The smell of sea salt and a hint of grilled surf ‘n’ turf drifting on the breeze. The mechanized whir and ricket from the amusement rides at Steel Pier. The feeling of warm sand beneath your feet and seaspray on your face as waves break against the beach.
When we reminisce about our favorite vacations, these are the kinds of sensory moments that spring to mind. And they’re exactly the type of mesmerizing settings that Atlantic City has in abundance.
Whether you’re looking for a little thrill on your next getaway, a little romance with someone special, or a lot of fun for the whole family, Atlantic City has a lot to offer (besides the most outstanding casino resort in the business). From killer restaurants and vibrant AC nightlife to the most relaxing spas and poolsides on the East Coast, here’s a trusty guide to your next stay in Atlantic City.
Wakey Wakey! Where to Start Your Day in AC
Maybe you’re an early riser. Maybe not—and hey, with everything a late night in AC has to offer, we wouldn’t blame you for hitting snooze the next morning.
Fortunately, brunch doesn’t adhere to the laws of time that lesser meals are bound by. Brunch is eternal. So whether it’s 8 AM or pushing noon, here’s where to get your grub on, Atlantic-City-style.
Brunch in AC
If awards and accolades mean anything to you, look no further than Gilchrist Restaurant on Rhode Island Avenue, the perennial winner of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence.
With a laid-back vibe and unbeatable views of AC’s Gardners Basin, Gilchrist has been serving up good eats since 1946. Just manage to find your way there by 2 PM (a generous closing time for a restaurant catering exclusively to breakfast and lunch) and Gilchrist’s friendly staff will handle the rest.
Of course, if you’re looking for something a little closer to home base, we’d be remiss not to mention Ocean Casino Resort’s award-winning offerings: Harper’s and Serendipity3. With its prime location overlooking The Park, Harper’s serves up a sweet view with a side of authentic chicken and waffles, and Serendipity3 serves up world-famous Smoking Mimosas.
Need we say more?
Next Stop: Non-stop Shopping Spree
Having happily put away something high-carb and delicious (and maybe a mimosa or two to boot), why not enjoy a stroll down Atlantic City’s famous Boardwalk? If walking seems like a bit too much to manage, fret not—the Boardwalk has a fleet of trolley-style roller chairs to take you wherever you want to go.
AC has too many fun and quirky shops to possibly list in the space of one humble blog, but here are some of our favorites:
- Shore Gifts/Shore Wave – Family-friendly souvenirs and trinkets in a sprawling indoor plaza, plus everything you could possibly need for a day at the beach.
- Pier 21 – You’ve seen a Bob Marley t-shirt, but have you seen a t-shirt with Bob Marley as a dreadlocked lion wearing colorful sunglasses? You will at Pier 21.
- Peanut World – A souvenir shop named Peanut World. What’s not to love?
But the shopping doesn’t stop at the Boardwalk—Ocean Casino Resort is home to a bounty of gift shops, including Bergio, which features fine European jewelry and CORE boutiques, which provide our guests with a collection of Ocean Casino Resort apparel and memorabilia.
Tanger Outlets
Once you’ve had your souvenir-shopping fix, head to Tanger Outlets for a trendier vibe. With more designer brands than you can shake a well-manicured fist at (more on AC’s spas and salons later), this open-air outlet mall might provide a welcome relief from the Boardwalk’s parade of novelty-t-shirt-bedecked mannequins.
Rest for the Weary: AC’s Award-Wiinning Spas and Poolsides
Let’s face it: Whether it’s ample shopping, the thrill of winning big at the casino, or the range of alternative late-night hijinks that AC has to offer (we’ll be covering Atlantic City parties later on), you deserve a break. Having this much fun can be exhausting! Let’s talk about the best spots to get a little R & R.
Best Spa in Atlantic City
To find the best spa in Atlantic City, look no further than Ocean Casino Resort’s own Exhale Spa. The good people over at Spas of America know excellence when they breathe it in—and that’s why Exhale Spa is ranked miles ahead of the neighboring competition in AC.
