Travel Guide: Atlantic City

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Atlantic City, N.J.

History

Long before Atlantic City was founded, Absecon Island was the summer home of Native Americans. Early colonial settlers largely ignored the island because it could only be reached by boat. Jeremiah Leeds was the first to build and occupy a year-round residence on the island, in mid-1780s. The idea for developing a resort was promoted by Dr. Jonathan Pitney, a local physician. Pitney, along with a group of businessmen, secured a railroad charter in 1852. The railroad was completed in 1854. A civil engineer from Philadelphia, Richard B. Osborne, designed the city layout. Its proximity to major population centers, coupled with inexpensive train access, allowed thousands to flee to the cool seashore. In the 1950s, as air travel to vacation spots in Florida and the Caribbean became widely available, Atlantic City's popularity as a resort destination began to decline. In the "Atlantic City Gamble" in 1976, voters approved legalized gambling in Atlantic City, but not elsewhere in the state. The first casino, Resorts International, opened in 1978. By 1988, a dozen casinos were open, and the number of annual visitors had grown from 700,000 in 1978 to more than 33 million.

Why you should go

Recently Atlantic City has been known for its casinos, but there is plenty more than gambling available. It has beaches, golf, history, museums and water activities, including cruises, sailing and fishing.

Main attractions

* Casinos: Atlantic City is home to numerous gambling establishments that offer round-the-clock games of chance, first-class accommodations, top restaurants, music, shows, entertainment and nightlife. http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/visit/visitors_casino.aspx or http://www.atlantic-city-online.com/casino/casinoinfo.shtml

* The Boardwalk: It's the backbone of the city, providing access to hotels, resorts, shops, casinos, attractions and more. Branching from the Boardwalk are several piers. The Pier Shops at Caesars features two levels of upscale retail, a level with restaurants and nightlife, an hourly water show and an open deck with sweeping views of the ocean, beach and Boardwalk. Steel Pier is the ultimate amusement pier and midway in the summer. Garden Pier is home to the Atlantic City Historical Museum and Atlantic City Art Center. http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/boardwalk.aspx

* Gardner's Basin: The maritime park includes an aquarium with live aquatic displays, interactive exhibits and a rain forest display. The facility also includes dockside restaurants, fishing excursions, sightseeing and dolphin watching cruises and shops. http://www.oceanlifecenter.com/

Getting there

Flights are available to Atlantic City International Airport.

Helpful websites

* www.atlanticcitynj.com

* www.atlantic-city-online.com

* Hotel and Lodging Association: www.atlanticcityhotelassn.com