Atlantic City Boardwalk
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The Atlantic City Boardwalk was constructed in the 1870s by Alexander Boardman on Absecon Island in New Jersey. The boardwalk takes its name from its founder rather than its construction style; it was the first boardwalk in America. The original was nearly 12 miles long, but storms and the ravages of time have created a shorter pier over 4 miles long. Today, this iconic attraction is a significant part of the legendary Jersey Shore.
How to Get There
Nearby airports include Atlantic City International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and Ocean City Municipal Airport. The boardwalk is in Atlantic City and is close to Ocean City. NJ Transit trains and buses go to the boardwalk as do Greyhound, Shoreline Express, and Academy Express. You can get around the boardwalk via the Jitney Boardwalk Tram and its famous Rolling Chairs.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Atlantic City Boardwalk
Visit Atlantic City Boardwalk
One of the top places to visit at the Atlantic City Boardwalk is Steel Pier, originally constructed in 1898. This famous pier juts 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and contains rides like the Crazy Mouse, the Carousel, the Flying Dutchman, and the Wheel. You can dine at Steel Pier Pub, Crab House & Bar, and Ocean Reef Bar if you want a bite.
Another fun place to check out at the Atlantic City Boardwalk is Lucky Snake Arcade & Sports Bar at Showboat. The 85,000 square feet of this Showboat Resort Atlantic City arcade contains classic games, the world's biggest crane, putt-putt golf, pinball machines, and more. Other attractions include a gaming lounge, bowling lanes, axe-throwing lanes, and virtual reality programs.
One of the best places to catch a show on the Atlantic City Boardwalk is the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Top-grade shows and sporting events have been held here since 1929. It's home to the world's largest pipe organ and a barrel vault ceiling 137 feet tall. Today, you can experience organ recitals, comedy festivals, basketball tournaments, indoor auto racing, and more here.
Ticket Information
No tickets are necessary for access to the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Family-Friendly Options
One popular place to take children of all ages is the Central Pier Arcade and Speedway. The young and the young at heart can play games like Deal or No Deal and Skee-Ball and can redeem their tickets for prizes like big-screen TVs, laptops, and toys. This attraction also contains the "Fastest Go-Karts on the Boardwalk." Children 12 years and older can drive single-seat karts while children under 12 can ride double-seat karts with adults.
You can also take your kids to the Tropicana Family Fun Station, which is located at Tropicana Atlantic City. This family-friendly oasis in the Tropicana Casino Hotel's North Tower boasts over 50 arcade games. Whether your kids want to play classic games like Skee-Ball and basketball or more modern options like Dance Dance Revolution, they’ll have fun at this casino arcade.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
When you're not playing at the amusement parks and arcades, you can shop till you drop at places like Playground Pier and the Piers Shops at Caesars. Louis Vuitton, Tommy Bahama, Apple, Gucci, and more have stores in these Atlantic City Boardwalk shopping areas.
You should check out Harry's Oyster Bar and Phillips Seafood Restaurant to eat fabulous seafood. Other high-quality places to eat on the Atlantic City Boardwalk include Nero's Italian Steakhouse, Continental City Atlantic Tapas Restaurant, and Buddakan At The Pier.
No trip to the Atlantic City Boardwalk is complete without spending time at casinos; people often prefer to visit the casinos at night. Many establishments provide free alcohol while you gamble; tip your waiter well.
If you want some amazing pictures of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, you should book a photography helicopter flight at Steel Pier. The boardwalk and Atlantic City will be spread before your camera's lens.
Atlantic City Boardwalk Accommodations
On Site Accommodations
One excellent place to stay on the Atlantic City Boardwalk is Tropicana Atlantic City, home to the Tropicana Family Fun Station. This Havana-themed casino has a pool, a spa, and beach access. You could also stay at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. This hotel is right across from Steel Pier and is close to Central Pier Arcade. Showboat Resort Atlantic City is next door, which contains Lucky Snake Arcade & Sports Bar. Free Wi-Fi and access to an outdoor pool are available here.
Campgrounds Nearby
Birch Grove Park is one of the closest campgrounds to Atlantic City, just 15 minutes from the boardwalk. The campground is located off of Garden State Parkway in Northfield, New Jersey, on Margate Boulevard which leads directly to the Jersey shore and a number of beautiful islands in under 10 minutes, including Whirlpool Island Park. Being in the middle of Northfield means you’re within walking distance from a number of grocery stores, restaurants, and shops as well as the Atlantic City Country Club.
Shady Pines MH & RV Resort is located in Galloway Township, New Jersey. The park is about 20 minutes from Atlantic City, an hour from Philadelphia, and close to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. The park offers family entertainment, and there are planned seasonal community activities at the clubhouse. The campground has a pet area, showers, and laundry machines. You can stay connected with Wi-Fi and cable TV. The sites are graveled and have private picnic tables and fire pits.
Just 10 minutes inland from the casinos and boardwalk, this is one of the most convenient campgrounds to stay in if you want to maximize your time in Atlantic City. You’re also right next to championship golf courses and plenty of restaurants and shopping. If you need to access the airport, it’s just down the street, as is the large Hamilton Mall and a family favorite kid’s theme park Storybook Land.
Activities Near Atlantic City Boardwalk
Things to Do
Swimming
Since the boardwalk is next to the beach, you can easily swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Fishing
Atlantic City beaches like Downtown Beach, Crystal Beach, and Delaware Beach are free, so you'll have plenty of room to fish.
Boating
With its location right on the Atlantic Ocean, you can easily take your boat out while visiting the area.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Summer is the peak season to visit the boardwalk, with highs ranging from 70 to 85 degrees. Fall is another great time to visit, with highs in the 60s and 70s. Spring features highs in the 50s to 70s with no summer crowds. Winter is cold, with highs in the 30s and 40s; there are still plenty of indoor activities and holiday festivities to enjoy during the winter. Pack all bathing suits, jackets, comfortable footwear, and other seasonal items you may need to spend a day outside on the Jersey Shore.
Safety & Accessibility
Although uniformed and plainclothes police frequently patrol the boardwalk, you shouldn't walk on the beach or behind the casinos at night.
The boardwalk provides easy wheelchair and scooter access via barrier-free entrances, wide sidewalks, and ramps. Many boardwalk facilities, like the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, provide accessible parking spaces, restrooms, and seating areas. Accessible beach ramps and mats offer easy entrance to Atlantic City Beach.
Conclusion
Many people call the Atlantic City Boardwalk "The Las Vegas of the East Coast" due to its many casinos and attractions. It's right on the Jersey Shore, so you can quickly find yourself on the beach. Explore this great American beauty for the perfect blend of history and fun.
FAQ
Some places to camp within half an hour of the boardwalk are Birch Grove Park, Sleepy Hollow Campground, and Shady Pines RV community.
The boardwalk is not particularly RV-friendly. However, you can park your RV at nearby places like Holly Acres Campground and Ocean Isle Camping Resort.
Taxi rides are capped at $13 if you stay within city limits. Bold seagulls might try to steal your food on the boardwalk.
Multiple amusement parks and arcades are present here. Plenty of shops and stalls also sell saltwater taffy, funnel cakes, and other family-friendly treats.
Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk at all times except for the peak summer season of May 2 to September 14. Multiple pet-friendly hotels are nearby.