20 Vintage Photos of Old Atlantic City

History April 11, 2025

Once sought out as a truly glamorous escape, Atlantic City was an unrivaled crown jewel of various American beach resorts during the early 20th century. It was most commonly known for its iconic boardwalk, sprawling hotels, and ever-bustling entertainment scene. The city drew upon vacationers who came in from all walks of life. We’ll take a look at a collection of 20 vintage photos that can capture just a bit of the charm, the style, and the overall spirit of Atlantic City’s golden era.

1. Atlantic City Beach on the Jersey Shore, circa 1905

A busy historical beach scene with people in vintage clothing relaxing on the sand. Some sit under umbrellas, others stroll along the shore. In the background, a pier extends into the ocean and old-style buildings line the coastline.
anamacorporate

Looks to be a lovely day to play at the beach.

2. Atlantic City, NJ in the 1920s

A crowded beach scene from the 1930s featuring people in vintage swimwear enjoying the shoreline. The bustling boardwalk is lined with tents and buildings in the background, under a sunny sky.
lamprey187

It was always a lovely day at the beach back in the Atlantic City of olden times.

3. The crowded beach of Atlantic City photographed in 1908

A crowded beach scene with people in early 20th-century swimwear. Some are sitting on the sand, others are wading in the sea. A woman with a parasol and people in vintage outfits are visible. A sailboat and waves can be seen in the background.
jocke75

People really got dressed up for the beach back in the day.

4. Atlantic City, New Jersey, circa 1905

A vintage photo shows a woman pushing a baby in a stroller along a boardwalk. The stroller has a canopy, and the baby wears a large hat. Several people walk in the background near old-style buildings.
historicalsnapshots

Getting around in impeccable style.

5. A day on the beach in Atlantic City (New Jersey) circa 1904

People relax on a beach wearing vintage swimsuits and dresses. Wooden cabanas line the sandy shore, providing shade. Two men stand, talking to children. The scene captures a historical seaside gathering under a partly cloudy sky.
anamarcorporate

People were really on top of the whole not getting sunburnt thing.

6. Five lovely sunbathers strolling down Kentucky Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ, 1950

Five women in swimsuits and jackets walk arm-in-arm down a street, smiling. Behind them, vintage cars and buildings, including signs for a hotel and the Emerald, are visible. The setting suggests a lively, casual summertime atmosphere.
hooverdays

Looking ready for a lovely day at the beach.

7. Beach Crowd at Atlantic City, N.J. in 1910

A crowded beach scene from the early 20th century shows people in vintage swimwear. Many are smiling and waving at the camera. In the background, there's a large building with the word "Vaudeville" visible, and a crowded pier extends into the ocean.
morganmonroe81

That beach really got packed back in the day.

8. A wondrous beach scene in Atlantic City back in the ’40s

A crowded beach scene from the past, with many people sunbathing and relaxing on the sand. In the background, a row of buildings including a Coca-Cola sign is visible. The atmosphere suggests a warm, sunny day.
otherwisetackle8190

You can just feel the summer heat radiating through this shot.

9. Atlantic City Beach, on the New Jersey shore, circa 1908

A bustling early 20th-century beach scene with people in vintage clothing enjoying the shore. A pier extends into the sea in the background, while beachgoers relax, stroll, and play in the sand under a partly cloudy sky.
anamarcorpoate

Folks really loved their days of leisure out in Atlantic City.

10. 1964, Horse Diving in Atlantic City, New Jersey

A horse with "LBJ" painted on its side and a rider in a red, white, and blue outfit dives into a water tank from a platform. It's a cloudy day with boats and the sea in the background.
morganmonroe81

The fact that horse diving is a thing is already fascinating enough as it is.

11. A stunning shot of Atlantic Beach in the early 20th century

A historic black-and-white photo of a large, elaborate beachfront hotel with multiple towers. Crowds of people are enjoying the waves near the shore.
nickelplatedempire

Everyone is out there catching nothing but good vibes.

12. People enjoying a warm day in Atlantic City, New Jersey, 1916

A group of people in vintage swimsuits wade and play in the ocean near a busy beach and boardwalk, featuring large historic buildings in the background. The scene captures a lively beach day from the early 20th century.
deleted

That water must’ve been ice cold, and just a tad bit dirty.

13. Atlantic City Boardwalk 1920: A walk along the wooden boardwalk with more history

A bustling boardwalk and beach scene with a large crowd of people on the boardwalk. Various shops and signs, including "Heinz's" and "Luden's Cough Drops," line the left. The sandy beach and ocean are visible to the right.
anamarcorporate

Love all of the colors in this shot.

14. 1915 Atlantic City and Steel Pier, New Jersey

People enjoy a day at the beach near a pier with a large building. Some are in the water, others walk on the shore. Two boys stand beside a small boat. The scene has a vintage feel with early 20th-century attire.
deleted

It was always a fun day when you were able to take the boat out.

15. Boardwalk benches with shade, Atlantic City, New Jersey, 1978

A group of elderly people sit on blue benches under a canopy, attentively watching something. The natural light filters in from the sides. Most wear sunglasses, and a few have hats, creating a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
axlcobainvedder

Everyone looks like they’re posted up for the long haul.

16. Another vivid snapshot of Atlantic City during WWI

A historic black-and-white photo of people walking along a boardwalk. Prominent buildings feature signs, including one that reads "Food will win the war. Don't waste it!" People are dressed in early 20th-century attire.
rpiles

The wartime era out in Atlantic City was a difficult time, to say the very least.

17. A man taking a photograph of people on the beach of Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1912

A vintage scene on a beach shows a photographer using an old-fashioned camera covered with cloth. Men and women in early 20th-century swimwear stand by, some on a donkey. The setting is busy with spectators and historic buildings in the background.
jocke75

Because who doesn’t love having a donkey out at the beach?

18. Atlantic City, NJ in 1961

Three women in vintage summer attire and headscarves stand on a boardwalk. They carry handbags and smile at the camera. Behind them are shops and signs, including one for Planters Peanuts. The scene is lively with other people and buildings in view.
deleted

The fits were just all-around on point back in the day.

19. You already know those pork rolls were the real deal

A retro diner scene with a crowd of people, signs advertising "Frankfurters 10¢" and "Grilled Pork Roll," and a Coca-Cola logo. A server in a white uniform is in the foreground, with an ice cream machine and food trays nearby.
anonymous

Pork rolls at the beach are a true recipe for success.

20. Atlantic City all the way back in 1959

A boy and two women stand on a boardwalk rail, overlooking a crowded beach. People relax on the sand and under umbrellas. Buildings are visible in the background under a clear sky. The scene has a vintage, mid-20th-century feel.
deleted

Just taking in all of those Atlantic City beach sights.

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