Atlantic City Vacations

If you think Atlantic City is just about gambling, you may need to think again.

Sure, casinos are a big draw, but this seaside resort town has a lot more to offer. A makeover of sorts in recent years has brought gourmet restaurants, more shopping and upscale hotels to this popular East Coast destination.

Visitors hoping for a true beach vacation along Atlantic City’s famed shores should book a trip for summer months, when low temperatures averaging at the mid 80’s make this area a sunny paradise. However, Atlantic City’s exciting summer beaches, which are populated heavily by young people in particular, might not appeal to Atlantic City vacationers hoping for quieter getaways. That said, temperatures are also famously delightful during fall months in Atlantic City, and great beach weather along with operating hours for some of the area’s prime attractions maintain year round.

Hired guides can push visitors along the famed Boardwalk in a shadowed rolling chair if their feet get tired.

Visitors should get tickets for a sightseeing cruise tour around the city when booking travel plans for an Atlantic City vacation.

The White House Sub Shop famously prepares authentic made-from-scratch hoagies baked on fresh bread.

The Thunder Over the Boardwalk air show occurs annually in August, primetime for an Atlantic City vacation.

Visitors can board the Atlantic City Jitney, a local minibus service, and visit the many casinos along Pacific Avenue.

Beyond the Boardwalk, get up close and personal with sharks, a turtle, sea horses, jellyfish and other sea creatures at the Atlantic City Aquarium or try one of the rides on Steel Pier. And for a truly unique experience, visit Lucy the Elephant, an elephant-shaped building in Margate where visitors enter via a spiral staircase in one of the hind legs and climb up to the seat on Lucy's back for a refreshing view of the ocean. The view also is great from the historic Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the state. Visitors also can raise a glass to the grape growers at one of southern New Jersey's historic wineries, complete with tours and tastings.

From concerts by the hottest stars on tour to old-fashioned nightclub acts, Atlantic City has plenty to do once the sun sets. Historic Boardwalk Hall, fresh from a $90 million renovation, hosts classical musicians, rock stars, ice shows, wrestling, boxing, circuses, midget car races and more. Disco back to the '70s at Boogie Nights, laugh it up at The Borgata Comedy Club, or salsa dance at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar. And of course, many of the big resorts like Trump, Harrah's and Caesars have nightclubs with DJs.

Seafood, of course, reigns supreme. But a taste of Atlantic City can be as varied as a Vietnamese rice dish, a submarine sandwich or a five-course gourmet dinner. Many of the hotels now have destination restaurants. The Borgata alone boasts 11 - all featuring fresh, seasonal produce grown especially for the hotel. Buddakan, the trendy, upscale Asian restaurant popular in New York, has a location at The Pier Shops at Caesars. If you have a taste for Italian, Capriccio serves seafood and pasta specialties with an ocean view. If you're looking for something a bit more casual, White House Sub Shop has really large sandwiches, and a clientele that includes presidents and celebrities.

From tacky souvenirs to high fashion, shoppers can find just about anything in Atlantic City. For bargains, Atlantic City Outlets - The Walk features stores like Brooks Brothers, Coach, H&M and Nike. If you're budget is bigger, you'll find Armani, Louis Vuitton and more at The Pier Shops at Caesars. The Quarter at Tropicana has restaurants, entertainment and national retailers like Brookstone and White House/Black Market. And there's no shortage of shops selling T-shirts and other Atlantic City memorabilia.