Atlantic City

Atlantic City, a coastal resort on New Jersey's Atlantic coast, has long drawn those seeking entertainment and a lively seaside atmosphere. Known for its iconic Boardwalk, casinos, and expansive beaches, the city offers a distinctive blend of historical character and modern attractions. From its origins as a health resort in the mid-19th century to its heyday as a glamorous vacation spot, Atlantic City has continuously reinvented itself, drawing visitors with its promise of excitement and leisure.

The city's allure extends beyond the thrill of the casinos. Its beaches provide ample space for relaxation, swimming, and water sports, while the world-famous Boardwalk stretches for miles, inviting exploration of its shops, restaurants, and amusement piers. Atlantic City's deep history is woven into its landmarks, from the towering Absecon Lighthouse to the streets that inspired the classic board game Monopoly.

Whether you're drawn to the lively nightlife, the family-friendly attractions, or the tranquil beauty of the ocean, Atlantic City presents a dynamic experience. It's a place where you can find both high-energy entertainment and moments of quiet reflection by the sea, making it a distinctive East Coast getaway.

From Indigenous Lands to a Seaside Resort

Before its development as a resort, Absecon Island, where Atlantic City now stands, served as a summer home for the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans, who called the island 'Absegami,' meaning 'little water' for the bay. European settlers largely overlooked the island due to its inaccessibility by boat. However, in the mid-19th century, Dr. Jonathan Pitney, a physician from Absecon, recognized the island's potential as a health resort.

Pitney, alongside civil engineer Richard Osborne, spearheaded the effort to bring a railroad to the island. Construction of the Camden-Atlantic City Railroad began in 1852, and the first train arrived on July 5, 1854, marking the beginning of Atlantic City's transformation into a tourist destination. Osborne is credited with naming the city, while Pitney devised the street naming plan, which remains today: streets parallel to the ocean were named after major bodies of water (Pacific, Atlantic, Baltic), and east-west streets after U.S. states.

The Birth of the Boardwalk and Early Attractions

The constant issue of sand being tracked into hotels and train cars led to a novel solution. In 1870, railroad conductor Alexander Boardman and hotel owner Jacob Keim proposed a wooden footwalk. The first Atlantic City Boardwalk, eight feet wide and one mile long, opened on June 26, 1870, costing half of the town's tax revenue that year. This initial structure was temporary, taken up each winter, but was replaced by a more permanent and larger version in 1880.

As Atlantic City grew, so did its attractions. The Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest lighthouse at 171 feet, was erected in 1854 and first lit in 1857, guiding vessels along the coast. The Steel Pier opened in 1898, quickly becoming a premier entertainment venue known as 'A City at Sea' and 'The Showplace of the Nation,' hosting a variety of acts from sharpshooters to big bands.

The Roaring Twenties and Beyond

The early 20th century saw Atlantic City flourish. The first Miss America pageant was held here in 1921, initially conceived to extend the summer tourist season beyond Labor Day. Margaret Gorman, a sixteen-year-old from Washington, D.C., was crowned the first Miss America. The city also became synonymous with the board game Monopoly, whose streets were named after Atlantic City's own, reflecting its booming real estate.

During Prohibition, Atlantic City gained a reputation as a haven for illegal activities, largely influenced by political boss Enoch 'Nucky' Johnson, who controlled the city's Republican political machine and profited from bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution. His lavish lifestyle and influence were legendary, earning him the moniker 'The Czar of the Ritz.' After a decline in popularity in the 1950s due to increased air travel to other destinations, New Jersey voters approved casino gambling in Atlantic City in 1976, leading to the opening of the first legal casino in the eastern United States in 1978 and revitalizing the city.

Begin your exploration with a walk along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, a historic landmark offering ocean views and a lively atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for people-watching or a morning stroll. For wide-ranging vistas of the coastline, climb the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest lighthouse. The replicated Keeper's House also hosts a museum detailing the lighthouse's story.

Experience classic amusement at Steel Pier, which extends nearly 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. This family-friendly amusement park features rides, games, and an observation wheel that provides expansive views of the city. For a taste of Atlantic City's notorious past, visit the Knife and Fork Inn, a historic restaurant with a Prohibition-era legacy.

Beyond the Boardwalk, Atlantic City offers a variety of experiences. The city's casinos provide entertainment options beyond gambling, including shows, concerts, and diverse dining. For a quieter escape, the Atlantic City beaches offer plenty of space for relaxation and water activities. Consider a dolphin watching cruise for a different perspective of the coastline.

The best time to visit Atlantic City for pleasant weather and warm-weather activities is generally between March and August. During these months, temperatures are comfortable for enjoying the beaches and Boardwalk. The peak summer season, from June to September, sees larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations. If you prefer fewer crowds and potentially more affordable rates, consider visiting in the spring (March-May) or early fall (September-November), when the weather remains mild.

Atlantic City is a compact city, making many of its main attractions accessible by walking. For longer distances, the AC Jitney minibus service runs throughout the day and is an inexpensive way to reach major sights. A free shuttle bus also connects the train station to the main casino resorts. If you plan to explore beyond the city limits, renting a car is advisable.

Accommodation options range from high-rise casino hotels to more modest lodgings. Booking in advance, especially during peak season (June-August), is recommended as hotels fill quickly. While Atlantic City is known for its casinos, there are also free activities to enjoy, such as the Atlantic City Historical Museum and the Atlantic City Public Library. An inexpensive meal can cost around $20, with domestic beers priced at about $7 and cappuccinos under $6. Short taxi rides typically cost around $10.