Unlike neighboring New Jersey beaches, the sun, fun, and breathtaking skyline of the Atlantic City beaches come without a cover charge, from Memorial Day to September 30th. With no need to wrangle for beach badges at City Hall, visitors have more time to enjoy swimming and other waterside activities during the day or night. To further capitalize on the fun, and to avoid the crowds on shore, beach patrons can surf, kayak, windsurf, and fish at designated beach areas. Though alcoholic beverages are not permitted, the beach is lined with plenty of bars to indulge in. Lifeguards on duty from 10am to 6pm, changing stations, restrooms, and outdoor public showers are additional free amenities.
The Atlantic City Historical Museum and Atlantic City Arts Center, nestled together on Garden Pier, are both free and interesting excursions away from the city's typical diversions. Through vintage photographs, local artifacts, and other glittering displays, the Historical Museum recounts the evolution of Atlantic City into the playground of the nation. The Arts Center hosts a variety of local and international artistic talent, along with artist receptions and various classes that are open to the public. Both cultural mainstays are open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm with free parking. Down the way, the Abesecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, has free entry to the museum and gift shop, though the daring are charged a small fee to climb to the top. During the summer, the lighthouse is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
For chance to see Sylvester Stallone's face spanning the New Jersey skyline, head to Caesars Resort's Classic Cinema nights. In celebration for its 30th anniversary, Caesars is showing free movies on the beach from the year they first graced Atlantic City, 1979. Every Thursday at 8pm during the month of June, visitors are invited to pull up a piece of beach in front of Caesars and take in the classics on a jumbo screen.
Whether actually looking to make a purchase or just interested in the free air conditioning, the trade shows held at the Atlantic City Convention Center are free and open to the public. In honor of its seaside location, the most frequent trade show items include fishing gear, sportswear, and power boats; though, on occasion, the center plays host to the enticing Philadelphia National Candy, Gift, and Gourmet show. Check out www.biztradeshows.com/usa/atlanticcity to find out more of the particulars.
Casino shows are the more lively alternative to trade shows, and do not include the temptation to throw down money on a new powerboat. At the Showboat Casino, Mardi Gras never truly ends, with The Show parading through the casino four times daily at 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, and 9:30pm. A ringmaster leads a motley crew of dancers, singers, musicians, and floats to liven the gambling experience. The Show sizzles with an intriguing and enticing mixture of Latin and New Orleans elements. To cool down, check out the Water Show located on the Boardwalk level at the ocean end of the Pier Shops at Caesars. Every hour on the hour, prepare to be dazzled by a six-minute display of water, light, and sound seen as never before. During the daytime, the Water Show tells the history of dance, as interpreted by the 150 fountain nozzles and accompanying music. The nighttime show choreographs the water's movement to jazz music in a re-interpretation of the phrase "cool jazz." The indoor Water Show can be enjoyed from any angle on the three floors of the Pier surrounding it.
Free club entry epitomizes both the luck of finding free entertainment and the excitement of Atlantic City. The Showboat's House of Blues features the Club Worship nightclub, with no cover for "Reggae Night" on Thursdays at 8pm and "Seductive Saturdays" starting at 10pm. The Quarter at the Tropicana has several nightclubs, including Club Providence with Ladies Night on Fridays at 11pm and Cuba Libre with free Late Night Latin Floorshows after paying cover admission. The Wave Nightclub at the Trump Marina always offers free admission to women. The still-underground Pool After Dark at Harrah's Casino has free admission for its SIN-dustry Wednesdays starting at 10pm. In a town flooded with nightclubs, all it takes is a little bit of luck to find the elusive cover-free club.
