Atlantic City

Despite what you might think, there's more to the East Coast's answer to Las Vegas than gambling—and the best things to do in Atlantic City prove it. Yes, there are plenty of neon signs, slot machines and bachelor parties, but that's not all. You might also enjoy strolling along the family-friendly boardwalk, dining at one of the best steakhouses in the state or tasting salt water taffy made from a 100-year-old recipe. And at only two hours by car from the Big Apple, this is a perfect day trip from NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Atlantic City, NJ Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Atlantic CityWhen the sun goes down, the scene heats up at The Pool After Dark, the aquatic party playground at Harrah’s Resort (609-441-5233, harrahsresort.com/poolafterdark; Wed, Fri, Sat 10pm–4am). Atlantic City Weekly recently sent a slew of superlatives the Pool’s way, including Best Dance Club, Best Place to Pick Up a One-Night Stand and Best Club to Fist Pump. That final triumph could have a little something to do with the resident DJ: Jersey Shore alum Pauly D. Up the VIP ante by reserving a poolside table, cabana or private hot tub, with premium bottle service provided by bikini-clad waitresses. When it comes to options, Borgata offers a veritable smorgasbord of unique nightlife experiences,  from a rock & roll tequila bar to a swanky ultra lounge. For dance floor-seekers, there’s MIXX (Sat, Sun 10pm–4am or later), a high-energy bi-level nightclub that has attracted the likes of Rihanna and Cee Lo Green. Behind it is the more intimate—but in no way low-key—mur.mur (Fri, Sat, Mon 10pm–4am or later), which features 30 bottle-service tables and a VIP area smack-dab in the middle of the dance floor. A.C.’s newest player, HQ Nightclub, located in a stand-alone structure at Revel (Thu–Sun 10pm–4am; 609-345-2211, revelnightlife.com) offers two levels of party space and  commands sweeping ocean views. With its ongoing lineup of internationally known DJs and state-of-the-art suspended performance stage, HQ is helping A.C. re-create the Vegas experience much closer to home.The sports bar has gone upscale, courtesy of Jay-Z, at the Atlantic City outpost of the music mogul’s 40/40 Club (2120 Atlantic Ave between S Arkansas and S Missouri Aves; 609-449-4040, the4040club.com/ac; Fri, Sat 9pm–4am). More than 30 flatscreen TVs mix with memorabilia (including a number of autographed jerseys donated by players who have sported the number 40) to fill the walls of this 15,000-square-foot ultra sports lounge, which boasts not one, but two VIP sections and a premium cognac room. Musical stylings go well beyond the Delta at Showboat’s House of Blues (houseofblues.com), the Atlantic City location of the world-famous music club. The venue can pack in a crowd of more than 2,000 fans; they’ll need the space for upcoming shows by Megadeth (Nov 16), BB King (Nov 23), Mac Miller (Dec 26, 27) and The Roots (Dec 28). To make like a true high roller, hit the artifact-filled Foundation Room. The once-private club is now open to the public (as long as you’re dressed to impress) and has a welcoming fireside lounge, VIP “Prayer Rooms” and stunning views of the Atlantic.

Treat yourself to a long weekend at one of the best Atlantic City hotels. Although the Jersey Shore’s gone through some changes over the years, several newly remodeled hotels and inns have managed to uphold the city’s glitz and glam of yesteryear, offering guests top-notch Atlantic City restaurants, luxurious spas, spectacular ocean views and, of course, world-class Atlantic City casinos. And for those looking for things to do in Atlantic City that don’t involve gambling away this month’s rent, the seaside town offers great outdoor activities like outlet shopping, sunbathing and sightseeing.

At Atlantic City casinos, you’ll want to roll the dice at least once—even if you’ve never stepped up to a casino table in your life. Whether you’re a high roller or more into the slots, one of the many things to do in Atlantic City casinos is answer to your gaming needs. (Just don’t forget to take a break to refuel at the best restaurants in Atlantic City.) Up and down the boardwalk you’ve got options aplenty, from the decadence of the Borgata to the good-times crowd at Tropicana. Hop on a bus to Atlantic City and get ready to win big (hopefully). RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Atlantic City, NJ

Once known for its top-notch Italian restaurants, Atlantic City is now home to a wildly eclectic menu of restaurant options, from well-known chain eateries to celebrity-chef destinations powered by the likes of Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Marc Forgione and Geoffrey Zakarian. The big Atlantic City hotels and standalone restaurants that are loved by locals offer up everything from the best tacos and burgers to prime rib and lobster. Chow down at the best restaurants in Atlantic City so you have the energy to spend the whole night partying at A.C.’s best clubs. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Atlantic City, NJ