Atlantic City vs. Niagara Falls. Where would you go?

[shelle94]

Well, I did have a Disney trip planned for November with my Mom, but we just found out she will be able to go back to school this fall to get her RN liscense and all tuition will be paid. She can't pass up that deal! There's no way she can miss school to go so now we are planning on going somewhere for a long weekend this summer. We have both been to Niagara Falls and we think it's ok. I love the museums and the casino is nice. Neither one of us has been to Atlantic City, but it looks to me like the only thing to do there is gamble. I like gambling, but I wouldn't want to do it for 3 or 4 days straight! So what do you think? Anyone been to both places and have any tips? Or can you suggest any other exciting, yet relaxing places to go not too far from home?

Michelle

Meanwhile I am saving my pennies because I told Mom I would take her on a long, expensive WDW vacation to celebrate her graduation. That will be two years from now.

 

[Saffron]

If it were me, since you've already been to Niagra Falls, I would spend my time at the Jersery shore, just maybe not Atlantic City. I think it's nice to visit for the day, and there are cool little shops along the boardwalk etc., but gambling, seems to me, to be the big pull there. How about a stay in Cape May, Ocean City or Wildwood Crest with a day visit to Atlantic City? Personally, I would to to Wildwood Crest or Cape May. That way you could venture around Cape May, Wildwood, Atlantic City, the Cape May County Zoo, etc.

 

[Cindy B]

Well, hate to tell you this.. but anything off the Boardwalk in Atlantic City... is well, very urban... You really can't go off the Boardwalk in any way, shape or form...


Personally, I even think some of the "older" sections of the Boardwalk are questionable as well.

Cape May is nice, Ocean City NJ is cute as well.

 

[d.kurz]

My opinion: Atlantic City is the armpit of the East Coast. Depressed and depressing. The rest of the Jersey shore is really nice, though.

Have you ever been to DC?? That's my latest fave place!! TONS to see and do. A great public transit system to get you around. It's awesome!

 

[mtemm]

Another vote for D.C.

We go often since we have family in the area and just love it. The Smithsonian(s) are incredible. We just got back from vacation and went to the American History Smithsonian. We saw the newly installed Julia Child's kitchen, which was very cool, and on the other end of the spectrum we saw the 9/11 exhibit. It was so moving...could have spent a lot of time there, but Daniel started fussing.

I'm no help in the other places...never been to either. Although we have recently moved to the Syracuse area and plan to visit Niagra Falls soon.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

I agree with the others. Atlantic City isn't a very nice place to vacation. Other than the casinos, the rest of the city is a slum. There's nothing else to do, other than the casinos and boardwalk (if you can call it a boardwalk). There are a lot of nicer "shore" communities down the shore. I always go to Wildwood (my parents have a house down there, but there is a "not-so-nice section in Wildwood too). Cape May is very nice and you can venture out without risking getting mugged. AC is about a 45 minute drive from the southern shore area. You can do a day trip to AC. There's also the Cape May/Lewes Ferry that goes over to Delaware. There are some outlets not far from the ferry terminal, on the Delaware side, another day trip! Have a great time, wherever you decide to go!

 

[PamOKW]

I wouldn't toss aside the AC trip too quickly. If you stay at one of the casinos you are in a full resort to start with. Personally, I like staying at the "Bay" resorts, either Harrah's or Trump Castle. You can also visit the Boardwalk and check out the other casinos. You might look and see what performers might be there when you are planning to go. That is always a lot of fun. You can also drive to other attractions in the area like Ocean City or Smithville to spend the day if you don't want to just relax at the casino. The rest of the Jersey Shore is a lot more enjoyable in the summer than in November.

There is another new casino opening the Bay area. It's been so long since I've been to AC (I've been going to WDW instead!) that I'm not as up on things as in the past. Maybe someone else here knows the name....I read something the other day about how they are planning to hire thousands to work there....I think it opens this summer.

 

[Karel]

How about the Inner Harbor in Baltimore? Too far? It's great for a two or three night stay.

AC is ok, but unless you venture back out onto the mainland there's not much besides walking the Boardwalk and gambling. You could check out the shows. I've always lived close and just go for the day, no overnights.

Cape May would be nice too, though crowded in the summer. You'll have to book a place early.

 

[mbw12]

Atlantic City is very seedy.....i wouldnt' venture out into the city itself. The real draw is obviously, the casinos. If you stay in one the casino/hotels you can also go to some of the shows and great restaurants. My friends and I are planning a weekend girls get away in AC. Some gamble...so they will obviously enjoy it. the rest of us plan on going to the spa in the hotel. The Borgata is opening this summer...and they are tryin gto bring more people into Ac, this one is being billed as the Borgata Casino Resort and Spa! The spa part works for me!

as someone else posted. Cape May is beautiful and much more quaint....you could always take a day trip to AC.

