Atlantic City, often referred to as “Vegas of the East Coast”, sparkles both day and night as the main entertainment centre of the Atlantic Seaboard. The action here is nonstop, featuring a beloved oceanfront boardwalk, kilometres of sandy beaches, kid-friendly piers and a string of gambling casinos.

Things to do

Stretching for six kilometres, the Atlantic City Boardwalk frames the shoreline with dozens of nostalgic shops, cafes, ice cream stalls and carnival games. Pick up souvenirs and homemade taffy on a brisk walk along the wooden planks or flag down one of the rolling chairs for a small fee.

Several lively piers jut off the Boardwalk, with wildly popular carnival rides on Central and Steel Piers. For high-end shopping, head to the 274-metre-long Playground Pier where the “play” is treasure hunting for Gucci, Armani and Burberry. You’ll also find various custom designs and accessories in trendy boutiques.

Stop by one of the kiosks at Absecon Inlet to book boat rides in the harbour, then enjoy an afternoon at the Atlantic City Aquarium. Kids will love the chance to touch stingrays and sharks and explore the Tropical Rainforest exhibit. It’s also a fun place to buy beach trinkets and dine on fresh fish and chips.

Many visit Atlantic City for the casino action, second only to Las Vegas for its extravagant entertainment and first-class gaming facilities. You can enjoy buffet dining, magic shows and concerts by renowned bands. For a change of pace, hit the beach for boogie boarding, surfing or wave jumping.

Getting around

Atlantic City has an extensive transportation system, including buses, shuttles, taxis and limousines. The Jitney minibuses run between the casinos and major attractions along the Boardwalk, while taxis are available at Atlantic City Airport, about 15 minutes away.