Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Atlantic City?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Atlantic City?

Most visitors spend one to three days in Atlantic City when visiting. The flashy city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the nightlife, the beaches, the food, and shopping.

Atlantic City is a top gambling and party destination on the East Coast. This New Jersey beach town has casinos, hotels, and nightclubs that line the sandy beach and boardwalk. You'll also find comedy acts and music concerts in town.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Atlantic City? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Atlantic City?

With three days you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Atlantic City has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Atlantic City as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the nightlife, the beaches, and the food at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend 3 days in Atlantic City

Don't miss Steel Pier and the Boardwalk during your trip to Atlantic City, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

The beautiful beaches await you in Atlantic City, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise (Departs 118th) ($45)
  • Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City, MD ($25)
  • OC Bay Hopper - Ice Cream Cruise ($40)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Public transit in Atlantic City is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

Shopping in Atlantic City is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 4 days enough time in Atlantic City?

Four days is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Atlantic City, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the evening activities, lounge on the beach, taste delicious cuisine, and find the best deals at the shops on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Atlantic City as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.

Atlantic City, NJ Atlantic City, NJ

How to spend 4 days in Atlantic City

If you have more than 4 days in Atlantic City, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Atlantic City, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 5 days enough time in Atlantic City?

Five days is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Atlantic City. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so more time would allow you to experience the nightlife, the beaches, the food, and shopping at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 5 days in Atlantic City

Having 5 days in Atlantic City will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Atlantic City, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.