A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Beaches, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Atlantic City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a outdoorsy, relaxed, and luxurious coastal city. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Boca Raton travel costs.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Boca Raton and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boca Raton than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boca Raton is better known for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife. Atlantic City is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlantic City and Boca Raton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

Boca Raton is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Atlantic City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boca Raton makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Boca Raton has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

There are excellent resorts to choose from in both Boca Raton and Atlantic City.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

Boca Raton is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Boca Raton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Boca Raton is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Boca Raton is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Boca Raton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton and Atlantic City both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

Is Boca Raton or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Atlantic City. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Atlantic City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boca Raton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Boca Raton than Atlantic City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boca Raton that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the luxurious destination of Boca Raton. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With shopping and nightlife around the party-oriented city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the posh destination of Boca Raton. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Boca Raton. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Atlantic City, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Atlantic City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Atlantic City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Boca Raton or Atlantic City?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Atlantic City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Atlantic City. The summer months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In the summer, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the summer, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Atlantic City. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene.

In October, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during autumn. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City and Boca Raton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. Boca Raton is much warmer than Atlantic City in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the winter, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets less rain in January than Atlantic City. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Atlantic City. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Boca Raton is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during spring. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Boca Raton