Atlantic City is a city in the United States in the state of New Jersey and is located about 100 kilometers southeast of Philadelphia and 200 kilometers south of New York. The city is known for its casinos and has 38,497 inhabitants (2020).
Atlantic City, New Jersey, often dubbed the "Las Vegas of the East
Coast," is a vibrant seaside resort town known for its blend of glitz,
history, and natural beauty. Founded in the mid-19th century as a health
resort, it exploded in popularity with the construction of the famous
Boardwalk in 1870, which became the world's first oceanside promenade.
Today, it's a hub for entertainment, with casinos dominating the skyline
since gambling was legalized in 1976. Beyond the gaming floors, the city
offers stunning beaches, historic landmarks, amusement parks, and
cultural sites. While some areas have faced economic challenges, ongoing
revitalization efforts have brought new life to its attractions.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the city's
crown jewel, stretching over 4 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. It's not
just a walkway but a lively artery of activity, lined with shops,
eateries, casinos, and entertainment venues. Historically, it was built
to keep sand out of hotel lobbies and has evolved into a symbol of
American leisure, featured in films, games like Monopoly (Atlantic City
inspired the board), and events like the Miss America pageant, which
originated here in 1921. Visitors can stroll, bike, or take a rolling
chair (a pushed wicker cart) while enjoying ocean views, street
performers, and salt water taffy stands— the candy was invented here in
the 1880s. At night, the Boardwalk lights up with neon from adjacent
casinos, creating a festive atmosphere. It's free to access year-round,
though peak summer months bring crowds and events like air shows or
concerts. Tips: Start at the northern end near the Steel Pier for
amusement rides, and watch for dolphins in the surf.
Atlantic
City Beach
Adjacent to the Boardwalk, Atlantic City Beach spans about
4 miles of wide, sandy shoreline, offering a classic East Coast beach
experience. The beaches are public and free, with soft golden sand
that's regularly groomed, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or
beach volleyball. Water temperatures peak around 70-75°F in summer, and
lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Historically,
this area was promoted for its "healthful sea air" in the 1800s,
attracting visitors seeking respite from urban life. Today, it's a spot
for fishing off jetties, surfing (rentals available), or simply relaxing
with the sound of crashing waves. Special events include beach concerts
and the annual Atlantic City Airshow, featuring Thunderbirds over the
ocean. The beach is accessible via multiple entry points from the
Boardwalk, with amenities like restrooms, showers, and food vendors
nearby. Tips: Bring sunscreen and watch for jellyfish in late summer;
for a quieter vibe, head south toward Ventnor.
Atlantic City
Casinos
No visit to Atlantic City is complete without exploring its
casinos, which form the economic backbone of the city. There are nine
major casino resorts, each with unique themes and offerings. The Borgata
Hotel Casino & Spa, for instance, is the largest and most luxurious,
opened in 2003 with over 2,000 rooms, a massive gaming floor featuring
3,000+ slot machines and 180 table games, plus high-end dining from
chefs like Bobby Flay and Michael Symon. Its spa and nightlife venues,
like the Premier Nightclub, draw celebrities. Other standouts include
Caesars Atlantic City, inspired by ancient Rome with a grand
coliseum-style theater for shows; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, packed with
rock memorabilia and live music; and Tropicana, known for its
Cuban-themed Quarter with shops and restaurants. Casinos operate 24/7,
offering not just gambling but also buffets, spas, pools, and
entertainment like comedy shows or concerts. Historically, they
revitalized the city after economic decline in the 1960s-70s. Tips: Set
a budget for gaming, and check for free parking or comps if staying
overnight; non-gamblers can enjoy the people-watching and free
attractions like fountain shows.
Absecon Lighthouse
Standing
at 171 feet, the Absecon Lighthouse is New Jersey's tallest and one of
the oldest in the U.S., built in 1857 to guide ships into the Absecon
Inlet and prevent wrecks on the treacherous shoals—over 200 ships sank
nearby before its construction. Climb the 228 spiral steps for panoramic
views of the Atlantic Ocean, Boardwalk, and city skyline, reaching up to
150 feet above sea level. The lighthouse features a Fresnel lens (now a
replica) that once projected light 19 miles out to sea. At the base,
there's a museum with exhibits on maritime history, shipwrecks, and the
life of keepers, plus a gift shop. It's open year-round, with extended
summer hours, and admission includes the climb. The site also hosts
events like ghost tours, tapping into legends of haunted happenings.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the stairs; it's a great spot for
photography, especially at sunset.
