As the heat begins to rise in the Big Apple and elsewhere throughout the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, thoughts of escaping the punishing heat of the inner city are beginning to percolate in the heads of many. If you are in this boat as well, perhaps you may have considered spending some time in Atlantic City this summer.

If you haven’t, shame on you!  There are plenty of draws that this lively place has to offer anyone in desperate need of a break from the everyday stresses of the big city.  The following five reasons will hopefully get you out of your funk, and into a car, train or plane bound for Atlantic City, the East Coast’s most entertaining destination.

1) Hit the beach

Fronted by a boardwalk that put this seaside city on the map back in the late 1800’s, the beach is an attraction that has been surpassed by the gambling institutions here, yet it remains a legitimate place to while away a day or two during your stay here.

The gentle slope and tame surf make this place an excellent place for families and young adults alike, as the lack of dangerous currents on most days are ideal for small children, yet when the swells are higher, inexperienced surfers can learn the ropes of this port without fear of getting seriously hurt (physically or ego-wise).

2) Tear a strip off the dance floor

When a long day of playing in the surf has evolved into night, hit the clubs in search of tunes spun by overly tanned and glammed-up DJ’s.  One of the best places to get your groove on in Atlantic City is at The Pool, a nightclub located within Harrah’s casino resort. As the name implies, the club and dance floor is centred around a pool, with cabanas and VIP areas that often attract names like Kim Kardashian and Pauly D, who rose to fame spinning records at this establishment.

3) Shop until you run outta space in the trunk

Atlantic City is also known as a place where one can find an abundance of outlet stores, as common brand name consumer goods can be found at a discount to their normal retail price. Among all the outlets, its largest collection in one spot is the Tanger Outlet mall, where one can find over 100 stores offering the best in clothing, accessories, footwear and more!

4) Go lighthouse peeping

Not all attractions in Atlantic City are centred around modernity, as those seeking out a piece of marine history will want to check out Absecon lighthouse, located within Atlantic City.  It ranks as the tallest light in New Jersey, and the third tallest in the United States.  Dating back over 150 years, it is a sight that any history buff should take in while exploring the seacoast of New Jersey’s most popular destination!

5) Hit the jackpot … right from the comfort of your pillow top bed

While the floors of Atlantic City’s casinos can be filled with excitement, anticipation, and jubilation, this intense environment may not be for everyone, especially if you are claustrophobic or are heavily introverted.  This doesn’t mean you can’t join in the fun though: recently, New Jersey legalized internet gambling within state boundaries, opening up games such as caesars online slots to both state residents and visitors as well.

So hit the jackpot while you are in the quiet confines of your hotel cocoon, having had the Atlantic City experience, and having done it your way!