I'm planning to drive to Atlantic City and stay there for one or two days while on my trip to Washington DC. Is it a long drive? I might book a hotel located in West Atlantic City. Is that area safe? I'll be traveling with two teenagers. Is Atlantic City a good vacation spot for families?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Is it on your way to or from? If it is a true "side" trip, you may prefer driving to Ocean City, MD. That's where ALL the kids in the DC area like to go to the beach. It is fun, safe, and about 2 hours away from DC. Take Route 50 and follow the signs. Cross the bay bridge over the Chesapeake (really a gorgeous span). Other slightly less busy beaches are Rehobeth, or Dewey Beach, Delaware and our favorite, Chincoteage, VA where you have access to Assategue National Seashore. But with teenagers -- Ocean City is the best bet.

Thanks for your response Diane!
Ocean City sounds like a good place to visit.
Anyway, if this helps, I will be flying into Washington DC and from there, possibly driving to Atlantic City, staying for a few days, and driving back to DC.
Has anyone stayed in West Atlantic City?
Thanks again!!

I'm french and I used to work for the summer, 5 years ago, in Atlantic City. For me, Atlantic City is the last place where I will go with my family. I don't know what you mean by west Atlantic City but every thing outside the boardwalk is not very safe. Spend only few hours in Atlantic City and go to Ocean City for the nigth. It's a lot nicer than Atlantic City.

I was just in Atlantic City last week while visiting relatives in NJ. It's still a dump outside of the casino area and is overall an unsafe town. Once when we were there my in-laws motor home was broken into and the police dept. charged them $25 to file a vandalism report (because they have SO many to process!!!). Not much at all for teenagers to do...

I totally agree that Ocean City, MD would be the better option! JMHO....

Skip Atlantic City!! I just went there in October for the first time thank God I only booked a one night trip I had no idea what to expect and I was still disappointed.

If it's the gambling that you want, spend a few hours in Atlantic City - then drive down the shore a little. I stayed at the Howard Johnsons a few blocks from the strip a few years ago - and feared for my life while walking to the strip. There are some great little beach towns in New Jersey - Stone Harbor, Avalon, Cape May - just to name a few. There's a ferry ride from Cape May to Lewes, Delaware - always a lot of fun. Make a reservation if you'll be there on a weekend or tourist season. They have a web site - www.capemay-lewesferry.com. It's also a great way to get from Atlantic City to Ocean City, Maryland.

As someone who grew up in New Jersey, I have to defend Atlantic City. It can be a great place if you look at it with the right frame of mind. Yes, the city itself can be unsafe - that's no secret - but most people who go there do not stay over. Most people you see are day trippers, or people who go for a few hours in the evening. Many that do stay are often part of a conference. As for children, my parents never had a problem taking me there when I was younger. Frankly, I find Ocean City to be much tackier. If you want to stay in AC common sense says stay right on the boardwalk - most of the hotel/casinos run deals. If you can't do that, you may want to try staying at a hotel like the Hampton Inn on the AC Expressway, and then driving into the city, parking at one of the hotels on the boardwalk. Parking that way is perfectly safe.

Ilisa...I also grew up in NJ. But, AC is NOT the same place it was when I was growing up. My family always went down there for a long weekend every summer and it was great. Whenever I return to visit family we often take a quick trip to AC to gamble and eat. One year my teenage daughter was with us and she was miserable because there was NOTHING for her to do! AND, as soon as you leave the hotel area..lock those car doors till you get to your destination.

I have to agree with most of those before me, plan to see AC but only for a few hrs. I wanted to see it when I was in NJ, once there I soon realized that after a walk on the boardwalk I was prestty much ready to go. Definitely go to Ocean City instead.