Where to Stay & Play in Atlantic City

Atlantic City is always evolving. After years of living off the fat of the land as the lone casino destination east of Las Vegas, the Jersey Shore town formerly known as America’s Playground has adapted since gambling houses have sprung up in surrounding states.

Neighborhoods, like the Orange Loop—featuring an array of restaurants and bars and shops—has reshaped the city’s vibe, and added to the town’s fine dining mix. While the casinos have upped their collective game. AC has rebounded from its 2024 nadir, when four of its 12 casinos shuttered. Today, the casino resorts cater to everyone from high rollers to penny-slot enthusiasts.

Atlantic City remains a mecca for entertainment, with A-list headliners such as Beyonce and the Weeknd playing to capacity crowds. There is much to experience in Atlantic City, and this at-a-glance guide will help you decide where to stay, play, dine and more.

The property that was once Trump Taj Mahal has emerged as a major player in Atlantic City, especially in entertainment.

Casino: The 4-million-square-foot property has an array of casino games. There’s 2,349 slot machines, 130 table games and a Sportsbook.

Lodging: There are two hotel towers and 2,000 luxury rooms and suites.

Dining: There are more than 15 food and beverage options. The fine dining options are Council Oaks Steaks & Seafood, Kuro excels with Japanese, and Il Mulino is the go-to for Italian. Casual yet delicious fare can be experienced at YOUYU Noodle Bar, Fresh Harvest Buffet and the Hard Rock Cafe.

Entertainment/nightlife: The 5,500 seat-Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, which features state-of-the-art sound, has become the AC destination for A-List entertainers. Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Nicks, Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle have played the big room. Sound Waves has hosted Charlie Sheen, the Temptations and the Four Tops. Cover bands play the high-energy Lobby Bar.

Shopping: Check out the Wentworth Gallery, where rock and art meet. Grab souvenirs at Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy, and the iconic T-shirt at the Hard Rock Store.

Spa/amenities: Rock Spa & Salon offers rhythm- and music-inspired treatments like the Soul Survivor Massage. Rock Spa & Salon features 31 newly designed treatment rooms, including 20 dedicated massage rooms, four facial rooms, two couples’ suites and three body treatment rooms. The full-service salon includes manicures, pedicures, makeup, barber and hair services.

1000 Boardwalk; 609-449-1000

The biggest surprise in AC is Ocean’s phoenix-esque rise from Revel’s ashes.

Casino: Ocean features a wide variety of slot machines, including reel spinning, video reel and video poker. The Cove, a 7,400-square-foot space, features an exclusive selection of high-limit slot machines and personalized cocktail service. The Lift caters to those who enjoy High Limit Table Games and ocean views.

Lodging: There are 1,399 guest rooms and suites. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with unobstructed views of the ocean via floor-to-ceiling windows. Outdoors at the Park features sprawling grounds with fire pits and picnic tables.

Dining: There’s a wide variety of dining options. Ocean recently partnered with nationally acclaimed restaurateur Stephen Starr and his STARR Restaurant Group to introduce two new dining concepts, Chez Frites and Sunny’s. The former is a French bistro, which offers a terrific surf-and-turf combo with steak and lobster. Other fine-dining experiences include Amada by Jose Garces, which impresses with Spanish cuisine, Ocean Steak and Linguini by the Sea. For casual fare, the aforementioned Sunny’s serves up breakfast and lunch. Zhen Bang Noodles, Wahlburger’s, Villain & Saint, Harper’s, La Scala’s Fire and the new High Steaks, a cheesesteak joint, are laid-back bistros.

Entertainment/nightlife: Ovation Hall is a 5,500-capacity venue that has featured such headliners as Sebastian Maniscalco and Smokey Robinson. Villain & Saint hosts a number of local bands while serving craft beers and casual fare. HQ2 Nightclub is Ocean’s two-level venue, which features DJs. Nola’s Bar & Lounge is the spot to enjoy craft cocktails.

