Atlantic City is just 20 minutes north of Ocean City NJ, and it offers everything OCNJ does not—casinos, nightclubs, full bar service, and big-name entertainment. Whether you want to try your luck at blackjack, catch a concert, or simply enjoy cocktails with dinner, Atlantic City makes an easy escape from the family-friendly vibes of Ocean City. Here is your complete guide to doing AC right.
Getting There
The drive from Ocean City to Atlantic City takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Take Route 52 north to the Atlantic City Expressway, or head up the Garden State Parkway to Exit 38. Both routes are easy and well-marked.
Parking options:
- Casino parking garages: Free for players, otherwise $5-20
- Street parking: Metered, limited
- Tanger Outlets lot: Free if you are shopping
Pro tip: Most casinos offer free parking validation if you sign up for their player’s card (also free). Even if you don’t gamble much, the card gets you free parking and occasional comps.
Why Atlantic City from OCNJ Works So Well
Ocean City is a dry town—no alcohol sold anywhere, not even in restaurants. Atlantic City is the opposite extreme: 24-hour casinos, full bars everywhere, nightclubs, and an anything-goes atmosphere. Many OCNJ visitors make an evening trip to AC for dinner with drinks, a show, or just a change of pace from the wholesome boardwalk scene.
The key is OCNJ gives you the perfect family-friendly base, while AC is just close enough for an adult night out when the kids are with grandparents or the babysitter.
The Casinos
Atlantic City currently has nine operating casinos, each with its own personality:
Borgata
The gold standard of Atlantic City. Located in the marina district (off the boardwalk), Borgata offers the nicest rooms, best restaurants, and most upscale atmosphere. Their poker room is legendary. Multiple clubs and lounges, excellent spa. This is where locals go for a nice night out.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
The former Trump Taj Mahal, now completely renovated with the Hard Rock brand. Great live music venue, solid restaurants, and good energy. The guitar-shaped entrance is unmissable.
Ocean Casino Resort
The former Revel, now thriving as Ocean Casino. Modern design, rooftop pool, and excellent dining including American Cut steakhouse. Appeals to a younger, hipper crowd.
Tropicana
Old reliable on the boardwalk. The Quarter is an indoor shopping/dining complex that feels like Havana. Good restaurants, solid casino floor, and boardwalk access.
Caesars
Classic Vegas-style casino on the boardwalk. Good buffet, familiar atmosphere, connected to the pier shops.
Harrah’s
Marina district property with good mid-range value. Pool complex, solid dining, relaxed atmosphere.
Golden Nugget, Resorts, Bally’s
More budget-friendly options with full casino floors and decent amenities.
Dining in Atlantic City
AC’s restaurant scene has evolved well beyond casino buffets. Celebrity chef outposts and excellent independents make it a legitimate dining destination.
High-End Dining
Buddakan (Borgata): Stephen Starr’s stunning Asian restaurant. The communal table and dramatic decor alone are worth the trip.
Bobby Flay Steak (Borgata): Excellent steakhouse from the celebrity chef.
American Cut (Ocean Casino): Top-tier steakhouse with dry-aged beef and creative sides.
Gordon Ramsay Steak (Harrah’s): The Hell’s Kitchen chef’s Atlantic City outpost.
Mid-Range Excellence
Dock’s Oyster House: Not in a casino—this 125-year-old seafood institution is the real deal. Make reservations.
Knife and Fork Inn: Another non-casino classic, open since 1912. Old Atlantic City elegance.
Angeline (Borgata): Excellent Italian in a beautiful room.
Izakaya (Borgata): Creative Japanese with sushi, small plates, and robata grill.
Casual Bites
White House Sub Shop: Legendary subs since 1946. Get the White House Special. Worth the line.
Tony’s Baltimore Grill: Old-school AC institution for pizza and Italian basics.
Entertainment and Shows
Atlantic City brings in major entertainment acts:
- Hard Rock Live: 7,000-seat venue hosting top touring acts
- Borgata Event Center: A-list concerts and comedians
- Ocean Casino: Ovation Hall hosts mid-size shows
- Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall: Big arena shows and events
Check venue calendars before your OCNJ trip—catching a concert can make the perfect date night.
Nightlife
If you want to go out dancing or hit a club, AC delivers:
Premier Nightclub (Borgata): The top nightclub with big-name DJs on weekends
HQ2 Nightclub (Ocean): Rooftop club with pool parties and dancing
The Pool After Dark (Harrah’s): Pool-party-style nightclub
Most clubs open late (11pm+) and have dress codes. Cover charges $20-50 depending on the night and event.
Shopping
Tanger Outlets
The Walk is an outdoor outlet center near the AC Expressway exit. Nike, Coach, Calvin Klein, Under Armour, and dozens more. Good deals, easy parking, and you do not need to go near the casinos.
The Quarter at Tropicana
Indoor shopping and entertainment complex inside the casino. Boutiques, restaurants, and spa services.
Boardwalk Shops
The classic boardwalk still has shops, though more touristy than OCNJ. Steel Pier has rides and games if you want a different boardwalk experience.
Sample Day/Evening Trips
Dinner and Show Date Night
5:00pm: Leave Ocean City
5:30pm: Arrive AC, valet at Borgata
6:00pm: Dinner at Buddakan or Bobby Flay Steak
8:00pm: Catch a show at Borgata Event Center
11:00pm: Return to Ocean City
Casino Evening
7:00pm: Arrive AC, get player’s card for parking
7:30pm: Try your luck—blackjack, slots, poker
9:30pm: Dinner at any casino restaurant
11:00pm: More gambling or drinks at the bar
1:00am: Return to OCNJ (or stay overnight)
Shopping Day Trip
10:00am: Drive to Tanger Outlets
10:30am-2:00pm: Shop the outlets
2:30pm: Late lunch at White House Subs
4:00pm: Return to Ocean City for beach time
Practical Tips
- Designate a driver: If drinking or gambling, plan for a sober driver or Uber/Lyft
- Set a gambling budget: Only bring what you’re willing to lose
- Player’s cards are free: Sign up for free parking and perks
- Dress code varies: Casinos are casual, but nicer restaurants and clubs have standards
- Summer weekends are busiest: Weeknights are easier for parking and tables
- Check AC event calendars: Big conventions or fights affect availability and prices
Staying Overnight
For a real getaway within your vacation, consider one night in AC. Hotel rates vary wildly—weeknight rooms can be $99 while weekend rooms hit $300+. Borgata consistently offers the best overall experience. Ocean and Hard Rock are solid alternatives.
This works well when grandparents can watch the kids, or for couples who want one special night out.
The Best of Both Worlds
Ocean City and Atlantic City are 20 minutes apart but feel like different planets. OCNJ gives you safe beaches, family fun, and that dry-town wholesome vibe. AC gives you casinos, cocktails, and late-night energy. Together, they make for a vacation that satisfies every mood.
Roll the dice, enjoy a real cocktail, catch a show, and then head back to your peaceful OCNJ beach house. That’s the perfect Jersey Shore combination.