Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk
Categories: Active Life Beaches Active Life Amusement Parks Beaches, Amusement Parks
Pacific AveAtlantic City, NJ 08401
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
29 reviews for Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk
Review Highlights
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"Salt water taffy was was first invented in AC." In 3 reviews -
"All kinds of stores and eateries, candy, whatever you want." In 3 reviews -
"The Bally's has a nice seafood restaurant inside the Dennis..." In 5 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Taheerah B.
Laurel, MD
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Boardwalk is PERFECT for people watching, and yes, there are some characters that entertain me as I am eating my fried oreos (Don't judge me!). I love the fact that a person NEVER knows what to expect. I have never had a dull moment. Whether it is looking at the cheap souvenirs and t-shirts, or sampling the high calorie foods, the Boardwalk always makes me smile. For the gamblers, you can go to any of the casinos. For the mothers with the strollers, your child will enjoy the cool breeze, and you will love the easy walk. For the lovers, hold hands and gaze. Teenagers, go to the piers and entertainments centers. People watchers (like me) sit back and laugh at the "characters". Foodies, you can't go wrong. Shoppers, you must check out Caesar's pier. Lazy people, you can get someone to stroll you to any place on the Boardwalk...
This place is for EVERYONE! -
Review from Helen L.
4/3/2012
On a cold day in Newark, I thought the shore would be colder, but it wasn't. It was a perfect day with a perfect breeze, allowing us to take a perfect stroll on the boardwalk.
As far as the boardwalk goes, there's nothing that unique about it other than the casinos that line its entire length. The rest of the boardwalk has all the typical boardwalk eats (all things sweet, fried, or both), typical boardwalk shopping (cheap dresses, cheesy T-shirts, tacky jewelry, hermit crabs, etc.), typical boardwalk attractions (arcade, carnival games, and old school amusement park), and other common boardwalk features (massages, tattoos, piercings, etc.). I like all of this stuff though, so unique or not, it ranks well with me.
What I love most about this boardwalk is the beach. I've visited several Jersey shores by now and (as a Californian) it blows my mind every time I see a fee to play on the beach. No charge here. This beach is free! I know there are others, but this is the first free beach I've been to since moving out here so it's a big deal to me.
The best part about this gorgeous beach (for me) is the little mound of sand and wild grass that runs along the boardwalk. It does slightly block the view of the water from the boardwalk in most areas, but it also blocks the view of the boardwalk from the beach. I feel like it offers a bit of seclusion for the beach-goers.Listed in: Earth, Wind & Water (East)
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Review from Long-underwear M.
Oaklyn, NJ
1/15/2012 8 photos
The Atlantic City Boardwalk was definetely one of the highlights of my vacation to the East Coast last summer. The city itself is alot like an Island because it is separated from the mainland, if not for connecting roadways I'm sure you would need a boat to get to it.
Absolutely the nicest oceanside place I've seen. The Boardwalk and Beach were packed the day I was there because a huge airshow was going on at the time. I'm not crazy about bomber planes flying recklessly towards me so I could have done without that, but had I been there a different day I wouldn't have had to experience that. There was alot of people who were having a blast that day however so if your into airshows you'd without a doubt love this one.
hrough the cavalcade of souvenier shops, food stands, and casinos along the boardwalk there is something for everyone here. Funnel cakes and custards, t-shirts and beach wear, to performers -
Review from Crystine W.
New York, NY
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Atlantic City offers so much that if you say you didn't have fun - you clearly did not go out in search of fun. Gambling, shopping, casinos, bright lights, festive atmosphere, entertainment-filled boardwalk, etc. It really is non-stop and there is something for everyone in AC. As for the AC waters - stick to the "Look, but don't touch" motto because it isn't very clean and I fear you will grow an additional limb.
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Review from Alex A.
Manhattan, NY
4/28/2012
The AC boardwalk is amazing! Everything goes here and there are no limits. You see street performers. Artist. People arguing. People making out. Others riding bikes. Stores, food joints, the pier with an amusement park. The list goes on this place is great and people watching here is a must bc you will laugh and some of the things you can see. :) go see for yourself
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Review from Phil H.
9/25/2011 19 Check-ins Here
I love walking this boardwalk whenever I am in Atlantic City. There is something to be said about staying at a casino and walking right out the back doors onto the boardwalk in the morning. It's still on the quiet side, not many people around, the sound of seagulls, and the smell of the sea air.