Steel Pier
Jutting 1,000
feet into the ocean from the Boardwalk, Steel Pier is a historic
amusement park dating back to 1898, once dubbed the "Showplace of the
Nation" for hosting acts like the Three Stooges and high-diving horses.
Rebuilt after fires and storms, it now features over 20 rides, including
a 227-foot observation wheel (one of the tallest on the East Coast)
offering 360-degree views, a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, go-karts,
and a helicopter ride that lifts you 100 feet up. There's also games,
arcades, and food stands serving classics like funnel cakes and cotton
candy. Open seasonally from spring to fall, with weekend operations in
winter, it's family-friendly and affordable with ride tickets or
wristbands. The pier's location provides thrilling ocean backdrops for
rides. Tips: Visit in the evening for lit-up rides; combine with
Boardwalk strolling for a full day.
The Quarter at Tropicana
Nestled within the Tropicana Casino Resort, The Quarter is a
200,000-square-foot entertainment complex designed like a Havana street,
with cobblestone paths, palm trees, and colorful facades. Opened in
2004, it houses over 25 shops (from fashion to souvenirs), 20+
restaurants ranging from Cuban cuisine at Cuba Libre to Italian at Il
Verdi, and nightlife spots like Boogie Nights (a '70s/'80s disco) and
Anthem Lounge. There's also an IMAX theater and escape rooms for added
fun. It's a non-gaming haven within the casino world, open to all ages,
and hosts events like salsa dancing nights. The indoor setting makes it
weather-proof. Tips: Ideal for dining after a show; parking is validated
with purchases.
Other Notable Sights
World War I Memorial:
Located in O'Donnell Park, this 1922 monument honors local soldiers with
a dramatic Liberty in Distress statue and eternal flame. It's a somber
spot for reflection amid gardens.
African American Heritage Museum of
Southern New Jersey: In nearby locations (one in Atlantic City), it
showcases artifacts, photos, and stories of Black history in the region,
from slavery to civil rights.
Lucy the Elephant: Just 5 miles south
in Margate, this 65-foot elephant-shaped building from 1881 is a
National Historic Landmark. Tours inside reveal its quirky history as a
real estate gimmick turned tavern.
There are several convenient ways to reach Atlantic City, New Jersey,
depending on your starting location and preferences. Below, I'll break
it down by transportation mode, focusing on options from major nearby
cities like New York City (NYC), Philadelphia, and others. Times and
costs can vary based on traffic, schedules, and promotions, so check
official sites for the latest details.
By Plane
The most
direct air option is flying into Atlantic City International Airport
(ACY), which is about 10 miles from the city center and offers car
rentals, rideshares, and taxis for ground transport. ACY is served by
Spirit Airlines and American Airlines, with flights from various U.S.
cities.
Alternatively, fly into Philadelphia International Airport
(PHL) for more flight choices, then connect via the American Landline
bus service to ACY or take ground transport directly to Atlantic City
(about 1-1.5 hours total from PHL). From NYC-area airports (like JFK or
EWR), you'd typically fly to ACY or PHL first.
By Train
NJ
Transit's Atlantic City Rail Line provides direct service from
Philadelphia's 30th Street Station to the Atlantic City Rail Terminal
(adjacent to the Convention Center and near the boardwalk), with a
journey time of about 1.5 hours and stops in places like Pennsauken,
Cherry Hill, and Lindenwold. From NYC, take Amtrak from Penn Station to
Philadelphia's 30th Street Station (about 1-1.5 hours), then transfer to
the NJ Transit line—total trip around 3-4 hours. Connections are also
available via SEPTA from PHL airport. Discounted round-trip excursion
fares are offered from NYC and Philadelphia, and there's a free casino
shuttle from the rail terminal timed with arrivals/departures. Use the
NJ Transit app or website for schedules and any current promotions, like
40% off round-trip tickets with code SLEIGHAC25 (valid through early
2026).
