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Atlantic City is a seaside resort city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, located on Absecon Island along the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the “Las Vegas of the East Coast” and famously inspiration for the U.S. version of the board game Monopoly, Atlantic City is famous for its casinos, nightlife, boardwalk, and beaches. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of approximately 38,500 residents.
The city was incorporated on May 1, 1854, from portions of Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township. Prior to European settlement, the region served as a summer home for the Lenape, a Native American tribe. The first permanent European settlement is believed to be in 1783 when Jeremiah Leeds built a year-round home on the island.
Atlantic City’s history is deeply tied to transportation and tourism development. The city emerged as a resort town in 1850, and was officially named Atlantic City in 1853. The same year, train service began on the Camden and Atlantic Railroad, directly linking the remote island with Philadelphia.
| Era | Key Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1700s | Lenape Native Americans inhabit the region | Seasonal hunting and fishing grounds |
| 1783 | Jeremiah Leeds builds first permanent home | First recorded European settlement |
| 1850 | Development as a resort town | Birth of Atlantic City tourism |
| 1853 | City named Atlantic City | Official naming occurs |
| 1854 | City incorporated | Formal municipal establishment |
| 1870 | First boardwalk built | Beginning of the iconic boardwalk era |
| 1874 | 500,000 annual rail passengers | Peak of Victorian-era tourism |
| 1976 | Casino gambling legalized | Transformation into modern casino destination |
| 1978 | First casino opens | Birth of modern gaming industry |
The first boardwalk was built in 1870 along a portion of the beach in an effort to help hotel owners keep sand out of their lobbies. The boardwalk was expanded in length and width over the years and became one of the most iconic features of the city. By 1878, additional railroad lines were constructed to handle the growing number of tourists.
In 1883, salt water taffy was conceived in Atlantic City by David Bradley. The traditional story involves a storm flooding Bradley’s shop with ocean water, soaking his taffy, which he then sold to a customer who loved the result. Atlantic City also became famous for hosting the Miss America pageant from 1921 to 2004.
The city faced significant challenges including the 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane, which destroyed much of the historic boardwalk, and economic decline in the late 20th century. The legalization of casino gambling in 1976 marked a new era for the city.
Atlantic City offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors, from gaming and entertainment to historical sites and natural beauty.
| Attraction | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City Boardwalk | Landmark | Four-mile scenic boardwalk along the ocean, the world’s first and longest boardwalk |
| Casino Resorts | Entertainment | Multiple world-class casinos including Borgata, Hard Rock, and Ocean Casino |
| Boardwalk Hall | Historic | Historic convention hall featuring the world’s largest pipe organ |
| Absecon Lighthouse | Historic | Operational lighthouse dating to 1857, offers climbing to the top |
| Ripley’s Believe It or Not! | Museum | Oddities museum with strange artifacts and interactive exhibits |
| Atlantic City Art Center | Cultural | Local art gallery featuring regional artists |
| Steel Pier | Entertainment | Historic amusement pier with rides and games |
| The Quarter at Tropicana | Shopping | Mediterranean-themed shopping and dining complex |
The Atlantic City Boardwalk stretches four miles along the Atlantic Ocean and is considered the world’s first boardwalk. It features shops, restaurants, casinos, and amusement piers. The boardwalk is also home to the famous Monopoly board game locations, with properties like Boardwalk and Park Place represented.
Boardwalk Hall, formally known as the Atlantic City Convention Hall, is a historic venue that has hosted the Miss America pageant and numerous concerts. It houses the world’s largest pipe organ, with 33,000 pipes.
Atlantic City offers different experiences throughout the year, with each season bringing its own character to the resort destination.
| Season | Avg. Temperature | What to Expect | Tips for Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 75-85°F (24-29°C) | Peak tourist season, busiest casinos, beach weather | Book accommodations early, expect crowds on weekends |
| Fall | 55-75°F (13-24°C) | Reduced crowds, comfortable weather, fall specials | Great time for deals, comfortable for boardwalk walks |
| Winter | 30-45°F (-1-7°C) | Quieter atmosphere, holiday casino promotions | Indoor activities dominate, cold beach walks possible |
| Spring | 50-65°F (10-18°C) | Gradual warming, moderate crowds, Easter specials | Good time to avoid peak season crowds |
The summer months (June through August) represent the peak tourist season with warm beach weather and the most vibrant nightlife. However, this also means larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations. The fall season (September through November) offers comfortable temperatures, thinner crowds, and often the best deals on hotel rooms.
Winter (December through February) provides a different Atlantic City experience with fewer tourists, holiday-themed events, and casino promotions. While beach activities are limited, the indoor attractions including casinos, shows, and restaurants remain active. Spring brings gradual warming and moderate crowds, making it an excellent time to visit for those seeking a balance between good weather and smaller crowds.
Here are some of our favorite things to do while visiting Atlantic City. Pick your favorite!
Absecon Lighthouse stands as the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, its 228-foot iron tower rising above the barrier island landscape that defines the Jersey Shore. The lighthouse has guided sailors safely into the Atlantic coastal waters since 1857,…
Steel Pier stretches nearly 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean from the Atlantic City Boardwalk, making it one of the most recognizable amusement destinations on the Jersey Shore. Since its opening in 1898, the pier has been a cornerstone of Atlanti…