Fun Things to Do in Atlantic City Besides Gamble
Whether you’re visiting with kids, or you just aren’t a big gambler yourself, there are plenty of fun things to do in Atlantic City besides gamble.
In this post, I’ll show you what those are.
I’m not much of a gambler myself. Still, I don’t let my disinterest in gambling stop me from visiting Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and any other great place that’s traditionally known for gambling.
In fact, it’s because I don’t gamble much that I’ve been able to find some of the best places and most interesting activities that these famous cities have to offer.
Don’t have time to read through the whole post now? Here are some of my favorites:
- Stay at Ocean Resort. There are so may great activities there that don’t involve actually gambling.
- Enjoy the beach and all of the boardwalk activities.
- See a show! Most of the hotels in the area have fun entertainment options.
- Head down the road for some incredible outlet shopping.
In this post, I am showing you that there are plenty of options available for a great experience in AC, and that it can be a great place for a solo or family trip, as well as a gambler’s paradise.
About Atlantic City
Atlantic City is a fun and vibrant city. It’s located on the southeastern coast of New Jersey and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Absecon Inlet to the north. It’s considered one of the best casino cities in the United States.
AC is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city is known for its iconic boardwalk, world-class casinos, entertainment venues, and vibrant nightlife.
Many travelers come from nearby cities along the East Coast, such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
Atlantic City also has its own international airport which offers flights from major cities in the United States, so you definitely don’t need to be local to make the trip. And with some beautiful hotels to choose from, you’ll likely want to stay for longer than just a day anyway.
But if you’re looking for a day trip – particularly from NYC, Newark, NJ and D.C. – Atlantic City is a great choice. AC is a super-easy day trip from these cities via Greyhound bus because there are plenty of buses in and out each day.
It’s not as easy to do a day trip to AC from Philadelphia via Greyhound bus, since there is only one bus out of Philly to AC in the morning, and limited returns. By car, though, Philly to AC is only an hour and a half drive.
Fun Things to Do in Atlantic City Besides Gamble – In the Casino Resorts
Ocean Casino Resort.
This is my absolute favorite hotel in Atlantic City, and the one I strive to stay at whenever I’m in Atlantic City. Unfortunately, since I am often planning my AC getaways on the spur of the moment, Ocean Casino Resort is sometimes not available when I’m trying to book.
But, when I can get it, what I love most about it – in addition to the incredible spa and how many interesting restaurants they have – is how many activities they have available that don’t involve me walking away from a poker table crying.
As to fun, non-gambling activities, the hotel sits at the end of the boardwalk, which is a great starting point for that essential boardwalk stroll (more on that below).
Additionally, Ocean Casino has it’s very own Top Golf Swing Suite – the largest in the United States – where you can get a full on simulated golf experience as well as great ocean views.
The hotel has an incredible concert venue called Ovation Hall which draws big name music artists and comedians throughout the year including (once-upon-a-time) Beyoncé. Make sure to take a look at their entertainment schedule to see who’ll be in town when you are.
Borgata Hotel Casino.
Another great hotel casino that I love – and that has a lot of fun things to do in AC – is the Borgata. The hotel has a great spa called Toccare, where you can get incredible massages, as well as other body, nail and full-service hair salon services.
Borgata also has tons of bars, an indoor pool, and a theater called The Music Box, where you can see live music performances and comedy shows.
Borgata is also really beautiful to look at. In particular, I love to walk around looking up at all of the gorgeous Dale Chihuly blown glass pieces that decorate the hotel.
**Other hotel visitors aren’t always happy with me for doing this, though.
But if art is your thing, too, then you can absolutely spend some in Borgata admiring the glass-blown artwork and different objects throughout the hotel.
In addition to the Chihuly pieces, the hotel does a phenomenal job of decorating the hotel in a welcoming way based on the occasion.
Most of the larger casino hotels in Atlantic City offer interesting and fun entertainment options besides gambling, Ocean Resort and Borgata are just my favorites.
Both Ocean Casino Resort and Borgata Hotel Casino are incredible hotels with lots of non-gambling things to do.
A major difference, however, is location. Ocean is right on the boardwalk and gives direct access to all of the fun things to do in AC besides gamble that the boardwalk has to offer. Borgata is a couple of miles away from the boardwalk, so not as convenient in that way.
Resort Hotel Pool.
I called out the pool at the Borgata because that’s the one I’m most familiar with. But many of the resorts have either indoor or outdoor pools – or a hot tub!
Think lazing the afternoon away poolside, peacefully relaxing knowing that the only money leaving your wallet is going towards another specialty cocktail.
Shows, Shows, Shows!
Plenty of the other AC casino hotels offer tons of shows – from live shows, murder mystery shows, male revues, and more. In particular, venues like the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Caesar’s, and the Tropicana Atlantic City are known for their live concerts, comedy shows, theater productions, and other performances.
And Don’t Forget the Food.
For some, experiencing world-class restaurants and experiencing the cuisine of celebrity chefs is a fun thing to do while visiting a popular destination.