Shopping: The Shops at the Row feature everything from fashion to wellness to specialty gifts. Browse at Bottled, Sweetheart Coast, Flying Point Surf Shop, Nectar Life and The Import Shoppe. Sweetheart Coast by Sammi Sweetheart, which opened during the summer, features fashionable women’s clothing, accessories and unique gifts.

Spa/amenities: Exhale Spa + Bathhouse is one of NJM‘s favorite spas. The 40,000-square-foot sanctuary offers therapeutic body and skincare treatments designed to enhance both inner outer well being.

500 Boardwalk; 609-783-8000

The longtime casino has been under the radar but is making a culinary splash with the exceptional Park Place Prime Steakhouse.

Casino: There are more than 1,100 slot machines. Craps, blackjack, baccarat and the new Blaze Roulette tables are the highlights in the gambling hall. The Bally Bet Sportsbook offers a variety of ways to play. There are an array of LED video walls.

Lodging: There are two towers, the Bally’s Tower and the Dennis Tower. Each offers king and double beds, with select rooms featuring ocean views and suite amenities.

Dining: NJM fave Park Place Prime features hand-cut steaks, known for their exceptional quality and flavor, as well as a variety of seafood options and a robust wine list. Jerry Longo’s Meatballs and Martinis offers tasty Italian fare and killer drinks. Macau Kitchen and Casino Cafe & Grille render casual fare.

Entertainment/nightlife: Phil’s Carousel Bar is a lively watering hole with live entertainment every Saturday night.

Shopping: Bally’s Boutique offers designer apparel, accessories, snacks as well as wine, beer and candy.

Spa/amenities: Hot-stone, Swedish, deep-tissue and therapeutic massages are available at the Spa at Bally’s.

1900 Pacific Avenue; 609-340-2000

The Borgata has been the big dog in Atlantic City ever since opening in 2003, bringing a Vegas-style vibe to the Marina District.

Casino: There are more than 2,500 slot machines, along with roulette, blackjack and poker. The gaming arena is amplified. Borgata’s high-limit salon, Miralto, provides a private, gated enclave for added exclusivity.

Lodging: Borgata offers more than 2,000 hotel rooms and suites; the MGM Tower accounts for 757 of those rooms. The heated pools—two indoor, two outdoor—are a Tower highlight.

Dining: Old Homestead is a reliable steakhouse fave known for its hand-massaged Wagyu beef. Angeline by Michael Symon presents classic Italian cuisine by the James Beard Award-wining chef. B Prime Steakhouse is another top-tier option. Casual fare is available at Borgata Buffet, Bread & Butter, and The Food Hall Eatery.

Entertainment/nightlife: Headliners such as Lana Del Rey and Jerry Seinfeld have performed at the Event Center in front of 3,200 fans. The intimate Music Box hosts an array of entertainment, too.

Shopping: Guests can browse 15 retail boutiques within Borgata, from Hugo Boss to Capri to Carina.

Spa/amenities: Spa Toccare offers a menu of relaxing treatments. The Pump Room is a high-tech fitness center, complete with personal viewing screens at every cardio station.

1 Borgata Way; 609-317-1000

The casino at the center of the Atlantic City Boardwalk was revamped during the summer of 2023 with new upscale restaurants, such as Nobu Atlantic City.

Casino: There are 1,700+ slot machines and a variety of table games, from blackjack to craps. Caesars also offers a variety of poker games, including a series of linked games, which are part of Caesars, Harrah’s Resort and Tropicana’s All-In Table Games Progressive Jackpot. Caesars Sportsbook at Wild Wild West is wide open with over 15,200 feet of sports betting space. There are five private fan caves, which include high-resolution televisions, game consoles including Xbox, and food provided by AC Snack Shack.