Through the cavalcade of souvenier shops, food stands, and casinos along the boardwalk there is something for everyone here. Funnel cakes and custards, t-shirts and beach wear, to performers entertaining groups of tourists and locals. You can even take a ride on a hand pushed cart for a few blocks or a long distance if you want to spend the money.
There is still a touch of the old classics like James Salt Water Taffy and it's counterpart, Fralingers. Rita's Water Ice is also here. All types of places to eat with all the fun boardwalk comfort food standards - hot dogs, corn dogs, pizza, hamburgers, cotton candy, etc.
The Steel Pier carnival offers thrills with fun rides, and a midway featuring all kinds of games of chance and skill to win prizes at. Boardwalk Hall is a terrific spot to see a concert or other event. The Pier Shops at Ceasars offers upscale shopping and eclectic places to eat. There is also the beautiful but sombering Koren War Memorial to reflect at.
The boardwalk itself is huge and is known as the longest one anywhere. There is a lot to see and do on it, and makes for a fun walk along the beach. -
Review from Ron C.
10/24/2011
I was expecting a little more from this place. From what people tell me it's really nice. Yes they do have casinos and the beach, but it seemed like I was walking around Coney Island. Nothing really stood out to me here, but if you do want to escape from the city and relax with some gambling and a side of swimming. This would be a great place for you. I'm not sure if I was expecting something like Las Vegas (since I am from the West Coast. I may have some standards)
This should be a new slogan,
Atlantic City... Just like Coney Island, but with Casinos. -
Review from Rob G.
Woodbridge, VA
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice place to visit and shop...
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Review from Gloria D.
5/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
AC, you will be my 100th Yelp review!
Being a NY native, I have been coming to AC on vacation since I am about 5 years old. Every summer my Aunt & Uncle would pack my cousin and I into the backseat of the car and make the 2.5 hour drive from Brooklyn to spend a week or two in AC during the summer. While my Aunt & Uncle went to the casinos at night, my cousin and I would walk the boardwalk and hit Playcade, or cause some type of trouble in the hotels or on the boardwalk.
During the day, we'd hit the beach or play at the hotel pool while my Aunt sunned herself keeping a watchful eye on us. From almost drowning in the ocean and needing to be saved by the lifeguards, to getting lost in the major hotels, having each other paged and giving my poor Aunt heart failure while she sat at a slot machine, to giving ourselves cavities by taking down Salt Water Taffy like it was going extinct, to getting in trouble on the boardwalk by abusing the pay phones, to pretending to smoke cigarettes to impress a lifeguard at 6 years old, we always managed to have a good time.
I will never forget the week before we were due to arrive in AC, we'd get together and make mixed tapes for the car and vacation. AC gave me some of the best, most memorable and amazing times of my life as a kid. It was a magical place to me when I was a wee-beastie.
As an adult, I worked at Bally's and after leaving South Jersey to move back to NYC, I would go back at least 1-2 times per year. I always loved walking on the boardwalk during the summer months and breathing in the salty air. :) AC also holds a special place in my heart because I had a friend I adored who ruled that town, and through him I also met another great friend.
In short, thank you AC for showing me such a good time for the last 30 years. While there are some areas of your town that could use improvement, I feel like it just gives you character. I'd never want to live there again, but I am a BIG fan of visiting.
xoxo,
Glory -
Review from Vicki A.
Brigantine, NJ
3/29/2012
Everyone here is making quite a fuss about the new luxury casino Revel...Frankly I hate at the hypocrisy of the "no smoking" policy ....as if they care about my health as I would lose money at their establishment....Worse....the bldg is ugly! It certainly isn't "beachy" it is a gold ugly stuck near the Atlantic and looks like some industrial park near Elizabeth NJ! I hope the restaurants at least will be gourmet so I can get a great duck dish (instead of just lobster tails and steak) etc......
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Review from Tahirah J.
Absecon, NJ
Update: July 7, 2011
Recently went to the beach at New Hampshire Ave and the Boardwalk. The neighborhood is a little scary, but the beach is actually nice.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/13/2011
Hm, where to begin with this beach review.
This is one of the few beaches in the area with free… Read more »
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Review from Josh M.