And there is no shortage of fine dining in the Atlantic City area. Nobu, Hell’s Kitchen, Knife & Fork Inn, Chart House and The Palm. Just to name a few. Many of the restaurants offer an incredible view of the Jersey shore while you are dining – views so beautiful that it almost feels like you are getting both dinner and a show.
While many of these restaurants are located in the casino resorts, they are not limited to hotel guests. So you can make a list of the restaurants you’ve been dying to try, and schedule lunches and dinners at as many as you can fit in during your visit.
Note that many people are as excited to try these fabulous as you are and they fill up fast. So make a reservation as soon as you know you’ll be in town and are confident you can make it to the restaurant.
Most of the higher end restaurants will require you to put a credit card on file in order to reserve, and will charge you a fee if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice.
Fun Things to Do in Atlantic City Outside of the Casinos
The Atlantic City Boardwalk
One of the absolutely most fun things to do in Atlantic City – and by far one of the best things – is enjoying the iconic boardwalk. Particularly in the late spring, summer and early fall months, the Atlantic City boardwalk can offer an entire day of fun.
The AC Boardwalk is one of the oldest boardwalks in the United States, dating back to 1870. It’s a particularly long boardwalk, stretching for approximately 4 miles along the Atlantic Ocean coastline in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Steel Pier.
A main attraction of the boardwalk is Steel Pier, is a historic 1,000-foot-long amusement park built on a pier of the boardwalk across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Steel Pier has tons of range of entertainment and attractions, including:
- Rides, such as roller coasters, bumper cars, and spinning rides. Whether you’re a daredevil seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or prefer gentler rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- The Observation Wheel – otherwise known as ‘The Wheel’ – is a giant ferris wheel towering over 200 feet above the boardwalk. From the Wheel, you can get incredible views of the Atlantic City skyline and coastline. And at night, from the top, you can get stunning sunset views, or watch the boardwalk as it comes alive with the city lights.
- The Carousel – Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Steel Pier’s beautifully restored antique carousel, featuring hand-painted horses and intricate details. Perfect for riders of all ages, this timeless attraction is a beloved favorite among visitors to the pier.
- Arcade – The arcade is fun for all ages, You can test your skills at a variety of modern and classic games. From video games and claw machines to skee-ball and air hockey, there’s no shortage of opportunities to win prizes and have fun with friends and family.
- Live Entertainment – the Steel Pier’s outdoor stages often feature talented musicians, dancers, acrobats, and other entertainers.
- Fireworks Shows – The Steel Pier often hosts spectacular fireworks shows throughout the year, offering visitors a dazzling finale to their day of fun and excitement at the pier.
More Arcades.
In addition to the arcade on Steel Pier, the AC boardwalk has many arcades, where you can try your luck at games you haven’t played in years.
Go Karting.
There are a couple of go kart speedways on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Go Karts offers an adrenaline-fueled adventure for thrill-seekers of all ages, featuring twists, turns, and straightaways that challenge drivers to test their racing skills and speed around the course.
Whether you’re a novice driver or a seasoned pro, the excitement of zooming around the track and competing against friends and family is unmatched.
Tram Ride.
The Atlantic City Tram Ride offers visitors a convenient and scenic way to explore the iconic boardwalk and its many attractions. Operating along a designated route that spans the length of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the tram provides an opportunity to sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of Atlantic City’s vibrant waterfront.
The tram ride also offers informative commentary provided by knowledgeable guides, who share interesting facts and tidbits about Atlantic City’s rich history, landmarks, and points of interest.
Boardwalk Performers.
While you’re strolling along the boardwalk, keep an eye out for street performers and entertainers showcasing their talents along the boardwalk.
From musicians and dancers to magicians and caricature artists, there’s always something interesting happening to captivate passersby.
Bicycle Riding.
The boardwalk features dedicated bike lanes for riders. You can rent a bicycle or bring your own and cruise along enjoying the scenic views as you pedal past the ocean, hotels, and attractions.
Boardwalk Events and Festivals.
There are often special festivals, concerts, and events happening throughout the year on the boardwalk. From music festivals and food truck rallies to fireworks displays and cultural celebrations, there’s always some non-gambling fun to enjoy on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Historical Tours.
If you’re a history buff, consider also doing a guided walking tour or rent a self-guided audio tour to learn about the history and heritage of the boardwalk. Discover fascinating stories about the boardwalk’s origins, its evolution over the years, and its role in shaping the city’s identity.
And, of course, no trip to the boardwalk would be complete if you didn’t take the opportunity to inhale all the salt water taffy and ice cream you can eat.
Boardwalk Hall.
Originally known as the “Atlantic City Convention Hall,” Boardwalk Hall is a historic venue located near the boardwalk. It has hosted numerous events, including concerts, sporting events, and conventions, and is home to the world’s largest musical instrument, a pipe organ.
In fact, Boardwalk Hall has welcomed some of the world’s most renowned performers and athletes, including Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Muhammad Ali, The Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen.
(I recently saw comedians Katt Williams and Tommy Davidson there myself, which was lots of fun.)
Check out the Boardwalk Hall events schedule, to see what events will be happening at this venue when you are visiting.
Atlantic City Aquarium.
When it’s open (meaning, not closed temporarily for renovations), the Aquarium is a great family-friendly activity in Atlantic City.
