Atlantic City Boardwalk
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Atlantic City Boardwalk
4
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Opened on June 26, 1870, the world-famous Boardwalk stretches along six magical and glittering miles of Atlantic City beachfront.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
5,639 reviews
Excellent
2,013
Very good
1,830
Average
1,132
Poor
445
Terrible
219
Brian T
London, UK6,731 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Most visitors to Atlantic City in New Jersey will probably do two things: visit a casino, and take a walk along the city’s famous wooded way, the boardwalk. The boardwalk is the backbone of this seaside resort city, providing access to hotels, resorts, shops, casinos and attractions. It was built in 1870 as a means of keeping the sand out of the fancy resorts that were popping up along the shore. It was a lot longer apparently in the city’s boom years. Today, the flat, wide wooden pathway stretches for about four miles, from just beyond the Ocean Casino Resort in the north, following the coastline to the south towards Ventnor. It was America’s first boardwalk to be built, and its longest.
Taking a stroll along it will give you a great sense and understanding of the city. It’s lined with shops, souvenir stands, casinos, cafes and restaurants, a ferris wheel, fairground rides, amusement arcades, and various beach-side attractions such as the ‘leaning’ structure that is ‘Ripley’s Believe it or Not’, the Atlantic City Historical Museum, the Atlantic City Art Centre, and the Boardwalk Hall (the city’s sporting event and musical concert venue). You’ll also find the curious statue that commemorates the Miss America Pageant which has taken place in the city since 1921.
The boardwalk has a smattering of lovely old buildings, reflecting its turn-of-the century glory, but you will also see lots of spots along the boardwalk where that glory has well and truly faded. There a myriad of souvenir shops, selling all manner of tat, including T-shirts with risqué slogans; there’s an abundance of cheap clothing stores selling beach wear, various massage parlours, and the likes of Peanut World. In parts it's a sorry sight. There’s lots of empty, stores, and some of them are quite rundown and dilapidated. Parts are strewn with litter, and dirty. You’ll probably see a few homeless people camped on the benches. I found some of it quite sad, and it highlighted to me a city that is in serious decline. The contrast between the flash glass and steel casino towers towards the north, and the dilapidation evident in parts of it, was quite overwhelming.
The wooded path is very popular for early morning biking, jogging, or just wandering aimlessly. There’s various access points from the boardwalk to the sandy beaches. There's ample seating along the way, with some of the seats quite artistically decorated.
To walk its length is a must if you are in Atlantic City. The air is fresh, and often bracing. But be prepared for the fact that everything you see may not be particularly beautiful. To me, walking the boardwalk gave me a great sense of the city, its history, and its fading glory.
Taking a stroll along it will give you a great sense and understanding of the city. It’s lined with shops, souvenir stands, casinos, cafes and restaurants, a ferris wheel, fairground rides, amusement arcades, and various beach-side attractions such as the ‘leaning’ structure that is ‘Ripley’s Believe it or Not’, the Atlantic City Historical Museum, the Atlantic City Art Centre, and the Boardwalk Hall (the city’s sporting event and musical concert venue). You’ll also find the curious statue that commemorates the Miss America Pageant which has taken place in the city since 1921.
The boardwalk has a smattering of lovely old buildings, reflecting its turn-of-the century glory, but you will also see lots of spots along the boardwalk where that glory has well and truly faded. There a myriad of souvenir shops, selling all manner of tat, including T-shirts with risqué slogans; there’s an abundance of cheap clothing stores selling beach wear, various massage parlours, and the likes of Peanut World. In parts it's a sorry sight. There’s lots of empty, stores, and some of them are quite rundown and dilapidated. Parts are strewn with litter, and dirty. You’ll probably see a few homeless people camped on the benches. I found some of it quite sad, and it highlighted to me a city that is in serious decline. The contrast between the flash glass and steel casino towers towards the north, and the dilapidation evident in parts of it, was quite overwhelming.
The wooded path is very popular for early morning biking, jogging, or just wandering aimlessly. There’s various access points from the boardwalk to the sandy beaches. There's ample seating along the way, with some of the seats quite artistically decorated.
To walk its length is a must if you are in Atlantic City. The air is fresh, and often bracing. But be prepared for the fact that everything you see may not be particularly beautiful. To me, walking the boardwalk gave me a great sense of the city, its history, and its fading glory.
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Felicia F
Inman, SC3 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
It was my first visit to Atlantic City and even though it was cold I enjoyed it. Loved all the vendors. The view and the water was AMAZING!!!
Written 28 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily A
3 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Beautiful walk, fresh air, beach… what else could you need…. Oh a sweater, it’s usually windy lol.
Long nice walk lots of shops to check out.. as well
Long nice walk lots of shops to check out.. as well
Written 25 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John M
Hendersonville, NC27 contributions
Nov 2022
It was our first time on Boardwalk and we used it extensively. One great trip is use the little putt-putt cart (holds 8) to travel. Can see and cover so much more. Remember: they say they close travel at 6 with the carts but they shut down really around 5 ish.
