Whether you’re a NYC native planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or someone who has had Atlantic City on their travel bucket list for several years, it’s never a bad time to hop on a bus and journey to the festive oceanside city. Atlantic City is unique in that it has something for everyone: parents with young children who want to snack on deep-fried and sugary carnival treats, take a dip in the ocean, and ride the 247-foot tall Ferris wheel; couples who want a romantic vacation getting wined and dined on fresh seafood and hearty cocktails; and rowdy bachelor/bachelorette parties looking to win big at the casino, dance the night away at a trendy club, and be thoroughly entertained at a live music event all have a place here. If an Atlantic City vacation sounds exactly like something you need right now, here are five reasons why you should grab your bus tickets and road-trip it to this ocean destination.
Hang Out on the Promenade Day or Night (for Free)
When you first wake up, head to the nearest bike rental shack and peddle down the four-mile Atlantic City boardwalk to take in the fresh sea air, balmy breezes, and sunshine. After dusk, you can enjoy the boardwalk at a more leisurely place and appreciate all the nightlife it has to offer. Pop your head into souvenir shops and arcade centers, snack on salt water taffy, gorge yourself on fresh seafood, and end the night with a cocktail or two on a deck overlooking the ocean.
Get Your Shop on at Playground Pier
Shopaholics, rejoice! The Playground Pier, a four-story complex that is situated along a 900-foot pier, is the place to go for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Spend the day perusing the many designer stores including Gucci, Armani Exchange, and Tiffany & Co before satisfying your seafood cravings at Philips Seafood Shack. If you’re planning to explore all four floors of the complex, start off on the first-floor boardwalk for upscale shopping and entertainment. On the second floor, the Skybridge, you can get from Caesars Palace to other casinos without getting trapped in the boardwalk traffic. The third-floor Promenade is where you’ll find all the nightlife action, complete with clubs, bars, and other entertainment venues. Finally, the fourth floor, One Atlantic, is an event center designed for large parties and weddings.
Spend Your Saturday at Steel Pier
Release your inner child at the Steel Pier Amusement Park and spend countless hours swirling around on the Sugar-Sugar teacups, taking in breathtaking views of Atlantic City and the ocean from atop The Wheel, and playing all the classic amusement park games in an attempt to win a fluffy stuffed animal for your kid, significant other, or yourself (no judgement). If you’re planning a trip to Atlantic City with a group of friends and family for a birthday, reunion, or bachelorette party, you can look into hosting the festivities right on the Steel Pier!
Take Cover at the IMAX Theater at Tropicana
If you are traveling to Atlantic City on a particularly rainy day or you just need some relief from the heat, keep the fun going (indoors) at the IMAX Theater at Tropicana. For anyone traveling with kids, the IMAX Theater is a great place to catch some family-friendly, 3D films. And if you are looking for a fun date night idea, take your partner to this impressive cinema for a Hollywood blockbuster before hitting the town for some good ol’ seafood and gambling. The IMAX Theater is easily accessible from the boardwalk, but if you plan to drive to the location, note that parking for IMAX visitors costs $5.
Hit Up All the Top Casinos
What is a trip to Atlantic City without a trip to the casinos? Start out by hitting up all the classics including Caesars Atlantic City, Bally’s and the Borgata. Atlantic City newcomers should note that the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa sits about two miles outside of the boardwalk and comes with some of the finest dining establishments in the area, including Wolfgang Puck. Whether you’re a frequenter of casinos or someone just trying their hand at gambling, Atlantic City is the ideal place to get dressed up and indulge in some blackjack, poker, and roulette. And let’s not forget the slots either!
Does Atlantic City sound like a good time to you? Don’t delay! Buy your bus ticket today!
