5 Things to do in Atlantic City this Summer

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5 Things to do in Atlantic City this Summer

Atlantic City may be the Gambling Capital of the East Coast and the muse for Bruce Springsteen’s mega-hits, but there are plenty of things that you can get up to during your visit. Also commonly referred to as “America’s Favorite Playground,” AC is a great destination choice for anyone interested in traveling this summer.

Although though there are still restrictions in place and coronavirus safety measures that have to be observed, travel all over New Jersey is slowly resuming and will soon pick up. As such, gamblers and travelers alike who have been in lockdown for months need to travel, stretch their legs, and interact with family or friends that are not on Zoom chats.

Not only is traveling safely a great way to get back to normal, but it is also an excellent way to boost the local economy. Most restaurants and tourist attractions are opening up mostly for domestic and local visitors.

Plus, hotels, casino resorts, and Airbnbs have gone to extreme lengths to attract visitors including slashing their hotel prices considerably. These days, you can get 5-star accommodation for as little as $30/ night. As such, if you been itching to go to Atlantic City, there has never been a more affordable time to do it.

To help you out and ensure that you have a great time during your stay, here are 5 things to do in Atlantic City this summer:

Go to the beach

Before you head out to any of the many beaches in Atlantic City, ensure that you the safety of the beach that you want to visit. Like any travel these days, an afternoon on the beach is an excellent way to spend your time in Atlantic City this summer as long as you remember to stay away from others and obey the restrictions set in place by the beach authorities.

As it currently stands, there is still no evidence that COVID-19 can be passed on from water. It is primarily in contact with other human beings that you should be wary of. During your beach visit, remember to also bring your 2 besties: sunscreen and hand sanitizer that at least 70% alcohol-based.

Gamble

If you have ever been in Atlantic City, then you know how hard it can be to resist gambling at least once. Brick and mortar casinos that are going the extra mile to take better care of their staff by doing things like providing them with the necessary protective equipment, for instance, are more likely to ensure that you are taken care of as well. Before you go to any casino, check the casino’s website to see how they are handling the COVID-19 crisis.

Thankfully, a lot of the Atlantic City casinos are following the safety guidelines set in place by the CDC.  In the casinos, many of which have since reopened since Gov. Philip D. Murphy reopened the city, masks are non-negotiable on the floor and many have also forbidden indoor dining.

A lot of casinos are scanning individuals using thermal imaging before allowing entry. At poker tables, you will most likely be separated by other players by plexiglass and the dealers will be covered by face shields. Machines and games on the floor are also being disinfected as soon as customers step away from them so that you can gamble safely.

Furthermore, if the casino floor still seems too much, too soon for you, there are plenty of online casinos that you can try to see if Lady Luck is on your side. For a comprehensive list of online casinos in New Jersey check out this in-depth resource.   

Visit a park

Avoiding big crowds is one of the safest things that you can do during this pandemic. The risks of being outside are not only low but also manageable. The key is maintaining the recommended 6-foot distance at all times. Aside from staying safe, there are numerous benefits of spending time in nature.

Ensure that you check the Atlantic City National Park Service’s website or social media pages to determine whether the park you intend to visit is permanently or partially closed down; restrooms and services that deal with food may especially not be available. Visiting the website will also give you a good idea of the rules so that you can prepare adequately.

Go to Streel Pier

The Steel Pier is the perfect attraction for any visitor that loves history. The Pier is as old as the city itself and has been a part of the city’s history since 1898. In the 70s, the Steel Pier was renovated to include more rides and games, meaning that it is also ideal for anyone that is traveling with family or at least anyone interested in letting their inner kid out to play.

While at the Pier, it is good practice to assume that every surface is infected, even though the Pier authorities are doing everything possible to keep everything disinfected and sanitized. Following the COVID-19 protocols, especially while traveling and having fun may be challenging. As such, ensure that you don’t revert to any pre-pandemic habits in your quest to relax and have a great time.

Ride the boardwalk tram

If you are in Atlantic City, you are obviously going to want an up-close view of one of the city’s most popular attractions- the boardwalk, as well as everything it has to offer. If you are not up to mingling with the crowd, hop on to one of the many available boardwalk trams, which are extremely affordable at just $2.25.

The ride will deliver unforgettable views of the Boardwalk Hall, Steel Pier, and casinos like The Tropicana, as well as many other popular boardwalk attractions. Don’t forget to sample the New Jersey classic that is Fralinger’s salt water taffy, which has been creating this shore classic since the late 1800s.

Final thoughts

If you do decide to travel to Atlantic City this summer, please make sure that you are not in violation of any safety traveling guidelines. In case you are feeling ill, make sure that you contact the relevant medical authorities without fail and distance yourself from other travelers.

Keep in mind that while it is necessary to look upon anyone as a potential threat, you also have the potential to pass on the virus if you fail to maintain proper safety measures. Even if you are not necessarily showing any of the discussed COVID-19 symptoms, you can still be a possible carrier, hence a threat to others around you. Therefore, remember to be careful and safe always. Do have fun!