Minneapolis, MN
7/9/2011 2 photos
The Atlantic City Boardwalk was definetely one of the highlights of my vacation to the East Coast last summer. The city itself is alot like an Island because it is separated from the mainland, if not for connecting roadways I'm sure you would need a boat to get to it.
Absolutely the nicest oceanside place I've seen. The Boardwalk and Beach were packed the day I was there because a huge airshow was going on at the time. I'm not crazy about bomber planes flying recklessly towards me so I could have done without that, but had I been there a different day I wouldn't have had to experience that. There was alot of people who were having a blast that day however so if your into airshows you'd without a doubt love this one.
All along the Boardwalk there are all kinds of amusement, and dining places. There are also huge piers that go into the Ocean, Caesars Pier is actually a building that spans way out into the sea, like a mall in alot of ways, the Steel Pier is like a carnival, and the Garden Pier is a great place to have coffee and relax, there is also a free Atlantic City History Museum on that pier. This City really had some fine architecture back in it's early days, the Traymore Hotel must have been amazing.
The Beach and Boardwalk spans the entire length of the city, it's huge, so there are big differences depending upon where you go. Personally I don't expect every mile of the beach to be immaculate, especially since it's free. There were spots with some litter and areas I wouldn't suggest walking barefoot on because of seashells, but that was way on the North side of the city. Like I was saying, the beach is big, the Central section which is in front of Park Place is the nicest in my opinion. Those middle 2 miles or so have a much wider Boardwalk as well.
No cars are allowed on the Boardwalk, just bicyclists, pedestrians and rolling chairs for the whole 6+ miles of it. I'd never seen a rolling chair before I came here, how unique. With adjacent cities to the South included I think the Boardwalk is somewhere in the area of 10 miles long, incredible. If you're going out East the Atlantic City Boardwalk is a must see.Listed in: Travel Highlights, Famous U.S. places
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Review from Candice W.
Boston, MA
7/13/2011
In my opinion, the best stretch of the boardwalk for going to the beach is probably right outside Tropicana. If you walk towards Caesar and Bally's, it's a little more crowded, more people. We stayed at the Trop so it was literally an elevator ride and a minute walk to the beach. We were at the beach two days out of 4 that we were there, rented an umbrella and a lounge chair, have my mp3 playing and had the best nap under the sun. The ocean was nice... it was very relaxing just to let the wave crash into us and feel the coolness of the water splash on our bodies.
The boardwalk was the reason I didn't gain 20lbs from all the food I ate this trip. Walking the boardwalk daily was awesome... the stores are really all the same, but we had a blast one night at the amusement park on Steel Pier. Some of the people manning the arcade booths were a little annoying though, they kept harrassing my fiance, saying things like "c'mon man, win your lady something, or I will" to try to get you to play and it was just disrespectful and rude.
Overall I love the boardwalk... so much to see and so much to do! -
Review from Lisa Z.
Rutherford, NJ
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beach smells, the ocean has unidentifiable objects floating in it, lots of vagrants. Clutch your wallets tightly.
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Review from PEGGY F.
Manchester Township, NJ
9/25/2010
I have no choice to give Atlantic City the best. It has given me some of the best memories of my life. Even before gambling.
I went as a little girl, as a tween, and teen, as a 21 yr.old and also a grown women. I've taken my girls and have always had a blast.
I believe every true Jersey Girl, has spent some of her child hood, adult hood, here, on the beach, Boardwalk, shopping, some time.
And, after all these years, still get excited to go to AC.Listed in: Around My General Area.
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Review from Alessa M.
8/19/2010 5 photos
I'm shocked no ones given the boardwalk higher stars. I'd think with all it's rich history it deserved a little more. It was my first time in AC and on the second day of the trip I knew for sure that the day would be devoted to the boardwalk.
When we first got there we got on the boardwalk through Trump Plaza. It was raining a little at first we made a few stops did some sightseeing. By the time we got around to Bally's the rain was coming down REALLY HARD to the point where streets were flooding. It was knee deep at some areas and we ended up staying inside Bally's for almost 2 hours because of it! lol great times.
Everything about the boardwalk was great from the Korean War memorial to the Boardwalk Hall, and the beach looked amazing. I wish we could have gone in but with the weather it was just to much to deal with. The carnival near the Taj Mahal was awesome to look at as well.
