Atlantic City is known as a “Casino City” because of all the major casinos in the area as gambling was legalized in Atlantic City in 1976. Even though casinos are a main part of the city, there are a lot of other things to do in Atlantic City. People flock to the world’s first Boardwalk, which offers great food, shopping, and entertainment. There are very interesting museums and is a great place to people watch. Just taking a stroll along the beach, and especially the boardwalk, is a delight in Atlantic City. There is great food throughout the city whether it is International food or good old American food. If gambling is your thing than Atlantic City is definitely the place to be with the many casinos that offer all the classic casino games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, and of course the slots. The accommodations are endless as most are located near the boardwalk, which allow for easy access to many of the main attractions of the city. Atlantic City is an exciting place with many things to do for all types of travelers.
The Atlantic City Historical Museum has an interesting look at the history if the area with artifacts and exhibits. One of the more fascinating exhibits is the new Shore Deco: Atlantic City Design Between the Wars: 1919-1939. Also on the Garden Pier is the Atlantic City Art Center, which has three galleries featuring painters, sculptors and photographers.
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The historic Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in all of New Jersey and 3rd tallest in the United States. From the lighthouse you can see fantastic views of the shoreline of New Jersey, especially venturing up the 228 steps to the top. The lighthouse was built back in 1857 and is registered as an historic landmark.
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One of the nicest places to stay, just outside Atlantic City in Absecon, is the quaint Dr. Jonathan Pitney House Bed and Breakfast. The Award Winning Historic Home of the "Father of Atlantic City", Dr Jonathan Pitney was built in 1799 and beautifully restored in 1997. The Pitney Manor House features six rooms with private baths, gas fireplaces, and are all decorated with antiques from the early 1800's and Victorian era.
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Ocean Life Center features eight giant aquariums, which includes a touch tank, fascinating shipwreck artifacts, and various exhibits. Some of the fish that can be seen are sea bass, lookdowns, sand tiger sharks, northern stingray, bluefish, weakfish, and kingfish.
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A visit to the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary lets the traveler get out of the hustle and bustle of Atlantic City and take a nice stroll on the beach or have a picnic while looking at the interesting birds in the area such as glossy ibis, cattle egret, Louisiana Heron, yellow-crowned night herons, to name a few. There is also an art’s and craft’s show at various times of the year.
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The Boardwalk in Atlantic City is a must see as it is the city's main attraction and is the world’s first boardwalk. Some of the attractions on the Boardwalk include the Steel Pier, which features an amusement park right off the Atlantic City Boardwalk with rides, games and many food possibilities. Garden Pier is well known as the arts and cultural center of the Atlantic City Boardwalk featuring the Atlantic City historical museum and Atlantic City Art Center. The Boardwalk is a great place to take a stroll and get the real feel of Atlantic City.
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Many people come to Atlantic City for the Boardwalk and Casinos but some of the hidden treasures in the area are the many beautiful golf courses. Most of the golf courses are located just outside Atlantic City.
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The Girasole Ristoranti & Lounge is a Tuscan inspired restaurant that features a creative kitchen with great wood oven baked pizzas, fantastic carpaccios, as well as wonderful seafood and various types of pastas. They also feature many great specialty martinis.
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Temple Bar and Grill is a great seafood place inside the Caesar’s Casino and Hotel. It is the only place cool enough for George Clooney and Bernie Mac of Ocean’s 11. Temple has one of the best sushi selections in Atlantic City as well as a great bar and impressive martini list.
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Babalu Grill located inside the Walk has fantastic Latin and Cuban cuisine and the atmosphere is very lively. Hispanic magazine named Babalu Grill one of the top 50 Latin restaurants in the United States. Babalu Grill also turns into a dance club on Fri-Sat evenings.
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Rams Head Inn features intimate dining and has wood burning fireplaces throughout the establishment. It has a nice tavern and a good bar. The food is prepared with care and the service is top-notch.
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Opa Bar and Grill can be a late night hot spot, martini bar, and chic and elegant dining experience all rolled in one. The food is American bistro but with a touch of the Mediterranean. The food at Opa is always fresh and well portioned, they have a great bar, and it is near the water. Opa also has an impressive after hours menu.
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Seaview's Main Dining Room has been on the Jersey Shore since 1914 and has a great view of Atlantic City and excellent food. It is a casual and relaxing place where the service is wonderful. They also have a nice bar to kick back and have a glass of wine or beer.
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One of the best seafood restaurants is the Harbor View, which is located in the Trump Casino and Hotel. The name says it all, as there is a spectacular view of the harbor from the restaurant. The Harbor View has an elegant and intimate dining atmosphere and features fantastic gourmet seafood specialties.
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Maloney’s Pitney Tavern is a great place to have a burger and a beer while watching the game on the 9 screens in the tavern. It’s a local’s favorite and has a comfortable atmosphere. They have drink specials daily and live entertainment on most nights. Some of the highlights on the menu are the Cajun pork chops, meat loaf Parmesan and sirloin tips.
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Not quite right in the Marina but in-between the Marina and the Boardwalk is a famous seafood restaurant in Atlantic City in Dock’s Oyster House. They have the best oysters in the area and an impressive wine list as well. Dock’s Oyster House is an Atlantic City landmark.
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Tun Tavern is a great place to enjoy a brew in Atlantic City and it also features all American food. They have many specialty beers and have live music on various days.
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Atlantic City has a large adult industry as there are many strip bars, adult bookstores, and “ladies of the night” walking around in the Boardwalk district, especially on Pacific Avenue. For travelers with children, it may be better to go to Ocean City and Wildwood for less adult themed pleasures.
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The major tourist area is around the Boardwalk and there are many police officers patrolling the area at all times. When it is late or in the pre-dawn hours, ladies should not walk alone and it is safer to travel in groups. Some of the neighborhoods just outside the Boardwalk area can be dangerous at night.
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Atlantic City is a casino town so it is not the best travel destination for anyone who has a gambling problem, no matter how small. The lure of the casinos can be great and since the alcohol always flows it can compound the problem. If you do go to Atlantic City for gambling just know that it is easy to get carried away and you could leave with a lot less money than you arrived with if you are not careful.
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One of the premier nightclubs in Atlantic City, located just off the Boardwalk, is Déjà vu. Déjà vu is a multi-level dance club that is popular with the 20-35 year old crowd. The music ranges from House, Progressive House, Club and Disco Classics, booming from a massive sound system. The club has 6 bars and serves late night snacks. It is an upscale nightclub and there is a dress code.
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The 40/40 Club in Atlantic City is a great place to watch the game as well as dance the night away until the early morning. The club features more than 30 TV’s and four VIP rooms. The crowd varies but the 20-35 year old crowd will love the vibe. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of co-founders Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees or Jay Z!
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For the older crowd, 35+, there are many nightclubs at the various casinos which have nightclubs geared to mature audiences. Some of them include the Dizzy Dolphin at the Hilton, and the Mountain Bar at the Wild West, to name a few. For other nightclubs geared to the older crowd check out some of the casino websites.
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