Atlantic City Boardwalk Reviews | U.S. News Travel

Atlantic City Boardwalk

#2 in Best Things To Do in Atlantic City
 picture
Driendl Group|Getty Images

Key Info

Price & Hours

Free

Details

Free, Neighborhood/Area, Sightseeing Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend

Scorecard

  • Value 5.0
  • Food Scene 3.0
  • Atmosphere 3.5

The Boardwalk isn't named after its wooden planks. Its namesake actually comes from its inventor, Alexander Boardman, who developed the walkway in the 1870s. Since then it's remained a hot spot. Four miles long, the Boardwalk runs along the shoreline and is lined with shops, bars, restaurants and amusement park-style games. The popular Steel and Central piers (and their carnival rides) branch off the main stretch.

For some adult visitors, the Atlantic City Boardwalk offers a sense of nostalgia of youthful days perusing through the souvenir shops and going on rides. Other travelers said they enjoyed the diverse array of shops and eateries that line the walkway. A handful of visitors warned that some parts of if are looking worn down and that you may encounter homeless people begging for money.

You could walk the promenade, but many choose to catch a rolling chair to get around (maybe hitting up a few of the city's storefronts for some homemade taffy along the way). The Boardwalk is free to roam any time of day; however, travelers should watch their pockets and never travel alone.

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#1 Atlantic City Beach

If you're not visiting Atlantic City to gamble, chances are you're coming to hit the beach. The city's beach is wide and its camel-hued sands are soft – recent travelers said they were impressed with the cleanliness and with how much room there was to spread out on this beach. The Atlantic Ocean's waves are good for body boarding, boogie boarding and wave jumping for the little ones, while adults can enjoy walking along the flat terrain near the water or relaxing in a beach chair. On-site facilities include showers and changing rooms, plus lifeguards are on duty during the summer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beachgoers also have access to the boardwalk, which is populated with eateries and shops selling beach gear and water sports equipment.

Unlike many other New Jersey beaches, Atlantic City's sands are free to access – you don't need a fee-based badge or pass to visit. For more information on the beach, visit the tourism board's website

If you're not visiting Atlantic City to gamble, chances are you're coming to hit the beach. The city's beach is wide and its camel-hued sands are soft – recent travelers said they were impressed with the cleanliness and with how much room there was to spread out on this beach. The Atlantic Ocean's waves are good for body boarding, boogie boarding and wave jumping for the little ones, while adults can enjoy walking along the flat terrain near the water or relaxing in a beach chair. On-site facilities include showers and changing rooms, plus lifeguards are on duty during the summer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beachgoers also have access to the boardwalk, which is populated with eateries and shops selling beach gear and water sports equipment.

Unlike many other New Jersey beaches, Atlantic City's sands are free to access – you don't need a fee-based badge or pass to visit. For more information on the beach, visit the tourism board's website

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