Atlantic City
Bright lights, gorgeous women and fast paced action -- these three things can be found in spades at the one and only Atlantic City! Although there are thousands of vacation destinations across the United States, this is one of the only ones built specifically for the tourist. Atlantic City was formed in the late 19th century as a vacation resort for hard working Philadelphians. The sun, shore and sands were the ideal place to rest their weary bones. But it wasn't until 1976, when gambling was made legal in the city, that Atlantic City found its true calling.Today, Atlantic City is home to 13 casinos and some of the best table games in the country. But as heavily visited as the casinos are, they aren't the only reason people visit this seaside resort in New Jersey. Here's a rundown of what you can expect on an exciting Atlantic City vacation.
Getting to Atlantic City
There are two major airports that service the area, both of which can accommodate your last minute flight to Atlantic City. The first is the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), located only about nine miles from the downtown area. The other, and probably easiest to get into, is the much larger and busier Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), but it's about 60 miles from the resort town.
If you live on the East Coast and want to try your luck in Atlantic City, then hop on the Atlantic City Expressway East (Route 42). It is a toll road and it does accept EasyPass.
Atlantic City is also reachable by train and many bus companies in Eastern Pennsylvania make daily runs to the city.
Where to Stay and Where to Play in Atlantic City
The most common places to stay are at the Atlantic City hotels and casinos themselves. What's better than getting out of bed, taking an elevator down and playing the day away? Some of the most visited casinos of Atlantic City include:
* The Borgata - The newest casino hotel in AC, the Borgata boasts 2,002 luxurious rooms. With a 161,000-square-foot casino floor, a 54,000-square-foot spa and 13 restaurants, including fine dining by Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck, the Borgata is the epitome of indulgence.
* The Showboat Hotel and Casino - Showboat offers 1,329 stunning rooms and most have breathtaking ocean views. With six restaurants and a Starbucks on site everyone’s craving is bound to be covered. The Showboat is also famous for its nightlife and off-Broadway shows – making a night at the Showboat a party every night.
* Trump Marina - Some call him the King of Atlantic City, but Donald Trump's Trump Marina will leave you feeling like royalty. Trump Marina is a 4-Diamond casino resort with 725 rooms decked out in the only way Trump does things -- extravagantly! The casino game floor is 70,000 square-feet and includes 90 gaming tables and over 2,000 slot machines!
* Bally's Atlantic City - Bally's offers guests three casinos in one! With over 222,000 total square-feet of gaming, there's always someone winning big. Accommodations are also varied as guests can choose between the Dennis Tower, the Garden Tower, the Bally's Hotel Tower and the Claridge Tower for a total of 1,753 rooms, 21 restaurants, 14 shops and 2 spas. At Bally's, size does matter!
If the glitz and glamour of Atlantic City's casino hotels is not for you, then there are plenty of beachside rentals in and around AC where you can find some peace and quiet.
Atlantic City's Other Attractions
In addition to gambling, Atlantic City is best known for its beach. Hours can be spent just lounging back on the warm sand while you listen to the sounds of the waves and the call of the gulls. Or, take a walk along the boardwalk and see the sights. Careful with those boardwalk cheese fries, those gulls can get pretty brave! While you're on the boardwalk, visit Steel's Fudge, the oldest continuously family owned and operated fudge making company in the world. Your sweet tooth demands it!
In addition to the beach, the Atlantic City Aquarium and Ocean Life Center are popular tourist attractions and for something truly unique. Visit Lucy the Elephant, a 65-ton building built in the shape of -- you guessed it -- an elephant! And don't forget about the fabulous Atlantic City shows that await you at the hotel casinos!
For an interesting time, take a break from the gaming tables and get to the bottom of how Atlantic City became the world-class resort it currently is by visiting the Atlantic City Historical Museum.
From its meager early origins to its present day opulence, Atlantic City has always been about the tourist. For the time of your life, whether it's a weekend gambling getaway or a week-long summer escape, make Atlantic City your first choice. You can bet you'll love it!
