Jenna Giustino We all know the first two things that come to mind when we think of Atlantic City: gambling and casinos. That’s why The Jersey Shore Girl thought it was time to highlight the small businesses, landmarks, parks, and historic locations that are the hidden gems behind the name that has become known as the Vegas of the East Coast. Read on for JSG’s guide to an unconventional trip to Atlantic City.
Abescon Lighthouse | 31 S Rhode Island Avenue, Atlantic City
Absecon Lighthouse is at Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues in Atlantic City. It’s the third-tallest lighthouse in the country and the tallest in New Jersey. For those who go up the 228 steps, views of the Atlantic City skyline and the original first-order Fresnel Lens, first lit in 1857, are available. There’s also a replica of the Lightkeeper’s dwelling, an educational museum, a cute gift shop, and a Fresnel Lens exhibit in the original Oil House and expansive grounds.
Atlantic City Aquarium | 800 N New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City
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The Atlantic City Aquarium is inside Historic Gardner’s Basin. The aquarium features 25,000+ gallons of aquatic life, hands-on touch tanks, and exhibits, including Groman, the 225-lb sea turtle, and more. There are also exotic animal shows and rotating events.
Atlantic City Cruises | Historic Gardner’s Basin, 800 N. New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City
Atlantic City Cruises departs from Historic Gartner’s Basin, with daily rides from May to October. The boat trips around Atlantic City waters range from dolphin-watching to happy-hour cruises in the evening. There are also private party options suitable for everything from corporate events to birthdays, bachelorette parties, and more.
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Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge | 723 Great Creek Road, P.O. Box 72, Oceanville
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 47K acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats and wetlands. The refuge is 50 miles along the coast from Brick Township to its southernmost extent, five miles north of Atlantic City. There are at least 322 species of birds observed on the refuge, ideal for a day spent bird watching.
Knife + Fork Inn | 3600 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City
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Knife + Fork Inn is an iconic steak and seafood restaurant located where Atlantic, Pacific, and Albany Avenues converge in Atlantic City. A 1912 landmark, Knife + Fork Inn’s menu includes staple steak + chops, a raw bar, seafood + shellfish, and more. There’s also happy hour daily from 4:00 PM-6:00PM and a special Friday lunch 3-course menu from 11:30AM-2:30PM.
Lucy the Elephant | 9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate City
Lucy the Elephant is a six-story-high National Historic Landmark located along the beach in Margate. It’s just about five miles south of Atlantic City, making it a fun roadside attraction. There is no charge to visit the grounds. For information on guided tour tickets, click here.
Little Water Distillery | 807 Baltic Avenue, Unit B, Atlantic City
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Little Water Distillery is tucked away from the boardwalk in Atlantic City, behind the casino areas. It’s the first and only legal distillery in Atlantic City, and it features spirit tastings from 5:00PM-9:00PM on Thursday and Friday, 1:00PM-9:00PM on Saturday, and 1:00PM-6:00PM on Sunday. Little Water Distillery also has options to reserve a table for large parties, as well as public opening hours for tasting flights, cocktails, and spirits to go.
Pipe Organs of Boardwalk Hall | 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
As the only establishment on our list located on the boardwalk, the Pipe Organs of Boardwalk Hall are an often-overlooked, must-see attraction. Some people may not know: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall houses the largest musical instrument on earth. A Curator’s Tour takes customers inside the organs, available on Wednesdays at 10:00AM, April through December — tickets are $10, click here to book. FYI: Memorial Day through Labor Day (and some select days in December), every weekday, it also hosts free 1/2 hour concerts and tours at noon.
Noyes Art Garage | 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City
The Noyes Art Garage of Stockton University is the cornerstone of the Arts District in Atlantic City. It’s open Wednesday-Sunday: 11:00AM- 6:00PM, and it’s closed Monday, Tuesday, and holidays. The Noyes Art Garage hosts art exhibitions, contests, poetry open mics, and more. For information on the rotating events, click here.
