Visit Atlantic City
![Atlantic City](/uploads/2/4/9/1/24915924/629270.jpg?661)
When most people think of Casinos in the USA they think of two players in their minds. On one hand, if you are lucky enough to be over in the West Coast, you guys have Vegas, On the other hand, if you live in the East Coast you probably think of Atlantic City. If you’ve been to both, you know that there is no place on earth like Vegas, but in a pinch or if you live closer to Atlantic City than Vegas, it’s a great place to go, unwind, relax, gamble some money and have a lot of fun! I remember my first trip to Atlantic City when I was 25, I sort of just stood outside on the boardwalk staring into space - I had never seen such a thing like that in my life! It was so cool to just stay for a few days at the hotel, go to the beach, go to the pool, hang out in the Casino, etc. It’s definitely something you need to experience at least once in your life! If you want to have a great time in Atlantic City the you need to know all the cool insider information on the best places to gamble, eat and of course the best places to stay. Check out the tips below and have an awesome time in Atlantic City.
How to Get To Atlantic City
Essentially Atlantic City is in the middle of it all, even though it’s in Jersey and way off into the East Coast. It’s still easy to get to no matter what state you live in. The best way to get to Atlantic City is by car. You can easily rent a minivan in NJ or in whatever state you are in and drop it off at any local store that allows you to drop off your minivan rental. Personally, I prefer renting rather than taking a plan. It’s always been cheaper to drive than to fly, and you get to see all the cool highlights along the way. If you really don’t want to drive for hours on end, then you can consider getting a minivan and just taking a flight from wherever you are down to Atlantic City. It’s up to you obviously, but either way, I would rent a car, either way so you can get around.
Best Hotels in Atlantic City
Obviously if you want to pay a little more, you can get a hotel right in the heart of Atlantic City. This will give you the ability to walk right downstairs from your hotel and most likely you will be able to gamble. On the other hand, if you want to visit Atlantic City and do other things like go to the beach you can get a hotel on the boardwalk and even more, if you want to pay a really cheap price, you can sort of get away from it all and find a place on the outskirts of Atlantic City. I really loved staying at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa because the Casino was right downstairs so anytime we wanted to gamble we didn’t have to go very far! Here are a few places you might want to consider whether you want to be by the casinos, the boardwalk, or the outskirts:
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa: A swirling tower looming over the shores of AC, Borgata is one of the favorite spots around for a getaway from the Big Apple. Despite the name, there's nothing particularly Italian about the hotel-cum-casino; in fact, it feels like quite the homage to American comfort with extra-large beds and overstuffed furniture in rooms stocked with catalog details that feel unobtrusively modern.
Resorts Casino Hotel: Overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, this waterfront casino resort is a 5-minute walk from the Steel Pier amusement park and a 6-minute walk from the Central Pier Arcade. The traditionally styled rooms feature flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi (with a fee) minifridges and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add more space, panoramic ocean views and marble bathrooms. Amenities include a spa, a fitness room, an indoor/outdoor pool, a salon, retail shops and a variety of dining options. There's also an entertainment complex with a casino, a year-round beach bar and a beach-themed restaurant.
Tropicana Casino & Resort: Inspired by Havana's former Tropicana casino, this sprawling casino hotel is set on the boardwalk and beach in Atlantic City, within 10 minutes' walk of the area's rich dining and nightlife, and 2 miles from the historic Absecon Lighthouse. In addition to its casino, the hotel hosts numerous restaurants and bars, a Broadway-style theater, an IMAX cinema and a comedy club. Shopping and dining are centered on an indoor, Cuban-inspired atrium. There's also a spa, a gym and an indoor pool.
The Annex at The Chelsea: The Annex at the Chelsea features a rooftop swimming pool with private cabana service as well as an outdoor saltwater pool. Guests can spend the day at the beach in a lounge chair. After working out in the fitness center or day at the beach, guests can relax with a massage in the spa.
Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center: Located in the heart of Atlantic City, this hotel is just steps from the famous Atlantic City casinos, boardwalk, restaurants, and The Walk shopping Centre. The property is minutes away from bus and train facilities, and adjacent to the Atlantic City Convention Centre.
Where to Eat
If you didn’t get a minivan rental you will need to stay around the area in order to get a good meal, or you could take a taxi. If you did get a minivan rental in NJ and you can actually drive around and check a few different places out you will see that Atlantic city is a lot like Vegas - in fact some people call it Little Vegas because it’s so familiar and similar. On one hand, you will find a lot of places that have specialties just for the people that are visiting Atlantic City, but if you are looking for something a little different and less crowded, the list below is going to help you out.
Angelo's Fairmount Tavern: Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern is a beloved family-owned Italian restaurant. The outdoor patio makes a nice spot to take in the sunset and have a pint and a burger.