By Bus
Buses are a budget-friendly option with direct
routes from several cities. From NYC's Port Authority Bus Terminal, NJ
Transit's Route 319 runs to Atlantic City (about 2.5 hours), with a
discounted round-trip fare of $48.30 (valid for 10 days). Greyhound also
offers service from NYC and other locations, with amenities like Wi-Fi
and outlets. From Philadelphia, NJ Transit's Route 551 departs from
spots like Market Street or the Walter Rand Transportation Center in
Camden (about 1.5 hours), with a round-trip fare of $23. Other NJ
Transit buses connect from North Jersey, Newark, or South Jersey areas.
By Car
Driving offers flexibility, with the Atlantic City
Expressway providing a direct route from Philadelphia (about 1 hour, 61
miles). From NYC, take the Garden State Parkway south (about 2-2.5
hours, 118-125 miles). From Washington, DC, it's roughly 3-3.5 hours
(174 miles) via I-95 and routes through Delaware. From Baltimore, expect
about 2.5 hours (similar routes). Ample parking is available in Atlantic
City, including garages at hotels and casinos. Use apps like Google Maps
or Waze for real-time traffic and directions.
Once in Atlantic City,
getting around is easy on foot along the boardwalk, via rideshares, or
the 24/7 Jitney shuttles ($3 cash fare) that cover key areas.
Early History and Indigenous Presence
Atlantic City, located on
Absecon Island in southern New Jersey, has roots that predate European
settlement. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenni-Lenape (also
known as the Delaware) Native American tribe, who used the island as a
seasonal summer home, referring to it as "Absegami," meaning "little sea
water." They accessed the island via an Old Indian Trail that roughly
aligns with modern-day Florida Avenue. The Lenape engaged in fishing,
hunting, and gathering, taking advantage of the coastal environment.
European contact began in the late 17th century, but permanent
settlement was slow due to the island's isolation and marshy terrain.
The first recorded European landowner was Thomas Budd, an Englishman who
acquired large tracts of land in the late 1670s, though he valued the
beachfront minimally compared to the inland areas suitable for farming.
The island remained largely undeveloped until 1783, when Jeremiah Leeds
established the first permanent year-round residence, building a home
and farming corn, rye, and raising cattle. This marked the beginning of
Leeds Plantation. After Leeds' death in 1838, his wife Millicent
operated the island's first tavern, known as Aunt Millie's Boarding
House. The Leeds family descendants, including Chalkey S. Leeds (who
became the city's first mayor in 1854) and Robert B. Leeds (the first
postmaster), played pivotal roles in early development. By 1850, there
were only seven permanent dwellings on the island, mostly owned by Leeds
family members.
19th Century: Founding and Rise as a Resort Town
The transformation of Atlantic City into a resort destination began in
the mid-19th century, driven by Philadelphia-based developers seeking to
create an accessible seaside escape for the middle class. In 1820, Dr.
Jonathan Pitney, often called the "Father of Atlantic City," moved to
nearby Absecon village and promoted the area's sea air as a health
remedy for urban ailments like tuberculosis and pollution from
Philadelphia's industrial growth. Pitney advocated for a railroad
connection to make the island viable as a resort.
On March 19, 1852,
the Camden & Atlantic Railroad Company received its charter, and
construction began. The city was named "Atlantic City" in early 1853 by
civil engineer Richard Osborne, who also laid out the street grid:
streets parallel to the ocean were named after bodies of water (e.g.,
Atlantic, Pacific, Baltic), while perpendicular ones were named after
states. Atlantic City was officially incorporated on May 1, 1854, from
portions of Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township. The first train
arrived from Camden on July 1, 1854, reducing travel time to 2.5 hours
and sparking a tourism boom. That same year, construction started on the
Absecon Lighthouse, designed by George Meade (later a Civil War
general), which was first lit on January 15, 1857, to aid navigation
amid frequent shipwrecks—such as the tragic 1854 sinking of the
Powhattan, which killed over 200 immigrants.
