Atlantic City is an enormously popular destination for tourists thanks to its huge entertainment infrastructure and enviable location right by the ocean. The whole city is so geared towards tourism that you wouldn’t necessarily need a travel guide in order to have one of the best vacations of your life. However, it’s sometimes great to hear an insider’s point of view so that you can prioritize the very best bits. We’ve rounded up the best places to eat, drink, and entertain yourselves in America’s Playground.

Fill Up at Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria

Caption: Enjoy no-frills tacos at Pancho’s

No good vacation should begin with an empty stomach, one of the travel essentials is to land and head straight to the best local eatery. For us, this is without a doubt Pancho’s Taqueria. The shop isn’t particularly glamorous, but when you’re spilling tacos down your nice white shirt, you don’t need to be in an opulent setting. Instead, pull yourself up a stool at the bar, order yourself a crisp, cold beer, and wait for some tacos to arrive. The carnitas al pastor is particularly good and is always a reliable marker of a great taco joint. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous then opt for the lengua, this delicate piece of meat is prepared perfectly here and you’d never know you were eating tongue.

Visit the Borgata

Atlantic City is famous for its casinos, but the Borgata is perhaps the most famous of all. the building glitters gold in the sunlight, giving you a glimpse into how exclusive the casino feels inside. There are all kinds of gaming options here, from hundreds of slot machines to a similar number of table games. We love the poker room here, as with its dark wood tables and hushed interior it provides the perfect casino atmosphere. If you’re feeling like your poker skills could use a refresher then signing up for one of the online tournaments NJ could be useful before heading down to the casino. There’s plenty of scope for practicing online and you don’t have to consider your bluffing skills either, which can be super helpful.

Climb the Absecon Lighthouse

Win or lose, it’s time to head on to the next activity, a visit to the Absecon Lighthouse. This is the tallest lighthouse in the whole state and almost in the whole United States. It’s a great place to visit as not only can you climb the lighthouse to enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean and the city, but you can also enjoy strolling around the grounds. These are beautifully kept with an old-fashioned keeper’s cottage, as well as a museum and souvenir shop. This lighthouse has been in place since 1854, so it really is a piece of American history.

Stroll Down the Boardwalk

Finally, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is America’s oldest boardwalk and perhaps its most loved too. The boardwalk is known to get the worst of the wind, so be prepared for a few huge waves! There are four miles of it to explore and it’s bordered to one side by shops, amusement arcades, and plenty of restaurants too. During the summer months, you might be lucky enough to spot The Roaring Jets soaring overhead, a perfect finale to a fun-filled weekend.