Soak away every last ache in the radiant warmth of Exhale’s heated pools, or stay dry in the soothing hush of the salt grotto. Looking to light up the party or club event later that night? Try out a full-body scrub to tease out that inner glow, then head down to Bangz Salon & Blow Dry Lounge to let our specialists take care of the rest.
(Bangz caters to men and women, but if your S/O isn’t feeling a full mani/pedi, send him down to the TopGolf Swing Suite to put his baseball, hockey, or golf skills to the test.)
Best Pool in Atlantic City
Ready to show off after your glow up? Let’s hit the pool. Ocean Casino Resort offers plenty of ways to find your poolside bliss:
- Catch the hottest DJs like Tiesto, Steve Aoki, or Cash Cash at the HQ2 Beachclub, or bask in those glorious sun rays at HQ2’s Boardwalk Pool and Bar.
- Reserve a private cabana and lounge the afternoon away in a poolside daybed. Don’t worry about designating a drink-fetcher—your personal oasis comes with dedicated service.
- Enjoy the aquatic life all season long at Eclipse Indoor/Outdoor Pool. With a laid-back family atmosphere along an exceptional stretch of Atlantic Coastline, Eclipse might be AC’s best-kept secret.
AC Nightlife
The sun is setting on your poolside retreat, and you’re starting to think about making moves. You could hit the town… Or you could let the town come to you. Some of the most sensational concerts in Atlantic City happen right here at HQ2 Nightclub, or at one of Ocean Casino Resort’s many atmospheric bars and lounges.
HQ2 Nightclub
Thumping beats and sizzling, synth-infused basslines. Immersive, ambient light-shows. HQ2 Nightclub hosts many of the most electrifying Atlantic City club events. With an innovative two-level design and a stacked array of global musical talent, HQ2 specializes in creating the kind of dynamic and memorable club experiences you come to Atlantic City for.
Bars & Lounges
If you’re not feeling the club scene, don’t worry. We’ll save you a seat at one of AC’s intimate, vibe-heavy bars and lounges. You’ve got plenty of options to choose from:
- 1927 Lounge – Sitting down doesn’t have to mean bowing out of the night’s excitement. Soak up the speakeasy atmosphere with a whiskey soda (one of Hemingway’s favorites).
- Balcony Bar – The newest of Ocean Casino Resort’s myriad bars and lounges, Balcony Bar offers a VIP experience in a well-appointed mezzanine-style setting.
- Nola’s Bar & Lounge – The secret is out. Voted Casino Player’s Best Lounge of 2022, Nola’s isn’t just one of the hippest Atlantic City bars, it’s home to some of New Jersey’s most infamous, rowdy concerts.
Make it a Trip to Remember at Ocean Casino Resort
We’ve heard the tired old cliche again and again: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” Shouldn’t special memories stay with you for the rest of your life?
At Ocean Casino Resort, we’re happy to let Vegas keep its corny slogans and provide you with the very best that Atlantic City has to offer. Whether it’s that one meal you’ll be talking about for years or the concert you’ll never forget, AC has it all—and Ocean Casino Resort has the best of AC.
So give Google and Yelp a break and come to where every experience is a guaranteed five stars. Your next memorable stay starts here.
Sources:
Trip Advisor. Gilchrist Restaurant. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g29750-d2183718-Reviews-Gilchrist_Restaurant-Atlantic_City_New_Jersey.html/
Spas of America. Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2021. https://www.spasofamerica.com/2022/01/11/spas-of-americas-top-100-spas-of-2021/
Liquor.com. Toasting Earnest Hemingway. https://www.liquor.com/articles/toasting-ernest-hemingway/#:~:text=Hemingway%20loved%20plenty%20of%20other,of%20Campari%2Dbased%20drinks%2C%20the/
Casino Player. Best of Dining & Nightlife Awards 2022. http://digital.casinoplayer.com/publication/?i=748199/