Lodging: The Centurion and Ocean Towers were recently renovated. The rooms feature big bay windows with views of the ocean or the cityscape. The top three floors of the Centurion Tower feature the Nobu Hotel. There are 85 rooms and suites designed by David Rockwell’s The Rockwell Group, which also designed the Nobu Restaurant. The Forum Tower, which was redesigned in 2016, features modern interiors with a warm, neutral palette and a pop of golden yellow.

Dining: There’s no restaurant in Atlantic City quite like Nobu, which serves up succulent Japanese cuisine that’s inventive and delicious. The menu features some of Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dishes, such as the black cod miso and rock shrimp tempura. Nobu also offers an extensive whiskey selection. Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen features the celebrity chef’s signature dishes, such as beef Wellington, lobster risotto and pan-seared scallops. Morton’s The Steakhouse is good for a filet or New York strip. Some casual choices are the Kwi Noodle Bar and the AC Snack Shack.

Entertainment/nightlife: Circus Maximus Theatre has hosted shows featuring entertainers ranging from Jerry Seinfeld to Mary J. Blige. Vegas-style show The Hook at the Warner Theatre is a naughty, can’t-miss spectacle.

Shopping: There is a gift shop at Caesars.

Spa/amenities: Qua Baths and Spa is a retreat that taps into the natural properties and healing powers of water to soothe stress and tension. There are 15 treatment rooms, a deluxe couple’s suite, and four facial rooms.

2100 Pacific Avenue; 609-348-4411

The Trop remains a vibrant casino resort that has been buoyed by the addition of the boutique hotel The Chelsea.

Casino: There are more than 1,600 slot machines and 130+ table games throughout the Tropicana’s 125,935 feet of gaming space. The Caesars Sportsbook offers an immersive betting experience with live InPlay wagering.

Lodging: It’s all about the Towers at the Tropicana. There’s the North Tower, the South Tower (which offers ocean views), the Havana Tower and the brand-new Solana Tower. The 20-story Chelsea Tower was formerly the neighboring boutique hotel known as The Chelsea. It is now owned by Tropicana and connected by a skybridge, which has considerably upped the resort’s cool quotient. The Chelsea Tower offers guests hotel rooms with sweeping ocean views, along with non-gaming amenities that include the Oasis Pool, The Pool at Chelsea, Sea Spa, the Chelsea Five gastropub and Gilchrist Restaurant. The suites on the top floor of the Chelsea Tower feel removed from Atlantic City, offering a distinctly chill vibe—yet they’re still just an elevator ride and a short walk from the bustle of the casino.

Dining: There are a number of fabulous restaurants at the Tropicana. The Palm, which serves aged prime beef and Nova Scotia lobster, sets a high standard. Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar’s Cuban fare was inspired by two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Guillermo Pernot’s biannual travels to Cuba. Il Verdi offers fine Italian dining. Sushi and sake lovers will enjoy Ossu Asian Tavern. Casual fare can be had at A’dam Good Sports Bar & Grill and the Green Bar.

Entertainment/nightlife: If you love retro sounds and style, check out Boogie Nights, which transports folks back to an era when disco ruled. 10 North Lounge is laid-back, while Anthem is stylish and trendy.

Shopping: Hat Emporium, Essentials and James Saltwater Taffy are among the various shops here.

Spa/amenities: Sea Spa in the Chelsea Tower includes eight private treatment rooms and a couples’ room, plus the Solarium with a steam room, sauna and seasonal heated outdoor pool. Luxe Salon attracts folks courtesy of on-trend hair design and styling, texturizing treatments, blow-outs, restorative hair treatments and color services.

2831 Boardwalk; 609-340-4000

The Pool at Harrah’s is a huge reason that the unheralded gem in the marina is a destination.

Casino: There are 1,800 slot machines plus progressives and video poker. The table games include blackjack, poker and craps. Caesars Sportsbook features two fan caves for a more private, upgraded experience.

