Atlantic City’s Best Attractions for New Zealand Tourists

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Atlantic City is a beautiful place in New Jersey. If you want excitement or relaxation, it has gaming, beaches, and a historic boardwalk. The experts at CasinoTop.co.nz created this review to help New Zealand tourists explore its best attractions. From iconic casinos to hidden gems, join us on a journey to explore the top attractions in Atlantic City.

Atlantic City Casinos

Atlantic City is well-known for its top-notch casinos. They offer a mix of gambling, entertainment, and luxurious facilities. Below is a table of the most popular casinos in Atlantic City, detailing their features and offerings:

List of games that you can find in all AC casinos:

• Poker,
• Blackjack,
• Slots,
• Roulette.

Sunset Cruise on a Tiki Bar Boat 

The Atlantic City Tiki Boat offers a unique and exhilarating experience with its sunset cruises. Details include: 

• Tiki Boat Booze Cruise: A 35-foot tiki boat equipped with music, snacks, and a fully-stocked bar, providing an unforgettable back-bay cruise experience in Atlantic City​​. 
• Cruise Schedule: Available Tuesday to Sunday, with five rides daily from early morning to late night​​. 
• Capacity and Amenities: The boat accommodates events of up to 25 guests, featuring both open and covered areas, a bathroom, and customizable bar service. It is ideal for private parties, corporate events, or a fun social outing​​. 
• Needs: All needed is sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and a desire for fun. The cruise offers a chance to relax and create lasting memories while enjoying the scenic views of AC​​.

Pier Park Amusement

Pier Park Amusement, located on the City Boardwalk, is a hub of entertainment and one of the city's prime tourist attractions. The Steel Pier extends 1,000 feet into the ocean, presenting a scenic vista across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Established in 1898, the Steel Pier has been a mainstay of Atlantic City's entertainment for 100 years. It offers various attractions like concerts, exhibits, and an amusement park. The Catanoso Family owns this historical landmark. Steel Pier Associates, LLC operates it. Families and visitors of all ages are still drawn to its thrilling rides and attractions.

The pier has a long history. It has been renovated and restored many times. This happened especially after a fire in 1924. It was "An Amusement City at Sea" and "A Vacation in Itself." They had acts like the High Diving Horse and performances by famous artists like Frank Sinatra and Al Jolson. Despite challenges like declining tourism in the late 1960s and a fire in 1982, the Steel Pier has remained a significant attraction. The current structure dates from 1993, and a new giant Ferris wheel was added in 2017, further enhancing its appeal​​.

Historic Gardner's Basin

Historic Gardner's Basin in AC, NJ, is a peaceful escape from the busy boardwalk. It is located at 800 North New Hampshire Avenue. This maritime park, set along a protected channel, provides visitors with a range of activities and experiences for visitors. This spot is perfect for dining, fishing, and sightseeing by the bay. It's great for tourists and adventure-seekers. In the summer, you can even go parasailing.

This area of AC is also famous for dolphin-watching, sunset cruises, and Tiki Boat adventures. The basin is quieter than the boardwalk but has many attractions and activities. The docks are busy with sightseeing and fishing cruises. There are casual restaurants nearby with many dining options and drinks. The AC Aquarium is closed, but the basin still attracts visitors with events and charm.

Atlantic City Beaches

Atlantic City is famous for its vibrant boardwalk, casinos, and beautiful beaches. Here is a list of the most popular AC beaches:

• Brigantine Beach: Known for its stunning coastal stretch, Brigantine Beach offers an alternative escape from the central beaches of AC. Located just a 12-minute drive northeast of the city center, this beach is ideal for families and adventurers, offering trails for cyclists and opportunities for water sports​​.
• City Beach: Situated close to the city's namesake coast, this beach is set apart from the central oceanfront and offers calming views and waves, perfect for swimming and kayaking. Known as Caspian Avenue Beach, it's located on North Maine Avenue and is a local favorite​​.
• Margate Beach: Located on the oceanfront of Atlantic City’s southwestern neighbor, Margate City, this beach is famous for its soft golden sand and great surf. It’s also known as Jefferson Avenue Beach and features attractions like Lucy the Elephant nearby​​.
• Longport Dog Beach: This beach, situated in Egg Harbor Township, is a unique spot where visitors bring their furry friends. It's a dog-friendly beach part of the Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area known for its natural beauty and wildlife​​.
• AC Downtown Beaches: These beaches, including Raleigh Avenue Beach, Delaware Avenue Beach, and Crystal Beach, are easily accessible from the City Boardwalk and are famous for surfing. They offer sandy shorelines and are patrolled by lifeguards during the summer​​.
• North Brigantine Beach: This beach offers a 'wilder' beach scene and is a part of the North Brigantine State Natural Area. It's a favorite among birdwatchers and provides a tranquil escape from the city's crowds​​.
• The Cove at Brigantine Beach: A popular spot for weekenders, it is known for its barbecues on the sand and beautiful views of the AC skyline. It's a great family spot for summer activities​​.
• Chicken Bone Beach: This beach is a place for sunbathing and swimming and a site of historical significance. It was once a racially segregated section of the coast, and today, it is a testament to the city's diverse history​.

FAQs about Atlantic City's Best Attractions

Can I visit the casino if I am not a resort guest?

Yes, in AC, most casinos are open to the public and not exclusively for the guests staying at the resort. This means that you can enjoy the casino facilities even if you are not staying at the hotel where the casino is located.

How much does it cost to climb the Absecon Lighthouse?

The cost to climb the Absecon Lighthouse is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and college students, $6 for children aged 4-12, and $5 for AC residents. Active duty military and children under 4 can climb for free​​.

Where are the best buffets in AC? 

You can find great buffets in AC like The Borgata, Golden Nugget, Tropicana’s Fiesta, The Waterfront at Harrah’s, and Caesars’ Palace Court. The buffets have different types of food, from simple to fancy, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.