Atlantic City: History, Attractions, and Inclusive Accessibility

Author: Victor Block
Published: 2025/06/04
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Disability Travel America - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article offers a compelling and informative overview of Atlantic City's rich history, vibrant attractions, and ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Tracing the city's origins from Indigenous Lenape roots through its transformation into a bustling resort and gaming destination, the article highlights how Atlantic City has evolved to cater to a diverse range of visitors, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. It details the city's ADA-compliant accommodations, accessible transportation, and barrier-free boardwalk, as well as unique features like handicapped surf chairs and beach mats, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the iconic beach and boardwalk experience.

The article also explores Atlantic City's cultural heritage, from the historic Absecon Lighthouse and the Atlantic City Historical Museum to the enduring legacy of the Miss America pageant and Monopoly's famous street names. With its blend of history, entertainment, and thoughtful design for accessibility, this information is especially valuable for travelers seeking inclusive leisure options, families, and anyone interested in the city's storied past and dynamic present - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

About 30,000 years ago, groups of people crossed over from present-day Siberia to Alaska, then some of them moved on and settled along the Atlantic Ocean seaboard of today's United States. Their descendants became the Lanape tribe, part of the Algonquin nation whose members lived in what now is New Jersey.

They were followed by Jeremiah Leeds, a Revolutionary War veteran who, evidence suggests, established a farm in 1783 on Absecon Island, a barrier atoll just offshore. Over time, a town developed in the region which took the name Atlantic City.

From that humble start what's known as "Las Vegas of the East" was born. Bustling casino hotels welcomed high rollers, a boardwalk was lined with both family-friendly and adult-focused attractions, and a wide sand beach became popular with sun-seekers.

Main Content

Over time, Atlantic City faced periods of both economic prosperity and financial challenge, and went through a number of iterations. Today, it has settled into a comfort zone where everyone from serious gamers to game-playing families to adults seeking age-appropriate things to see and do can find much to their liking.

One of the town's most iconic treasures, its boardwalk, was built in 1870. It was intended at the time to help hotel owners keep beach sand from getting into their lobbies. The wooden walkway was removed each year at the end of the peak summer season, before being expanded in length and width and remaining in place year-round.

Several years later the Steel Pier opened and immediately became another popular site. The 1,000-foot-long amusement park offers rides ranging from a gentle journey on a carousel to fast and furious thrill experiences. Add a variety of dining and snacking choices and it's easy to understand why some people spend hours there.

Atlantic City prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility in a number of ways. Many resorts and hotels have ADA-compliant rooms with features like lowered beds and roll-in showers. These accommodations also often include disability-friendly facilities like pools and fitness centers, along with transportation services such as airport shuttles for guests' convenience.

Of course, the beach is a major draw and it is accessible to all. The city provides handicapped surf chairs with large wheels for beach and water access, and beach ramps and mats to assist individuals using a wheelchair.

The world-famous Boardwalk features barrier-free entrances, ramps and wide sidewalks that comfortably accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. In addition, ADA-compliant restrooms and benches are located along the beach boardwalk.

For getting around, New Jersey Transit's buses accommodate passengers with disabilities with wheelchair lifts, ramps and designated seating areas. The city's Rail Terminal adjacent to the Atlantic City Convention Center features accessible parking, wheelchair lifts, ramps and seating areas.

Those seeking things to see and do other than checking out the Boardwalk and Steel Pier also have a number of alternatives. Some choose to recall Atlantic City's past, including its colorful chapters.

One way is to roll through history aboard one of the chairs on wheels that have been a fixture on the Boardwalk since 1887. Originally introduced to provide transportation to people with a handicap, they became so popular that they began to be used by others.

Some of the wicker contrivances closely resemble those which were in use decades ago, and many of them sport small features that provide individual character. As has always been the case, these baskets on wheels are pushed by an attendant, and the open sides are covered with a plastic drop sheet if it should rain.

Another hint of the past is the Absecon Lighthouse, the third tallest masonry beacon in the country. It went into service in 1857 and was deactivated in 1933. Even so, the light still shines nightly, serving as a reminder of the time when it helped to guide ships.

An overview of the community's past is available at the Atlantic City Historical Museum. It displays 150 years of local history including relics from previous eras and a documentary that showcases a number of its seaside resorts.

Since the Miss America pageant was first hosted in town, the museum also contains a number of dresses which were worn by contestants. Competitions known as "bathing reviews" made their way to Atlantic City in the early 1900s, and over time evolved into the Miss America pageant which continues to this day.

Another history-related claim to fame is the fact that streets of the still-popular game Monopoly are based upon locations in Atlantic City. Visitors who are familiar with that pastime are delighted to stroll past Park Place, Marvin Gardens and other sites which are replicated on the board.

When they seek more active pursuits, folks have a wide choice. Among options for those who prefer water-based recreation are fishing, dolphin watching cruises and, for the more adventurous, parasailing.

Then there's the beach itself. It is wide and composed of soft, camel-hued sand. Waves invite body boarders and surf jumpers, while the flat terrain near the water's edge is perfect for leisurely strolls.

Speaking of leisure and relaxation, several hotels have a spa that offers a choice of pampering treatments. Of course, those who prefer the thrill and challenge of testing Lady Luck are - well - in luck.

Atlantic City continues to attract visitors who are interested in games of chance - aka gambling. Since the first casino opened there in 1978, it has drawn people seeking to test their luck, and skill, at slot machines and table games.

Given the similarity of much of the adult action at the casino resorts, some seek to differentiate themselves in a variety of ways. The Bally's Atlantic City Casino Resort, which has nearly two acres of gaming space and over 1,100 slot machines, touts its nine dining outlets, rotating bar and other attractions.

The Resorts Casino Hotel offers 16 dining options, from ice cream parlors to steak houses. Another feature is nightly entertainment at the Margaritaville complex.

Entertainment is yet another draw with something-for-everyone appeal that brings people of all ages to Atlantic City. If The Kooks and Foxy Shazam aren't your cup of tea - - I have no idea who they are or what they do - perhaps classical concerts or operatic performances will be more to your liking.

Whatever your preferences, you may be able to enjoy them in Atlantic City.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Author Credentials: Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, and has written for major newspapers, magazines and travel websites and served as an editor of Fodor's Travel Guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular contributor of reviews to the Disabled World travel section. Visit Victors's biography for further insights into his background and expertise.