Then and Now, How Atlantic City Has Transformed Over the Decades

beach boys
Atlantic City: Then and NowHulton Archive - Getty Images
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Atlantic City is known for its beaches, the infamous Boardwalk, upscale resorts like the Borgata, restaurants, live entertainment and nightlife that goes until morning. Located in South Jersey, it’s a weekend escape for those in Manhattan, the suburbs, and Philadelphia. You don’t have to get on an airplane to hit the casinos.

History was made from Miss America Pageants to Mike Tyson matches at the Convention Hall. From full length bathing suits to the advertisements on the boardwalk, each decade captures a moment of time that was lived in this city. Here’s how this New Jersey staple has transformed over the years…

1922

Easter Sunday brought well-dressed crowds to the boardwalk after church service.

aerial view of crowds on a boardwalk
Bettmann - Getty Images

1922

Bathing suits from a century ago do not look how they do today. Two young women were seen walking toward the beach in their head to toe swimsuits made of silk.

bathing suit clad women
Bettmann - Getty Images

1935

A jazz ensemble in the ocean? With instruments in hand, members of Vincent Lopez’s jazz band were seen putting on a show for beach-goers.

beach boys
Hulton Archive - Getty Images

1938

Atlantic city was home to the beloved Miss America Pageant. A billboard announced the final judging selection for the competition.

atlantic city boardwalk
George Enell - Getty Images

1960

Tropicana Motel was the place to be. Hotel guests were seen sunbathing and socializing on a Summer day.

sunbathing at the tropicana motel
Aladdin Color Inc - Getty Images

1969

With signs that read “All women are beautiful,” a crowd was seen on the Atlantic City Boardwalk protesting the Miss America Pageant.

woman or object
Santi Visalli Inc. - Getty Images

1972

Miss America Pageant contestants were seen smiling and laughing by the pool as they anxiously awaited to see who was crowned the winner.

1972 miss america contestants
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1975

Tourists were seen enjoying the day on the Boardwalk. Advertisements such as Coca Cola and a computer printer capture the time period.

atlantic city boardwalk
Smith Collection/Gado - Getty Images

1988

Known for hosting infamous boxing matches, Mike Tyson was seen walking to his corner after knocking out Michael Spinks.

ref frank capuccino waves mike tyson away
Bettmann - Getty Images

1988

It was common to spot public figures ring-side at the Convention Hall. Donald Trump and Oprah Winfrey were seen in the crowd of the Tyson vs Spinks match.

donald trump in atlantic city
Jeffrey Asher - Getty Images

1990

Atlantic City boasts popular beaches. Beach sunshades were seen lining the sand for guests to have a relaxing day outside.

boardwalk, atlantic city
Alfred Gescheidt - Getty Images

1990

The casino in the Taj Mahal by Donald Trump was once a staple to Atlantic City nightlife, but the property closed in 2016.

taj mahal,the casino owned by donald trump in atlantic city,usa
Mirrorpix - Getty Images

1992

The Taj Mahal was known for its extravagant decor, including a giant ceramic elephant to greet guests.

trump taj mahal
Leif Skoogfors - Getty Images

2008

The Boardwalk was used to shoot promo for The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s very first season. Castmates included Jersey natives Jacqueline Laurita, Teresa Giudice, Danielle Staub, Dina Manzo and Caroline Manzo.

the real housewives of new jersey
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2019

The Borgata remains one of the top destinations today for accommodations and nightlife including the casino, shows and more.

trump hotel and casinos face stiff competition in atlantic city
Craig Allen - Getty Images

2020

Like the rest of the country, Atlantic City was shut down including all casinos, restaurants, bars and beaches to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

atlantic city economy hit hard by closures during coronavirus pandemic
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2020

Push-carts were used back in the 1930s on the Boardwalk and still are today.

re opening continues across densely populated new york and new jersey areas
Alexi Rosenfeld - Getty Images

2020

With new beach rules including staying “6 feet apart”, New Jersey residents returned to the beach as businesses began to reopen.

re opening continues across densely populated new york and new jersey areas
Alexi Rosenfeld - Getty Images

2021

With live music every weekend and new restaurants, the Borgata is the upscale option for guests when visiting Atlantic City. The lobby and casino areas are adorned with hanging glass sculptures by well-known artist Chihuly.

new casino in atlantic city hopes to draw younger crowd
Spencer Platt - Getty Images

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