The first commercial
hotel, the Belloe House, opened in 1853 at Massachusetts and Atlantic
Avenues. By 1858, the first public school was established, and
infrastructure expanded rapidly. The population grew from 250 in 1855 to
over 27,000 by 1900. A major innovation came on June 26, 1870, with the
construction of the world's first boardwalk—an 8-foot-wide, 1-mile-long
wooden walkway elevated 1 foot above the sand to keep beachgoers' feet
clean and prevent sand from tracking into hotels. This was proposed by
conductor Alexander Boardman and hotelier Jacob Keim, costing half the
town's tax revenue. The boardwalk was rebuilt multiple times after
storms, including a devastating hurricane on September 9, 1889, which
submerged much of the city under 6 feet of water. By the late 1800s, it
had evolved into a 6-mile-long, 60-foot-wide structure with
herringbone-patterned planks on concrete and steel supports.
Tourism
flourished with grand hotels like the United States Hotel (opened 1875,
with over 600 rooms) and the Surf House. Salt water taffy was invented
around 1883 when a storm flooded candy shop owner David Bradley's stock,
leading to the playful name. Amusement piers emerged, including Apple's
Pier (1884) and Steel Pier (1898), offering entertainment like horse
diving and sideshows. Rolling chairs debuted in 1876 for the handicapped
and became public in 1887, pushed by attendants. The Atlantic City Beach
Patrol started in 1892 as the first paid professional lifeguard service.
By 1878, a second railroad (Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway) was
added to handle nearly 500,000 annual passengers. Atlantic City was
formally opened as a resort on June 16, 1880, positioning it as an
affordable middle-class alternative to elite spots like Cape May.
Early 20th Century: Golden Age and Prohibition Era
The early
1900s marked Atlantic City's "Golden Age," with a building boom
replacing boarding houses with opulent hotels like the
Marlborough-Blenheim (1902–1905, the first reinforced concrete hotel in
the U.S.) and the Traymore (expanded to 16 stories in 1914). Other
landmarks included the Chalfonte House (1868, enlarged 1904), Haddon
Hall (merged into Chalfonte-Haddon Hall by 1930 with nearly 1,000
rooms), and the Claridge (1930, a 24-story "Skyscraper by the Sea"). The
city became known as "The World's Playground," attracting millions for
its boardwalk, beaches, and entertainment.
Prohibition (1919–1933)
paradoxically boosted the city, as liquor, gambling, and nightlife
thrived under corrupt local officials. Political boss Enoch L. "Nucky"
Johnson dominated from the 1910s to 1941, earning up to $500,000
annually from kickbacks on illegal activities. In 1929, he hosted the
Atlantic City Conference, where mobsters like Charles "Lucky" Luciano
and Meyer Lansky formed the National Crime Syndicate. Nightclubs
flourished: the 500 Club and Jockey Club on the south side, and Club
Harlem and Paradise Club on Kentucky Avenue's Northside, serving African
American patrons with jazz and soul food. Mayor Edward L. Bader
(1920–1927) advanced infrastructure, including Bader Field (the nation's
first municipal airport, 1920s), Atlantic City High School (1923), and
Boardwalk Hall (opened 1929 as Convention Hall, the largest column-free
auditorium). Bader also supported the Miss America pageant, which began
on September 7, 1921, as a two-day event crowning Margaret Gorman. From
1920 to 1960, the city drew more visitors annually than the populations
of New York and Philadelphia combined, with African Americans (25% of
residents by 1930) contributing significantly to tourism while facing
segregation in areas like the Northside.
Mid-20th Century:
Post-War Decline
World War II temporarily boosted the city as a
training ground for soldiers, but post-1945, decline set in. The Great
Atlantic Hurricane of September 14, 1944, destroyed over half the
boardwalk. Automobile travel enabled day trips, suburbanization provided
home amenities like air conditioning, and cheap airfares drew tourists
to Miami Beach and the Bahamas. The 1964 Democratic National Convention
exposed the city's decay, with high vacancy rates in hotels. Population
and tourism plummeted; by the late 1960s, many grand hotels were
converted to apartments, nursing homes, or demolished (e.g., Traymore,
Marlborough-Blenheim in the 1970s–1980s). Crime, poverty, and urban
blight rose, with the population dropping below 50,000.
Late 20th
Century: Casino Gambling and Revitalization Efforts
To combat
decline, New Jersey voters approved casino gambling in a 1976 referendum
(after rejecting it in 1974), restricting it to Atlantic City. Resorts
International opened the first legal casino east of the Mississippi on
May 26, 1978, in the converted Chalfonte-Haddon Hall. This sparked a
boom: by the 1980s, nine casinos lined the boardwalk and marina
district, employing 33,000 and generating billions in revenue. The city
hosted major events like Mike Tyson fights and became a top tourist spot
again. James L. Usry became the first African American mayor in 1984.
