Boating Destination: Atlantic City, NJ

Mix an historic Jersey Shore town with a touch of Las Vegas and you get the vibrant Atlantic City. Originally occupied by the Lenni-Lenape Indians, the eight-mile-long Absecon Island was once lined with thick woods and dunes before becoming the high rise-filled resort town that it is today.

Established in 1870, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is the oldest in the United States lined with casinos, hotels, dining and amusements. Each summer, vacationers flock from along the coast to soak up the sun and take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

The city introduced its first casino in 1978 with the premiere of the oceanfront Resorts Casino Hotel where people waited outside for hours for a chance to play table games and slots. Today the hotel boasts everything from live entertainment, comedy shows and musical acts to beachfront dining, including the lively Landshark Bar & Grill Restaurant on the sandy side of the boardwalk.

Just off the boardwalk’s main strip, the Atlantic City Marina District is one of the best activity hubs in town. Nestled within a sheltered harbor off the Absecon Inlet, Golden Nugget Hotel, Casino & Marina is an ideal boater destination to dock, dine, stay and play all in one. Catch shows at The Grand or The Showroom entertainment venues, relax in the Spa & Salon at Golden Nugget and dine at one of the many on-site restaurants.

Other notable casino resorts offering upscale venues, dining, amenities and a lively nightlife scene include Harrah’s Resort and MGM’s Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa. The district also provides dock and dine options including Wonder Bar, a tiki bar-style deck with live bands, and Gilchrist Restaurant in historic Gardiner’s Basin where you can boat to breakfast along the back bays and feast on famous hotcakes.

Aside from casinos and nightclubs, the town is also home to attractions from scenic boat tours to arts and culture. Catch stunning views and watch dolphins aboard Atlantic City Cruises or climb the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and one of the oldest in the country. Check out cultural exhibits at the Atlantic City Free Public Library and events at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall or the Atlantic City Convention Center.

The town comes alive during the summer hosting annual events such as boardwalk entertainment, the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation jazz concert series and the Atlantic City Airshow. Cruisers especially love Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week in July and Golden Nugget’s In-Water Boat Show in September.

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WHERE TO DOCK

Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Atlantic City
609-441-8662

Golden Nugget Hotel, Casino & Marina’s luxury resort presents everything from stunning waterfront suites to on-site attractions and entertainment. Situated in a sheltered harbor adjacent to the resort, Farley State Marina offers 630 spacious slips for vessels up to 300 feet. Amenities include a fuel dock, 100-AMP electric and exclusive access to the rooftop H20 Pool.

Kammerman’s Marina
609-348-8418

Established in 1961, this family-owned marina is located on Clam Creek between Snug Harbor and Gardiner’s Basin. The full-service facility offers transient slips, on-call marine mechanics, showers, laundry, pump out and a well-stocked ship’s store.

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WHERE TO DINE

Dock’s Oyster House
609-345-0092

Since 1897, generations of the Dougherty family have served the community in this cozy, maritime-inspired atmosphere. The restaurant blends a classic oyster bar with upscale dining offering specialty dishes such as crab meat au gratin, pecan crusted salmon and Dock’s Seafood Fry.

Knife & Fork Inn
609-344-1133

Established in 1912 and dotted with Prohibition-era décor, this steak and seafood restaurant is housed in a gorgeous building full of history. Enjoy a wide menu selection including king salmon, lobster thermidor and prime-cut steaks and chops.

Chef Vola’s
609-345-2022

Feast on fresh seafood, pasta and home- made desserts from chilled limoncello cream pie to warm ricotta cheesecake at this private home-turned-restaurant. The quaint family-style dining room has limited seating so be sure to reserve ahead.