Atlantic City, New Jersey, a coastal resort city on the Atlantic Ocean, beckons visitors with its iconic Boardwalk, sandy beaches, and vibrant casino scene. Situated a comfortable two and a half-hour drive southeast of New York City and a shorter jaunt from Philadelphia, Atlantic City offers a diverse range of attractions, drawing travelers seeking entertainment, relaxation, and a touch of seaside charm.
A Century of Seaside Appeal
For over a century, Atlantic City has served as a premier summer destination. The allure lies in its captivating blend of sun, sand, and sea, epitomized by its famed Boardwalk. Stretching for miles along the coastline, the Boardwalk is the city’s vibrant artery, pulsating with activity. It’s a place for leisurely strolls, exhilarating bike rides, and soaking in the refreshing ocean breeze. The rhythmic crashing of waves provides a soothing soundtrack to the lively atmosphere.
The beach itself is a sprawling expanse of golden sand, perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply unwinding with a good book. The Atlantic Ocean offers opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water sports, adding to the city’s coastal appeal.
The Rise of Casino Resorts
A pivotal moment in Atlantic City’s history arrived in 1976 with the passage of a Casino Gambling Referendum. This landmark decision paved the way for the development of casino resorts, transforming the city into a gambling destination.
The introduction of casino gambling led to a flurry of construction activity. Older hotels were either renovated or demolished to make way for towering new structures that would redefine the city’s skyline. These casinos, both along the Boardwalk and in the nearby Atlantic City Marina, became magnets for tourists seeking their fortune and a thrilling experience.
Navigating the Shifting Tides of Fortune
Since the advent of casino gambling, Atlantic City’s fortunes have fluctuated, mirroring the ebb and flow of the tides along its eastern shore. The widespread legalization of casino gambling in neighboring states, including Pennsylvania and New York, has intensified competition. This has challenged Atlantic City to reinvent itself and maintain its appeal in an increasingly competitive market.
However, Atlantic City remains a compelling destination for couples and families alike. Its enduring attractions include its beautiful beaches, diverse nightlife, extensive shopping options, affordable hotels, and a diverse culinary scene.
Currently, Atlantic City boasts nine casino resorts, each offering a unique blend of gaming, entertainment, and accommodation. In addition to these casino resorts, the city also offers several non-gaming hotels, catering to visitors who prefer a more relaxed and tranquil experience.
The End of an Era: Miss America’s Departure
From 1921 to 2006, Atlantic City held a special place in American culture as the home of the Miss America Pageant. This annual event was a spectacle of young women representing their states, showcasing their poise, beauty, and talent.
The pageant involved a parade of contestants in high heels, swimsuits, evening gowns, and patriotic costumes. A talent competition was also held, although the emphasis was often on appearance and charm. The winners received college scholarships, providing them with opportunities for higher education.
As societal attitudes towards women evolved, the Miss America Pageant came under increasing scrutiny. Critics argued that the pageant was outdated and objectified women. In 2006, the pageant relocated to Las Vegas in an effort to modernize its image. The swimsuit competition was eliminated, and the pageant began showcasing a more diverse group of contestants. The contestants were also given the opportunity to speak out and raise awareness about social issues.
A bronze statue of Miss America, a symbol of a bygone era, stands on the Boardwalk across from Constitution Hall, the pageant’s original venue.
A Glimpse into Atlantic City’s Casino Resorts
Here’s a closer look at some of Atlantic City’s most prominent casino resorts:
Hard Rock Hotel Atlantic City
The Hard Rock Hotel Atlantic City exudes a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, making guests feel like they’re part of a non-stop party. With five stages and live entertainment offered every day of the year, this casino resort is a haven for music enthusiasts.
The hotel showcases a remarkable collection of outfits worn and instruments played by legendary musicians, immersing visitors in the sights and sounds that have captivated generations. Among the thousands of items of memorabilia, you can find iconic pieces from rock and roll history.
