Advice on what not to miss in Philadelphia & Atlantic City

[love*2*cruise]

We will be cruising out of Cape Liberty in July & plan to spend the week before in Philadelphia & Atlantic City.

 

We booked a hotel for the first night in King of Prussia to check out the mall which we heard was great & coming from Europe - shopping is one of the things on the agenda. But I also want to show my DD (age 13) any special historical sights. Growing up American abroad, I do want her to get to see a variety of things and in the process some American history.

 

Then we head for Atlantic City, a bit of time on the beach, the boardwalk but what else...are there any dinner shows like in Las Vegas that we should not miss? We will have a rental car so some recomendations on things to see in the area & then on the way back to Cape Liberty to take our cruise...

[Calgary North]

If you do nothing else, try a cheese steak. I grew up 40 miles south of Philadelphia and it is the one thing, other than access to the ocean, I really miss.

[signman]

In Philadelphia you might find a visit to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell interesting. While in the area, stop in at Reading Terminal Market for wonderful sights, smells, and great food shops.

 

http://www.gophila.com

http://www.tryphilly.com

http://www.readingterminalmarket.org

 

In addition to all the Casinos in Atlantic City, one of the most famous places is the WHITE HOUSE SUB SHOP at the intersection of Arctic and Mississippi Avenues. For over 60 years they have served just about the best submarine sandwiches (meats & cheeses layered on a long roll) you will find anywhere. The bread will have been just baked and delivered within the previous hour or two. The standouts are the Cheesesteak Hoagie and the Regular Italian.

 

http://roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=125

 

You should also pay a visit to Lucy the Elephant in Margate, NJ just a bit south of Atlantic City on Atlantic Avenue. Then continue further south on the shore to the town of Ocean City, where you should stroll on the Boardwalk and munch on some Johnson's Caramel Corn.

 

http://www.lucytheelephant.org

http://www.johnsonspopcorn.com

 

The Boardwalk in Atlantic City is really only a shadow of what it once was. You will still find the famous "Rolling Chairs" but most of the small family run shops are gone. It's still worth a stroll, and you should stop for Salt Water Taffy at either JAMES or FRALINGER'S, once fierce competitors, but now under common ownership, but still retaining their individuality.

 

http://www.fralingers.com

 

The Boardwalk at Ocean City is more family friendly. There is one more Boardwalk that is worth visiting in Seaside Heights, NJ as you head north towards Cape Liberty. This one is just packed with games of chance and food stands, and rides, and shops. It's really a sight to see.

 

http://www.seasideboardwalk.com

[ddoc]

Since you will be at the King of Prussia mall, don't forget

that you are right beside Valley Forge National Park site

of Revolutionary War battles. Washington wintered there during the lowpoint of the war. They have a newish visitors center with a movie and I believe it's free.

 

The other "food" things are: soft pretzels and Tastycakes.

[booklady26]

I wouldn't recommend Atlantic City, since you're traveling with a child. While DH & I are frequent visitors there, it's really because we like the slots. There's nothing there except the casinos. I don't like the beach there and the Boardwalk is pretty tacky.

 

If you do go there, though, don't miss the Borgata. It's not on the Boardwalk, but it is the premier casino in AC.

 

If you like the beach, I'd suggest heading south of AC to Ocean City, Wildwood or Cape May.

 

Cape May is my personal favorite. It's located at the very southern tip of NJ (Exit 0 on the Garden State Parkway). The beach is huge, clean and well maintained. The center of town is a designated historic district, with B&B's & inns dating from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Wonderful restaurants there too, everything from family type restaurants to gourmet.

 

There's lots of family friendly things to do there:

 

Take a dolphin/whale watching boat trip. You probably won't see whales, as they don't migrate in the summer, but you'll most certainly see dolphins. They swim up right to the side of the boat.

 

Take a ghost tour at night. Cape May is reputed to be one of the most haunted towns in America and many of the inns & B&B's have had sightings.

 

Take a carriage ride through the historic district.

 

If you like bird watching, there's some wonderful locations in and around Cape May for birders.

 

Check out www.capemay.com.

 

There is no boardwalk to speak of, so if you're looking for an amusement park type experience, I'd head up to Wildwood or Ocean City.

 

Enjoy your stay!

[trish1c]

If you are going to Philly as someone said, a cheesesteak is a must. I would also go to Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell. You should order tickets online for $1 each rather than standing in some horrible line for hours. I did a sort of self guided tour & just sort of wandered around. There are touristy tours. Check out any gophila web site.

 

As others have mentioned AC isn't that amazing. There are some cute boardwalk beach bars. You can probably check to see if there are any good shows in town but there's nothing like Vegas where you can "always" see ______ at ______ . I think the architecture inside the tropicana at the Four Quarters is nice. Cesars is grand with all the statues. Everything else is . . . well it's a big hotel w/ lots of gambling & lights . . . ho hum. The shopping at the piers at Cesars is pretty good.

