Atlantic City is far more than its famous casinos. From iconic landmarks and oceanfront attractions to cultural sites, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife, the city offers experiences for every type of traveler. 

For travel agents, the key to planning a memorable Atlantic City trip is knowing how to combine these experiences based on each client’s interests. Whether your clients are looking for a family getaway, a romantic escape, a weekend with friends, or a trip built around entertainment and events, Atlantic City makes it easy to create an itinerary that feels personal. 

To make planning easier, here is a look at some of the top things to do in Atlantic City, organized by experience. 

Top Things to Do in Atlantic City 

Attractions 

Atlantic City’s attractions bring together the destination’s history, entertainment, and unmistakable seaside character. Many of the city’s best-known experiences are centered around the Boardwalk, making it easy to combine sightseeing with time by the ocean.

  • Steel Pier

Located on the Boardwalk, Steel Pier has been a popular part of Atlantic City’s seaside entertainment scene for generations. Visitors can enjoy amusement rides, games, and waterfront fun, making it a natural choice for families and groups. 

  • The Wheel at Steel Pier 

For a different perspective of the city, visitors can take a ride on The Wheel at Steel Pier and enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, Boardwalk, and surrounding skyline.  

  • Absecon Lighthouse

Standing as New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, Absecon Lighthouse rewards visitors who climb its 228 steps with sweeping views of Atlantic City and the surrounding coastline. 

  • The Hook 

For clients looking to add live entertainment to their itinerary, The Hook combines comedy, acrobatics, and theatrical performances for an evening that goes beyond the traditional casino experience. 

Travel Agent Tip: These attractions can be combined with a Boardwalk stroll, beach time, dining, or a visit to one of the city’s casinos to create a well-rounded day in Atlantic City. 

Beaches & Boardwalk 

Atlantic City’s coastline offers much more than relaxing on the beach. Visitors can enjoy water sports, family attractions, sightseeing cruises, and classic Boardwalk experiences throughout the day.

Atlantic City Beaches 
  • Boardwalk 

The Boardwalk is at the heart of the Atlantic City experience, connecting the city’s beaches, resorts, restaurants, shops, and attractions. A walk along the Boardwalk is an easy way for first-time visitors to get a feel for the destination and discover what they would like to explore next. 

  • Atlantic City Beaches

The city’s beaches are free to access and remain open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Public facilities include restrooms, outdoor showers, and handicap-accessible surf chairs. 

  • North Beach Mini Golf & Bike Rentals & Atlantic City Miniature Golf

These themed miniature golf courses provide fun outdoor activities for families and groups, while bike rentals offer an enjoyable way to explore the shoreline. 

  • Island Waterpark at Showboat

This year-round indoor waterpark features tropical-themed attractions beneath a retractable glass roof, making it a great option regardless of the weather. 

  • Atlantic City Cruises

Sightseeing cruises showcase the city’s skyline and coastline from the water, offering a different perspective of the destination. 

  • AC Tiki Boat

A relaxed tiki-themed cruise that’s ideal for groups looking to enjoy the waterfront in a unique setting. 

  • Atlantic City Parasail

Adventure seekers can experience breathtaking aerial views while parasailing over the Atlantic Ocean. 

Travel Agent Tip: Inform clients about the seasonal cycling hours on the Boardwalk (typically 6:00 a.m. to noon during summer) and note that alcohol and smoking restrictions apply on the beaches. 

Casinos 

Atlantic City’s casino resorts are among the city’s biggest attractions, offering gaming, luxury accommodation, dining, shopping, spas, and live entertainment under one roof.

Major casino resorts include: 

  • Borgata  
  • Caesars  
  • Bally’s  
  • Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City  
  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino  
  • Ocean Casino Resort  
  • Golden Nugget  
  • Resorts Casino Hotel  
  • Tropicana  

Many resorts also feature dedicated sportsbooks with large viewing screens, comfortable seating, food and beverage service, and special event programming. 

Travel Agent Tip: Entertainment schedules, gaming promotions, and accommodation packages change regularly. Always verify current offers before confirming client itineraries. 

Arts & Culture 

Beyond its entertainment scene, Atlantic City also offers historical landmarks, public art, and cultural attractions that showcase the city’s heritage.

  • Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University 

An indoor creative hub featuring artist studios, exhibitions, and a student-operated gift shop. 

  • The Atlantic City Experience 

Located inside Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, this exhibit explores Atlantic City’s history through photographs, memorabilia, and interactive displays. 

  • Civil Rights Garden 

A memorial celebrating the people and events that shaped the Civil Rights Movement. 

