Perched on the shoreline of New Jersey, Atlantic Metropolis has been a agency favorite of east coasters because the nineteenth century; and never an excessive amount of has modified. With loyal guests and sufficient saltwater taffy to feed a nation, it’s the sort of metropolis that’s nice for a weekend journey away. The truth is, there are such a lot of of the most effective issues to do in Atlantic Metropolis that you just’ll doubtless wish to keep longer.
You’re in for a deal with if you happen to’ve by no means been to Atlantic Metropolis earlier than. Yeah, it’s a little bit kitsch however that’s all a part of its appeal. Yeah, Atlantic Metropolis is the sort of place you’ll both love or hate; however regardless of the case it’s actually well worth the expertise, particularly if you happen to’re visiting the best places in New Jersey.
Embrace the cheesiness, get pleasure from its kitsch shops and have enjoyable screaming the night away on the fairground.
Have a look, beneath, at the most effective issues to do in Atlantic Metropolis. Have enjoyable!
1.) Absecon Lighthouse
Being New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse (at 171 toes excessive), visiting Absecon Lighthouse is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Atlantic Metropolis if you wish to discover a number of the cities historic spots.
Constructed all the best way again in 1857, it is without doubt one of the metropolis’s historic landmarks and affords some beautiful views of Atlantic Metropolis and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean past.
Now, getting to those views is usually a little little bit of a problem, particularly as you’ll must climb up 228 steps (give or take a couple of). Sure, the climb sounds daunting at first however you may be rewarded with unparalleled vistas of the town’s skyline which might be effectively well worth the climb.
Oh, and don’t overlook to go to the exhibit of the unique Fresnel lens.
Read more: Best things to do in New Jersey
2.) Atlantic Metropolis Boardwalk
Most likely one of many United States’ most iconic coastal walks, the Atlantic Metropolis Boardwalk is one thing you’ll be able to’t miss while within the metropolis.
Belief me, your go to to Atlantic Metropolis is not going to be full with out strolling by means of the Atlantic Metropolis Boardwalk. Connecting the string of casinos, resorts and native stalls and meals joints, it’s a completely straightforward and fairly chilled solution to stroll the coastal area of the town itself.
Now, it’s fairly chilled to stroll alongside the four-mile stretch; particularly over a lazy weekend. That b being mentioned, you may also hire a bike, rollerblades, or a rolling chair to discover the broader space.
Simply don’t overlook to pop within the Central Pier Arcade for all their retro amusements and slots.
Read more: Best things to do in Philadelphia
3.) Metal Pier
Among the finest issues to do in Atlantic Metropolis, Metal Pier is effectively price a gander for its thrills that’ll have you ever screaming very quickly in any respect.
Situated alongside Atlantic Metropolis Boardwalk, Metal Pier is an amusement park that extends for greater than 1,000 toes into the Atlantic Ocean.
With heaps of rides and sufficient meals kiosks to fulfill the sweetest of sweet-toothed guests, it’s the sort of place that’s completely enjoyable to go to. The Ferris Wheel is a lot enjoyable, however if you happen to actually wish to scream it is best to head on the Slingshot. It’ll catapult you into the air, so be ready for a completely white-knuckle induced scream.
4.) Jim Whelan Boardwalk Corridor
Often called Atlantic Metropolis’s most well-known venue for big concert events and occasions, the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Corridor is a must-see spot within the metropolis. It’s the house of the Miss America pageant, with the ultimate spherical of competitors virtually all the time being held right here.
So whether it is included in your itinerary, try its scheduled occasions forward of time to see what’s in retailer if you’re within the metropolis.
Apart from the occasions, the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Corridor can also be steadily visited as a result of it homes one of many greatest musical devices on the globe. Its pipe organ, presently present process restoration, options 33,000 pipes, 1,000 cease keys, and eight chambers in complete. It’s big!
5.) Atlantic Metropolis Historic Museum
Way back, earlier than the on line casino and Boardwalk arrived, Atlantic Metropolis was a small fishing village. These days, the resort metropolis is a fun-filled place that’s stuffed to the brim with historical past and kitsch avenues.
Should you’re one thing of a historical past buff, try the Atlantic Metropolis Historic Museum. Inside, there’s a reasonably large array of shows and reveals that’ll fulfill any customer. With gadgets, together with; music sheets, artefacts, costumes, postcards, and loads of Miss America footage and memorabilia. Not solely that, a number of of Thomas Edison seaside photographs are additionally archived right here.