Oscar McClinton Waterfront Park | 201 N New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City
Oscar McClinton Waterfront Park is on New Hampshire Avenue in Atlantic City. It features a large open lawn area surrounded by a colonnade and decorative paved walkways. Oscar McClinton Waterfront Park has scenic views of the Absecon Inlet, a children’s play area, and a boardwalk promenade.
The Chelsea Inn | 8 S Morris Avenue, Atlantic City
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The Chelsea Inn is a preserved Victorian-era hotel just a block from the Atlantic City Boardwalk. It’s a fun alternative for an overnight stay in AC, functioning as a bed and breakfast, and The Chelsea Inn provides a complimentary breakfast. It also has a dining room available for dinner in the evenings, featuring a yesteryear aesthetic. The Downstairs Grill, located on the ground floor of The Chelsea Inn, has pub-style food and drinks, plus billiards and ping pong.
The Orange Loop
JSG Context: The Orange Loop is just steps away from the Atlantic City boardwalk. It includes a mix of restaurants, bars, and shops located on the beach blocks of New York Avenue, St. James Place, and Tennessee Avenue.
Anchor Rock Club | 3247 S New York Avenue, Atlantic City
The Anchor Rock Club is an independent live music venue in Atlantic City, located just off the boardwalk in the Orange Loop. The space feels intimate, with dim lighting, and you can enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and a lineup of live performances spanning a variety of genres. Anchor Rock Club often hosts live band tributes and fun private events; click here for its calendar.
Bar 32 | 121 S Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
Bar 32 is a chocolate, cocktails, and dessert bar. Bar 32 chocolate is bean-to-bar made in-house. Plus, its innovative cocktails are picture-perfect and indulgent. For those ready to see more, click here.
Cardinal Atlantic City | 201 S New York Avenue, Atlantic City
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Cardinal Atlantic City is a contemporary American-style restaurant. It’s a go-to place for those looking for brunch, dinner, a cute bar, or lounge vibes. Cardinal Atlantic City has a chic, moody atmosphere on the inside, but it also has outdoor seating during the summer months featuring cornhole and picnic-style seating.
Chucktown BBQ | 33 S. Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City
Chucktown BBQ is Carolina-inspired BBQ served at the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. It’s available Friday-Sunday, starting at 11:30AM and open until it sells out. Chucktown BBQ has everything from ribs to sausage, brisket, and more.
Hayday Coffee | 155 S New York Avenue, Atlantic City
Hayday Coffee is a cozy coffee shop on New York Avenue in Orange Loop. Its menu includes espresso, cold brew, pastries, breakfast options, and sandwiches for lunch. Hayday Coffee also has catering, featuring hot coffee and cold brew travelers — just call (609) 300-5142 or email [email protected] to place an order.
King’s Pub | 229 S Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City
King’s Pub is on Tennessee Avenue in Atlantic City. It’s a casual spot featuring fried-chicken sandwiches, BBQ brisket, and burgers, along with a full bar. King’s Pub is known for its big portions and is a go-to for sports, with plenty of TVs for viewing.
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall | 133 S Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City
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Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is just steps from the boardwalk and beach in AC. It has over 40 craft beers on draft and over 60 more in bottles and cans. For those who aren’t into beer, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall also has an American-style classic menu and modern cocktail options.
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The Irish Pub Atlantic City | 164 St James Place, Atlantic City
The Irish Pub Atlantic City is just about a block away from the beach. The pub dates back to the 19th century and is open 24/7, with access to the full bar and kitchen. The Irish Pub Inn accepts overnight bookings by telephone at 609-344-9063 or 609-344-9064. FYI: During the holiday season, The Irish Pub is known for its decked-out decor.
The Leadership Studio | 161 S Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City
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The Leadership Studio is a yoga studio and community hub on Tennessee Avenue. It has a mix of programs, including yoga classes, leadership training, and yoga for recovery. To stay updated on new initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and success stories, click here.
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