There's everything you need to have a fun filled day and we sure did.Listed in: Atlantic City
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Review from MandA R.
Scotch Plains, NJ
4/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Too cold to be on the beach during this visit but we will return for some sand between our toes time. The boardwalk has really cleaned up its act thanks to the casinos and local businesses. There is plenty to do here without gambling, the boardwalk is in good shape and feels safe to walk up and explore. This would be a fantastic place to play some people watching bingo.
We will return. -
Review from Brian F.
Rockaway, NJ
11/21/2011
My wife and I do a lot of walking and we decided to walk the boardwalk one night when we were staying at the Resorts Casino. It has problems. To me, the standard for boardwalks in NJ is Wildwood, 30 miles south of Atlantic City. We were there on a Friday night in June and the weather was nice. The boardwalk was almost deserted. You had the usual homeless people and street musicians. It did not feel safe. The boardwalk itself is not clean. Its just a way of getting from one casino to another. Don't go out of your way to visit this.
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Review from Libby V.
10/25/2010
Love the boardwalk! So fun to walk and people watch. Want the sand on your feet - just take a path to the beach. All kinds of stores and eateries, candy, whatever you want.
Don't laugh - I was looking for a tee shirt with a bikini on it - for a neighborhood function. I finally found it, along with a bunch of other tourist crap. The shirt was a hit. Some of the stores smell like mold - this is on the shore. Just walk out.
Was feeling a little blue one day (missing my Mom-my first time here without her) and walked outside on the boardwalk when there was a rainbow! It was a magical moment, and felt like a sign from Mom.
There's a real carnival atmosphere here, and it's just fun. Maybe you'll even get to see the old guy dancing for tips. He's a hoot. -
Review from H H.
Alexandria, VA
1/16/2012
I can already see how packed the Boardwalk and the beach could get during the summer months; luckily, I came here during the winter season, and there were not that many people on it - the beach itself looked nice with the blue waters, and the sand itself was very fine. Watch out for crab shells, chicken bones, and broken shells, though! The stores along the Boardwalk are not much to look at except for a candy store, and we didn't make it far to the amusement park/midway section of it (too bad). I definitely think this place is a level up from Ocean City. I expected this destination to be comparable to Vegas, since this is supposed to be the Vegas of the East Cost; however, I left feeling unimpressed with the size, the 'glamour,' as well as the number of things to do.
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Review from Brady A.
Rockland, NY
7/5/2010
STEEL PIER!
The best parts of this beach's boardwalk is the historic Steel Pier, with thrillingly scary roller coasters that threaten to dump you in the ocean and reasonable rates for helicopter rides.
FRIED OREOS!
are always a treat. And after we dropped one we got to see a beautiful seagull ballet of greed and jealousy.
Mostly the boardwalk seems like a giant strip mall of corporations. I never made it to the ocean and it was hard to get a good sense of the place. But Steel Pier is the best activity I could find in AC. More fun than winning at the Blackjack table. -
Review from Pinky And The B.
Manhattan, NY
4/20/2010 1 photo
I have been to AC countless times.
Usually we go to AC when there are no rooms available at other beach towns in south Jersey or at the shore. The hotels here in general are a little more expensive than other near by shore towns.
AC board walk includes casino hotels, shopping, rides, games, food and a view of the Atlantic ocean.
I have been to Las Vegas but one thing Las Vegas does not have is the Atlantic ocean!
Atlantic city is a resort community.
Atlantic city is the first board walk beach anywhere. The board walk was first built to keep sand out of hotel lobby's. It is also known to be the worlds longest board walk because it ends at the Ventura Margate boarder. You can take a walking tour of the board walk.
Salt water taffy was was first invented in AC.
http://en.wikipedia.or...
The board walk also has the Pier shops at Ceasar's. AC claims the first wind farms for NJ.
Life guards are on the beach from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. The beach has outdoor public showers and restrooms.
Atlantic city is one of the few free beaches in New Jersey. AC is full of history and tourists come from all over to see the famed board walk and beach and to gamble.
Treat AC as you would any other city in regards to crime. It would not be wise to leave children unattended at the beach and be aware of your suroundings. -
Review from S N.
Brooklyn, NY
5/30/2010
How can there be so many businesses lined up in one place, yet so little diversity? It's like the same 10 businesses alternating up and down the miles-long boardwalk.
