Take a typical Jersey Shore beach vacation — complete with boardwalk and souvenir shops — throw in a little Las Vegas, and you have Atlantic City, N.J. Since the legalization of gambling in the city in the late 1970s, Atlantic City (or just AC) has attracted visitors who mostly want to try their luck at the tables and sometimes want to lounge on the beach. New luxury hotels, hopping nightclubs and upscale shops are spiffing up AC’s street cred as an exciting beach vacation. No, you won’t find Vegas’ class and panache in Atlantic City nor will you find the pristine sands of a Florida beach, but if you’re looking for a destination that does a fairly good job with them both, AC might just be the place for you.
How To Save Money in Atlantic City
- Winter in Atlantic CityThe cheapest time to visit AC is during the winter months, especially in the middle of the week. You’ll miss out on the beaches, but the casinos and fine dining are open year-round.
- Don’t stay in the casinosUnless you’re taking advantage of a promotion, the casinos are expensive. The farther you move from the beach and the Boardwalk, the more affordable hotel price you’ll find. But don’t gotoo far from the main drag; AC’s outskirts are seedy, particularly at night.
- Take advantage of casino promosCheck with individual casinos for promotions and packages. Many offer club cards, discounted prices and other perks year-round.
Atlantic City Dining
Hot dog stands, pizza places and fast food joints line the Boardwalkwhile buffets dominate the casinos. But foodies hunting for fine dining should not despair: The Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa offers several restaurants to write home about, including Bobby Flay Steak, Wolfgang Puck American Grille and the Italian restaurant, Fornelletto, among others.
However, AC’s true culinary claim-to-fame is its salt water taffy, which was first created here in the late 1800s. The super sticky and chewy bite-size candy is sold up and down the Boardwalk.
