Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Atlantic City This Spring
By
Kaitlyn McInnis
Writer at Casinos.US Updated: 05/21/2024
Kaitlyn McInnis is an outstanding travel writer and guidebook author with years of experience. She’s written for numerous international publications, such as BBC Travel, CNN, and Forbes. She blends her travel expertise with insights on accommodations and entertainment to help our readers maximize their experience at casino resorts and hotels.
Discover the best of Atlantic City this spring
You don’t have to fly all the way to Nevada just to indulge in great nightlife and casinos—in fact Atlantic City has been the go-to East Coast alternative for bachelorette parties, graduations, and really any celebration that calls for uninhibited behavior for decades.
Atlantic City might have a reputation as being a late-night party town—but the oceanfront city is so much more than its nightlife and party-focused reputation (although we won’t lie—it is a pretty place fun once the sun goes down).
Whether you’re looking for some of the best seafood on the East Coast or you’re hoping to experience unparalleled luxury and pampering at an oceanfront hotel, we’ve rounded up all the best places to eat, stay, and see in Atlantic City.
Where to Stay
There are a lot of great hotels to choose from in Atlantic City—and they tend to be pretty affordable compared to other gaming-focused tourist destinations across the country. The following are some of the top-rated options that boast standout amenities like beach access and fine dining.
Ocean Casino Resort
If you want ocean views, upscale dining, and over 138,500 square feet of gaming entertainment, you’ll want to book a room (or suite!) at the Ocean Casino Resort. This stunning property spans over twenty beachfront acres on the Atlantic City Boardwalk making it the ideal spot for those who want to lean into the luxury and entertainment side of the city and those who plan to plant themselves at the beach for the duration of their stay.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Looking for unparalleled luxury in New Jersey? The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is largely considered to be the most high-end property in Atlantic City, so those with a taste for grandeur should look no further. It’s packed with fine dining options and a full-service spa but it’s also centrally located in case you’re planning on exploring the Atlantic City Boardwalk and other local attractions.
Tropicana Atlantic City
You’d be amiss not to spend some time on the beach during your stay in Atlantic City, it has some of the most beautiful shores on the East Coast, after all! The Tropicana Atlantic City will be your best choice if you want to take advantage of the beach, it’s set right on the boardwalk with easy beach access—and it also tends to be a really great price for the quality you’re getting.
Where to Eat and Drink
Most folks come to Atlantic City to gamble and party, let’s be honest, but the city still has some great dining if you know where to look. The following are standout addresses that locals and visitors alike can get behind.
Setaara
Fusion restaurants can be hit or miss—but this French and Afgan spot definitely falls into the earlier category. Setaara doesn’t look like much from the street but step inside and you’ll instantly be transported into a veritable Arabian garden paradise (complete with an Eiffel Tower as the main focal point). The food is out-of-this-world delicious with standout dishes like snails in garlic herb butter and Afghan rice with lamb shanks.
Chef Vola’s
You simply do not go to New Jersey and not find the time to have dinner at an Italian restaurant—and Chef Vola’s will be the best option if you only have the time for one place. This mainstay in Atlantic City has been around for over a century and continues to serve some of the best home-cooked Italian food in the city. It’s also worth noting that this spot is BYOB—so don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine before arriving.
Dock’s Oyster House
Don’t forget the fact that you’re next door to the Atlantic Ocean—and some of the best seafood in the country. Dock’s Oyster House is another Atlantic City mainstay that has been around for decades, serving up everything from fresh oysters and scallops to over-the-top seafood towers.
Things to Do
Atlantic City might be known as a destination for bachelor parties and graduation celebrations—but there are a lot of worthwhile attractions to explore that don’t explicitly involve its notorious nightlife. The following attractions are Atlantic City classics that are well worth checking out during the day.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Visiting Atlantic City and not taking a walk along the Atlantic City Boardwalk would be akin to visiting Paris and not taking a single glance at the Eiffel Tower—it simply won’t do. Check out the third-largest Ferris wheel in the country or grab some salt water taffy at Fralinger’s.
Absecon Lighthouse
The Absecon Lighthouse is one of the oldest existing lighthouses in the country—and at 171 feet it’s the third largest lighthouse in the country. The best part is that it’s open for climbing and the views of the Atlantic City skyline at the top are well worth making the ascent up the 228 steps.
Topgolf Swing Suite
TopGolf Swing Suite in the Ocean Casino Resort will ruin your expectations of golf simulators for life. The largest facility of its kind, this golf simulator and bar has incredible views of Atlantic City and a great bar menu that includes decadent bites like crab legs and lobster.
