Atlantic City: More than just Boardwalks and Slot Machines

What's Atlantic City like?  Picture Vegas with plenty of boardwalks and you'll see why this place lures vacationers and gambling hounds from all over the country.  Add to that the many attractions that include amusement piers, the historic Absecon Lighthouse and yes – chewy, gooey taffy.  Atlantic City is just across from the Jersey shore on Absecon Island and this resort town is well worth a visit.

Why you should go there

Atlantic City is one of the more famous resorts in the U.S. and many vacationers come back to see it again and again.  The casinos are famous here and so are the entertainment and the historic sights.  Even if you're in town by your lonesome, you're likely to find a friend before the end of your stay.

Checking out the scene

If you came here to play, Atlantic City won't disappoint.  Trump staked his claim here, as evidenced by his Taj Mahal Casino Resort and the Trump Marina, and so did dozens of other big time casino owners.  Take your pick among the choicest in the Marina District and strike it rich.  Entertainment is tops and so are the dining and wining experience.

There are many casinos to choose from, and there are always plans to build more.  You can visit the Borgata, Tropicana, Ceasars Palace, Harrah’s, and many others.  With all of the new additions, such as the French Quarter at the Tropicana, and The Pier at Ceasars at Ceasars Palace, and the Borgata a few years ago, the casinos in Atlantic City are getting updated and are becoming even more exciting to visit.

Once you've had your fill of the casinos of Atlantic City, it's time to check out the social scene.  The nightlife is active here and there are dozens of bars, clubs and restaurants you can check out.  The Casbah, found at Trump's Taj Majal, for example, is a pulsating show of light and sound, mostly catering to patrons in their 20s and early 30s.  This club is great to see and be seen in and parties up the ante especially during summer nights.

Another must-see for singles is Déjà vu, a great place to dance the night away and meet fellow party goers.  It's accessible to most casinos and can be a great place to celebrate your winnings.  If you want to party till the sun comes up, go to Studio Six, which features two dance floors and a sound system that's guaranteed to keep you on your feet for hours.  In fact, life in this club begins after most of the bars in town close.  This is a friendly bar and a great place for some serious dancing or plain lounging. 

Under the boardwalk

Atlantic City is famous for its boardwalk, which, at 5.75 miles, is the world's longest.  Built in the late 1800s, this boardwalk is also where you'll find Ocean Pier, the very first ocean-side amusement pier built in the world. 

The taffy here is famous for being one of, if not, the best in the U.S.  Candy makers attribute this to the salty air that helps give the taffy its distinctive Atlantic City taste.  Try Steel's Fudge, one of the oldest factories that churn out those chocolaty goodies and several other specialties.  Take a stroll down the beach or buy a few tickets, enjoy the amusement rides or simply take in the view as you walk down the boardwalk.

Other sites to see

Consider yourself lucky if you catch a performance by the Boardwalk Living Theater, which takes performance art to new levels.  Learn more about Atlantic City through the theater's plays, parties, music and unique sense of humor.

Want to take a peek at the world of the strange and bizarre?  Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum is here.  Some of the world's most unique and strangest items are on display in this museum and it's a one-stop-shop that will show you the diversity (and weirdness) found in the world.

Want to check out the local art scene with fellow art lovers?  Go to the Art Center and Museum.  This boardwalk art exhibition center holds monthly exhibits of some of the best works of nationally known artists as well as those of the locals.

Get a taste of the local wine and participate in a tour of the 130-year-old Renault Winery.  Wine tasting is offered here regularly, especially for group tours.  If you like what you see and taste, bring home a couple of bottles of wine with you.

Every visit to Atlantic City is a unique experience and when there's so much to do and see, it's pretty much a buffet of some of the best entertainment this city has to offer.  Simply pick the ones that suit your taste and preference and if it's not enough, come back for seconds.