  • New Jersey Korean War Memorial 

An important landmark honouring veterans who served during the Korean War. 

  • Atlantic City Heritage Collection 

Housed within the Atlantic City Free Public Library, this archive preserves historical documents and photographs. Visits are available by appointment. 

  • Ducktown Murals 

Colourful public art installations throughout the historic Ducktown neighbourhood celebrate the area’s diverse cultural heritage. 

Extra Tip: These attractions are excellent additions for convention delegates, business travellers, or repeat visitors looking to experience a different side of Atlantic City. 

Shopping 

Shopping in Atlantic City ranges from designer bargains to luxury boutiques and classic seaside souvenir stores.

  • Tanger Outlets 

Home to more than 60 stores, Tanger Outlets offers significant savings on leading international brands within a walkable downtown shopping district. 

  • Tax-Free Shopping 

One of Atlantic City’s biggest shopping advantages is that clothing and shoes are tax-free throughout the city. 

  • Casino Resort Boutiques 

Luxury resorts feature premium fashion brands, jewellery, accessories, and exclusive collectibles. 

  • Boardwalk Specialty Shops 

Visitors can browse traditional souvenir stores, local gifts, salt-water taffy, homemade fudge, and other Atlantic City favourites. 

Travel Agent Tip: Combine a Tanger Outlets visit with time on the Boardwalk to give clients both premium shopping and a classic seaside experience in a single afternoon. 

Nightlife & Entertainment 

Atlantic City’s nightlife extends well beyond casinos, offering everything from energetic nightclubs to live music venues, rooftop lounges, and craft beverage experiences.

  • HQ2 Nightclub & Beach Club & Boogie Nights 

Two popular nightlife venues offering distinctly different music, entertainment, and party atmospheres. 

  • Nola’s Bar & Lounge, Rush Lounge & Tango’s Lounge 

Relaxed casino lounges ideal for evening drinks and casual entertainment. 

  • H2O Bar & Grille & LandShark Bar & Grill 

Poolside and beachfront venues perfect for daytime dining and oceanfront drinks. 

  • The Seed: A Living Beer Project & Little Water Distillery 

Discover Atlantic City’s growing craft beverage scene through locally brewed beer and handcrafted spirits. 

Travel Agent Tip: For groups with varied interests, recommend a combination of experiences—such as a nightclub, rooftop lounge, and beachfront bar—to appeal to different travel styles. 

Planning Tips for Travel Agents 

Creating well-balanced itineraries is easier when activities are matched to traveler interests.

  • Families typically enjoy Attractions and Beaches & Boardwalk, while couples and adult groups often prefer Casinos and Nightlife & Entertainment.  
  • Share the destination’s free Visitors Guide with undecided clients to help them explore all available experiences before booking.  
  • Review the events calendar before finalising itineraries, as annual events such as Taste Atlantic City and the Soar & Shore Airshow can add extra value to a visit.  
  • Seasonal itinerary suggestions are already organised around these same categories, making trip planning more efficient throughout the year.  
  • Highlight accessibility features, including handicap-accessible surf chairs and designated beach access points, for travellers with mobility needs.  
  • For group travel, make use of Atlantic City’s motorcoach resources to simplify parking and logistics.  
  • When planning larger group itineraries, contact the destination’s group travel team for customised recommendations across multiple categories.  

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Conclusion 

Now that you’ve explored the top things to do in Atlantic City by category, the next step is to match these experiences to your clients’ interests. Build balanced itineraries, combine attractions across categories, and check current events and offers to create trips that deliver more value, and inspire repeat bookings. 

FAQs

What are the main categories of things to do in Atlantic City?

Atlantic City’s experiences can be grouped into six main categories: Attractions, Beaches & Boardwalk, Casinos, Arts & Culture, Shopping, and Nightlife & Entertainment. 

Which experiences are best for families?

Families typically enjoy the Beaches & Boardwalk and Attractions categories, including Steel Pier, Island Waterpark at Showboat, Atlantic City Beaches, and the Boardwalk.

What should travel agents consider when building multi-interest itineraries?

Match activities to each client’s interests, check current promotions and events before booking, and use the Visitors Guide and seasonal itineraries to create well-balanced travel plans. 

Is shopping tax-free in Atlantic City?

Yes. Clothing and shoes are tax-free throughout Atlantic City, including purchases made at Tanger Outlets and many retail locations across the city. 

Are Atlantic City beaches free?

Yes. Atlantic City’s beaches are free to visit and are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with public amenities including restrooms, showers, and accessible facilities.