I love Atlantic City. Everything about it is a plus for me; the city’s 24 hours bars, the family-owned restaurants, the neon lights from the sprawling casinos- what’s there not to love about America’s favorite playground?
I’ve been an Atlantic City regular ever since I was old enough to buy my own saltwater taffy. Back then, I was obviously too young (and broke) for the slots so my family and I would stroll down the boardwalk to the Steel Pier for some good ole’ family fun on the carnival games. Even then, the odds were never in my favor.
Through the years, what has become more fun for me is discovering the little gems that are tucked away in parts of the city that tourists don’t often frequent. The nightlife in Atlantic City can get crazy; picture hoards of people dressed in their best clubbing outfits as they parade through the city streets hoping to have a great time. The buzzing atmosphere is all you need to start your fun night out in the right direction.
Sadly, the city has been through a rough patch of late. In the wake of a massive financial crisis, the city has seen a slew of casinos go out of business, which has resulted in job losses. Not so long ago, I spent a night at the ill-fated Revel Atlantic City hotel and casino, a few months before it closed its doors for good. Other casinos that have been unfortunate enough to share the same fate include The Trump Plaza, Atlantic Club, and Showboat.
As a result of the financial crisis, the city is doing all it can to reinvent itself. Now, the focus is shifting away from gambling and the city is honing in on other ways to attract tourists back. So what’s there to do in a city that is going through resurgence? Here is how to spend 24 hours in Atlantic City and have fun:
Have breakfast
If you only have 24 hours to spend in Atlantic City, you are going to want to start the day off right with a hearty breakfast. Head on over to the boardwalk and you will be treated to an array of restaurants that serve delicious food.
Look for a restaurant on the dock or one that has a large patio that will expose you to the surrounding views. One such great restaurant us the Gilchrist Restaurant; it has been part of the city’s landscape since it was established in 1946. If you are a late riser, there are also brunch options that you can choose from.
Stop by the Absecon Lighthouse
The Absecon Lighthouse was originally erected in 1854 and is one of the few buildings in Atlantic City that has been designated as a historical monument. Absecon Lighthouse no longer serves as navigational aid having been deactivated in 1933. However, it still shines bright every single day.
Aside from its rich historical significance, it is the 3rd tallest lighthouse in all of America. The lighthouse offers guided tours and if you are not scared of heights, you can even climb up the 171-foot lighthouse for an unmatched view of the city.
Gamble a little at the Tropicana Casino
Atlantic City may not be characterized by as many dancing neon lights and gaudy signage of its numerous gaming places as it used to be, but it is still one of the best gambling cities on the East Coast. Although the city experienced several casino shutdowns, there is a great deal of optimism today as the casino market continues to expand.
So far, 9 casinos are up and running so if you are in the market for a brick and mortar gambling experience, you will get it in plenty at Atlantic City. One of the best casinos to try your luck at is the Tropicana Casino, which is one of the few casinos that has managed to stand the test of time. Tropicana not only has a wealth of games for you to enjoy, but it also has an excellent player benefits program.
Don’t want to gamble on the boardwalk? Tropicana also has one of the best-reviewed online casinos and sportsbooks. The sportsbooks has 180 seats and about 8 betting windows while the online casino has plenty of slots and games that include roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, as well as video poker.
Shop around
If you happen to win during your gambling session, treat yourself to a shopping spree at one of the many outlets available. There are several big-name stores and designer boutiques but if you are strapped for cash, there are also plenty of bargain friendly stalls that will offer you all sorts of deals.
Some of the shops you should venture out to include Tanger Outlets. If you want a bit more variety, you can also try the Playground which is situated right on the Boardwalk not too far away from Caesars. You will also find lots of restaurants at the Playground that offer amazing views of the ocean where you can have some late lunch.
Party it up at night
After your adventure-filled day, take some time to relax before commencing your evening. If you are in the market for a fun night out, you will not be disappointed by the Atlantic City club scene. A relaxed, no fuss, no moss session at a rooftop lounge might be exactly what you need to leave the city with a one of a kind experience.
If staying up too late is not a bother, consider catching a show at one of the many venues that offer live entertainment. The Borgata Hotel in particular always has live entertainment that features breakout artists as well as top-charting ones. Go in for the show but if you do not have somewhere to lay your head at night yet, stay overnight at one of their amazing hotel rooms.
Final Thoughts
Buoyed by an expanded casino market, Atlantic City’s fortunes are starting to turn. As such, if you have always wanted to visit the city, there has never been a better time to do so. If you only have 24 hours, it can be a bit difficult to cram all the things you want to do and see in a day. However, this guide should help you explore have as much fun as possible without getting too overwhelmed.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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