Introduction
The Atlantic City Boardwalk hums with vibrant activity, serving as a gateway to a world of hotels, resorts, shops, and casinos. Stretching from its lively thoroughfare are several piers, each boasting an array of attractions and distinctive shopping havens. Notably, Garden Pier stands out as the cultural nucleus, hosting both the Atlantic City Historical Museum and the Atlantic City Art Center. For avid shoppers, the Boardwalk is a veritable paradise, offering an eclectic range of delights, from classic saltwater taffy to coveted city mementos. The Pier Shops at Caesars further elevate the experience with over 90 luxury boutiques, including esteemed brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Moreover, the convenience of casino gift shops within easy reach from the Boardwalk adds to the allure. Visitors can readily obtain an Atlantic City Boardwalk map from their lodgings or nearby casinos, facilitating seamless exploration of “America’s Favorite Playground.”
With the assistance of knowledgeable locals and shop proprietors offering precise guidance, navigating the city becomes a breeze. Equipped with essentials like sunscreen and ready cash, one can embark on their Atlantic City adventure with confidence.
Iconic Landmarks and Cherished Moments
Begin your journey at Boardwalk Hall for captivating shows, then meander along the iconic hotels lining the Boardwalk, such as the illustrious Trump Taj Mahal, immortalizing cherished moments along the way. And be sure to recharge at the esteemed Mr. Peanut Shoppe before delving into must-see attractions like Lucy The Elephant and Storybook Land. With a day brimming with unforgettable encounters, the countdown to your next Atlantic City Boardwalk escapade begins anew.
History of Atlantic City Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk, famed for its atmosphere and ocean views, is the beloved blue property of a cherished board game. Conceived in 1870 to protect beachfront hotels and railroad cars, its humble beginnings belied its eventual fame. The first boards, laid in 1870 for $5,000, were 10×12 feet, with no commerce allowed within 30 feet. Over time, the Boardwalk expanded and evolved, weathering storms and splintering. By 1883, nearly a hundred businesses adorned its edges. Despite its initial lack of safety features, including railings, the Boardwalk endured. In 1978, the introduction of casino gaming revitalized the resort, with Resorts International’s opening drawing thousands. Today, the Boardwalk remains an enduring symbol of Atlantic City’s resilience and allure.
With gambling legalization, Boardwalk hotels, stores, and piers changed hands rapidly, like MONOPOLY deeds. The boards stood by as out-of-town bigwigs came, saw, and invested. This investment has prospered into the new century, with the Boardwalk ever by its side. Over a century later, the Boardwalk remains a historic American symbol of good times and rich culture. Some may still believe that Atlantic City’s future rides on the roll of a dice. They might want to take a stroll on the timeless Boardwalk to see this city is going nowhere but up. Place your bets!
Things to do
National Geographic hails it as the grandfather of boardwalks, Travel+Leisure suggests a rolling chair ride, and USA Today ranks it among the top “Best Boardwalks”. The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the backbone of this seaside resort city, providing access to hotels, shops, casinos, and more. Oh, and Shopping on the Atlantic City Boardwalk is pretty great too! Stemming from the Atlantic City Boardwalk are several piers featuring several attractions, most notably, Steel Pier. Originally, Steel Pier showcased the world’s top entertainers, delighting thousands of visitors each day with top names and novelty acts. Today, kids of all ages enjoy Steel Pier’s thrilling amusement rides and games of chance. Garden Pier, the cultural hub of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, hosts the Atlantic City Historical Museum and Atlantic City Art Center.
Shopping
Atlantic City has many different shopping districts and malls, many of which are located inside or adjacent to the casino resorts. Smaller-themed retail and dining areas in casino hotels include the Borgata Shops, The Shoppes at Water Club, the Waterfront Shops in Harrah’s, and Spice Road in the Trump Taj Mahal. Resorts Casino Hotel also offers a small collection of stores and restaurants. Major shopping malls are also located in and around Atlantic City.
- Atlantic City Outlets The Walk, an outdoor outlet shopping center spanning several blocks. The only outlet mall in South Jersey, The Walk first opened in 2003 and is currently undergoing an expansion.
- The Quarter at Tropicana, an old Havana-themed indoor shopping center at the Tropicana, contains over 40 stores, restaurants, and nightclubs.
- Located on the Million Dollar Pier, Pier Shops at Caesars, formerly ‘Shops on Ocean One,’ is an underwater-themed luxury shopping center. The four-story shopping mall contains themed floors as well as a fountain show.
- Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township features Boscov’s, Burlington Coat Factory, a movie theater, and new restaurants, including Golden Corral.
- Hamilton Mall in nearby Mays Landing, anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, and Sears, contains over 140 stores and several restaurants.
- Smithville Towne Center and Village Greene, with over 60 stores and restaurants, is centered around a lake in Galloway Township. The center contains boutique stores, paddleboats, a hotel, as well as small amusement rides.
Exhibition
Boardwalk Hall, formally known as the “Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall”, is an arena in Atlantic City along the boardwalk. Boardwalk Hall was Atlantic City’s primary convention center until the opening of the Atlantic City Convention Center in 1997. The Atlantic City Convention Center features 500,000 sq ft of showroom space, five exhibit halls, 45 meeting rooms, a parking garage, and an adjacent Sheraton hotel. The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority operates both the Boardwalk Hall and the Convention Center.
It will not be an exaggeration to say that Atlantic City Boardwalk is an Awesome Place For Vacations.