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jooloose
Somers Point, NJ115 contributions
Aug 2022
Our children and us were really sad to see all poor people living on the street. A lot of garbage everywhere. The pandemy had certainly a bigger effect there. Casinos were mostly closed. What to say .... it's sad to see this !
Written 2 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynn C
Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-lac, Canada55 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Very poor. Same shops over and over. A lot of homeless people sleeping on chairs. It's definitely not a family vacation place. Quite scummy. A lot of shady characters.
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DellsLOVE
Chicago, IL154 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Well impression of Atlantic City is …run down. Just visited there for the weekend. If you are on the boardwalk and just the hotels and shops on the boardwalk for the most part it’s fine except the homeless. On the other side of the hotel (opposite side of ocean side) the town is extremely run down and depressing. Honestly just sad. I would tell someone to go somewhere else at this moment in time . But if you are just there to gamble and boardwalk you may be perfectly happy .
Written 4 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris B
Billerica, MA310 contributions
Sep 2022
Came across many sketchy beggars asking for money and others passed out laying on benches and one in particular laying in the entry way to the Bally's Casino. Also younger people vandalizing plantings at Sugar and driving electric scooters fast, blinding you at night. Not a safe area for families
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MomOf3girlsss
Muncie, IN2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
There is nothing good or exciting here. Everywhere you look is ran down, old and dirty. Food is overpriced. Day one approached by homeless asking for money. 90% of the shops/restaurants on the boardwalk were closed. Stayed at the tropicana it was old and trashy also. Random construction material trash as part of the view they offer. The hotel pool was so horrible... I just can't! Please save yourself some money and just stay home.
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Noaimies
51 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Very nice place to visit, it has many restaurants , in addition to that within a walking distance you can enjoy shopping at the amazing Ocean city out let mall.
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lucas Garcia
1 contribution
hola, alguien sabe cuanto es el costo diario de alquilar sombrillas y reposeras en la playa ? gracias
when do the boardwalk stores close for the season?
Bonnie C
Corona, CA1,562 contributions
I don't know
scrumhalf63
Dunlap, IL
Are dogs allowed on the boardwalk?
Roger R
3 contributions
I honestly don't know for sure. I did not see a single dog when I was down there.
Just filth.
Where is best place to park near boardwalk
markbkeller
Philadelphia, PA232 contributions
It all depends where you are going but the self park lot at Hard Rock is n be nice
Eztrav
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania2 contributions
Hi wondering if anyone can tell me how crowded the beaches are and if people are trying to social distance. Will be staying at the Showboat-last year when we were there it was a narrow strip of beach and I'm wondering if it will be too crowded. Thank you
Dianna M
South Amboy, NJ986 contributions
Hello. We were there at end of June 2020. Not crowded at all. Alot of people wearing masks. And we saw no issues with Social distancing. The beach area has different sections with more or less people. Saw alot of families with young children. Just find a beach area you would be comfortable with. You might want to go on beach early before the crowds and heat. Stay safe and healthy.
Hi will there be any fireworks during the 4th of July viewable from the boardwalk 2020
Debbie M
West Berlin, NJ518 contributions
That is a great question. I haven’t heard anything about fireworks in the South Jersey region yet.
Henry D
Jersey City, NJ
Any recent updates on if restaurants and boardwalk are open again post-covid19 restrictions?
Zofia M
Philadelphia, PA
Hello. I have not been home in awhile. Are there any shops or restaurants open on the boardwalk? I'm aware of social distancing and COVID restrictions.
starshine17
New York City, NY17 contributions
There are a few restaurants that have outdoor and takeaway dining. The casinos are not yet open but there is talk soon other things will be open - the Boardwalk is open and the beach
ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlantic City Boardwalk
- We recommend booking Atlantic City Boardwalk tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Atlantic City Boardwalk tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Atlantic City Boardwalk:
- (0.16 km) Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
- (0.27 km) La Renaissance Suites
- (0.40 km) Fantasea Resorts at Atlantic Palace
- (0.30 km) Royal Inn
- (0.40 km) Atlantic Palace
- Restaurants near Atlantic City Boardwalk:
- (0.12 km) Guy Fieri's Chophouse
- (0.08 km) Johnny Rockets
- (0.14 km) Bally's Bikini Beach Bar
- (0.17 km) Vue Rooftop Bar & Lounge
- (0.15 km) The Original LoPresti's Pizza & Grill
- Attractions near Atlantic City Boardwalk:
- (0.21 km) New Jersey Korean War Memorial
- (0.10 km) Brighton Park
- (0.21 km) Boardwalk Information Center
- (0.20 km) The VÜE Rooftop Bar & Lounge at the Claridge
- (0.23 km) Bally's Atlantic City Casino