Quote:
This is billed as 'the world's most famous' and 'America's first' boardwalk. It is the longest boardwalk (4 and a half miles) that I have ever visited. It is wooden and very wide which makes it pretty easy to walk even when there is a crowd. The game Monopoly was based on the streets that run to the boardwalk here. You can look for the street signs on the side closest to the ocean.
I really enjoyed the time we spent wandering along the boardwalk. The ocean was on one side of us and the 'sights' were on the other. There are plenty of tourist trap type stores with postcards, t-shirts and cheap souvenirs. You'll also see quite a few taffy shops. I think salt water taffy was supposed to have originated in Atlantic City. Many of the 13 casinos in the city are located along the boardwalk in between the various smaller merchants. We saw a few street performers as well.
There are bicycles available for rent at some of the hotels and there are plenty of rolling chairs around if you want to hitch a ride (for a price, of course). We didn't do either. We just enjoyed strolling hand in hand at night and during the day. We got ice cream a couple of times and some great lemonade. There are various snack stands to from which to choose. Things are a little pricey, but not too bad. The breeze from the Atlantic makes the evenings a little cool, but a walk along the shore is a great way to start or end the day. Find a bench and just watch the people go by gor a bit, this can be a pretty neat activity.
I suggest checking out the boardwalk as soon as you get to Atlantic City. Figure out what you want to see and do and plan accordingly. The walk will also help you get familiar with where things are in the area. Also, there are often people handing out menus on the boardwalk so you can get some ideas for where you might like to eat while in town. My boyfriend and I found both the Poseidon and the Atlantic City Bar and Grill this way (see my other entries for these).
From journals
Boardwalking it in Atlantic City