Atlantic City Boardwalk
4.4(11K)google
3.6(214)yelp
BeachOcean ViewCarnivalLocal LifeNight-FriendlyYouth-FriendlyMust-SeeFree
Overview
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is an oceanfront boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. Opened in 1870, it is the oldest, longest, and busiest boardwalk in the world. The Atlantic City Boardwalk is 5+1⁄2 to 5+3⁄4 miles (8.9 to 9.3 km) long, the world's longest.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeSummer from June through August draws massive travel to the beach. Walking or hiring an iconic vintage rolling chair along the historic wooden planks between 5:30 PM and sunset on a clear day is premier; the setting sun blankets the Atlantic Ocean completely unhindered, casting a magnificent warm gold across the towering neon casino towers for classic Jersey Shore travel photography.
Getting ThereSpanning the entire oceanfront of Atlantic City. Driven travel is exceptionally smooth and fast via the Atlantic City Expressway, which deposits motorists straight into the center core area. Every primary resort casino features its own massive, multi-level public pay parking structure. Commuters can ride the NJ Transit rail line directly into the Atlantic City Rail Terminal.
Travel Tips
- The 4-mile wooden boardwalk strictly bars private vehicles; long-distance transit should rely on iconic human-powered Rolling Chairs or the cost-effective 24/7 Jitney minibus shuttle loops.
- Avoid wandering into unlit side streets off the main boardwalk strip after dark; lingering beneath the boardwalk structures or on the unpatrolled nighttime beach is an absolute safety taboo.
- Street-level municipal parking along the strip utilizes high-rate meters; optimize costs by using self-park multi-level garages inside major casino resorts for flat daily maximum rates.
Reviews
Positive
- As the world's longest and oldest boardwalk, it offers spectacular ocean views directly flanked by iconic casino resorts.
- The food options are incredibly diverse, from classic funnel cakes and saltwater taffy to upscale casino dining for all budgets.
- Riding in the traditional human-powered Rolling Chairs is a highly unique, relaxing, and retro way to sightsee along the boards.
Heads up
- Sections of the boardwalk not connected to newer casinos look worn out and neglected, often with cracked or missing wood planks.
- After dark, the safety and atmosphere in certain areas can make families with kids uneasy, with many homeless people or solicitors.
- Public restrooms are rare and poorly signposted; it is hard to find a clean restroom on the boards without going deep into a casino.
- The heavy commercial and gambling atmosphere leaves it packed with repetitive, cheap souvenir shops, lacking coastal tranquility.