Atlantic City’s Best Hotels & Areas (My Guide for 2026)

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Atlantic City

Atlantic City is both a bustling metropolitan area and a seaside resort town, depending on the neighborhood.

The boardwalk area, which runs for four miles along the sea, is where you’ll find large resorts, casinos, shopping, an amusement park, long stretches of beach, and more.

Heading inland will lead you to the Downtown area, with plenty of shopping and restaurants. Meanwhile, the Marina is a great seaside neighborhood that’s on the quieter side.

Where you decide to stay depends on what you’re trying to get out of your visit to Atlantic City. Here are three of Atlantic City’s most popular areas:

Atlantic City Boardwalk

👉 Best Area For Entertainment | ✨ Best Boardwalk Hotels:
Ocean Casino Resort • Club Wyndham Skyline Tower • Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City

The Atlantic City Boardwalk is where you’ll find most of the action. It boasts some of the best and most popular hotels and casinos in Atlantic City, such as the Resorts Casino Hotel and the music-themed Hard Rock Hotel. My top hotel recommendation is actually the Club Wyndham Skyline Tower, though, because it has the best location.

You’ll find a wide array of amazing restaurants that serve cuisine from all over the world. Make sure to stop into one of the many bars and lounges to have a drink and relax.

The Boardwalk section is where you’ll find popular landmarks like the Steel Pier Amusement Park, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Of course, it’s also home to its namesake, the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk, which is the oldest and longest boardwalk of its kind in the world.

Pros of Staying on the Boardwalk:

• You’re close to all the action
• The beaches are close by
• Iconic boardwalk with plenty of attractions

Cons of Staying on the Boardwalk:

• It can get crowded during peak season
• Hotels here can be expensive

Marina District

👉 Best Area For Mature Visitors | ✨ Best Marina Hotels: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa • Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City • MGM Tower at Borgata

The Marina district is located further north of the iconic Boardwalk. It surrounds its namesake, the State Marina, and hosts some other popular Atlantic City hotels such as the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Harrah’s Resort. 

The Borgata has a long-standing reputation for being the best go-to hotel in this area. As such, there are often great deals you can score on a stay here. It features one of the biggest casinos, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, and exciting live entertainment!

You’re in luck if you’re staying here but still want to enjoy some of that Boardwalk action. The Marina district is just a short 5-6 minute drive from the Boardwalk area. This area is more suited for you if you want to enjoy the quieter side of town, but still not be too far from the action.

Pros of Staying in the Marina District:

• Short drive to the boardwalk
• Slightly quieter than the main Boardwalk area
• Great waterfront views

Cons of Staying in the Marina District:

• Not walking distance to the Boardwalk
• Not as many attractions

Downtown

👉 Best Area For Shopping | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel • Caesar’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino

The downtown neighborhood is a little further inland from the Boardwalk, but away from the Marina. This is where you should stay if you want to be close to the popular Tanger Outlets and the Walk. Locals and shoppers frequent this area. 

Downtown has a host of chain and independent restaurants, although the only hotel here is the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center. I’ve had the pleasure of staying at this hotel, and can say it was definitely a top-notch experience. The room was comfortable and well-appointed, giving it a luxury feel. It’s catered more to business travelers, but is still an overall pleasant stay.

Because of the lack of variety of hotels in this area, most visitors tend to stay in hotels closer to or on the Boardwalk like Caesar’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, then head Downtown for shopping.

This area is great for shopping, or if you’re attending an event at the nearby Atlantic City Convention Center.

Pros of Staying Downtown:

• Close to shopping
• Nice selection of restaurants to choose from

Cons of Staying Downtown:

• Not much to do besides shopping
• Not many hotels – most are close to the Boardwalk

Tips for Staying in Atlantic City

Be Mindful of When You Book

Booking hotel stays in Atlantic City can be pricey, especially during peak season in Atlantic City. Try to book your stay as far in advance as possible, and avoid booking weekend days, if you can. Rates over the weekend can double (or more!) than on weekdays.

📚 Related Reading: The Best Time to Visit New Jersey (A Local’s Guide)

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

As with any bustling metropolitan area, thieves and other nefarious folk do lurk. This is especially the case after dark and in remote areas of Atlantic City. Always keep valuables like your wallet close to your body and secure. Be mindful of your surroundings as well.

For more details on safety in Atlantic City, see my guide to “is Atlantic City safe?”

Watch Out For the Seagulls

I can tell you from personal experience – seagulls in Atlantic City are bold. As tempting as it may be to toss a fry towards a strolling seagull on the beach, don’t do it! They will miraculously summon all their friends and chase you down. 

I’m not kidding when I say that they’ll snatch food and other items right from your hands. So, just be mindful when you’re visiting this New Jersey beach.

Enjoy Free Drinks

Take advantage of the free drinks if you’re going to gamble at one of Atlantic City’s many casinos. As long as you’re gambling, drinks are on the house. But please, do drink responsibly.

Bring Your Walking Shoes

Atlantic City is home to a lot of awesome things to do. Those things, however, aren’t always close together. Especially if you’re enjoying a day at The Walk, Atlantic City’s outdoor mall, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes. 

Savor the Seafood

Fresh fish and seafood are caught locally in Atlantic City. As a result, Atlantic City serves a multitude of the freshest seafood around. Take advantage of that by ordering yourself a big plate of fresh seafood.

📚 Related Reading: Where to Stay in New Jersey (Best Areas, By a Local)

FAQs

What is the nicest part of Atlantic City?

The Boardwalk is the nicest and most popular area to stay in Atlantic City. It has many well-known hotels and the iconic four-mile-long Boardwalk.

Is Atlantic City worth visiting?

Atlantic City is definitely worth visiting! It’s home to popular casinos, world-class dining, and great live entertainment. 

What is the main strip in Atlantic City?

The main strip in Atlantic City is the Atlantic City Boardwalk. This is where you’ll find most of the main hotels, resorts, casinos, and beach areas.

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No matter what area you choose to stay in Atlantic City, you’re sure to enjoy your visit. Looking for other places in NJ to pay a visit? Check out 17 of the best places to visit in New Jersey for some great ideas!