While Atlantic City’s historic boardwalk and iconic casinos are well known, there are even more sides of the city waiting to be explored. From the artsy energy and buzzy restaurants of the Orange Loop, to the old-school charm and larger-than-life Italian favorites in Ducktown, and the relaxing waterfront Gardner’s Basin, these lesser-known neighborhoods offer a fresh perspective on the city, brimming with character, creativity and the authentic spirit of the locals.
Travelers can uncover chef-driven restaurants, historic sub shops, creative cocktail bars and hidden gems that all contribute to what makes this destination so special. This is the Atlantic City not to miss this spring and summer.
Where to Go Beyond the Boardwalk
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Just steps from the boardwalk, the Orange Loop is an up-and-coming three-block district spanning Tennessee Avenue, New York Avenue and St. James Place, named after the corresponding orange spaces on the Monopoly board. It’s home to an eclectic mix of local favorites, including cozy coffee shops, vibrant murals and craft cocktail lounges.
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall -
Start the day at Hayday Coffee, then grab a craft beer and cozy up by the fire pits at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, now newly featuring an expanded whiskey and wine list from new owner Salvatore Spena. In May, he’ll debut Jennifer’s Oyster Bar in the outdoor beer garden, offering fresh Barnegat oysters, clams, shrimp, crab legs and more. For dinner, Cardinal serves globally inspired New American fare in a refined but relaxed space, while Bar 32 Chocolate & Cocktails satisfies late-night sweet cravings with house-made treats like bean-to-bar, Dubai-inspired bonbons, paired with any of their expertly crafted drinks, such as chocolate martinis, chocolate mudslides or the signature Orange Chocolate Old Fashioned.
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Don’t miss the city’s mural scene while in town, where over 70 works of street art make the city feel like an open-air museum celebrating creativity and local culture, many created through the Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s 48 Blocks AC program.
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Atlantic City’s version of Little Italy, Ducktown is a historic, culture-rich neighborhood where Italian traditions live on from the 20th century.
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Here, travelers can indulge in old-school favorites with larger-than-life portions at Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern, a beloved, family-owned restaurant passed down for three generations. For a more intimate experience, Chef Vola’s is a local institution known for its spectacular homestyle Italian dishes, especially the must-try veal rib chop. For a true taste of Ducktown’s rich heritage, the On The Town Food Tour stops at local favorites including Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern, White House Sub Shop, Barbera Seafood Market, Steel’s Fudge and The Noyes Arts Garage.
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Tucked away from the crowds, this waterfront district is ideal for laid-back dining and scenic views.
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Grab breakfast and the famous hotcakes at Gilchrist Restaurant, enjoy freshly shucked oysters at Back Bay Ale House and hop on a dolphin-watching cruise with Atlantic City Cruises. Another must-visit is the newly remodeled Atlantic City Aquarium, which reopened on March 24 after a $4.7 million renovation, now showcasing over 125 species of marine life, including interactive touch tanks with bamboo sharks and southern rays.
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Marina District: Casino Resorts Worth the Stay
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Setting the bar for high-end stays in Atlantic City, offering premier dining, nightlife and entertainment. Indulge in signature dishes like USDA-aged steaks and Tomahawks at Old Homestead Steakhouse, or try the 16-oz Prime NY Strip with Argentinean Chimichurri at American Bar & Grille. Sip handcrafted cocktails at Long Bar, and unwind by the seasonal The Outdoor Pool complete with private cabanas.
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Borgata Outdoor Pool Beer Garden -
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City:
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Harrah’s offers a dynamic mix of relaxation and nightlife, with its temperature-controlled Pool transforming into a vibrant party scene with The Pool After Dark. Visitors can also experience top-tier dining at celebrity chef restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay Steak, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay and Buddy Valastro’s Boardwalk Empire.
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