Atlantic City Sports & Recreation

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Sports and Recreation

Before gambling came to this resort, it was the sun, ocean breezes and breakers washing the wide sand beach that made Atlantic City a leading playground. Popular as early as the 19th century, the beach is still a major attraction. Because there is less undertow than at other beach areas, swimming is particularly good. Surfing is permitted dawn to dusk, except at Delaware and Raleigh avenues. The beaches at South Carolina and Albany avenues have facilities that are accessible to the physically impaired. Lifeguards are on duty from about Memorial Day weekend through Sept. 30.

Fishing is as close as the ocean or inlet. Surf or pier fishing brings in striped bass, flounder, tautog, kingfish and snapper blues; the inlet also yields croakers and crabs. Farther out, such fighters as marlin, tuna and bonito can be caught. In general, the summer months see the heaviest runs of most species.

Boating can be for fun as well as for fishing; the Thorofares—the network of waterways that separates Absecon and other islets from the mainland—provide a different perspective from which to view the city. Rental crafts ranging from one-person day sailers to six-person powerboats are available.

Bicycling is a popular pastime, particularly along the Boardwalk. Bicycle rentals, available about 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., can be found along the length of the Great Wood Way.

Some large hotels provide facilities for racquetball, squash or tennis. Public tennis courts are at N. Jerome and Amherst avenues in Margate City and at S. Suffolk and Atlantic avenues in Ventnor.