Ocean Casino Resort
Be sure to ask for one of the new suites, with their stunning, unobstructed views of the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Pro tip: The room-service half-pound brisket burger topped with avocado and bacon is quite good — and, more importantly, an excellent hangover helper that you can order until 6 a.m. 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, theoceanac.com.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Photograph by Thomas E. Briglia It trumps Ocean Casino Resort on every level. Much better shows. Superior restaurants. And an always-fun crowd. 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, Hardrockhotels.com.
The Boardwalk Extension
A.C. has been building out the northern end of its boardwalk for the past several years to provide relief from the bustle of casino central. The stretch that extends past Ocean Casino Resort and then banks to the left along Gardner’s Basin is serene, commercially undeveloped and postcard-perfect.
Chelsea Prime
No offense to the spectacular in-casino eateries (we love you, Izakaya!), but its about time we got a trendy, atmospheric, high-end restaurant that overlooks Atlantic Citys best asset: the ocean. And at Chelsea Prime the crisp black-and-white supper-club-like steakhouse from Stephen Starr, in the Chelsea all of the tiered, oversized booths face the blue Atlantic. Which is why we suggest you have a few drinks while the sun sets before you turn all of your attention to the steak, which is perfectly charred, buttery, and matched only by the close-your-eyes-and-moan loaded potato skins. 111 S Chelsea Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, thechelsea-ac.com/dining.php.
Carlino's
We would pretty much shop anywhere that houses something called a "brie bar." But add the ocean of olive oils (not to mention the mountains of olives), the deli, the handmade pastas and ricotta cheesecakes and sausages and a lasagna menu as long as your arm, and Carlino's is a lock. 128 West Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382, carlinosmarket.com.