atlantic city sports and recreation

Atlantic City Sports and RecreationBefore gambling came to this resort, it was the sun, ocean breezes and breakers washing the wide sand beach that made Atlantic City a leading playground. Popular as early as the 19th century, the beach is still a major attraction. Because there is less undertow than at other beach areas, swimming is particularly good. Surfing is permitted at Crystal Beach at New Hampshire Avenue; the Delaware Avenue beach; and the Downtown Beach at Raleigh Avenue. The beaches at South Carolina and Albany avenues have facilities that are accessible to the physically impaired. Lifeguards are on duty July 1-Labor Day (and at some beaches Memorial Day-June 30 and day after Labor Day- Sept. 30).

Fishing is as close as the ocean or inlet. Surf or pier fishing brings in striped bass, flounder, tautog and snapper blues; the inlet also yields croakers and crabs. Farther out, such fighters as marlin, tuna and bonito can be caught. In general, the summer months see the heaviest runs of most species.

Boating can be for fun as well as for fishing; the Thorofares—the network of waterways that separates Absecon and other islets from the mainland—provide a different perspective from which to view the city. Rental crafts ranging from one-person day sailers to six-person powerboats are available.

Bicycling is a popular pastime, particularly along the Boardwalk. Bicycle rentals, available from about 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., can be found along the length of the Great Wood Way.

Golf courses can be found all around the Atlantic City area. Public golf courses, all with 18 holes, include Atlantic City Country Club, 1 Leo Fraser Dr., Northfield; Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, 550 Country Club Dr., Egg Harbor City; Harbor Pines Golf Club, 500 Saint Andrews Dr., Egg Harbor Township; Brigantine Beach Golf Links, 1075 North Shore Dr., Brigantine; Seaview Golf Resort and Spa (both the Bay and Pines courses), 401 S. New York Rd., Absecon; and Twisted Dune Golf Club, 2101 Ocean Heights Ave., Egg Harbor Township.

Some large hotels provide facilities for racquetball, squash or tennis. Public tennis courts are at 400 N. Jerome Ave. in Margate City and at S. Suffolk and Atlantic avenues in Ventnor.