Atlantic City
Go for the wide Atlantic beach, the Boardwalk and a seaside stay with casino resorts on the New Jersey shore.
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Atlantic City is a seaside city on the Atlantic coast of southern New Jersey, in Atlantic County. It is best known for its Boardwalk, a long promenade that runs along the beach, and for the casino hotels that line the shore. Voters approved casino gambling in 1976, and the first casino opened in 1978. The resorts, shops and shows built around it still shape the city. Older landmarks such as the Absecon Lighthouse and the historic piers sit alongside the newer casinos.
Most visitors come for a weekend or a day trip. The beach and Boardwalk suit families, couples and anyone who wants a classic seaside stay with an evening out. Summer is the busiest season and the most reliable for swimming, while late spring and early fall are calmer. Plan two to three days to cover the beach, the Boardwalk and a casino night without rushing, and decide whether you want to stay near the Boardwalk or farther along the beach.
Atlantic City in five
- Get the Atlantic City Rail Line from PhiladelphiaNJ Transit's Atlantic City Rail Line runs from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station to the city in about 2 hours, so you can skip the car on a weekend trip.Getting around
- Carry photo ID to gamble or drinkThe legal age for both gambling and drinking in New Jersey is 21. Casinos and bars check ID, so carry your passport or driver's license on the Boardwalk.
- Ask about resort fees before you bookSome casino hotels add a daily resort fee and a parking charge on top of the room rate. Check the total cost against the nightly rate.
- Book July and August weekends earlySummer weekends fill first at the casino hotels, and room rates climb. Book as soon as your dates are set.
- Set up an eSIM before you landMaps and ride apps help on the Boardwalk and at rail stops. A US eSIM can be installed before you fly, so you have data when you land.Phones and eSIM
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for Visa Waiver passports; a US visa for most other nationalities Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire or an ambulance
- Tipping
- Customary: 15 to 20 percent at restaurants, plus bellhops and taxi drivers
- Time
- UTC-5 (Eastern), UTC-4 with daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchCool, quiet
- AprilMild, quiet
- MayMild, quiet
- JuneBusy, warm
- JulyPeak season
- AugustHot, crowded
- SeptemberWarm, quieter
- OctoberMild, quiet
- NovemberCool, off-season
- DecemberCold, off-season
Right now in Atlantic City
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
17
- Feels like
- 14°
- Humidity
- 44%
- Wind
- 11 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 1%
Atlantic City
04:57 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today16°5°1%Monday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Tue18°8°2%Tuesday: Fog. High 18°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed19°12°1%Wednesday: Fog. High 19°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Thu19°16°52%Thursday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 52%.
- Fri20°15°53%Friday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 53%.
- Sat17°10°45%Saturday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Sun15°6°9%Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 15°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 9%.
Updated 03:03 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Philadelphiaabout 1.5 to 2 hours by trainMuseums, the Liberty Bell and a classic cheesesteak stop, a rail trip away.
- Cape Mayabout 1 to 1.5 hours by carA Victorian seaside town at the southern tip of New Jersey, quieter than Atlantic City.
- Wildwoodabout 1 hour by carA classic beach town with a Boardwalk of rides and amusements, a short drive south.
Before you go to Atlantic City
Rules for Atlantic City, checked
- Many nationalities need a US visa. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries need ESTA approval before flying to the US. Check eligibility at travel.state.gov.Source
- The legal age for drinking and gambling in New Jersey is 21, and casinos and bars ask for photo ID. Carry your passport or driver's license.
Plan around Atlantic City
Entry rules, transport and money across the USA
Read the guideNew JerseyThe state, its shore towns and how they connect
Read the guideGetting aroundRail, bus and car options to and from the shore
Read the guideMoney and costsCards, cash and tipping in US resort towns
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs ESTA, a visa, and what to bring
Read the guideWhere to stayBoardwalk, marina and quieter shore towns compared
Read the guideAtlantic City FAQ
How do you get from Philadelphia to Atlantic City?
Take the NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station, about 2 hours. Driving the Atlantic City Expressway also works, though summer weekend traffic can add time.
Is Atlantic City worth visiting?
Yes if you want the Boardwalk, the beach and casino hotels in one place. It suits a short trip better than a long stay, and quieter shore towns such as Cape May are nearby for a calmer break.
When is the best time to visit Atlantic City?
May, September and October, when the beach is open and summer crowds have thinned. July and August bring the biggest crowds and the highest room rates.
Do you need a car in Atlantic City?
Not for the Boardwalk and casinos, which are walkable from most hotels. A car helps for day trips to Cape May or Wildwood.
Is Atlantic City safe for tourists?
The Boardwalk and casino areas are busy at night. Stay alert after dark and do not leave valuables in a parked car.
How many days do you need in Atlantic City?
Two days cover the Boardwalk, a beach day and one casino night. Add a day for Cape May or Philadelphia if you have the time.