The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the quintessential "wood sidewalk" of the Jersey Shore—and the first boardwalk in the United States. Opened in 1870, it stretches over 4 miles along the Atlantic coastline, a wooden promenade lined with shops, restaurants, casinos, and attractions.
Extending from the Boardwalk into the ocean, Steel Pier has been a landmark since 1898. Once famous for its diving horse act and big-band performances, today it operates as an amusement pier with rides, games, and food. It is designated a National Historic Landmark and remains one of the oldest surviving amusement piers in the country.
The Boardwalk and Steel Pier together form the historic and cultural heart of Atlantic City. They have survived storms, economic shifts, and the rise of the casino industry, remaining a beloved gathering place and a symbol of the city's connection to the Atlantic.