Atlantic City Boardwalk Activities

The Atlantic City Boardwalk, which lines the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean, was the first boardwalk ever to be constructed. Today, it is an attraction; however, it was originally built in 1870 as a helpful solution to a very big problem: reducing the excessive amount of sand being trekked into the fancy Atlantic City hotels. When it was first built, it was only 12 ft wide. Today, it spans 40 feet across and is four- and-a-half miles long. The Boardwalk serves as an avenue for many tourist attractions including casinos, shopping, restaurants, and amusement rides.

The casinos are the heart and soul of Atlantic City, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors will get their fill of gambling with eight casinos directly on the boardwalk. They include: the Hilton, Bally's, Caesars, Showboat, Tropicana, Trump Plaza and Taj Mahal. Three others make their home on the Marina, just a few minutes from the boardwalk, including: The Borgata, Harrahs, and Trump Marina. Everything is offered from sports and race betting, bingo, Keno, Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, and of course thousands of slot machines. Housed within the casinos are an endless array of fine cuisine, hearty buffets, and casual dining. Many popular restaurant chains, such as Hard Rock Cafe and the Rainforest Cafe, line the boardwalk. The mighty casinos also host a wealth of shows from popular singers and comedians nightly.

When in Atlantic City, one must take a ride on the historic rolling chairs. These chairs are on wheels and have canopies to keep passengers dry. An attendant stands behind the chair and pushes it down the boardwalk making it easier for visitors to get from one end of the boardwalk to the other and to keep them dry during inclement weather. They have been in icon in Atlantic City since 1887. Fly overhead on a helicopter tour for an aerial view of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach, and the casinos. Flights depart from the Steel Pier during the pier's open hours. Other activities include the Steel Pier, a historic landmark itself, adult and children's rides and games. Visitors can also play 18-holes of miniature golf at the Atlantic City Miniature Golf course directly across from Boardwalk Hall.

Shopping is plentiful on the Boardwalk with the newly renovated mall, The Pier Shops at Caesars, located on the water just across from Caesars Casino. There are over 78 high-end speciality shops to browse, seven fancy restaurants and a spectacular water and light show set to music on the first floor. Don't miss the Starbuck's for a chance to lounge by large windows facing the ocean. Step into old world Havana at the Quarter in the Tropicana casino. Over thirty speciality shops make for great shopping for everything from shoes, to clothes, and household trinkets. Additional small boutiques and tourist shops can be found throughout each casino and all along the Boardwalk, varying from one-of-a-kind speciality to items to inexpensive tourist t-shirts.

Atlantic City's powdery white beaches are free of charge to the public, unlike most other beaches in New Jersey. For visitor's comfort, the beaches include changing stations, public restrooms, outdoor showers, and handicap friendly amenities. For safety, lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at various locations along the beach. During the evening, lively beach bars come to life at the Atlantic City Hilton, Bally's, Trump Plaza, and Trump Marina.

In addition to the casinos, the Atlantic City boardwalk has several family friendly attractions. Visit the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum to learn about some extremely exotic people and events. Don't miss popular entertainments, special exhibits, and competitive sporting events at Boardwalk Hall, formerly the old Atlantic City Convention Center, now placed on the United States Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark.