The Thrill Seeker

Sitting on the beach is certainly a favorite pastime for many in Atlantic City. But for others, and you know who you are, it’s not a vacation until you’ve done something to get the blood flowing.

Morning:  Gardner's Basin, located on New Hampshire Avenue and the bay, is the place to catch cruises and fishing excursions. Hop aboard - Cruisin’ 1  for the Morning Skyline cruise, which provides a tour of Atlantic City's ever-changing skyline and calm back bays.  Marine Mammal Adventure cruises spot dolphins in summer, and includes commentary from an onboard marine naturalist. 

Atlantic City Fishing Center offers trips for hopeful anglers of all ages and skill levels, from novice to experienced, for half-day summer fishing and 6-hour fall fishing trips.  The "Highroller" also departs from Gardner's Basin for back bay fishing on a 50-foot pontoon boat for a calm-water experience where "Nobody Gets Seasick."  There are two trips daily, and private charters are available. 

Afternoon:  After lunch in Gardner’s Basin at Back Bay Ale House or the Flying Cloud Café , head over to the Atlantic City Boardwalk and continue your adventure.

Thrill seekers will definitely want to stop off at Steel Pier. While the historic Steel Pier does offer kid-friendly rides such as bumper cars, a carousel, a climbing wall, Ferris wheel and more, there are also several rides that will get the blood pumping. Nothing beats a bird’s eye view of Atlantic City, and you’ll certainly get that with a Helicopter Tour. This is a thrilling way to see the city that’s Always Turned On. Another way is to be catapulted into the air from the Steel Pier on the Rocket ride.

Another pier that offers something for the none-too-faint-at-heart is Central Pier. Feed your need for speed with Nascar go-carts and hit the gas on this raceway over the Atlantic Ocean. Or, instead of speeding up you can load up and take a crack at "Shoot the Geek" paintball.

Evening:  Enjoy a bite to eat on the Boardwalk. Whether you want to walk while you eat famous Boardwalk food like pizza, corndogs or funnel cake, or enjoy a relaxing sit-down meal at any of the restaurants, you’ll find something to suit your taste. Then, head over to The Quarter at Tropicana and take in a movie experience with the only IMAX Theater in Atlantic City. The theater is equipped to show 2D and 3D movies as well as the latest Hollywood event.

The Shop-a-holic

There are those who do a little shopping while on vacation, and then there are those that vacation to shop. For all of you shop-a-holics, this one is for you.

Morning:  Grab a bit to eat at the Atlantic City Diner or Cavo Crepe Café before starting your day of shopping. Both of these enjoyable places are located at Atlantic City Outlets- The Walk on Michigan and Atlantic Avenues. Also located in The Walk are 100 national retail brand outlets stores such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Bass, Jockey, Harley Davidson, Borders, Banana Republic, Coach, Calvin Klein, Aeropostale, H & M and many more.

Afternoon:  After you’ve walked The Walk, now it’s time to venture to another country. Tropicana Casino and Resort’s The Quarter brings the charm and sophistication of Old Havana to Atlantic City.  Get some lunch and then shop till you drop because The Quarter features a mix of well-known retailers and unusual shops. Check out retail options like Rittenhouse Gift & Home, White House/Black Market, the Spy Shop, Jake’s Dog House, Tinderbox/Vino 100 and bluemercury apothecary. You may want to try out the bluemercury spa as well, if you need to rest those shoulders after carrying all your bags.

Evening:   On to The Pier Shops at Caesars. A pier you ask? This isn’t just any pier, this is a pier without peer. From the makers of The Forum Shops in Las Vegas, the Pier at Caesars raises the bar on shopping in Atlantic City. You’ll find never before seen in Atlantic City retailers like A/X Armani Exchange, Bebe, Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Tommy Bahama’s Vilebrequin and the store that holds the famous little blue box, Tiffany & Co.  For those who don’t consider shopping an art form, there’s IT’SUGAR and James’ Original Salt Water Taffy, among others. The complex’s third floor holds wonderful dining options like Trinity Irish Bar and Restaurant, The Continental, Phillips Seafood Restaurant, Stephen Starr’s Buddakan and more.