[fligster]

I would agree with getting a real cheesesteak. I would recommend Jim's, Pat's or Geno's in that order. I would also recommend getting a real soft pretzel from someplace like Philly Soft Pretzel Factory. (http://www.phillysoftpretzelfactory.com/).

 

Depending on your interests, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is great. (http://www.philamuseum.org)

 

I agree with the other posters that Ocean City is probably a better choice for boardwalk and beach.

[Deb1113]

Don't go to Geno's or Pats for a steak sandwich. They are only good if you are drunk at 2:00 a.m. If you will be in Philly the week of July 4th, there will be lots of Independence Week activities going on. Be sure to walk along Penns Landing. As suggested above gophila.com is a great website for ideas.

[Keith1010]

My focus in Philadelphia would be on the history of this city and its impact on the USA. I wouldn't spend time eating there or shopping.

 

If you want to shop and just enjoy the entertainment spend the day in Atlantic City doing just that.

 

Keith

[Deb1113]

My focus in Philadelphia would be on the history of this city and its impact on the USA. I wouldn't spend time eating there or shopping.

 

If you want to shop and just enjoy the entertainment spend the day in Atlantic City doing just that.

 

Keith

 

The OP is going to get hungry. Cheesesteaks are part of the city's history.

[Keith1010]

The OP is going to get hungry. Cheesesteaks are part of the city's history.

 

With all due respect, I was thinking of history of this great city that pre-dates the Cheesteaks.

 

Keith

[Kristina685]

Philadelphia opened the Constitution Center which is phenomenal and is down near Independence Hall. Also, the Art Museum is basically free on Sundays (they ask you to make a donation which can be from $1 +). Another great museum to check out is the Franklin Institute which may entertain your teenager more than the Art Museum. As for food, take a trip to Reading Terminal (as someone has previously mentioned) where you can find a variety of food.

 

Atlantic City is a little boring for teenagers. There isn't much to do unless you are over the age of 21. The shops at the Pier at Caesar's are really nice and you can sit and watch a water and lights display towards the back. The also have some high end shopping inside as well as some GREAT restaurants.

 

All in all enjoy your time in Philly and A.C.! :D

 

~Kristina

[bigwuhead]

If you are into shopping, there are a whole bunch of brand new/ fairly new outlet/retail stores in Atlantic City ie: Coach, Nike, Converse, H&M etc. That you can find some good deals at. Plus no sales tax on clothing.

 

I agree with alot of what people are saying, Atlantic City with a teenager isn't so great. I would head to Cape May instead, and maybe do a partial-day trip to Atlantic City, because you can surely see everything in 1 day.

 

Philadelphia, I would look into getting a City Pass. It discounts a bunch of attractions. Not sure if your daughter would be familiar with the Rocky movies, but the art museum with the "famous stairs" from Rocky is always neat to see, and right near it is the Franklin Institute which is really great and hands on for all ages.

 

If you want to see a great show... take her to see a show on Broadway in NYC, there is no experience that would compare.

 

Have fun!!!

Cristina

[Hockey19]

King of Prussia is about 30 minutes from Center City -or 2 hours if there is a single car broken down on the Schuylkill. :) Depending on weather, the Philadelphia Zoo is on the way. Your child may like that before the whole history thing kicks in. The Constitution Center is a great visit. The Liberty Bell is a must and you can decide on Independence Hall. Take a cab to South Street and have a Jim's steak. You can take a water taxi across to the Camden Aquarium (can you tell that I have had kids travel with me.) I do not know of any great dinner theaters but here is a link for what may be availble if you want to see a play in July.

http://www.phillyfunguide.com/search.php?mode=browse&startdate=2008-07-01&enddate=2008-07-01

[Deb1113]

Why a cab to South Street? It's a short walk from the historical area. You can also take the 124 or 125 bus from 13th and Market to the King of Prussia Mall.

[bigwuhead]

Hockey 19, I almost spit my water everywhere reading you post. No doubt 1 car can slow down the entire Skuyk...

 

I think the aqaurium is a great suggestion! And definately take the Ferry over from the PA side. (I live in NJ, and i still think this is the more fun way to get there).

 

Cristina

[luvscruising2007]

Since you will be at K of P, you should consider going to Valley Forge. It is a beautiful park and would contribute to your historical trip.

Cheese steaks, real soft pretzels and an Italian Hoagie all great food suggestions.

In center city there is also the Betsy Ross house to consider. Philly is a great city. If you are a Rocky movie fan you have to go to the art museum and run up the steps. Walking is good too.

[Sharkmedic]

We will be cruising out of Cape Liberty in July & plan to spend the week before in Philadelphia & Atlantic City....

 

Love *2* Cruise,

 

Many of the suggestions posted are very good but here is my list of ideas.

 

Absolute Must Do:

• National Constitution Museum (incredible)
  
• Independence Hall
  
• Liberty Bell
  
• Christ Church (5th & Race Streets - Ben Franklin's grave)
  
• The Franklin Institute (visit required for all Americans/Austrians)
  
• The Philadephia Art Museum (Rocky's statue is out front and they have a special events like Sunday Jazz Brunch and Friday Happy Hours)

Fun Should Do List:

Italian Market (9th Street)....go on any day but Saturdays are best. This is the street that Rocky is famous for runnning down. Check out the cheese and pasta shops. Have lunch at Villa da Roma or Ralph's which is the oldest family run Italian restaurant in the USA. Get a cheesesteak at Geno's or Pat's (I'm a Geno's or Tony Luke's guy myself).