Infrastructure improvements included the new Atlantic City Convention
Center (1997) and The Walk shopping complex (2003). However, gambling
did not fully resolve poverty, with stark contrasts between glitzy
casinos and impoverished neighborhoods.
21st Century: Challenges,
Competition, and Ongoing Developments
The 2000s brought new
competition from casinos in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, and
Maryland, plus Las Vegas expansions. The 2008 recession halted projects
like Pinnacle's mega-casino; four casinos closed in 2014 (Atlantic Club,
Showboat, Revel, Trump Plaza), and Trump Taj Mahal shut in 2016 amid
labor disputes. Revel reopened as Ocean Casino Resort in 2018, and Trump
Taj Mahal as Hard Rock. The U.S. Supreme Court's 2018 overturning of
PASPA enabled sports betting, which New Jersey legalized quickly.
Superstorm Sandy in October 2012 caused minor damage but highlighted
vulnerabilities.
Economic woes persisted: high foreclosures (highest
nationally in 2019, disproportionately affecting Black residents due to
historical redlining), food deserts (ranked second in New Jersey in 2022
with only one supermarket), and COVID-19 impacts (2020 shutdowns led to
staff shortages and 2022 strikes). State interventions included the 2010
creation of the Atlantic City Tourism District for beautification and
security, and the 2016 Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act.
Positive developments include Stockton University's 2018 campus opening,
the 2023 debut of festivals like North to Shore, and a 2025 announcement
for a $20 million redevelopment of Renaissance Plaza to expand the
Save-A-Lot supermarket by 2026.
Culturally, Atlantic City inspired
Monopoly (with streets like Baltic Avenue based on local names), films
(e.g., Atlantic City, 1980), TV (Boardwalk Empire, based on Nucky
Johnson's era), and music (Bruce Springsteen's 1982 song "Atlantic
City"). As of 2025, nine casinos operate, generating $2.79 billion in
2022 revenue, but the city continues balancing tourism revival with
addressing inequality and infrastructure needs.
Atlantic City, New Jersey, is a coastal resort city located in Atlantic County in the southeastern part of the state, within the region known as South Jersey. It sits on Absecon Island, a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia and 125 miles south of New York City. The city forms part of the Atlantic City-Hammonton metropolitan statistical area and is included in the broader Philadelphia metropolitan area, also called the Delaware Valley. Geographically, Atlantic City borders several municipalities, including Absecon, Brigantine, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Pleasantville, and Ventnor City to the west and southwest, with the Atlantic Ocean defining its eastern boundary. Unincorporated areas within or near the city include Chelsea, City Island, Great Island, and Venice Park. The city's position on the Jersey Shore makes it a key point in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, characterized by low-lying terrain, salt marshes, and proximity to the ocean, which influences much of its geography and economy.
Atlantic City occupies a total area of about 17.22 square miles, with
roughly 10.76 square miles of land and 6.46 square miles of water,
accounting for 37.5% of its territory. This ranks it as the 165th
largest municipality in New Jersey by area and the 8th in Atlantic
County. The city is situated on the northeastern portion of Absecon
Island, an 8.1-mile-long barrier island that it shares with Ventnor
City, Margate City, and Longport to the southwest. Barrier islands like
Absecon are dynamic landforms formed by sediment deposition from ocean
currents and waves, creating a protective buffer between the mainland
and the open sea. The topography is predominantly flat, typical of
coastal plains, with elevations ranging from 6 to 8 feet above sea
level, making it highly susceptible to flooding and erosion. The
landscape features a mix of urban development, beaches, and wetlands,
with the iconic Boardwalk running 5.5 miles along the oceanfront within
city limits (extending further into neighboring areas), fronted by
casinos, hotels, shops, and piers such as Steel Pier, Central Pier,
Playground Pier, and Garden Pier.
Key bodies of water include the
Atlantic Ocean to the east, which provides wide sandy beaches that are
free and publicly accessible with lifeguard protection. To the north
lies Absecon Inlet, a tidal waterway separating the island from
Brigantine and connecting to the back bays. Other notable water features
are Gardner's Basin in the northwest, home to the Atlantic City
Aquarium, and various channels and marshes that permeate the island's
interior. These wetlands, part of the broader salt marsh ecosystem in
the Atlantic Coastal Plain, support diverse wildlife and act as natural
storm barriers but are vulnerable to development pressures.
