Atlantic City works two ways: as a beach-and-boardwalk day on the Jersey Shore, or as one stop in a longer regional trip. The tours on this page split along the same line, with harbor and ghost walks locally and long coach days that leave from New York City.
Related: Atlantic City, New Jersey: A Complete Travel Guide
Top-Rated Atlantic City New Jersey Tours & Experiences
New York to Boston in One Day
A very long coach day from New York City to Boston, so it begins nowhere near Atlantic City. Check the departure point, the time on the ground in Boston and what is included before you commit to it.
Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruise in Atlantic City
A boat trip out of the Atlantic City area to look for bottlenose dolphins in coastal waters. It is a good family option and one of the better reviewed listings here. Sightings are likely in summer but never guaranteed.
Two Person Ar 15 and 9mm Pistol Package
This is a firearms range package with age, ID and safety rules. Confirm the range location and requirements in the listing before booking, and treat it as a separate activity from a beach or boardwalk day.
1 Hour Haunted Walking Tour of Atlantic City
A short one-hour walk through the city’s ghost stories and local legends. It fits easily before dinner or between casino visits. Wear comfortable shoes and check the meeting point and whether it runs in bad weather.
Niagara Falls Bus Tour from NYC
A coach tour from New York City to Niagara Falls, a very long journey from the Jersey Shore. Check whether it runs as a single day or several, and treat it as a New York trip rather than an Atlantic City one.
As with most in-demand destinations, the best tours in Atlantic City New Jersey tend to sell out first, so booking a few days ahead is generally a good idea.
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What Makes These Tours Worth Booking
Atlantic City has had a wooden boardwalk since 1870 and casinos since 1978, and it still draws day-trippers from Philadelphia and New York. The 5 priced tours have 83 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, spread thinly. Aces to Ashes is the most reviewed with 40, while Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruise in Atlantic City has 4.3 stars from 39 reviews at $50.
Where to Stay in Atlantic City
Boardwalk hotels put you steps from the sand and the Steel Pier, the Marina District has the large casino resorts, and quieter towns such as Ventnor sit just down the shore. Beach access in Atlantic City is free. Trains run from Philadelphia, buses come from New York, and Atlantic City International Airport serves some domestic routes.
Seasons and Crowds in Atlantic City
Beach season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with water warmest in late July and August. Dolphin cruises generally run in the warmer months. Spring and fall are cheaper for hotels and good for boardwalk walks. Winter is cold and windy, which suits the casinos more than the shore.
Tour Prices in Atlantic City
Prices run from $10 to $50, with a median of $12. Ghost walks and scavenger hunts sit at the low end, while the dolphin cruise is the priciest local listing at $50. Check what is included, since long coach days often exclude entry fees and meals.
Practical Tips Before You Book
Climb the Absecon Lighthouse, about 228 steps, for the best view of the city and ocean. Bring sunscreen and a windbreaker for the cruise, because the ocean feels cooler than the beach. Weekends in July and August are crowded and parking is expensive, so arrive early or take the train.
How the Top Tours Compare
Doing the boardwalk alone is free, so a tour needs to add something: a boat for dolphins, or a guide for the ghost stories. The New York day trips look attractive on paper but are long coach days with limited time at each stop.
Atlantic City Tours: Quick Answers
What are the best things to do in Atlantic City besides the casinos?
Walk the boardwalk, climb the Absecon Lighthouse, spend a beach day, or take a dolphin cruise. The 5 priced tours here run $10 to $50.
How much does a dolphin cruise cost?
The dolphin cruise listed here costs $50, and it has earned a solid rating from nearly 40 reviews. Check whether snacks and life vests are included, and weather policies.
Is Atlantic City a good day trip from Philadelphia or New York?
Yes. Trains run from Philadelphia and buses from New York, taking roughly an hour and a half and a few hours respectively. Leave early to fit a boat trip and the boardwalk into one day.
Are the New York day tours worth taking from Atlantic City?
Not really. Boston and Niagara tours start in New York City and involve many hours on the road. They suit travelers based in Manhattan more than those staying on the Jersey Shore.
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