The carnival rides section is pretty amusing, though. But what's up with the lack of CARAMEL apples? Candy apple is just not the same. Bah.
The guidowatching here is INCREDIBLE. Hence the extra star. -
Review from Ruthie V.
10/18/2010
I LOVEd this place! Wish I could have spent more time here but we arrived in the evening & left the next day. The ocean is wonderful & the boardwalk is great. It was cool that the very night we stayed, the new show "Empire Boardwalk" was on & they still have the foot taxis like they did many years ago. We walked to the mall & saw the water show too - it was pretty darn impressive! Did a little shopping and gambling before hitting the road but I'd love to come back someday and spend a lot of time on the beach - great atmosphere! Too bad the "Trump" name is everywhere you look tho - kind of takes away from the nostalgia, however, I'm sure it's helped the economy there over the years. I don't even think he owns any property there anymore. He must have made them leave his name when he sold. Geez, his name was even engraved on the hotel soap!
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Review from Brett Y.
CA
11/16/2010 8 photos
The story goes that AC voted for gambling in the 70s because this place was on the decline. As of this weekend, the gambling is still there, and the place is a dump.
The beaches are unspectacular. Boardwalk is amazing but the shops are all marketed for tourists.
And trump is a fool. He's been involved in bankrupted casinos for over 10 years, and yet, he's a real estate developer.
From driving around, I think he's missing a .great opportunity to redevelop AC into a quality neighborhood -
Review from Alden C.
Fort Collins, CO
10/11/2010
I loved my visit to the Atlantic City Boardwalk! I loved the beach and all of the shops along the walk itself. I would love to go back! I had my first Steak and Cheese Philly sandwich here! Who says NJ is a cesspool? This part of the state and this particular town is great! The only thing that bothered me were the fricking seagulls. They would practically get right under your feet for a measly little crumb and then either dodge around people's feet or fly right up by your face. Very annoying! Otherwise a very fun visit!
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Review from Jess R.
7/4/2010
The beach and boardwalk are pretty. Don't get me wrong. However, there are a whole lot of bums taking up lots of space on the boardwalk. They walk around like they own it, and in a way they do. I suppose. I don't know, I feel badly for them but I certainly don't want to feed any of their habits. There were lame shops all around on the boardwalk and people pushing these wannabe carts/buggy things so that lazy/fat people don't have to walk down the boardwalk. Listen, I'm not the most energetic person, but seriously, a cart? You can't walk at a slow pace? The beach was pretty, but literally you cannot walk on it without flip flops because there is so much trash and seashells you will cut your feet to bloody bits. Sad but true. Is the boardwalk cute? Sure. But it needs some work. Like a makeover. Let's get someone on that!
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Review from Natasha S.
Washington, DC
9/7/2010
I have to say... the boardwalk has improved a great deal in the last 15 years I've been going. They have cleaned it up, and put in more updated stores and better food spots. I think with time it will only get better. It also seemed more crowded and appreciated. The beach however looks the same, still dirty but still a well loved feature in AC, especially for the kiddies. If it wasn't so windy and chilly, I would have considered dipping my feet in. But it was too cold for me.
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Review from James A.
Manhattan, NY
7/19/2011 4 photos
The nicest beaches are south of the Caesar's Pier. They get nicer and cleaner the further south you go. Away from the Casino District they become downright spectacular, lined by million dollar beach homes. The beaches north of Bally's Beach Bar are pretty average and have been torn up by winter coastal storms. They are currently undergoing replenishment - I guess to coincide with the opening of the new Revel Casino near the inlet between Atlantic City and Brigantine. The nicest restaurants and views are in the Caesars Pier 3rd Floor. Trump Plaza has a nice restaurant with boardwalk seating. The Bally's has a nice seafood restaurant inside the Dennis Hotel courtyard. The rest of the boardwalk is filled with boardwalk pizza, fries, funnel cake, ice cream, taffy, water ice... etc. Rides at Steel Pier look fun if you're in the mood. The Boardwalk takes on a rougher more urban edge north of Caesar's but the casinos in that area are also larger and more upscale. It seems in AC that the grander and more luxurious the casino, the rougher and more dilapidated the Beach and Boardwalk. The smaller mid-range casinos have better beach and boardwalk frontage.
