Atlantic City is a great summer weekend escape for the New Yorker that wants something less staunch than the Hamptons, but a step more civilized than Seaside Heights. Although it is sometimes referred to as the Las Vegas of the East Coast, this is not entirely accurate. While gambling is legal and there is a nightclub scene, the visitors to Atlantic City tend to be regional and the vibe is decidedly less grandiose.
That being said, I have never had less than a fantastic time in Atlantic City – including the time I went with just my Grandmere at 19 and she snuck me into the slots long enough to lose a crisp Hamilton.
Only a three hour, $25 round-trip bus fare away from Manhattan, the recent investments in Atlantic City make it a worthy destination any weekend you need an escape. Atlantic City is more of an experience than a place, a mindset more than a physical location. Channel your inner Pauly D, buy your GiltCity for a spray tan, and head south of the boarder! (into Jersey, I mean)
4th of July at HQ Beach Club
Where to Stay?
For those who value quiet over EDM, or for a weekend of romance, check out The Water Club at The Borgata. This no-gambling, no-nightclub spot is a rare oasis in a sea of cut-offs and botched boob jobs.
Equally adept for a romantic getaway as for a raucous bachelor party, the new Revel is expensive and worth it. Deluxe accommodations, indoor/outdoor pool, restaurants, and state-of-the-art spa provided by Exhale make this hotel the most “Vegas-like” property and scene in Atlantic City. Even if you don’t stay here, all amenities and access are available at a fee for visitors. HQ Nightclub and Dayclub are legit. More on that later…
Other great hotel options are Harrah’s, the Borgata, and the newly-renovated Golden Nugget. Be mindful that these are located off the Boardwalk and do not have easy beach access. For my own visits, I stay at The Chelsea. It has no gambling, no smoking, a small nightclub, and a good pool scene. The rooms are clean, and it has easy access to the Boardwalk and beach.
Stay anywhere else not mentioned on this list, or anywhere on a weeknight, at your own risk. Seriously.
Where to eat?
The Borgata Buffet is a must on Sunday morning before your bus back to the city. What happens at the Borgata Buffet, stays at the Borgata Buffet (your third helping of mashed potatoes with a side of barbecue pizza). Judgement-free zone, never spoken about again.
For big groups, many restaurants offer private rooms. Fornelletto at the Borgata has a beautiful room and lets you order off the regular menu. Also try New York standbys Dos Caminos, Cuba Libre, Patsy’s, etc.
Reasonably priced food can be found at the Tropicana and along the Boardwalk.
For the old school Atlantic City experience, try Dock’s Oyster House or Tony’s.
HQ Beach Club
Where to party?
- HQ Beach Club – I just got back from Las Vegas and let me tell you, this party rivals anything there. Splurge for a cabana and go wild. Big name DJs draw a crowd to the Revel dayclub that’s there to get down. Buy your tickets in advance online to at least avoid the cashier line; security is tight and you’ll be waiting awhile to get groped TSA-style.
- HQ Nightclub – Big name DJs; ticket prices to match. But there are few other places on the east coast where you can see such big names in a venue this small. We caught Eric Prydz, Afrojack, and Above & Beyond. Crowd is what you would expect from New Jersey, the dance floor is sweaty, and the drinks are overpriced – but what did you expect? You’re on vacation. Embrace the faux-Herve Legers.
- Haven – Newly renovated at the Golden Nugget, Haven is starting to pull in some big names, especially in trance. Worth a visit.
- The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s – Lovingly referred to as the place where we got “Jacuzzi Bottle Service”. Wear a bathing suit under your leopard print, and let the Hypnotiq do its thing. Good on Saturdays.
- Mixx – It feels like Steve Aoki, LMFAO, and/or Lil Jon is always here. It’s become tradition to go at least once every visit to this club at the Borgata.
- Mur.Mur – The other club at the Borgata… That just about says it.
- C5 at the Chelsea – sometimes they have a good DJ on Fridays. Worth looking at the website to see.
For all of the nightlife, I haven’t been able to find an organized website. Find out which DJ will be where by visiting the hotel/club websites and checking Twitter. Same as Vegas, look for promoters on Instagram and Twitter – the perks won’t be as good as in Las Vegas, but it’s worth a shot for at least reduced cover. Assume the best party will be at the venue with the most high-profile DJ.
Mixx at the Borgata for Steve Aoki. I’m pretty sure he lives there.
Insider tips:
- Free drinks while you gamble! May I recommend the House Whiskey?
- $5 Hurricanes at the Showboat. I dare you to drink more than one.
- Tanger Outlet shops are two blocks from the Boardwalk.
- Taxis in Atlantic City max out at around $12, so taxi rides won’t cost more than a few bucks per person. This makes AC great for jumping from place to place without feeling guilty.
- $20-25 round-trip buses from Philly and NYC – they’re not bad! Book on the Academy or Greyhound website. Once they drop you at the bus station, you get a $10 gambling voucher and the Atlantic City Jitney (a little bus, so adorable) is $2 a ride right to your hotel.
- Buy your pregame booze before you get to Atlantic City. Leaving the main drag to go to a liquor store is sketchy and you don’t want to do it.
- In Atlantic City, between the hours of 11pm and 6am, there is no judgement. Even if he was wearing an Affliction tee.
Any words of advice for Atlantic City?
Do This There 