The Atlantic Metropolis of Expertise is one other space of curiosity. Housed on the Atlantic Metropolis Free Library, it is a assortment of things and analysis supplies telling the historical past of how Atlantic Metropolis is developed. It’s all fairly fascinating, particularly if you happen to’re within the growth of the town.
6.) Atlantic Metropolis Artwork Middle
The Atlantic Metropolis Artwork Middle is a serious creative hub within the metropolis, as soon as constructed on the municipal pier however has lengthy since relocated to the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Corridor. It’s a well-known spot that promotes the works of regional and nationwide artists and is well up there as among the best issues to do in Atlantic Metropolis.
That includes consistently evolving reveals, the Atlantic Metropolis Artwork Middle is a welcome escape from the warmth of summer season (or the chilly breeze of winter). Reveals embody sculpture, work and pictures as well! Better of all, occasions are held all year long, the place you’ll be able to be a part of gallery talks, concert events, literary readings, and artwork demonstrations relying which might be all seasonally obtainable to affix.
7.) Ripley’s Imagine It or Not! Odditorium
Find it irresistible or hate it, Ripley’s Imagine It or Not! is one thing of an icon in Atlantic Metropolis. It’s a treasure trove of curiosities.
Every and everybody reveals on show right here will tingle your creativeness. With greater than 12 galleries are showcased on this museum, from quirky crafts product of unusual supplies to engineering geniuses such because the smallest manufacturing automotive in the entire world. It’s the sort of place that’s completely enjoyable for the entire household.
Providing a enjoyable break from the seashores and casinos of Atlantic Metropolis, this Odditorium will make you’re feeling the thrill that may go from “wow!” to “eww!”. Belief me on this… some issues are simply pure icky.
Oh, there’s even a roulette desk made completely of 14,000 jellybeans, and the favored Jivaro shrunken heads from the Amazons of Peru, too!
8.) Lucy the Margate Elephant
Simply off Atlantic Avenue, seeing Lucy the Margate Elephant is well among the best issues to do in Atlantic Metropolis; particularly if you wish to see a chunk of historical past from the town.
You see, it was built-in 1881, and is thought to be the oldest standing roadside vacationer attraction in all america.
Way back, James V. Lafferty constructed this 65-foot excessive elephant product of wooden and tin for us all to get pleasure from. It has seen a lot of the historical past of Atlantic Metropolis and has gone by means of totally different transformations, too — a summer season house, a tavern, an commentary deck — to now being protected within the Nationwide Park Registry of Historic Landmarks.
As soon as right here, you may also take guided excursions and know extra in regards to the historical past of Lucy and Atlantic Metropolis.
9.) Ocean Metropolis
Ocean Metropolis is without doubt one of the uncommon locations on the Atlantic coast that’s completely alcohol-free. You possibly can journey 11 miles from Atlantic Metropolis to get right here and luxuriate in a lot of the issues that Atlantic Metropolis affords however in a extra chilled tone.
Boasting a bustling Boardwalk that goes on for greater than two miles. Fishing, kayaking, and kiteboarding are a number of the most enjoyable water-based actions right here and it’s nice to take a dip on a sunny day.
Apart from the seashores, sights within the space embody the Ocean Metropolis Historic Museum, theatres, and a variety of amusement parks that may fill a complete weekend.
10.) Historic Gardner’s Basin
Often called a welcoming maritime village, the Historic Gardner’s Basin options maritime reveals, together with the unique Metal Pier Diving Bell which was then used to deliver down visitors to the seabed.
Not solely that, however it’s additionally a well-liked waterfront park internet hosting a large gamut of sights so that you can get pleasure from.
Oh, and if you need a singular expertise in Atlantic Metropolis, strive a fishing expedition or dolphin-sighting cruise which might be booked at Gardner’s Basin. It’s completely beautiful.
11.) Atlantic Metropolis Airshow (Thunder Over the Boardwalk)
Held yearly in August, Atlantic Metropolis Airshow (Thunder Over the Boardwalk) is completely superb to see, particularly if you happen to can time your go to effectively.
With USAF carriers, crafts and helicopters; it’s fairly superb to see; particularly if you happen to’re one thing of an AV geek like me.