It has an extensive collection of marine life, showcasing a wide variety of species native to the waters of the Atlantic Coast. From colorful tropical fish and majestic sharks to playful sea turtles and mesmerizing jellyfish, visitors can marvel at the beauty and diversity of aquatic ecosystems.
Also, visitors can learn about marine biology, ecology, and conservation efforts through engaging activities, guided tours, and hands-on experiences.
The Beach.
The Atlantic City Beach is just steps away from the boardwalk and you can choose to spend your day sunbathing, swimming, surfing, playing beach volleyball, and building sandcastles. You can rent equipment like beach chairs and umbrellas from vendors along the boardwalk.
Absecon lighthouse.
The Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, is a historic landmark on the Atlantic City skyline. At 171 feet above sea level, in addition to being the tallest lighthouse in the state, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States.
Visitors to the lighthouse can embark on a journey to the top, ascending 228 steps to reach the lantern room and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, and the surrounding coastline.
You’ll also be able to see the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and museum, which feature exhibits on maritime history, lighthouse technology, and the role of lighthouses in navigation and safety at sea.
Shopping/Tanger Outlets.
Atlantic City is also home to one of the Tanger Outlets. AC’s Tanger is an open-air outlet mall with a variety of shopping destinations, ranging from high-end boutiques and designer outlets (including two of my favorites, Michael Kors and Kate Spade) to souvenir shops and several eateries.
So if shopping is your thing, there is more than enough to entertain you at the outlets. Of course, you will be spending money – but at least not gambling.
Scavenger Hunt.
A scavenger hunt offers a fun and interactive way to explore Atlantic City’s landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems.
Participants in an Atlantic City scavenger hunt are provided with a list of clues, riddles, and challenges that lead them to various locations throughout the city. These clues may involve historical landmarks, iconic buildings, public artworks, or other points of interest along the boardwalk and beyond.
Escape Room.
Consider doing an escape room, which can be a thrilling and immersive experience for groups of friends or families looking for a unique and challenging adventure. Escape rooms offer interactive puzzles, clues, and challenges designed to test participants’ problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities.
Helicopter Tour.
For the super-adventurous, I’d say a helicopter tour is one of the ultimate fun things to do in Atlantic City. But, maybe that depends on how you defined gambling.
If you are that type of thrill-seeker, you can experience a bird’s-eye view of Atlantic City and the surrounding coastline from high above.
Departing from helipads near the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, these tours provide passengers with panoramic views of the city’s skyline, beaches, and attractions as they soar high above the Atlantic Ocean.
Experienced pilots provide informative commentary throughout the flight, pointing out notable landmarks and sharing fascinating insights into the city’s history and culture.
The Hook.
If you are in Atlantic City solo, with your partner, or adult friends, then I highly recommend you check out The Hook, a funny and very entertaining variety show filled with very talented performers. In my book, it absolutely makes the list of fun things to do in AC.
I went with my best friend and we liked it so much I suggested it to my parents during their next AC visit. (In fact, I liked it so much that I’m listing it here as a stand-alone item instead of with the Shows section above.
The Hook includes tons of off-color jokes and half-clothed folks, so it’s not for the faint of heart. And it’s definitely NOT a show for kids.
In fact, given the bawdy nature of the show, I was actually a bit worried about telling my parents about it…but they LOVED it, too. It really is a great show. For ADULTS.
The venue of The Hook show also has a restaurant and bar. The restaurant is very… *clears throat*… unassuming (basically, it looks like a dive bar/restaurant). I didn’t eat there when I went to the show, but my parents tried the restaurant during their visit, and said they were pleasantly surprised with the food.
So between the show and the food, the overall experience is excellent.
Mini Golf.
Atlantic City mini golf offers a fun and entertaining activity for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Mini golf in Atlantic City typically features creatively designed courses with themed obstacles and challenges, offering players an exciting and engaging experience.
From pirate-themed adventures to tropical paradises, each course presents a new and imaginative setting for players to explore and conquer.
Whether you’re a casual player looking for a fun activity with friends and family or a competitive golfer seeking a lighthearted challenge, mini golf in Atlantic City offers something for everyone.
When is the best time to visit Atlantic City?
Tough question. AC is definitely a resort town. And a beach town. For a long time, I wouldn’t step foot in the city unless it was hot enough to dip my toes in the water or experience butter pecan ice cream dripping down my hand while I licked at it furiously.
I really enjoy Steel Pier – both for myself and my daughter – so being there during the summer months felt like the only viable option.
But in recent years, I have ventured into Atlantic City in some of the ‘off seasons’, and experienced some of the other great things that this city has to offer.
As you can see, so many of the things on the list can be done anytime of year.
So, while they will obviously be different experiences depending on the time of year you visit, you can be sure that you will find enough to entertain you during any season.
Just a hop, skip and jump from Atlantic City is Philadelphia, which has a TON of fun non-gambling things to do. So if you are interested in taking that journey while the gamblers stay in AC on the casino floor, check out these articles: 12 Best Fun Activities in Philadelphia for Adults and 15 Fun Things to do in Philadelphia at Night.