@chienfou It’s really weird, but I checked with people I know up in the NE corridor, and none of them has been to Atlantic City in the past 40 years (or ever, in some cases). I know that there’s still a fair bit of recreational presence on places like the Boardwalk (which is more of a Hike than a Walk), but the overall impression I’m getting is that they went downhill for a long time and they’re trying hard to rebuild their image (hence the refurb of the massive organ in their convention auditorium) but it apparently hasn’t yet fully kicked in. It’s not dead by any means; there’s a Margaritaville restaurant across from the Steel Pier, and that wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t a hot spot to at least some extent.
That said, if I were in the area, I would want to know if there were any performances available on the Midmer-Losh organ, because that’s something I’d want to catch in person if I could.
Well years ago it would have been take a sail on the 140’ schooner I used to work on that was docked there… but that boat is no longer there. Not sure if there is one there now but a couple hour sail up and down the coast is a different way to see the city and sometimes you get lucky and see sea creatures like whales.
Atlantic City has a wide beach; years ago there were swing sets mid-point between the ocean and the boardwalk. IDK if they are still there… so maybe not a good suggestion
I’ve never been but just looked up what to do in the area. Steel pier looks cool with the rides and carnival games and the beach looks nice right there, reviews weren’t bad either. There’s a waterpark that just opened in 2023 that’s had lots of slides, lazy river and a wave pool. Also an a aquarium that seeemed pretty cool (I’m an aquarium person, I always check them out In different areas) lots of underwater exibts and rotating events and you can even pet baby sharks too.
@Star2236 In New Orleans I once got incredibly lucky and won a private tour of behind the scenes of the aquarium there (pre Katrina).
As I won two tickets I invited a 6 year old to go. He had been telling his mother and grandmother about the animals in the exhibits, it was a private tour, so I asked them if I could take them. After confirming with the tour guide it was just the two of us they let him go with me.
I told the tour guide to make it kid friendly (when they started talking about the vet when the lights were off in there - kid was bored with that) so we got to feed beluga whales, we got to go into the education area and handle small creatures… He had a blast. His grandma gave me a disposable camera to take photos of him on the tour.
Best tour ever. I am so glad the family trusted me to take the kid on the private tour.
Years ago I went to the Malibu aquarium. That was pretty spectacular too.
@Thumperchick
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum Looks really cool, if you do the quary dig you’ll have to show us what fossils you finds. I’m a huge rock geek too. I’ll spend hours up north or even In my lake sifting through tons of rocks trying to find cool ones for my tumbler. I still have two bags of sand that I brought home from trips long ago that are supposed to be filled with different gems that I haven’t sifted through yet. I went gem mining in dallhlonenga, GA and had a blast doing that. I found some cool gems, a few decent sized emerald and garnets that I need to have checked out to see if their worth being polished and cut open. There’s a place in Kentucky (I think) that you can dig for diamonds that I want to check out. People have actually walked away with some decent sized ones from there.
@Thumperchick Do you have flexibility to travel some more or not to stay in AC? I for one would head south to the Wildwoods and/or Cape May. Hiking around the Pine Barrens can be interesting; there’s a lot of history in NJ. Find a Farmer’s Market, they don’t call it the Garden State for nothing. When are you going and how long will you be there?
Atlantic City Boardwalk
The heart of the city—stretching along the ocean, it’s lined with shops, eateries, vintage arcades, and iconic attractions. Visitors can walk, rent bikes, rollerblades, or even rolling chairs for a fun, leisurely exploration.  
The Quarter at Tropicana
A beautifully designed indoor “town square” featuring nightlife, dining, boutique shopping, live entertainment, and vibrant architecture. It ranks highly among visitor favorites. 
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
A luxurious resort offering high-end dining, spas, lounges, pools, entertainment venues, and a buzzing nightlife—regularly rated among the top experiences. 
Absecon Lighthouse
New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse (171 ft), with climbs to the watchroom, a museum, historic exhibits, and panoramic views of the surrounding area. 
Steel Pier
A classic amusement pier right on the boardwalk, packed with rides, an arcade, food stalls, and an observation wheel. Great for families and thrill-seekers alike. 
Ocean City Waterpark (Island Waterpark at Showboat)
The largest indoor beachfront waterpark globally, located at the Showboat. It features slides, a surf simulator, multiple food and drink spots, and operates year-round. 
Boardwalk Hall
Home to the world’s largest pipe organ, a historic venue for concerts, pageants, and sporting events. Offers a fascinating glimpse into Atlantic City’s cultural and architectural heritage. 
Thunder over the Boardwalk (Seasonal)
One of North America’s largest annual airshows, featuring dramatic aerobatic flyovers by military and civilian aircraft directly over the ocean in front of the boardwalk.
Play Monopoly.
I’ve never been there
@werehatrack
Not helpful
@chienfou It’s really weird, but I checked with people I know up in the NE corridor, and none of them has been to Atlantic City in the past 40 years (or ever, in some cases). I know that there’s still a fair bit of recreational presence on places like the Boardwalk (which is more of a Hike than a Walk), but the overall impression I’m getting is that they went downhill for a long time and they’re trying hard to rebuild their image (hence the refurb of the massive organ in their convention auditorium) but it apparently hasn’t yet fully kicked in. It’s not dead by any means; there’s a Margaritaville restaurant across from the Steel Pier, and that wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t a hot spot to at least some extent.
