Most people think of Atlantic City as a summertime destination; not only can summer visitors experience world-class casino resorts, but also the glorious Atlantic City beaches. But rest assured, Atlantic City is a year-round destination. As the weather begins to cool down, let’s explore what fun the city by the sea has to offer.
The Majesty of the Sea
While sunbathing on the white, sandy Atlantic City beaches is what most visitors think of, you can fully appreciate the power and majesty of the Atlantic Ocean during the fall. The chill air, gray skies, and crashing waves create an atmosphere perfect for introspection.
On the southern end of Atlantic City, you’ll find Bartram Avenue and Brigantine Beaches; both of these fabulous beaches are known for endless expanses of sand. Best of all, during the fall, they’ll be nearly deserted, leaving you alone with the crashing waves and circling seagulls. You’ll get a rare glimpse of the primeval Jersey Shore, as it was long before Atlantic City came into being.
World-Class Casino Resorts
Once the weather begins to chill, it doesn’t mean the gambling fun stops. On the contrary, the warm ambiance of Atlantic City’s casino resorts is even more inviting during the colder months. Fall is also a good time to try playing a few table games if you’ve always stuck with slots.
Keep in mind, the casino resorts in Atlantic City offer much more than table games and slot machines; you can also indulge in luxurious spa treatments. For example, Resorts Casino Hotel offers its guests hot, cozy saunas and steam rooms within the fitness center. What a great way to warm up after a breezy jaunt on the beach. After that, treat yourself to a facial and a new hairstyle at the salon.
The casino resorts are an all-in-one destination, so while you’re there, enjoy a meal at one of the 5-star restaurants and take in a show. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you don’t even need to step outside to have fun all week long.
Visit the Atlantic City Aquarium
There is an entirely different, unseen world just beneath the waves. Sitting on the scenic Absecon Inlet, the Atlantic City Aquarium features not only local sea life but also creatures from all over the world. If you have kids in tow, they’ll really enjoy the interactive exhibits, such as petting sharks and stingrays. The exhibits include all sorts of aquatic creatures, from turtles, piranhas, jellyfish, and even seafaring iguanas. There is even a recreation of a Tropical Rainforest.
Around the aquarium, you’ll find interesting shops, family restaurants, and boat rides around the bay. It’s a great way to spend a rainy, blustery autumn day with the kids.
Absecon Lighthouse
Once you’re done with the Atlantic City Aquarium, hop over to the towering Absecon Lighthouse. Built in 1857, the 171 foot tall, black and white striped lighthouse is one of the tallest in the country. The massive, lead glass lens weighs an astounding 12,800 pounds. While the light still shines nightly, the lighthouse has not served as a navigational aid since 1933.
However, if you go, be warned, there are 228 steps, so you’ll need a degree of fitness to reach the top. But once you’re up there, you’ll be treated to expansive, unrivaled views of the Jersey Shore.
If you can’t make it up all of the steps, the Absecon Lighthouse Museum is located in the Keeper’s House. There, you can peruse fascinating displays about the lighthouse’s history, the lighthouse keepers, Jersey Shore shipwrecks, local sea life, and memorabilia. The nearby Oil House has an exhibit about the 12,800-pound lighthouse Fresnel Lens.
Shop Playground Pier
Jutting 900 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, Playground Pier is home to an upscale, 4-story shopping, dining, and entertainment center. It’s fun to window shop the high-end shops, including Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, and Armani. You can also have lunch at one of the half-dozen restaurants.
But, once you’re done window shopping at the high-end shops, head over to the nearby Tanger Outlet Mall to buy designer clothing and accessories you can afford. There you’ll find deep discounts at shops like Abercrombie & Fitch, J. Crew, Nike, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein.
These are just five ideas for a fun, fall visit to Atlantic City. Once you get there, you’ll certainly find even more fun things to do. For better or worse, the fall is the time to experience Atlantic City like one of the locals.