🌞 Family Fun & Food: A Flavor-Packed Day Trip to Atlantic City! 🍝🍦

Every great adventure starts with good food—and our recent family day trip to Atlantic City delivered big on both bites and boardwalk vibes. From hidden breakfast gems to iconic seaside strolls and a hearty Italian dinner, here’s how we made the most of a quick, family-friendly getaway that didn’t break the bank.

🥯 First Stop: Jersey Hot Bagels – Northfield, NJ

Before rolling into AC, we made a delicious pit stop at Jersey Hot Bagels, located at 1205 Tilton Rd, Northfield, NJ—a must-visit just off the parkway and the perfect way to kickstart our trip.

This family-owned spot bakes fresh bagels every two hours, and the place smells like carb heaven as soon as you walk in. It's cozy, welcoming, and packed with locals grabbing their go-to orders—always a good sign. Whether you're in the mood for a quick grab-and-go or a sit-down breakfast, Jersey Hot Bagels delivers quality and heart.

AC Special

What we ordered:

• The Atlantic City Special – pork roll, egg, and cheese on a fresh bagel. The ultimate Jersey breakfast.

• Overnight oats – creamy, filling, and great for kids.

• Chia pudding (the recipe comes from The Bellagio in Las Vegas) – healthy, slightly sweet, and surprisingly addictive.

We also chatted with the owner, who shared that a brand-new organic ice cream bar will be launching soon for takeout this summer. Great news for families looking for a cool treat!

Pro Tip: Ask for the Margate Special— locals know it’s a top pick.

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🌊 Midday: Atlantic City Boardwalk Stroll

Once we hit Atlantic City, we headed straight for the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk. Stretching over 4.2 miles, this historic boardwalk was built in 1870—originally as a clever way to keep sand out of the hotel lobbies. Over 150 years later, it’s still going strong and remains the heart of the shore.

We took a leisurely stroll from Tropicana to Ocean Casino, catching everything from T shirts and snack shacks to new retail stores popping up for summer.

We captured the entire journey in a first-person YouTube video linked below, so you can see exactly what it’s like to cruise the boardwalk this summer!

Pro Tip: Save your steps—ride the AC Tram Car all day for just $13. Especially on hot days, it’s a fun, relaxing way to take in the sights without tiring the kids out. Note: It’s card only—no cash accepted.

🍽️ Dinner: Carmine’s Italian Restaurant – Tropicana

We ended the evening with a family-style feast at Carmine’s, located inside the Tropicana. If you’re unfamiliar, Carmine’s is famous for its massive portions meant for sharing—perfect for families or groups. The atmosphere is loud, fun, and full of energy, with big booths and even bigger plates.

Our meal lineup:

• Appetizers: Fried zucchini and crispy calamari—served hot and fresh with marinara.

• Main Course: Spaghetti with clams in white wine sauce—packed with flavor and enough to feed a small army.

• Dessert: We couldn’t decide, so we ordered both—a rich strawberry cheesecake and a decadent classic cheesecake. Spoiler: we had leftovers for days.

Pro Tip: Be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends or holidays. And don’t be shy about sharing—one main dish here can easily feed 3-4 people.

Final Thoughts

From fresh bagels in Northfield to oceanside views and an unforgettable dinner at Carmine’s, our one-day trip to Atlantic City was packed with flavor and fun. It’s proof that you don’t need a full vacation to make lasting memories—just good food, great company, and a little shoreline magic.

If you're planning your own AC adventure, these family-friendly spots are a must-try. And be sure to watch our boardwalk POV vlog.