Atlantic City: Free Beaches and Casino Gambling

For more than a century, the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk enjoyed a reputation as the "World's Favorite Playground." One of the East Coast's first seaside resorts, Atlantic City is now known better as a mecca for legalized gambling. The city boasts 12 casinos featuring gaming, dining, entertainment and shopping.

The Pier at Caesars and The Walk outlets are popular shopping destinations.
Despite unfounded reports of widespread damage to the Atlantic City Boardwalk during Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, the city's beaches and boardwalk survived the storm with relatively little damage.

Atlantic City is one of the few Jersey Shore resort towns that does not require a fee or beach tag to use the beaches during the summer.

Restrooms: Located at several locations along the Boardwalk at: Bartram Ave., Albany Ave., Chelsea Ave., Kennedy Plaza at Mississippi Ave., New York Ave., Garden Pier at New Jersey Ave., New Hampshire Ave., and Caspian Ave. ADA compliant restrooms are available at Caspian Ave.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 50 locations from Caspian Ave. to Jackson Ave. July 1 through Labor Day. A limited number of beaches are protected from Memorial Day to July 1, and Labor Day to September 30. There are 11 District Stations that provide first aid, certified EMTs, and communications. District Stations are located at: Caspian Ave., New Hampshire Ave., States Ave., South Carolina Ave., Kentucky Ave., Michigan Ave., Mississippi Ave., Texas Ave., Chelsea Ave., Albany Ave., and Bartram Ave. 

Handicap access: Ramps to the beach are located along the Boardwalk at New Hampshire, Delaware, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Chelsea, Providence, Albany, Annapolis and Bartram avenues.

Handicap surf chairs: Available free of charge on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please call (609) 347-5312 in advance to make arrangements. Storage is available for standard wheel chairs while using the surf chair. Surf chairs can accommodate up to 350 lbs.

Outdoor public showers: Available at Lifeguard District Headquarters stations along the Boardwalk (see locations above).

Surfing: Allowed on the following designated beaches — Crystal Beach at New Hampshire Avenue; Delaware Avenue Beach; and Downtown Beach at Raleigh Avenue. No lifeguards.

Kayaking and windsurfing: Allowed on the Jackson Avenue beach, although no lifeguards are on hand and you must bring your own equipment. It is a no-bathing zone.

Boogie boards and bodysurfing: Allowed on any bathing beach, depending on weather conditions. All boogie boards must have a leash.

Fishing: On the jetties along Oriental/Maine Avenue Boardwalk and the inlet of the boardwalk. Fishing is not allowed on bathing beaches when lifeguards are on duty, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bike riding: Allowed on the boardwalk between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.