Lodging: There are five towers: the Atrium, Bayview, Coastal, Laguna and Waterfront. The Atrium and Waterfront are the most recently renovated towers. The Atrium offers one- and two-bedroom suites. The other towers feature spacious rooms with stylish decor. The complimentary fitness center offers a variety of strength training and cardio machines.

Dining: The Gordon Ramsay Steakhouse offers prime beef aged for a minimum of 40 days, as well as American Kobe. La Strada offers Italian fare with modern flair. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood serves up a fresh fish option plus aged steaks, pasta and poultry. Pin-Up Pizza and Cafe Tazza offer casual fare.

Entertainment/nightlife: The Pool After Dark is a scene around the casino’s main attraction, which has been a magnet for DJs and celebrities. VooDoo Lounge features live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night with no cover.

Shopping: The Waterfront shops feature men and women’s fashions and accessories from Studio. Destinations sells souvenirs.

Spa/amenities: Guests receive complimentary access to Harrah’s glass-dome pool complex. The Spa at Harrah’s offers massages, facials and body scrubs. There’s a deluxe couple’s suite that features a private shower, jacuzzi and fireplace. The spa provides salon services for hair design, makeup and mani-pedis.

777 Harrah’s Boulevard; 609-441-5000

Atlantic City’s first casino, which opened in 1978, is adept at pairing the traditional with the modern.

Casino: There is an array of slots and table games. There are three levels of the progressive jackpot across 24 of Resorts Casino Hotel’s table games, which range from hundreds of dollars to more than $1 million. DraftKings Sportsbook features a high-definition LED video wall.

Lodging: There are two hotel towers. The 480-room Ocean Tower offers views of the Atlantic and convenient access to the spa. The Rendezvous Tower has more space and offers rooms ranging in size from 1,090 to 1,150 square feet. The suites have Jacuzzi tubs and spacious sitting and dining areas.

Dining: Capriccio, an exceptional Italian restaurant, has been a staple in Resorts dining for years. Dougherty’s Steakhouse has filets and porterhouse. Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy offers an array of chicken sandwiches and salads. Casual diners can visit Quick Bites for pizza, soup or ice cream.

Entertainment/nightlife: AC Jokes is a comedy hall. Bar One hosts weekly karaoke, bingo and trivia nights.

Shopping: Just about whatever you need can be found in Essentials, and there’s a plethora of snacks at Licks.

Spa: Resorts has a heated indoor/outdoor pool that’s open all year. At the spa, relax in the sauna or steam room. A variety of massage treatments are available.

1133 Boardwalk; 609-340-6300

The under radar destination offers comfortable stays at a good rate with nice dining and spa experiences.

Casino: There are high-limit slots rooms with more than 100 machines to play. Table games include baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette and poker.

Lodging: There is an array of renovated rooms and suites with views of the marina.

Dining: Vic & Anthony’s features beef, fresh seafood and an extensive wine collection. Dos Caminos offers Mexican cuisine and a selection of premium tequila and signature cocktails. The AC brunch destination is at Michael Patrick’s Brasserie, which features massive omelettes. Bean & Bread and Bill’s Bar & Burger offer casual fare.

Entertainment/nightlife: The Grand, a theater with great sound, hosts a variety of recording artists and comedians.

Shopping: Style & Thread features fashionable clothing. D’Oro sells elegant jewelry. The Chocolate Box has gourmet handmade truffles.

Spa: Spa & Salon offers massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Relax in the sauna, steam room or whirlpool.

600 Huron Avenue; 609-441-2000

This pet-friendly boutique hotel offers a relaxed experience in a city that can be quite chaotic. It feels like Avalon at the relaxed Seahaus, which lacks gaming but exudes a soothing vibe. There are oceanfront and Boardwalk-facing guest rooms with private balconies and complimentary bikes for Boardwalk cruising. The full-service restaurant/bar, Cucina del Mar, offers Italian cuisine and crafted cocktails.

110 S. Morris Avenue; 609-459-3400