Atlantic City Guide

For those who can’t make it to Vegas for all the casinos and bright lights, Atlantic City is the perfect destination. Aside from all the slot machines and poker tables, there are plenty of restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and attractions to make A.C. a great place to spend a weekend or a week! Best part: It’s only a short drive from Philly.

Atlantic City is worth more than a day trip. Hotels are located all over the touristy parts of the city and all have different identities to them. If you want a hotel that has soo many amenities such as a spa, gym, and pool, the Borgata (1 Borgata Way) is a good choice. Bally's Resort (1900 Boardwalk Ave.) is located right on the boardwalk along the beach, which is perfect if you want to hit the sand as soon as you awake. If you want to stay away from the casinos and just relax with your sweetheart, the Chelsea (111 S Chelsea Ave.) can accompany that with romantic package offerings.

"Ding ding ding ding!" – That's the sounds you'll hopefully be hearing if gambling is the reason you're in Atlantic City. Put on your poker face and enjoy these locations: Caesars (2100 Pacific ave.), Golden Nugget (Huron and Brigantine Blvd.), Resorts (1133 Boardwalk Ave.), Harrah's (777 Harrah's Blvd.), Tropicana (2831 Blvd.), Trump Taj Mahal (1000 Virginia Ave.), Bally's Resort (1900 Boardwalk Ave.), and the Borgata (1 Borgata Way).

Itching to dance the night away, say no more. Atlantic City hosts the hottest EDM artists making the nightclub scene a prime destination for clubbers. If you like your parties wet and wild, the Pool After Dark at Harrah's (777 Harrah's Blvd.) is your destination. Haven is a excellent choice for nights out. The club, placed in the Golden Nugget (Huron and Brigantine Blvd.) is a hot spot for young adults and holds themed nights such as industry night entitled: Misbehaven Thursday's.

If you're not into electronic music, travel back to the sounds of the 1970s and 1980s at Boogie Nights in the Tropicana Casino (2831 Boardwalk Ave.). Don't stay trapped inside; the Landshark Bar and Grill (113 Boardwalk Ave.), is a great choice that offers live music, tasty margaritas, seasonal foods like fish tacos, and a stellar view of the ocean.

For local music, the Boneyard (20 S Virginia Ave.) can assure you of a good time. The casinos located throughout the town and it's surrounding areas also host live performances by top names in the entertainment industry. Comedians like Kevin Hart have cracked jokes on stage at Caesars. Country Superstar Blake Shelton performed a free show on the beach. And music superstars such as Peter Frampton have made his presence known at Harrah's.

Would you rather take in the sights? Walk along the historic boardwalk of Atlantic City. This attraction was built in the late 1800s and brought many visitors to the Jersey Shore. It's also often the setting for HBO's Boardwalk Empire.

Boardwalk highlights: Aside from the casinos (noted above), the historic walkway offers a pleasant walk and family-friendly attractions such as Ripley's Believe it or Not (1441 Boardwalk Ave.), arcades, and Steel Pier Amusement Park (1000 Boardwalk Ave.).

The beaches of Atlantic City lines the city's Boardwalk. The beach is a perfect place to get your tan on, relax, have a romantic picnic, or catch some waves with your surfboard. Some things to take into consideration: surfing is permitted at Raleigh Avenue beach, kayaks and windsurfing is permitted on Jackson Avenue beach. Feeling lucky outside the casino? Fishing is allowed at Maine Avenue or the inlet off the Boardwalk.

Fishing for some fun? The Atlantic City Aquarium (800 N New Hampshire Ave.) is a family-friendly zone. Get up close and personal to sharks, stingrays, penguins, and more. Hours are Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

There's plenty of ways to feast in A.C. The shore town is packed with multiple culinary options ranging from food buffets to restaurants by Bobby Flay (Bobby Flay Steak), Gordon Ramsay (Gordon Ramsay's Pub & Grill), and Guy Fieri (Guy's Fieri's Chophouse). For those who want endless choices, Harrah's Waterfront Café offers food choices from around the world on their buffet menu. For Asian excellence, Izakaya in the Borgata won't let down. Try the edamame dumplings. Stephen Starr also makes his presence with fine dining here. The Continental AC (Playground Pier, 1 Atlantic Ocean) is a great choice when it comes to global tapas and cocktails.

Take a walk away from the resorts and explore AC's other food options. Wake up with a breakfast burrito from Formica Bros. Bakery (2310 Artic Ave.). Pizza excellence and cheesesteak offerings can be found at Tony Baloney's (300 Oriental Ave.). Satisfy your coldcut cravings at White House Sub (2301 Artic Ave.). For a hot date night that's reasonably priced, the Iron Room (648 N Albany Ave.) offers small plates boosting with flavor and wine selections from all over the world.

For those who love deals: The Tanger Outlets (2014 Baltic Avenue) is a great place to take a break from the party (or casinos) and stock up on more items for your wardrobe. Shops range in all different styles and tastes so there is something for everyone. Some stores located on the avenue include: Nike, H&M, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Kenneth Cole.

Shopping doesn’t only happen at the outlets in AC. The Pier Shops at Caesar’s (One Atlantic Ocean) offers a mall full luxury name designers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani Exchange, and more. Shopping can make you hungry. Fulfill your cravings at Buddakan and Phillip’s Seafood. or even a quick snack from GoYoGo Frozen Yogurt.

If there’s one spot you must visit before you leave the A.C. area it is Lucy the Elephant. Located at 9200 Atlantic Ave. in Margate, N.J. This historical landmark takes you inside a six story high historical piece of architecture and gives you an incredible view of the Jersey shoreline. Throughout the shore season, festivals and live concerts take place here.