It may be the "Las Vegas of the East", but before it was known
for its casinos it was famous for being the site of the world's first boardwalk.
You can also tell the kids that Atlantic City was once home to the Miss America Pageant (at least until 2005 when it packed up and moved to - where else? - Las Vegas).
Yep, Atlantic City has certainly seen its share of glory days.
As America's top beach resort from the mid-19th century to the early 20th, Atlantic City was dealt an almost fatal blow by the Great Depression.
In decline for decades afterwards, Atlantic City saw its salvation in casino gambling. And, following the opening success of Resorts Atlantic City in 1978 as the East Coast's first casino, many more followed.
Now with more
than a dozen gaming & entertainment resorts now operating on or near its famous boardwalk, Atlantic City has been returned
to its former glory as a top vacation destination.
If you're
planning your first trip, don't forget other major boardwalk attractions that have been popular for far longer than the Atlantic City casinos scene. These include a visit to Fralinger's Candy which has been selling the famous salt water taffy for four generations in Atlantic City.
Additional must-see AC attractions include a stop at the Steel Pier Amusement Park, originally opened in 1898, then restored and reopened in 1993. And, for a great "photo op" also be sure to say hello to Lucy The Elephant which has also been an Atlantic City landmark for over a century.
More about Atlantic City travel & tourism around the Web:
Find out more on this favorite travel topic with news & updates on the latest casino action, information on family-friendly attractions, and Atlantic City history - along with additional fun facts & trivia about the Gaming Capital of the East ...
Atantic City NJ - The official site with guides to beaches, attractions, online hotel booking, top restaurants, maps & driving directions,
pictures, travel videos, FAQ, weather info.
Atlantic City Tourism - One-stop browsing for information and related resources from the Greater Atlantic City Region Tourism Council with guides to casinos, hotels & restaurants, major & nearby attractions, family vacations, history & cultural sites, weather info, event calendar.
Atlantic City Weekly - The online version of the print publication with what's on right now including information on top casino headliners, lounge acts, nightlife, restaurant reviews, menus, maps.
Atlantic City One Forums - Ask a question or get an opinion at these busy online boards with information, rants & raves about shuttle bus tours, cheap hotels and travel packages, boardwalk attractions, general trip reports.
Atlantic City Kids - Fun for the kids, with information on major and nearby attractions, AC family-friendly hotels, museums, entertainment and amusement parks.