Sweltering on a crowded NYC subway platform in July is not a vibe. If you are itching to swap the city pavement for actual sand, we found the perfect excuse to get out of town.
Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City is currently rolling out a massive $20 million summer upgrade, and it is easily one of the best coastal escapes to add to your radar right now. Standing tall as the tallest building on the AC boardwalk, this giant 20-acre property offers sweeping ocean views and endless things to do.
From high-energy beach club parties to a brilliant wellness package, here is why you need to book a weekend trip down the coast.
A $270 million transformation by the sea
This massive beachfront property is currently wrapping up a seven-year, $270 million property transformation. The rooms are modern, comfortable, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean.
They have also pulled out all the stops for foodies. The resort features four upscale dining restaurants, including Chez Frites by Stephen Starr, Amada by Jose Garces, Ocean Steak, and Linguini by the Sea.
If you want some playful competition, check out Ocean’s 18. It is an 8,000-square-foot, two-level indoor mini golf course featuring full bar service and mind-blowing $500,000 immersive holograms—the same tech used at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Unwind at the massive Exhale Spa & Bathhouse
If your idea of a summer escape involves pure relaxation, you need to visit the 40,000-square-foot Exhale Spa & Bathhouse.
It provides therapeutic, results-oriented body and skin care services designed to promote ultimate inner and outer wellbeing.
After your treatment, you can gain access to the incredible Bathhouse area, which features:
- A calming jetted pool
- A relaxing jacuzzi
- A Himalayan Salt grotto
- Cozy lounge areas and Zen lounges to completely clear your mind
Catch massive headliners and comedy stars at Ovation Hall
If you love live music and comedy, you’re in luck. Ocean recently invested $1.5 million in a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound PANTHER system inside Ovation Hall, meaning every single seat in the 4,500-capacity arena gets crysal-clear audio.
Some of the highly anticipated shows coming up this summer include:
- Dirty Heads & 311 – Saturday, July 18
- Matt Rife – Friday, July 24 & Saturday, July 25
- Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors – Saturday, August 1
- Diana Ross – Friday, August 21
- Sebastian Maniscalco – September 17–20 & 24–27
Dance under the sun at HQ2 Beachclub
If your perfect summer day involves a world-class DJ and a cold drink in hand, HQ2 Beachclub is the place to be. As the East Coast’s premier outdoor pool party destination, the venue is bringing major global talent to AC.
Make sure to mark your calendar for a massive daytime set from Kettama on Sunday, August 2, followed by a huge holiday weekend party with Fisher on Saturday, September 5.
If you prefer to lounge in style, you can book one of The Cabanas at Ocean, which sit right next to private pools and a jacuzzi with dedicated attendant service.
Recharge instantly with in-room wellness from ShoreShotIV
There is nothing worse than wasting a vacation day feeling run-down. To make sure you maximize your trip, the resort is partnering with ShoreShotIV to bring concierge-style wellness directly to hotel rooms.
Available Thursday through Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM, you can order custom, vitamin-packed IV therapies right to your door.
Ease from the pool to the party with a new beauty package
Easing from a day of roasting by the pool to looking flawless for a night out is an absolute sport. Fortunately, Ocean has partnered with MakeUp Eraser to launch the After Sun, Before Fun Package.
Running now through September 4, the stay package starts at $745 per night and includes:
- A one-night stay in an oceanview king or queen room.
- A curated Day-to-Night MakeUp Eraser Box featuring their new Sunscreen Eraser, Hydrogel Eye Masks, and Eco Towels.
- One in-room Royal Flush Radiance IV drip by ShoreShotIV to instantly rehydrate and boost your natural glow.
- A $30 food and beverage credit perfect for in-room delivery of refreshing juices or smoothies.
- A 50-minute Signature Exhale Spa treatment (massage or facial).
- Complimentary late checkout so you don’t have to rush back to the city.
How to get there from NYC
You don’t even need a car to make this getaway happen. You can easily catch a train down to Atlantic City.
Or, if you want to travel in ultimate style, Ocean is partnering with Blade Helicopter Service for a seamless, 40-minute flight from NYC straight to the resort’s distinctive rooftop helipad on select summer weekends.
📍 Ocean Casino Resort, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