Super Fun Things to do in Atlantic County, NJ
Atlantic County, NJ, is known for its luxurious casinos and fast-paced nightlife, but there are dozens of other fun attractions that are available to explore in Atlantic County. See a list of the top attractions, things to do, bars, restaurants, and much more! Forget the standard itinerary—Atlantic County is packed with fun that feels genuinely Jersey. Yes, you can ride a roller coaster on a pier, but have you ever toasted with a boozy frozen drink at a legendary boardwalk bar or stepped inside a six-story elephant? Here, fun means kayaking through silent marshlands one hour and laughing through a comedy club the next. It’s about finding the perfect dive bar for live blues, cruising the back bays with the sun setting behind the AC skyline, or hunting for the boardwalk’s most outrageous pizza slice.
Your Go-To Playbook for Authentic Atlantic County Fun
The fun here has texture—it’s the crunch of saltwater taffy from James’ Candy on the boardwalk, the buzz of an airboat skimming the reeds in the Pine Barrens, and the clink of glasses at a bayside raw bar. Embrace the quirky by visiting the iconic Lucy the Elephant, a national historic landmark you can tour, or hunting for ghost stories in the historic (and slightly spooky) village of Smithville. For active fun, rent jet skis in Somers Point, bike the flat, scenic trails around the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, or try your hand at surf fishing on a quiet stretch of beach far from the casino crowds.
When the sun goes down, the fun morphs. Ditch the casino floor for a gritty, authentic rock show at Anchor Rock Club, or master the art of axe throwing. Seek out the county’s legendary food experiences: a messy, joyful crab feast on a picnic table, a late-night cheesesteak from the spot everyone swears by, or a frozen “call-a-cab” cocktail from Wet Willies. Seasonal magic? Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Atlantic City Airshow (“Thunder Over the Boardwalk”) or the enchanting holiday lights and Dickens-era charm of Historic Smithville in winter.
More Fun Across the Shore:
Atlantic County is your perfect launchpad. If you’re hunting for more fun along the coast, explore neighboring Cape May County to the south for vineyard tours and whale watching, or head north to Ocean Countyy for classic amusement parks and vibrant beaches.
Atlantic County is Among the Top Counties in NJ for Tourism
Atlantic County serves as a dynamic case study in experiential tourism, where visitor engagement shifts from passive observation to active participation. The "fun" factor here is economically and culturally significant, driven by a diverse ecosystem of small businesses—from family-owned taffy shops and charter boat operators to independent comedy clubs and artisan distilleries. This creates a robust network of local experiences that are less susceptible to seasonal volatility than casino-centric tourism alone.
For trip planners, key logistical insights include the advantage of the Atlantic City Rail Line for a car-free bar-hopping tour, the prevalence of walkable entertainment districts beyond the boardwalk in places like Smithville and Somers Point, and the year-round scheduling of niche events like craft beer festivals and paranormal history tours that drive visitation during off-peak periods.
From a local search perspective, the county’s "fun" entity network is rich and distinct. It includes landmarks like Lucy the Elephant, activities like back-bay kayaking and surf fishing, events like the Airshow, and unique culinary concepts like boardwalk pizza and saltwater taffy. This positions Atlantic County not just as a gaming destination but as a multifaceted hub for participatory recreation and authentic coastal culture, making it highly relevant for search queries seeking "unique things to do," "local experiences," and "offbeat travel."