By Sarah Fertsch
Hidden on the North End of Atlantic City (and Absecon Island) sits Historic Gardner’s Basin, an island treasure. Vacationers explore the thrills of the area, from the nonstop action of the casinos to the lure of the beach. Visitors head over to the Back Bay for watersports such as fishing or parasailing. Families are awed by the dolphins popping in and out of the water on Atlantic City Cruises famous Dolphin Cruise. Then when the sun goes down, hungry customers line up for bar fare and refreshing drinks.
Gardner’s Basin has a rich history. In the early 1920s, during Nucky Johnson’s reign, the Basin served as a fishery and industrial site for boat-making. Atlantic City’s website describes the era as “full of rumrunners and commercial fishing fleets.” As time passed, the Basin transformed into a baseball park for vacationers and local families. However this ended quickly, and the fields became abandoned and overgrown.
Today, the Basin looks like a relaxed bayside area consisting of beautiful beach-bay homes and Smuggler’s Cove boathouses. On the left sits the Back Bay Ale House, Gilchrist restaurant, and Fishheads, for local cuisine. You can also find docks for Atlantic City Cruises and other charters. On the right, you’ll find lush trees and a beautiful bay view. These historic buildings hold a secret — they were built on top of the docks so that the rumrunners could trade in secrecy.
The Atlantic City Aquarium has tons of fun activities and exhibits, featuring over 100 species of fish and marine animals. Pet a stingray or a starfish, and experience the wonder of dolphins, sharks, and tropical fish. Meet “Groman,” the resident loggerhead turtle in the main exhibit of the aquarium. A 16-station computer system offers self-tours and interactive games. Learn about the environmental safety of the local oceans and take note of local sea life within the Atlantic Ocean! Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the aquarium has been closed to the public. However, it is planning to open soon, depending upon community health.
If you love fishing, check out the charter boats! High Roller fishing and Twrecks Charters offer grand fishing experiences for you to choose from! They’ll support you whether you’re a novice fisherman or a well-seasoned wrangler. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend the day, check out AC Cruises and search for dolphins, or get a tour around the island. Atlantic City Cruises also offers sunset rides, perfect for sharing a drink and view with a lover, and tours of the Atlantic City, Brigantine, and Downbeach area. For more of a thrill, you can parasail too!
Next time you visit Atlantic City, look no further than Gardner’s Basin, full of excitement and history for both kids and adults. Explore, participate in watersports, and eat at some of the best restaurants on the Jersey Shore. Bring some life to Atlantic City’s hidden gem!
