Atlantic City Beach

Atlantic City Beach is a broad, free-admission Atlantic Ocean beach running the full length of Atlantic City's famous Boardwalk, one of the longest oceanfront promenades in the world at approximately 6 kilometres. The sand is wide — up to 300 metres deep in some sections — fine, and pale gold, sloping gently into the ocean with a moderate shore break. Unlike most New Jersey beaches, no badge is required: the beach is free to all visitors, a longstanding policy that distinguishes Atlantic City from its neighbours along the shore. Lifeguards patrol designated swimming zones from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Boardwalk runs immediately behind the beach and is the defining feature of Atlantic City as a resort destination: it fronts the major casino-hotels (Caesars, Harrah's, Bally's, Hard Rock Hotel), contains Steel Pier amusement park, restaurants, fast-food stands, souvenir shops, and the traditional rolling chairs — wicker rental vehicles pushed along the promenade that have been a Boardwalk fixture for over a century. Volleyball courts are available on the beach, and seasonal water sports rentals operate near the main access ramps. The beach is most heavily used by hotel guests and day-trippers from Philadelphia (95 km, roughly one hour by car) and New York (195 km, about two hours). The NJ Transit express bus 319 from New York Port Authority Bus Terminal runs throughout the day and costs approximately $31.25 round-trip. The atmosphere is urban and resort-oriented, blending casino-hotel guests, families, and day-trippers in an environment that operates on a larger and louder scale than typical Jersey Shore beach towns.