Caesars: Everyone knows Caesars so it’s safe to say that this is going to be ALL about buffets and really good prices that can’t be beat. Head to Caesars for the best all-you-can-eat buffets ($19 to $24). Good (and more affordable) food can be found in the 'real' part of downtown, too.
House of Blues: Definitely a place you want to visit, even if it’s just to drop in for a quick bite to eat. The venerable House of Blues is home to various bars, a restaurant and a plush music hall with well-known headliners.
How to Get To Atlantic City
Essentially Atlantic City is in the middle of it all, even though it’s in Jersey and way off into the East Coast. It’s still easy to get to no matter what state you live in. The best way to get to Atlantic City is by car. You can easily rent a minivan in NJ or in whatever state you are in and drop it off at any local store that allows you to drop off your minivan rental. Personally, I prefer renting rather than taking a plan. It’s always been cheaper to drive than to fly, and you get to see all the cool highlights along the way. If you really don’t want to drive for hours on end, then you can consider getting a minivan and just taking a flight from wherever you are down to Atlantic City. It’s up to you obviously, but either way, I would rent a car, either way so you can get around.
Best Hotels in Atlantic City
Obviously if you want to pay a little more, you can get a hotel right in the heart of Atlantic City. This will give you the ability to walk right downstairs from your hotel and most likely you will be able to gamble. On the other hand, if you want to visit Atlantic City and do other things like go to the beach you can get a hotel on the boardwalk and even more, if you want to pay a really cheap price, you can sort of get away from it all and find a place on the outskirts of Atlantic City. I really loved staying at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa because the Casino was right downstairs so anytime we wanted to gamble we didn’t have to go very far! Here are a few places you might want to consider whether you want to be by the casinos, the boardwalk, or the outskirts:
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa: A swirling tower looming over the shores of AC, Borgata is one of the favorite spots around for a getaway from the Big Apple. Despite the name, there's nothing particularly Italian about the hotel-cum-casino; in fact, it feels like quite the homage to American comfort with extra-large beds and overstuffed furniture in rooms stocked with catalog details that feel unobtrusively modern.
Resorts Casino Hotel: Overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, this waterfront casino resort is a 5-minute walk from the Steel Pier amusement park and a 6-minute walk from the Central Pier Arcade. The traditionally styled rooms feature flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi (with a fee) minifridges and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add more space, panoramic ocean views and marble bathrooms. Amenities include a spa, a fitness room, an indoor/outdoor pool, a salon, retail shops and a variety of dining options. There's also an entertainment complex with a casino, a year-round beach bar and a beach-themed restaurant.
Tropicana Casino & Resort: Inspired by Havana's former Tropicana casino, this sprawling casino hotel is set on the boardwalk and beach in Atlantic City, within 10 minutes' walk of the area's rich dining and nightlife, and 2 miles from the historic Absecon Lighthouse. In addition to its casino, the hotel hosts numerous restaurants and bars, a Broadway-style theater, an IMAX cinema and a comedy club. Shopping and dining are centered on an indoor, Cuban-inspired atrium. There's also a spa, a gym and an indoor pool.
The Annex at The Chelsea: The Annex at the Chelsea features a rooftop swimming pool with private cabana service as well as an outdoor saltwater pool. Guests can spend the day at the beach in a lounge chair. After working out in the fitness center or day at the beach, guests can relax with a massage in the spa.
Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center: Located in the heart of Atlantic City, this hotel is just steps from the famous Atlantic City casinos, boardwalk, restaurants, and The Walk shopping Centre. The property is minutes away from bus and train facilities, and adjacent to the Atlantic City Convention Centre.
Where to Eat
If you didn’t get a minivan rental you will need to stay around the area in order to get a good meal, or you could take a taxi. If you did get a minivan rental in NJ and you can actually drive around and check a few different places out you will see that Atlantic city is a lot like Vegas - in fact some people call it Little Vegas because it’s so familiar and similar. On one hand, you will find a lot of places that have specialties just for the people that are visiting Atlantic City, but if you are looking for something a little different and less crowded, the list below is going to help you out.
Angelo's Fairmount Tavern: Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern is a beloved family-owned Italian restaurant. The outdoor patio makes a nice spot to take in the sunset and have a pint and a burger.
Caesars: Everyone knows Caesars so it’s safe to say that this is going to be ALL about buffets and really good prices that can’t be beat. Head to Caesars for the best all-you-can-eat buffets ($19 to $24). Good (and more affordable) food can be found in the 'real' part of downtown, too.
House of Blues: Definitely a place you want to visit, even if it’s just to drop in for a quick bite to eat. The venerable House of Blues is home to various bars, a restaurant and a plush music hall with well-known headliners.