Beach and Boardwalk beside Atlantic City resorts
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Flexible booking

Free Cancellation Hotels in Atlantic City

Shore weather and event dates both move. A cancellable booking on the Boardwalk or in the Marina District lets you wait and see. Find out when the free window closes.

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About Atlantic City

Atlantic City runs along the Jersey Shore, with the Boardwalk and beach on one side and the Marina District across town. Book by the ocean if you want the beach. From a marina resort, the sand is a separate trip.

The Boardwalk is the city’s main walking route along the ocean. Steel Pier is on the north-central stretch, and Boardwalk Hall, where the big events are held, is farther south. Casino resorts line parts of the promenade. How you get to the beach, and what the blocks behind it are like, changes from one address to the next.

The Marina District is a few large resorts around Farley State Marina, away from the oceanfront. A room there is a resort stay, and the beach is a ride away. Inland, the Convention Center and the rail terminal are near The Walk outlet shops.

Absecon Lighthouse is north of the busiest Boardwalk blocks. Chelsea, south of Boardwalk Hall, is more residential. The promenade is long, so on a short visit stay on the stretch nearest your event or the beach entrance you want.

Summer is warm and the beaches are at their busiest. July highs average near 80°F at the Atlantic City Marina station, and winter is much cooler. NJ Transit’s Atlantic City Line comes in from Philadelphia. Atlantic City International Airport is inland. If you drive, find out what parking costs.

State
New Jersey
Time zone
Eastern (ET)
Main airport
Atlantic City International (ACY)
Rail arrival
Atlantic City Rail Terminal
Oceanfront
Atlantic City Boardwalk and beach
Marina area
Farley State Marina
Steel Pier extending over the ocean in Atlantic City
Steel Pier
Boardwalk Hall beside the Atlantic City Boardwalk
Boardwalk Hall
Atlantic City beach with oceanfront buildings
Atlantic City Beach
Absecon Lighthouse above surrounding Atlantic City blocks
Absecon Lighthouse
Farley State Marina and the Marina District in Atlantic City
Farley State Marina
Trains at Atlantic City Rail Terminal
Atlantic City Rail Terminal
Photo credits

Where to stay in Atlantic City

  • Central Boardwalk

    • Beach
    • Pier rides
    • First visits

    The central Boardwalk runs past Steel Pier and several casino resorts, with the beach right beside it. Stay here to walk between the pier, the restaurants and the sand. It gets crowded, especially on summer weekends.

    Around here: Steel Pier, Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City Beach

  • South Boardwalk and Chelsea

    • Boardwalk Hall events
    • Beach days
    • Quieter evenings

    Boardwalk Hall is on the south-central stretch, and past it Chelsea turns into quieter residential blocks. Pick this end for an event at the hall or a less crowded beach. Steel Pier is a long walk north.

    Around here: Boardwalk Hall, Chelsea Avenue, Atlantic City Beach

  • Marina District

    • Marina
    • Resort stays
    • Driving

    The Marina District is across town from the Boardwalk, around Farley State Marina and its resort casinos. Stay here for a marina event or a resort stay. For a beach day you will need a ride or the car.

    Around here: Farley State Marina, Borgata, Golden Nugget

  • Convention Center and Rail Terminal

    • Rail arrivals
    • Conventions
    • Shopping

    The rail terminal and Atlantic City Convention Center are inland from the Boardwalk, near the outlet shops at The Walk. Book here if you arrive by train or have a convention. The beach is a walk or a bus ride away.

    Around here: Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City Rail Terminal, Tanger Outlets The Walk

  • North Boardwalk and Inlet

    • Lighthouse visit
    • North beach
    • Boardwalk walks

    The northern Boardwalk leads toward Absecon Lighthouse and the inlet. It is a long way from Boardwalk Hall and the southern beaches. If you have an event or a family beach day planned, look at the hotel’s address on a map first.

    Around here: Absecon Lighthouse, Garden Pier, Atlantic City Inlet

Best time to visit Atlantic City

Beach season runs June through September, and July highs average around 80°F at the marina. Spring and fall are cooler, good for Boardwalk walks. Winter can be windy and cold. A winter trip works best around an event, so check the schedules.

Average high and low (°F)Days with rainDrier months
  1. Jan: average high 42 °F, low 30 °F, 9.9 days with rain. Cold beach walks
  2. Feb: average high 43 °F, low 31 °F, 9.5 days with rain. Late winter
  3. Mar: average high 48 °F, low 37 °F, 10.9 days with rain. Cool shore days
  4. Apr: average high 57 °F, low 46 °F, 10.6 days with rain. Spring weather
  5. May: average high 66 °F, low 55 °F, 10.6 days with rain. Warming beach days
  6. Jun: average high 75 °F, low 65 °F, 9.3 days with rain. Beach season
  7. Jul: average high 80 °F, low 71 °F, 9 days with rain. Warmest month
  8. Aug: average high 79 °F, low 70 °F, 7.9 days with rain. Warm sea air
  9. Sep: average high 74 °F, low 65 °F, 8.1 days with rain. Late beach season
  10. Oct: average high 65 °F, low 54 °F, 8.6 days with rain. Mild afternoons
  11. Nov: average high 55 °F, low 43 °F, 8.8 days with rain. Cooler Boardwalk
  12. Dec: average high 47 °F, low 35 °F, 10.9 days with rain. Winter shore
Source: Wikipedia: Atlantic City (Atlantic City Marina 1991–2020 NOAA normals)

Getting to Atlantic City

NJ Transit’s Atlantic City Line connects Philadelphia 30th Street Station with the Atlantic City Rail Terminal by the Convention Center. Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) lies about 9 miles northwest of the center.

ACYAtlantic City International Airport

9 mi from downtown

To Boardwalk
A short drive by road, longer in heavy traffic
To Marina District
Plan a taxi, rideshare or car transfer

From ACY, a taxi, a rideshare or a rental car gets you to a Boardwalk or Marina District hotel. Before you book a flight into ACY, find out how you will get from the airport to your hotel.

Other ways to arrive

Train
The Atlantic City Rail Line runs from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to the rail terminal beside the Convention Center.
Car
The Atlantic City Expressway reaches the city from the west. Look up resort and public parking rates before you arrive.
Bus
Atlantic City Bus Terminal is near the rail terminal. Local buses go to areas beyond the central Boardwalk.

Questions about Atlantic City

When does a refundable rate make sense here?

When the trip hinges on the weather or an event date. Book the area you actually need, then note the last day you can cancel.

Does free cancellation cover resort fees?

It depends on the rate and the site you book through. Read the policy, how the resort fee is handled and the refund deadline before you pay.

Can I change from marina to beach later?

Only if your rate lets you cancel in time. The Marina District is a ride from the beach, so decide early how much the ocean matters.

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