Of course, there are plenty of unique shops on the Boardwalk to venture in and out off while strolling. But whatever your taste or budget, you’ll find something to soothe that shopping craving in Atlantic City.

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Live Like a Local

Like most of us, nothing beats experiencing a destination like seeing it through the eyes of a local. It’s how you’ll find the best adventures, the most unique enjoyments and the tasty flavors that you wouldn’t otherwise find.

Morning:   They call it “Antique Alley” – the Route 9 corridor stretching from about 12 miles north of Atlantic City, south to Cape May, which is about an hour from Atlantic City – if you don’t stop at every antique shop along the way. If you’re looking for that special piece of Americana or just looking for something unusual, there’s a good chance you’ll find it there. It’s also where you’ll find some unusual places to eat breakfast, though you may want to head out early to get in line with the locals.

Afternoon:   For lunch, visit the nearby Towne of Historic Smithville and Village Greene. It’s a quaint setting of more than 60 shops and four restaurants. Fred & Ethel’s is a tasty local favorite. Of course, we can’t forget about the little ones. For the kids, there are plenty of activities including a train ride, a carousel and boating on Lake Meone.

If you’re in the mood for some nature, a short drive from Smithville is the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge. It features 40,000 acres of coastal salt marshes, upland fields, woodlands and tidal waters.  Local flora and fauna abound, and the refuge is a stopover for over 200 species of migratory birds. Go exploring on the footpaths or take a leisurely drive along the driving trail. 

A popular spot for many is Sideways of Smithville at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City. Get a taste of this 130 year-old working winery and take a guided tour, enjoy a wine tasting, browse the gift shop and top it off with a bite to eat at Renault’s gourmet restaurant. 

Evening:   Nothing beats dining in Atlantic City. And, of course, everyone knows the best places to go are where the locals hang out. For tasty seafood check out Dock’s Oyster House, Back Bay Ale House, Flying Cloud Café and Atlantic City Bar and Grill.  For Italian, your choice is sweet: Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern, Tony’s Baltimore Grille, Girasole Ristorante, Angeloni’s Restaurant, and that’s just the tip of the pasta. Steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and the Knife and Fork are all the rage. Head south of the border for Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant. And for a little taste of Ireland, try the Irish Pub and Inn.

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The History Buff

For those who think a place’s history is as enjoyable as the present, this one is for you, because we know it just wouldn’t be a vacation without stepping into a museum.

Morning:  There is nothing better than a morning stroll on the world-famous historic Atlantic City Boardwalk. It’s also the first Boardwalk, built in 1870 to help keep sand from being tracked into hotels. It’s also where you’ll find many piers, notably Garden Pier just north of Showboat casino. Located there is the Atlantic City Historical Museum, where you can get a glimpse of Atlantic City’s unusual past. An enlightening 30-minute film and the famous Mr. Peanut are just part of the offerings to enjoy.

Also just off the Boardwalk is the New Jersey State Korean War Memorial, located in Brighton Park where Park Place meets the Boardwalk. It features a 12-foot high statue of “The Mourning Soldier” clutching dog tags.  A group of soldiers “under fire” emerges through a sheet of water just to his left.  The back wall of the memorial, beneath an eternal flame, is engraved with the names of the 822 New Jerseyans who were killed or are still missing in action. 

Afternoon:   Located easily on Pacific Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard is the Civil Rights Garden. It’s a one-of-a-kind tribute to the Civil Rights movement.  Eleven black African granite columns are etched with quotes from famous Americans.  The central column features an upraised hand and a large bronze bell over a reflecting pool. 

Located in nearby Margate, what was once known as South Atlantic City, Lucy the Elephant is one piece of history you should not miss.  Now over a hundred years old, Lucy The Elephant was originally built to lure real- estate investors to the shore.  Since then she has served as a restaurant, a tavern and even a house.  She was restored in the 1970s and moved to her current location at Washington and Atlantic Avenues in Margate, where she has resided ever since as a museum.  You can climb to the “howdah” on Lucy’s back for a panoramic view of the ocean, beach and surrounding area.  Open seasonally.

