Time Zone: Eastern
Getting Around: More than 80 percent of Atlantic City’s visitors are day-trippers who arrive by car or charter bus and never leave the casinos. Visitors traveling by air can fly into Philadelphia International Airport, where they can rent a car or utilize New Jersey Transit bus service to Atlantic City. Atlantic City International Airport, which is in nearby Pomona, is a $28 cab ride from the city.
Once in town, nearly all of the casinos and attractions are within walking distance along the 4.5-mile Boardwalk. One of the grand traditions from Atlantic City history is a ride in the Rolling Chairs – wicker vehicles that cruise the Boardwalk and can be hired for a mere $5 per trip. Jitneys, or shuttle buses, are another basic means of transportation in Atlantic City. Taxis are also available; the best way to catch one is to line up at a taxi queue or make telephone arrangements. Finally, a car is an absolute necessity if you wish to leave the casino/Boardwalk area and venture off Absecon Island to visit some of the region’s other attractions.
Weather: The ocean acts as an insulator, keeping Atlantic City a bit warmer in the winter and a bit cooler in the summer. Still, expect lows in the 20s and 30s in the gray winter months, a mild and rainy spring, and a temperate autumn with distinct possibility of “Indian summer” weather. Summers are sunny, hot and can be humid, especially in August, though the sea breezes are refreshing.
AttractionsThe Boardwalk
(888) 847-4822,
(609) 348-7100It’s the most valuable property on the Monopoly board, which was modeled after Atlantic City, and it’s the hottest spot in town. Built in 1870, it’s the world’s first boardwalk. Victorian ladies and gentlemen once strolled its venerable planks – “walking the boards” – to take in the ocean breezes. Now, the 4.5-mile Boardwalk is lined with casinos, hotels, restaurants, shops and amusements, all overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
Atlantic City Convention Center
Mississippi Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 449-2000
The new, $268 million ultra-modern convention center dubs itself “America’s Northeast Business Address.” With 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and an additional 109,100 square feet of meeting space, the facility is larger than any other convention center from Boston to Atlanta.Atlantic City Historical Museum
Garden Pier
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 347-5839
FreeAdjacent to the Boardwalk, the museum features a permanent exhibit titled: “Atlantic City: Playground of the Nation,” which includes costumes, posters, souvenirs and Miss American memorabilia. Other exhibits showcase the city’s piers, nightlife and ethnic contributions.
Ocean Life Center
Gardner’s Basin
800 N. New Hampshire Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 348-2880
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. dailyThis marine science attraction explores the connection between the sea and the land, especially well-suited to its venue, as Atlantic City is located on a fragile barrier island. The center’s goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of the ocean world. An atrium contains 29,800 gallons of live exhibits, and the center also features interactive displays and indoor/outdoor observation decks. More info
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
New York Avenue and Boardwalk
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 347-2001
This odd museum exhibits oddities from Robert Ripley’s world travels. Visitors can also view films and experience an interactive funhouse.Absecon Lighthouse
Rhode Island Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 449-1360
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, or by appointmentOpened in 1857 and last used in 1933, historic Absecon Lighthouse once helped guide mariners into the island’s treacherous inlet. The double-walled masonry structure is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey. Though no longer used, it is a romantic symbol of days past.
Lucy the Elephant
9200 Atlantic Ave.
Margate, N.J. 08402
(609) 823-6473
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, April to mid-June and September to October
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily mid-June to Labor DayThere is nowhere else in the world you can step inside a 6-story, 90-ton metal elephant, which was built in 1881 for $38,000 as a real estate marketing stunt. When she was new, Lucy attracted throngs of visitors who wanted to tour her insides and step out on the “howdah” – her observation deck – to view the ocean. In the 1970s, Margate residents raised money to repair Lucy, who had fallen into disrepair and had been closed to visitors since the early 1960s. More info
Towne of Historic Smithville
Route 9 and Moss Mill Road
Smithville, N.J. 08201
Hours: Variable by season
(609) 652-7777Take a 10-mile ride from the glitz and glitter of the casinos and you can immerse yourself in an 18th-century village. The Smithville Inn was once a stagecoach stop; today, the painstakingly restored property serves as a fine restaurant. Other restored cottages and colonial homes are now used as gift shops and smaller eateries. More info
Wheaton Village
1501 Glasstown Road
Millville, N.J. 08332
(800) 998-4552
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April 1-January 2 (winter hours limited)Glassblowing is a time-honored South Jersey craft, and Wheaton Village is dedicated to the art. The museum showcases some of the finest glass art of the region, and includes educational displays about the glassblowing process. More info
Noyes Museum of Art
Lily Lake Road, off Route 9
Oceanville, N.J. 08231
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through SundayDedicated to art collection, the Noyes Museum features the work of regional artists as well as 19th- and 20th-century folk and fine art. More info