That said, if I were in the area, I would want to know if there were any performances available on the Midmer-Losh organ, because that’s something I’d want to catch in person if I could.
Well years ago it would have been take a sail on the 140’ schooner I used to work on that was docked there… but that boat is no longer there.
Not sure if there is one there now but a couple hour sail up and down the coast is a different way to see the city and sometimes you get lucky and see sea creatures like whales.
@Kidsandliz Powered double-decker sightseeing boats now, no surprise.
Atlantic City has a wide beach; years ago there were swing sets mid-point between the ocean and the boardwalk. IDK if they are still there… so maybe not a good suggestion
@bee1doll It looks like those are long gone, from what I was able to find. There are swing-ish rides in a couple of spots, but that’s not the same.
I’ve never been but just looked up what to do in the area. Steel pier looks cool with the rides and carnival games and the beach looks nice right there, reviews weren’t bad either. There’s a waterpark that just opened in 2023 that’s had lots of slides, lazy river and a wave pool. Also an a aquarium that seeemed pretty cool (I’m an aquarium person, I always check them out In different areas) lots of underwater exibts and rotating events and you can even pet baby sharks too.
@Star2236 In New Orleans I once got incredibly lucky and won a private tour of behind the scenes of the aquarium there (pre Katrina).
As I won two tickets I invited a 6 year old to go. He had been telling his mother and grandmother about the animals in the exhibits, it was a private tour, so I asked them if I could take them. After confirming with the tour guide it was just the two of us they let him go with me.
I told the tour guide to make it kid friendly (when they started talking about the vet when the lights were off in there - kid was bored with that) so we got to feed beluga whales, we got to go into the education area and handle small creatures… He had a blast. His grandma gave me a disposable camera to take photos of him on the tour.
Best tour ever. I am so glad the family trusted me to take the kid on the private tour.
Years ago I went to the Malibu aquarium. That was pretty spectacular too.
@Kidsandliz
That’s really cool.
@Star2236 the aquarium is on the list. So are Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, and the pier/boardwalk.
@Thumperchick
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum Looks really cool, if you do the quary dig you’ll have to show us what fossils you finds. I’m a huge rock geek too. I’ll spend hours up north or even In my lake sifting through tons of rocks trying to find cool ones for my tumbler. I still have two bags of sand that I brought home from trips long ago that are supposed to be filled with different gems that I haven’t sifted through yet. I went gem mining in dallhlonenga, GA and had a blast doing that. I found some cool gems, a few decent sized emerald and garnets that I need to have checked out to see if their worth being polished and cut open. There’s a place in Kentucky (I think) that you can dig for diamonds that I want to check out. People have actually walked away with some decent sized ones from there.
Not much help, eh?
Maybe you can report back what YOU did in case I ever get up that way!
I personally recommend seeing Royal Crowne Revue in 1999 with a fake ID.
@jouest
@Thumperchick Do you have flexibility to travel some more or not to stay in AC? I for one would head south to the Wildwoods and/or Cape May. Hiking around the Pine Barrens can be interesting; there’s a lot of history in NJ. Find a Farmer’s Market, they don’t call it the Garden State for nothing. When are you going and how long will you be there?
Trump Taj Mahal?
Top-Rated Things to Do in Atlantic City
Atlantic City Boardwalk
The heart of the city—stretching along the ocean, it’s lined with shops, eateries, vintage arcades, and iconic attractions. Visitors can walk, rent bikes, rollerblades, or even rolling chairs for a fun, leisurely exploration.  
The Quarter at Tropicana
A beautifully designed indoor “town square” featuring nightlife, dining, boutique shopping, live entertainment, and vibrant architecture. It ranks highly among visitor favorites. 
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
A luxurious resort offering high-end dining, spas, lounges, pools, entertainment venues, and a buzzing nightlife—regularly rated among the top experiences. 
Absecon Lighthouse
New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse (171 ft), with climbs to the watchroom, a museum, historic exhibits, and panoramic views of the surrounding area. 
Steel Pier
A classic amusement pier right on the boardwalk, packed with rides, an arcade, food stalls, and an observation wheel. Great for families and thrill-seekers alike. 
Ocean City Waterpark (Island Waterpark at Showboat)
The largest indoor beachfront waterpark globally, located at the Showboat. It features slides, a surf simulator, multiple food and drink spots, and operates year-round. 
Boardwalk Hall
Home to the world’s largest pipe organ, a historic venue for concerts, pageants, and sporting events. Offers a fascinating glimpse into Atlantic City’s cultural and architectural heritage. 
Thunder over the Boardwalk (Seasonal)
One of North America’s largest annual airshows, featuring dramatic aerobatic flyovers by military and civilian aircraft directly over the ocean in front of the boardwalk.
We’re back!
Here’s what we ended up doing:
Here’s the view of the pier from our room:
https://imgur.com/ouCNuTS
We saw dozens of dolphins, but catching still frames of them was difficult while also trying to just be present and in the moment.
@Thumperchick It sounds like a great trip! Except for the storm, but at least that was on the last day.