The building that houses the Hard Rock Hotel was originally constructed as the Trump Taj Mahal. After multiple bankruptcies, the Seminole Indian tribe acquired the property, undertaking a complete and costly renovation to transform it into a music-themed hotel. The Hard Rock Hotel Atlantic City officially opened its doors in 2018.
The hotel features several exceptional restaurants. Council Oak Fish serves up a delectable Seafood Tower, a seafood lover’s dream, brimming with oysters, shrimp, crab, and lobster. Kuro offers a modern take on Japanese cuisine, with standout dishes such as wagyu tacos and tuna crispy rice.
The Hard Rock’s Beach Bar provides a sunny escape from the casino floor. For those seeking additional thrills, the Steel Pier amusement park, located across the street, features a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and carnival games.
Caesars Atlantic City
Caesars Atlantic City, a landmark casino resort, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019, solidifying its status as a prominent destination on the Boardwalk.
The hotel’s design draws inspiration from Ancient Rome, featuring towering statues of historical figures, Roman spa baths, and restaurants serving authentic Italian cuisine. However, Caesars Atlantic City incorporates modern amenities that were not available in ancient times, such as escalators and cocktail waitresses.
Qua, the East Coast counterpart of Caesars Las Vegas’s renowned spa, is located on the fourth floor of the Centurion Tower. This luxurious spa offers a sauna, steam room, fitness center, pools of varying temperatures, and 14 treatment rooms, including couples’ suites.
Caesars Atlantic City is also home to a Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, where guests can savor the celebrity chef’s signature Beef Wellington and other culinary delights.
Ocean Casino Resort
The Ocean Casino Resort is an architectural marvel, a glass structure designed by Arquitectonica. Originally known as Revel, the resort underwent a challenging period, including a bankruptcy and multiple changes in ownership.
The Ocean Casino Resort offers a welcome respite from the city’s more crowded and smoky casinos.
The Borgata Casino Hotel
The Borgata is a premier casino hotel known for its upscale ambiance. Located on the marina side of the city, The Borgata is clad in golden mirrored material and features an interior adorned with marble floors, mosaic artwork, and Dale Chihuly glass sculptures.
The hotel boasts a range of dining options, from casual eateries like Starbucks to upscale restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, and Geoffrey Zakarian. The Borgata also features a nightclub, beer garden, and multiple bars.
Standard guest rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the city skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. The Water Club Atlantic City, an extension of The Borgata, features guest rooms, swimming pools, a two-story spa, and several shops.
Harrah’s Atlantic City Casino Hotel
Harrah’s Atlantic City Casino Hotel, situated in the marina district, offers a lively and entertaining experience for adults.
The hotel features an expanded entertainment and retail center, a hotel tower, an Elizabeth Arden Red Door spa and salon, and a pool-and-party area. The glassed-in atrium dome, soaring 90 feet high, is filled with lush tropical vegetation and overlooks an 80,000-gallon swimming pool.
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, originally known as Trump Marina, was acquired by Landry’s, Inc. in 2011. The new owners invested millions of dollars to upgrade the property and transform it into the Golden Nugget.
The hotel is located adjacent to the state marina, which can accommodate up to 630 vessels. Guests can enjoy a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by cabanas and hot tubs, as well as a day spa and a casino.
The Birthplace of Monopoly
Before the advent of casino gambling, Atlantic City was known as the inspiration for the board game Monopoly. Charles Darrow, the game’s inventor, spent summers in Atlantic City during his youth. He named the streets on the Monopoly board after avenues along the Boardwalk.
Atlantic City’s Underbelly
Despite the glitz and glamour of the casino resorts, Atlantic City also faces challenges, including poverty and economic hardship. Pawn shops offering "cash for gold" cater to those in need of quick money.
It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with gambling. The National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline offers confidential support for problem gamblers and their families.
Atlantic City, with its blend of seaside charm, casino entertainment, and rich history, continues to be a unique and evolving destination.
