Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: NJ_Car_Owner
I hate to say it but AC really offers nothing for people. If you are into gambling and drinking then maybe but as far as "entertainment" - nope - it's not Las Vegas!
The beach there is the best around, and was packed on Sunday. Vegas doesn't have that, or the boardwalk.
OP said late September or early October which may or may not be beach weather; very few people will be on the beach during the weekdays that's for sure. Boardwalk will be empty during the week as well and at night if you're not into gambling and drinking then there is pretty much no entertainment unless a group just happens to be there you want to see and want to fork over some extra money because it is AC. I saw an Eagles concert at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly and their tickets were about $100 each where they were $150 each in AC.
As far as that being the "best" beach - not sure on that either. Wildwood and Wildwood Crest are nice beaches and Wildwood has a somewhat exciting boardwalk (if your into that) during the summer. Go up north a little and there are some other great beaches as well - Belmar, Point Pleasant and Spring Lake. AC is free to get onto during the summer, I believe all beaches are free when the season is over. Heck we were told once at Point Pleasant in season to come back in 1/2 hour after 5 PM and we can get onto the beach for free.
As far as the comparison between AC and Vegas - Vegas is a happening place with lots to do, AC is a depressed city with problems. The Borgata is trying to make their hotel a "destination" and some other hotel is trying to draw in a younger (21-25 YO) crowd by offering college nights and other things to draw people in. The Tropicana is really nice and seems to have a life of it's own but I think it does draw a younger crowd in.
I live in Jersey, worked in AC for 8 years and have gone there to drink and gamble about 3x my entire life - put $0.50 into a slot and hit the button for free drinks and give the attendant a buck. When my kid gets a comp we think about going, wouldn't spend too much on a room. Went to Vegas, stayed at the Venetian, was wowed by it, saw some nice nighttime shows, did some sightseeing ... I guess it depends on what you're expecting a place to be.