — four miles long, lined with saltwater taffy stands, the Steel Pier amusement park, and a 227-foot observation wheel.
During Prohibition, AC ran as a bootlegging haven under political boss Enoch "Nucky" Johnson. That era is the basis for HBO's Boardwalk Empire.
Absecon Lighthouse, the Shore's tallest, stands just inland — 228 steps to panoramic coastal views.
Atlantic City is built for the active seeker, visitors who want more than a beach chair. The crowd skews mature and affluent, drawn by gaming and nightlife, and the city is also a major hub for trade-show business travelers.
Free — no beach badge required
dogs
No dogs allowed on beach
tents
Tents and canopies allowed — no restrictions
fires
No fires, fireworks, or camping on beach
surfing
Crystal Beach — year-round surfing, no specific restrictions. Free beach access
smoking
Smoking banned on all NJ public beaches (state law since 2019). Fines $250–$1,000
glass
Glass containers prohibited on beach
alcohol
Alcohol prohibited on beach (local ordinance)
Boardwalk Beaches
Steel Pier Area
Casino garages
Casino hotel parking garages. Some free with play
Street parking
Metered street parking throughout city
68°
Mostly Sunny
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued May 18 at 2:52AM EDT until May 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
✈Rip current risk HIGH along entire NJ coast
Avoid swimming beyond waist-depth. Swim near lifeguards only.
Today
77°
Mostly Sunny
Tonight
63°
Partly Cloudy
Tuesday
79°
Mostly Sunny
Tuesday Night
64°
Partly Cloudy
Wednesday
82°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Wednesday Night
57°
Showers And Thunderstorms