Atlantic City isn't Las Vegas...but it doesn't have to be

I have been to Atlantic City a few times over the past several years and had always thought of it as the Poor Man's Las Vegas.  The casinos are significantly less grandiose, there are no attractions that come close to the Bellagio fountains or Mirage volcano, the shows don't come close to what Vegas has to offer, and don't get me started on the restaurants and clubs.  However, after my trip to Atlantic City this past weekend, I've found the real secret of Atlantic City -- it isn't Las Vegas, but it doesn't have to be.

While Las Vegas tried the "Family Friendly" experiment for a few years,  it was a huge failure.  But, Atlantic City makes a great family vacation -- there's a huge public beach, a boardwalk, an old-school arcade and the hotel rooms can be had at a fraction of the cost of what a family would pay in Las Vegas.  And, if you're on the East Coast, you can make a weekend trip of Atlantic City for a reasonable amount of money.

Even if you're not planning a family trip, Atlantic City can be a great getaway from East Coasters in the summer.  The summer heat in Las Vegas means that you'll do your best to seek the shelter of casinos and never leave.  But, in Atlantic City, you can spend the day lounging on the beach and playing in the ocean.  And, since you didn't spend the whole day in the casino, you'll have plenty of energy for a long post-dinner gambling session!

Now, if you want the glitz of Las Vegas, Atlantic City will not fulfill your desires.  But, it's not a bad place to go for a nice long weekend.