Geologically, the area is underlain by unconsolidated sediments like
sand, silt, and clay from Quaternary deposits, with the island's
formation tied to post-glacial sea level rise and longshore drift
processes that build and reshape barrier systems over time.
Land use
in Atlantic City is heavily oriented toward tourism and recreation, with
dense urban development in casino districts, residential neighborhoods
like Ducktown, Chelsea, and South Inlet, and commercial zones such as
the Atlantic City Outlets. Natural areas are limited but include beaches
and small parks, with the Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm— the first coastal
wind farm in the U.S., operational since 2005—highlighting efforts to
integrate renewable energy into the landscape. The city's low elevation
and island setting expose it to environmental risks, including
hurricanes (e.g., significant damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which
destroyed parts of the northern Boardwalk) and accelerating sea level
rise, projected to increase flood frequency in low-lying areas
sandwiched between the ocean and bays.
Atlantic City experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen classification Cfa), moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, which tempers extremes and provides a milder environment compared to inland areas. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures reaching 86.6°F (30.3°C) in July, often cooled by sea breezes but occasionally spiking to heat indices above 95°F (35°C). Winters are cool, with January averages around 43.2°F (6.2°C) for highs and 25.1°F (-3.8°C) for lows, and wind chills can drop below 0°F (-18°C) during cold snaps. Precipitation is year-round, averaging 45.96 inches annually, with no significant dry season; August sees the highest monthly average at 4.59 inches. Snowfall totals 12-18 inches per season (November-April), primarily from nor'easters in February. The city falls within New Jersey's Coastal climate region, one of five distinct zones in the state, where ocean influences create microclimates— for instance, the airport area can be 15-20°F cooler than the marina due to soil and water differences. The plant hardiness zone is 7b, with extreme minimum temperatures around 11°F (-12°C). Potential natural vegetation includes Northern Cordgrass in coastal prairie forms.
Atlantic City, a coastal resort city in New Jersey, boasts a population of approximately 39,000 residents as of 2025 estimates. When combined with nearby communities like Cape May (around 2,700 inhabitants) and Ocean City (roughly 11,200 people), the broader South Jersey shore region encompasses over 350,000 individuals, including the Atlantic City metropolitan area with about 275,000 and the adjacent Cape May County adding another 93,000. This area forms part of the larger Philadelphia metropolitan influence, with urban extensions reaching nearly 295,000 in the immediate vicinity.
Boardwalk Hall, originally called the Atlantic City Convention Hall
before its extensive $90 million renovation finalized in 2001, houses
the world's largest musical organ, the Atlantic City Convention Hall
Organ, which features over 33,000 pipes and is showcased during various
events and tours open to visitors. The venue served as the city's main
convention center until 1997 and has hosted iconic performances and
gatherings.
The HBO series Boardwalk Empire is situated in Atlantic
City amid the U.S. Prohibition era, drawing from Nelson Johnson's
nonfiction book Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption
of Atlantic City, which chronicles the city's rise under figures like
Enoch "Nucky" Johnson. Bruce Springsteen's track "Atlantic City" from
his 1982 album Nebraska poetically captures the city's gritty allure.
Several films highlight Atlantic City's evolution: Atlantic City (1980,
also known as Atlantic City, USA) depicts its shift into a gambling hub;
The Color of Money (1986) concludes with a major pool tournament set in
the city; and American Hustle (2013) explores efforts to revive it via
casinos in the late 1970s. Additional cinematic nods include The King of
Marvin Gardens (1972), The Godfather Part III (1990), Rounders (1998),
and Snake Eyes (1998), alongside TV appearances in shows like The
Simpsons, How I Met Your Mother, and The Sopranos.
The U.S. edition
of the board game Monopoly draws its property names from Atlantic City's
streets, with the priciest being the Boardwalk; this adaptation stems
from a local version created by Ruth Hoskins in the 1930s, later
popularized by Charles Darrow.