Reading Terminal Vendors of various culinary delights.

Penns Landing on the waterfront.

Stroll down South Street Everyone will enjoy the mix of culture and shops that is best enjoyed in the evening.

 

I swear that this is a list that you won't regret. As for Atlantic City, I'm not really a fan. I love the Jersey shore but would stick to the inside of the casino hotel or the actual beach, if it were me. Maybe there are others that can give you better advice on AC.

 

Liberty Island should be great and give you a fantastic view of NYC. By the way, if you want a fantastic FREE excursion, ride the Staten Island Ferry from either Manhattan or Staten Island. It's free and is a great harbor view with access to Lower Manhattan.

 

Bon Voyage!

[Sharkmedic]

Second thought................you should really look at Ocean City, New Jersey instead. Other suggestion I've seen on this board are good too, but I'd avoid Wildwood too.

[ParrotRob]

Agree 100% with booklady26 wrt Atlantic City.

 

The best way to describe Atlantic City is like this:

 

Think of everything that is great about Las Vegas - the wonderful weather, the beautiful hotels, the fabulous sprawling casinos, the spectacular shows... Now shake that image from your head because AC is none of that. Replace all of that with a crappy beach, freezing weather 11.5 months of the year, cramped and dingy casinos, and a dazzling array of hookers, seedy bars and pawn shops that make a trip to Tijuana look like a family vacation to Disney World.

 

The best thing to do in Atlantic City is to go to the train station or airport and get out of town as quickly as possible.

 

Edit: one more thing - do NOT, under ANY circumstances, wander around Atlantic City at night. Especially when unarmed.

[Sharkmedic]

Agree 100% with booklady26 wrt Atlantic City.

 

The best way to describe Atlantic City is like this:

 

Think of everything that is great about Las Vegas - the wonderful weather, the beautiful hotels, the fabulous sprawling casinos, the spectacular shows... Now shake that image from your head because AC is none of that. Replace all of that with a crappy beach, freezing weather 11.5 months of the year, cramped and dingy casinos, and a dazzling array of hookers, seedy bars and pawn shops that make a trip to Tijuana look like a family vacation to Disney World.

 

The best thing to do in Atlantic City is to go to the train station or airport and get out of town as quickly as possible.

 

Edit: one more thing - do NOT, under ANY circumstances, wander around Atlantic City at night. Especially when unarmed.

 

I'm with Booklady26 and ParrotRob 110%..........Sorry....AC isn't the place to be.......My name for AC has always been, "Harlem by the Sea". Harlem has actually improved.

[ParrotRob]

I'm with Booklady26 and ParrotRob 110%..........Sorry....AC isn't the place to be.......My name for AC has always been, "Harlem by the Sea". Harlem has actually improved.

 

Now now, that's not fair. Harlem is safe to walk around in.

[Sharkmedic]

Now now, that's not fair. Harlem is safe to walk around in.

 

LOLOL! My apologies, brother Parrot! :D

[SoFetch]

i'm going against the grain here. ocean city, wildwood, cape may are all great places, but if you are hitting philly and also heading up to bayonne it doesn't make sense to drive as far south as cape may.

 

point pleasant beach is small but nice for families, which seaside heights is popular with teenagers (although it is also known by locals as "sleazside"). There is also a Six Flags amusement park in Jackson, NJ which houses the world's tallest and fastest rollercoaster.

 

All of these are located in central NJ in Ocean county which is closer if you are stopping at these places on the way to Bayonne, although I will agree Cape May is nicer. If you do decide to go south anyway your teenagers will definetly enjoy Wildwood more than Cape May.

 

I am a bit biased because I lived in Point Pleasant Beach and Jackson, lol.

 

I now live outside of Atlantic City. I don't think it is as bad as some other people are saying. It's not a good place to go for the beach. But there is a lot of shopping there. It's no Vegas (how would I know, I've never been there) but some casinos are better than others. My fiance is an avid poker player and loves the Borgata. The Wolfgang Puck restaurant is amazing, albeit expensive. I am not much for gambling and prefer the Tropicana as it has a wider array of bars, clubs, and shops. They don't really have shows that you are thinking of, but they recently added "Broadway" shows at Harrah's...saw the Producers and it was very good. Tun Tavern (near the Sheraton) is a good casual place to eat although I feel it has recently declined in quality.

 

However I will agree with the others that there is not much to do here for people under 21, save maybe Ripley's.

[love*2*cruise]

Thanks everybody, some great suggestions...now that the trip is a month away, reality hits and I'm starting to really look forward to trying the places recomended and staying away from other 'dangers'.

 

This is our pre-cruise week so a bit of histoory & shopping are teh main things on the agenda.

 

Looking forward to it!

 

Barbara