glndi

We'll be visiting Philadelphia (from the Midwest) and have a few extra days. What's Atlantic City like? Is there anything to do for those who don't like gambling or wild night life? We do like history, culture, architecture, the ocean, good food and interesting lodging.

emalloy

If you decide to go there, take a walk on the boardwalk then head down to Cape May for some interesting architecture. I found no real history or culture in AC.

MaryZ

I agree with the previous poster---head for Cape May instead. It's an historic seaside town with gorgeous architecture, a great variety of B&Bs, some very good restaurants, and the ocean, too! Although Atlantic City has a rich history, it's overshadowed these days by casinos.

Amy

Atlantic City unfortunately is pretty much about gambling (and conventions; there are discount outlets and the like.) If you do choose to go to the shore--and there is a LOT to do in Philadelphia and the immediate area--I agree with Cape May for your interests. Ocean City is nice for wandering, boardwalk, etc. depending on the time of year, but Cape May has more in terms of architecture and history.

elberko

I agree with the Cape May suggestion. It's a half-hour longer trip, but much more interesting place to be on the ocean.

~Liz

nytraveler

IMHO you really don;t want AC. It is primarily for gambling. There are some shows and food ranges from awful to decent. Nearby areas are depressed and/or high crime, There are much more pleasant - less tacky -places to visit on the Jersey shore, starting with Cape May - but do check out some of the ther smaller towns. As long as you realize that you are in the off season andnot everythng will be open.

SusieQQ

Agree that AC is not what you are looking for....Cape May might do, but also check out some of the towns in Monmouth County such as Spring Lake, Ocean Grove, Asbury Park and Long Branch....Lots of history there.
If you are interested in any of those, just ask and I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have...

Songdoc

Sadly, I agree with the consensus about Atlantic City. I remember when it was very different--back in the day of Steel Pier's "High Diving Horse."

For a side trip from Philadelphia you might consider New Hope, PA -- but probably only for a day or two.

Cranachin

You could see Lucy the Elephant in Atlantic City. It's a National Historic Landmark.

elberko

Lucy is in Margate, not AC.

Cranachin

Margate used to be South Atlantic City and about 5 miles from AC.

RoamsAround

Let me add my $.02 to the comments already made. Simply put Atlantic City is NOT WHAT YOU ARE SEEKING. In fact you've already answered your own question - Atlantic City's big draw is gambling and nightlife which you said you don't want.

As far as "history, culture, architecture, the ocean, good food and interesting lodging" here's the facts:

History - The street names on the Monopoly Game Board are based on Atlantic City Streets. Any other "history" is best seen by watching the HBO series "Boardwalk Empire".

Culture - The Boardwalk has lots of tacky booths with games of chance, saltwater taffy shops, t-shirt and trinket shops and frozen custard stands. If that's your idea of culture you'll be in 7th heaven.

Architecture - Casinos, parking garages and high-rise hotels near the boardwalk. Venture two or three blocks off the boardwalk and you'll find areas seedy enough to be featured on an episode of Cops.

Good Food - if mediocre buffets, fast food places, hamburger and hot dog joints are your idea of "good food" you'll be in luck.

Interesting Lodging - high-rise casino/convention style hotels with glitzy lighting dominate the Boardwalk area while cut-rate motels will be found in other areas. You'll even find plenty of "flea-bag" places that rent rooms by the hour. How's that for "interesting"

Ocean - Unlike the other things on your list the beach and ocean at Atlantic City are actually pretty nice but not so much so as to offset the other shortcomings.

Go to Cape May or someplace else, anyplace else!

timothyjohnsons351

You can do a lot of things in Atlantic City! It's one of the best place to visit while in New Jersey! My friend is planning to have her wedding in Atlantic City later this year!

POMAH

I've seen weddings in Grand Central Station, Central Park, on several beaches, in hotels, in casinos, etc.

Why not spend +2hours and drive to NYC for some culture?!

POMAH

I was just in AC again; went ok. Caesar's is real good. Next time, I'll go to the Marina area.

pankaralis

Atlantic City is a wonderful city going through some serious urban renewal. It's really a nice city for a day of relaxation. There's family friendly entertainment all along the boardwalk, I spent a lot of time there as a kid. As for architecture, unfortunately due to some nudging from the state during the casino legalization era, much of Atlantic City's wonderful architecture was brought down to make way for casinos. However, the Ritz-Carlton, Claridge, Madison House, and Haddon Hall (which is now part of Resorts) are still standing and are wonderful structures. Some of the posts regarding Atlantic City crime has been greatly exaggerated, and stigmas from recent decades still linger. And of course, there's always the beach. And the food is great. Try the White House for some of the best subs anywhere.

That being said, Cape May is a beautiful place and great for a day vacation. I go down pretty often. Long Beach Island is another great Jersey Shore destination. Seaside Park is very nice, and Island Beach State Park is great for the outdoors type. Do not waste your time going to NYC. I enjoy spending a day in Newark over NYC. An extra day in Philly is better than any time in New York. Check out Northern Liberties and Fishtown before you head out.

SusieQQ

pankaralis, instead of adding on to an old post, you would get more readers if you had started a new one.