 

[crazyme5kids]

Another no vote for Atlantic City. I agree with others who say the Jersey Shore, DC and Baltimore. Another suggestion is Mystic Connecticut. There are casinos nearby and lots to do in Mystic.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Yet another NO vote for AC. Step off the boardwalk and you are in no-man's land. Never been to the Marina Area, and don't care to go even with new resort opening. I'm not much of a gambler anyhow. But if you are looking for beaches Cape May and Sea Isle are both very pretty. Ocean City and Wildwood are nice too, but OC has beach tags(you pay to use to beach) and WW has a beach that takes forever to get to the ocean(don't remeber if they use beach tags). Both can be expensive

Have you thought about DE? Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches are very family oriented and cheaper than NJ. Also you are in the land of NO SALES TAX. And No beach tags. I have been going to Rehoboth nearly all my life. Lots of stuff to do and a really nice, clean community.

Maureen

 

[Steve H.]

Of the choices given, I'd go to Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. Do a day in Niagara, a day in Niagara on the Lake, maybe even a day trip to Toronto or some time in Buffalo (there's some good outlet malls around there). There's lots to do in that general area, more than just gambling.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Originally posted by Octoberbride03
WW has a beach that takes forever to get to the ocean(don't remeber if they use beach tags).
Maureen

LOL...Wildwood sure does have a huge beach! That's why I go to Wildwood Crest. And, all of the beaches in Wildwood are free.

 

[Charleneluvsdisney]

OK, I might be a little biased here, but I think you should go to Niagara Falls and do a day trip in the Buffalo area. We have fantastic art galleries, plenty of shopping, great restaurants and depending on when you would be going, there are different festivals that go on throughout the summer on a weekly basis. Some of the larger ones are Taste of Buffalo in July, or there is the Allentown art festival in June. A chicken wing festival in August. If you want more information on the area buffalocvb.org is a good website to check out.

OK, I will stop but there really is a lot to see and do here!

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

Sheesh. Harsh criticism for AC! Left me preface by saying I live in Ventnor...one town over from AC. And I work in the Atlantic City Hilton Casino. Obviously, alot of this criticism is warranted. AC for a while was all about gambling. Honestly, the city is in a transition period right now. The Borgata Casino Resort and Spa is opening later this summer. It'll be the biggest resort in town. 11 restaraunts, over 2,000 hotel rooms. Harrah's has recently added a new tower as well as Showboat. Tropicana is getting ready to open "The Marketplace at Tropicana" located right on the boardwalk. It's a retail and entertainment space. They're also in the middle of building "The Quarter" a HUGE entertainment and retail space with an IMAX Theatre and more. Quite a few of the stores on the boardwalk have been refurbished and now offer alot more than T-shirts. Showboat has just begun construction on a new boardwalk facade that will also offer more entertainment and retail space by summer time. On the main entrance to the city at the foot of the Expressway, they are busy building a new entertainment and retail complex called "The Walk". Outlet Stores, restaraunts, entertainment all on a couple of city blocks right in front of Caesar's. Also, There's the Flyer's Skate Zone Ice Rink open year round. The Sandcastle Stadium and The Surf Baseball team kick off their season on May 9. Fireworks every Friday home game. Also, Boardwalk Hall is now open after a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Scheduled for that building this summer? Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac...those are just to name a few. There's a new mini-golf place right in front of Boardwalk hall. Ocean One has been closed and is being transformed into a place much like "The Forum" at Caesar's Palace in Vegas....talking statues and all. Entertainment has been added all along the boardwalk. Lest we forget the beach? Need I say more as far as that is concerned?

Honestly, if staying in a Casino isn't your thing then I suggest staying in maybe Ocean City at a Bed and Breakfast or even Wildwood. Those towns offer lots just on their own.

So, to all those nay sayers, sure AC in a lot of places is just plain UGLY...but if you're looking for things to do besides gambling, there's plenty...you just have to open your eyes.....or get me to be your tour guide...LOL!

Sorry for the rant....LOL

 

[dianeschlicht]

I wouldn't do either one. I would go to the Shelburn Museum on the NY/Vermont border, or maybe to the Adirondacks and museums in northern NY.

 

[browneyes]

Niagra Falls would call my name faster than Atlantic City would.

 

[JasonLyons]

Alantic City - I need more time to get over the non support of our friend when we needed them (talking goverment not indivuals )