The Arts and Humanities Guru

For some, it’s just not a vacation unless you get some cultural understanding of the area, whether it’s the whimsical, the bizarre or the aquatic.

Morning:  Begin your tour with a walk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk to Garden Pier, located at New Jersey Avenue and the Boardwalk. You’ll get a treat when you enter the Atlantic City Art Center.  The Atlantic City Art Center houses three different art galleries.  The center hosts monthly exhibits of unique artwork by noted national and regional artists.  Its galleries feature paintings, paper sculpture, drawings, etchings and more.

Also on the Boardwalk at New York Avenue, everyone in the whole family will love the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. Though it may look like it’s about to be destroyed by a wrecking ball, the museum features over 400 of the world’s most unusual, fascinating and bizarre exhibits in 13 themed galleries including a collection of shrunken heads.

Afternoon:   Next, located at Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues, is the Absecon Lighthouse.  What better way to get the full view of the city then from New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse? Make it a family outing and climb the 228 steps to the top of the historic Absecon Lighthouse. You’ll receive a “Congratulations, You Made It” badge of honor and enjoy the sights from this 145-year-old charming attraction.

Historic Gardner’s Basin, we call it the “other” Atlantic City. Take a drive down New Hampshire Avenue in the Inlet district and park on-site. Once there, take a stroll along the bay of Atlantic City and enjoy wonderful views, boat side dining, an artist colony, and the Atlantic City Aquarium - Ocean Life Center. The three-story aquarium and interactive marine life education center features 11 aquarium tanks exhibiting more than 100 varieties of fish.  The main tank spotlights fish of the mid-Atlantic Ocean.  Look for flounder, striped bass, and "Groman," the resident loggerhead turtle. The kids will love the touch tank, which allows visitors to "pet" starfish, crabs and other sea life. Plus, make sure to check out the new exhibits for bearded dragons and for butterflies. 

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The Fitness Freak

One…two…three…. one…two… three…if your idea of relaxing is a nice five-mile jog, three-mile swim or meditating with 100 crunches on a hot day, then boy, have you found the right place.

Morning:   According to many of us, the day doesn’t begin without our morning workout. And the Boardwalk is the perfect place to flex those muscles and work up some sweat. From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. bicycling is the way to go on the Boardwalk. It may not be the Tour de France, but with more than four miles of boards to ride, it certainly can get the job done. The Boardwalk is also where joggers go to get in their run, and they come from far and wide. It’s even the location of a yearly marathon in October.

Afternoon:   It may be a sunbather’s paradise but the Atlantic City beach is also where you’ll find plenty of athletes and competitive opportunities. Have a ball with a game of handball or volleyball, there are even several volleyball tournaments that take place throughout the summer. The beautiful Atlantic Ocean offers an awesome opportunity to catch some waves, learn to surf, or even practice your breaststroke. And for those runners who’ve caught the barefoot running bug, can you think of a better place to get some sand between your toes?

Four! Come on, you know you can fit in a game, especially with more than 20 golf courses in the Atlantic City area. In fact, the area is fast becoming a new golf mecca, with high-quality courses covering the breadth of golfing capabilities, from novice to pro. Many of our courses are championship-caliber, designed by some of the top course consultants in the country. And if you’re looking for diversity, it lives at the heart of our golf world – ocean courses and bayside links, pine-bordered fairways and pristine greens, challenging bunkers and wind-blown sand dunes. Vist Atlantic City Golf Vacations or call (800) GOLF-222 for more information about many of the courses, or to arrange tee times and book golf packages. Click here to view a list of our Golf Partners.

Evening:   You probably made sure your hotel had a gym before you checked to see if there was a vacancy. So make sure to take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness centers - complete with free weights, treadmills and more - located in most hotels and casino hotels in the area. A hair salon, usually accompanies them, as well as an indoor and/or outdoor swimming pool. Of course, spas are a major attraction in Atlantic City, and they are located in the casinos and throughout the region. Whether it’s a relaxing Swedish Massage or a Sports Massage, you may want to reserve your time early… you’re going to need it. Click to view list of Spas & Health Clubs.