5 Bicycle Destinations on your Atlantic City Vacation

One of my family's favorite activities in Atlantic City is to bike ride in the mornings on the world famous boardwalk, but with some fun planning that can be extended to a number of destinations.

1. End of the boardwalk

The boardwalk is more than four miles in length and 60 feet across at its widest points. Beginning at Bartram Ave. you can set out in two directions. Going towards the Casino district you will encounter more people but have wider boards to navigate traffic. Check the seasonal rules but, at the time of publishing in Summer season bike riders are restricted to riding until 10am. Bike riding through Ventnor the boardwalk is more narrow, however, you have more flexibility for a later morning or afternoon bike ride.

3.5 miles - Toward the inlet and through the Casino district.Starting out at Bartram Avenue turn left and continue to where the boardwalk ends at Madison Ave. To continue to Gardner's Basin in the inlet turn off the boardwalk onto the Maine Avenue Promenade. From there you can park and walk around, visit a number of eateries, stop at the Atlantic City Aquarium or just sit and look at some fantastic views.Notable sites include the Tropicano Casino, Playground Pier, Hard Rock Casino, Steel Pier, Absecon Lighthouse and some superb ocean views when the boardwalk veers into the water as you turn around the bend to the inlet.

1.9 miles - Toward Margate and through Ventnor. Starting out at Bartram Avenue turn right and continue to the end of the boardwalk at S. Fredericksburg Ave. Notable sites include riding past some absolutely beautiful homes, watching the surf and ocean and destinations listed below including Marvin Gardens and Lucy the Elephant.

2. Breakfast and coffee

Gilchristis an Atlantic County favorite pancake house famous for their Blueberry Hot Cakes. There are three accessible options to bike ride to from Bartram Ave.

1 mile - The closest is located at the street level at Tropicana Casino.

3.3 miles - If riding to Margate to see Lucy the Elephant or Marvin Gardens go the extra couple blocks for a satisfying breakfast.

3.9 miles - If riding to Gardner's Basin in the inlet you can park and feast before turning around to head back for the return trip.

Host note: If riding toward the Margate End of the Boardwalk, Marven Gardens or Lucy the Elephant we like Hannah G's for brunch too.

3. Marven Gardens

Marven Gardens is famous for being a property on the original version of the Monopoly game board. The neighborhood is made up of about 90 homes and boasts some of the highest per square foot property prices in the state of NJ.Most of the homes were built in the 1920's and 1930's and still maintain the same exteriors and look and feel. The community gardens and rounded roads are what make this a destination worth checking out.

2.1 miles - Head out towards Ventnor and Margate, where the boardwalk ends, exit and head straight to the Marven Gardens sub-division.

Read more about the history and see photos of the homes:

https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Margate_City/Marven_Gardens_Historic_District.html

https://www.pinterest.com/markattheshore/marven-gardens-margate-nj/?autologin=true

4. Lucy the Elephant

Lucy the Elephant is a national icon that has been featured in multiple movies and shows over the years.  Lucy stands at six stories tall and was first built in 1881.Lucy is one of a kind and has been issued a U.S. patent and holds for the State of N.J. and U.S. National Historic Landmark status.

3.2 miles - Head out towards Ventnor and Margate, at the end of the boardwalk turn right, then make a left at Atlantic Ave. for another 1.3 miles until you reach an elephant on the beach.

5. Playground, Tennis and Basketball courts

One of our favorite destinations is the Ventnor CSURE Childrens Playground and Ventnor City Tennis Courts and Basketball courts. These are well maintained parks open to the public, however, there is a $5 fee to use the tennis courts by the day.

1 mile - Start out towards Ventnor until you reach S. Somerset Ave., the park will be on your right immediately next to the boardwalk.