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Day trip to Atlantic City from New York City[ NEW YORK, NY - NYC - 7/27/2009 - www.Littleviews.com ]
What do you like . . .Do you like green adventures? Well, with over four miles of boardwalk stretching across natural sand dunes and ocean beach, you'll find it here. Sun. Swim. Surf. Fish. Boat. Like casual dining? The area is flipflop friendly, even in the nicest of restaurants. What you will see . . . The main road leading into Atlantic City is The Atlantic City Expressway. At the end of it is the main Atlantic City Visitor's Center. Stop there to pick up a city map, brochures, and coupons, as well as use the rest rooms. Tip: When you leave town, the rest rooms in this visitor's center are handy, too!  Casino parking is very inexpensive, however, we parked on the street very near to the boardwalk on Dr. M.L. King Boulevard for free. I recommend that you begin exploring from around this area, heading southwest for surprising views, then double-back northeast for equally surprising views.  Very strong people, not motors, push carts along the boardwalk for your distant riding pleasure. If you are on a very tight budget, take a $2 bus trip along Pacific Avenue.  Beach access is easy via any of boardwalk bridges that branch off the main boardwalk. In the picture above, you see typical sand dune vegetation, followed by the ocean, then the sky.  Bally's Bikini Beach Bar is one of two restaurants located on the sand. Here, the pace is relaxed and prices are reasonable.  In terms of beauty, interest, and extent of investment, Bally's outdid itself at Atlantic City. After buying up several properties, it transformed the area into the casino-version of Victorian Painted Ladies. The structure to the right (above) is the former Dennis Hotel, one of the original Atlantic City structures. On the left is Bally's Wild Wild West.  Bally's highly-detailed buildings extend for three blocks, followed by Caesar's (the gold-colored buildings to the left of the picture). I love this area as it looks stunning and provides interesting things to do on the opposite side of the boardwalk.  The picture above provides a close-up of Bally's detail work.  Caesar's casino, next to Bally's, features The Pier Shops at Caesar's, a unique shopping center built on a long pier. Step inside to browse among its stunning stores, then continue walking toward the ocean where you'll see a platform with many holes or The Water Show spraying fountains in full force. This watery-version of sparkling fireworks (pictured above) plays on-the-hour every afternoon, complete with music.  We watched The Water Show from the third floor, which also features decks that overlook the ocean and the beach by Caesar's. Possibly because this area of the beach is protected by the pier, it appears to be the best place for very young children to play as the surf is more graduated. It won't pull kids back out to sea.  Continuing along The Pier Shops' third floor are picture windows fronted by beach chairs seated in sand. What a great place to rest! Further along this windowed hallway are several fabulous restaurants, which, I understand, showcase Atlantic City at night. More, more, more . . .There is much more to see along the southwestern portion of the boardwalk than what I've highlighted. These include boardwalk shops, several monuments, an amphitheater, a miniature golf field, great places to have fudge, taffy, and ice cream, plus a lovely outdoor restaurant named Flames.  Looking toward the northeast, you'll see The Steel Pier amusement park peaking up above the sand dunes.  Immediately across from the Trump Taj Mahal is the entrance to The Steel Pier; an exciting tunnel with carny games on either side. Inside the park is The Rocket, one of the most scary rides in America (it catapultes you into the air at over 100 MPH), plus rides for children of all ages.  Also near the Trump Taj Mahal is the unusual Believe It or Not building, a must see!  The Trump Taj Mahal itself is truly a work-of-art! The property is so extensive that as you walk by it, you feel like you've been transported into another, very pretty world. In the background is the equally beautiful Resorts Casino Hotel, albeit with a simpler design. Visit, visit, visit . . .Under all circumstances, I highly recommend day trips to Atlantic City. If you plan to spend several days, take a few day trips to check out the casino hotels in person before making your reservations. Room prices differ and are generally lower (to much lower) than New York City rates, plus you can often find excellent deals that will make your stay particularly attractive. Consult www.AtlanticCityNJ.com for more lodging choices and special deals. Article and photos by Karen Little. First published on 7/27/2009. All rights reserved by www.Littleviews.com. |
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>> If you are visiting New York City for a week, I hope that you can set aside a day for trip to Atlantic City. If you are looking for a weeklong, relaxing vacation, consider staying at Atlantic City, one of America's best destinations.