Atlantic City is renowned for its vibrant array of casinos, amusement
piers, museums, and entertainment options, complemented by its expansive
beach and historic events like the Miss America pageant, which began
annually in 1921 but moved to Los Angeles in 2006 after decades in the
city. It briefly returned to Atlantic City from 2013 to 2018 before
relocating again; as of 2025, the competition was held in Orlando,
Florida, at the Walt Disney Theater in the Dr. Phillips Center for the
Performing Arts. Gambling was legalized here in 1976, with the first
casino opening in 1978, establishing it as the East Coast's premier
gaming destination—though its national prominence trails Las Vegas.
Regionally, it remains a top weekend getaway spot for visitors from the
New York metropolitan area, drawing millions annually.
Additional
attractions include the 5.5-mile-long Boardwalk, the world's longest and
busiest, featuring rolling chairs since 1876, the Absecon Lighthouse
(New Jersey's tallest, operational from 1857 to 1933), and Steel Pier
(rebuilt after fires, offering amusement rides). Museums like the
Atlantic City Historical Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not! add
educational flair, while festivals such as the TidalWave Music Festival,
North to Shore Festival (launched in 2023), and the annual Thunder over
the Boardwalk airshow (since 2003, attracting over 750,000 spectators)
enhance the cultural scene. Nearby, Lucy the Elephant in Margate City (a
1882 National Historic Landmark) provides quirky appeal.
The Atlantic City Blackjacks competed in arena football as part of
the Arena Football League solely during the 2019 season, hosting games
at Boardwalk Hall before the team folded. Atlantic City FC, a soccer
club in the National Premier Soccer League, has been active since 2018,
playing at Silver Eagle Stadium and continuing operations into 2025.
Other historical teams include the defunct Atlantic City Diablos (NPSL
soccer, 2007–2008), Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies (ECHL ice hockey,
2001–2005 at Boardwalk Hall), and Atlantic City Surf (independent
baseball, 1998–2008). The city hosted horse racing at the Atlantic City
Race Course from 1946 until its closure in 2015. Ongoing events feature
the ShopRite LPGA Classic golf tournament (since 1986 near the city) and
a rich boxing legacy with over 2,500 fights since 1887, including 1980s
bouts with stars like Mike Tyson at venues like Trump Plaza. In 2025,
Atlantic City hosted the MAAC Men's and Women's Basketball Championships
at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
Tourism dominates Atlantic City's economy, fueled by its nine casinos, which generated $2.79 billion in gaming revenue in 2022 (up 9% from 2021) and attracted 28.5 million visitors in recent years, supporting over 33,000 jobs. The surrounding hinterland supports agriculture, with viticulture (wine production) prominent in areas like Cape May County, home to several vineyards. The casino sector experienced a significant downturn after peaking at $5.2 billion in revenue in 2006, dropping to $2.9 billion by 2013 due to the Great Recession and competition from neighboring states like Pennsylvania and New York. This led to closures of four casinos in 2014 (Atlantic Club, Showboat, Revel, Trump Plaza) and the Trump Taj Mahal in 2016 (reopened as Hard Rock in 2018). Recovery efforts included state interventions like the 2011 Tourism District and over $1 billion in casino upgrades since 2020. By 2024–2025, the industry saw mixed results: overall gambling wins hit record highs, but some operators like Bally's reported losses, with year-to-date gross gaming revenue up 13% through October 2025 despite seasonal dips.
Playground Pier, a four-story structure adjacent to Caesars Palace and Boardwalk Hall, once housed upscale retailers like Victoria's Secret, Louis Vuitton, and Swarovski, along with third-floor restaurants and bars offering panoramic views of the city and ocean. Originally built as the Million Dollar Pier, it evolved through names like Shops on Ocean One (1980s), The Pier Shops at Caesars (2006), and Playground Pier (2015). By 2019, it had dwindled to about 10 stores amid retail challenges. In 2023, it was rebranded as ACX1 Studios, focusing on film and TV production while planning a retail and restaurant revival with a grand reopening targeted for summer 2024. As of 2025, a few tenants like Sports City remain operational, but the ambitious overhaul has faced hurdles in fully revitalizing the space. Other shopping highlights include Tanger Outlets The Walk (an outdoor mall opened in 2003) and The Quarter at Tropicana (a Havana-themed indoor complex with over 40 stores and eateries).