In 1850, a local physician named Dr. Jonathan Pitney sought to develop a resort in what is now Atlantic City thanks to the island’s cool breezes, healthy air and refreshing waters. More than 170 years later, the Atlantic Ocean and its soft, free sandy beaches are still a magnet that draws millions of visitors and residents to this seaside resort during the warm summer months.
The world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, the first incarnation of which was built in 1870, was originally constructed in order to help adjacent hotels keep sand out of their lobbies. Over the years, the Boardwalk has grown to its current length of 5.5 miles, 1.5 miles of which stretches into the neighboring town of Ventnor.
The Boardwalk is also home to many novelty shops, eateries, amusement piers, volleyball courts, beach bars and casino hotel properties, and plays host to dozens of seasonal events including concerts, parades, festivals, competitions and more.
The official Atlantic City visitor information center is located on the Boardwalk at Mississippi Avenue inside historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
If you’d prefer to see Atlantic City with pedal power, check out an Atlantic City bike rental and cruise up and down the 5-mile Boardwalk between 6 a.m. and 12 Noon year-round and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. from October 15 to May 15. From Albany to Jackson Avenues, hours are 6 a.m. to 12 Noon on Saturdays and Sundays from July 1 through Labor Day and 24-hours all other days. 24-hour bicycling is also permitted from Connecticut Avenue to Gardner’s Basin year-round. There are shops to browse, sea views to admire and plenty of restaurants to enjoy. Biking is also a great way to get around town and take in Atlantic City’s true atmosphere.
