While it lacks the glitz and glam of its Big Apple neighbor, New Jersey is worth your attention. With roughly 130 miles of coastline, dozens of world-class entertainment venues, and some of the best Italian restaurants in the U.S., there’s a lot to love about the Garden State — and that’s especially true when hosting your bachelor party there.
While New Jersey may not be among the more popular bachelor party destinations like Miami or Las Vegas, it’s got a lot of the same activities — casinos, beaches, and adult entertainment — for a fraction of the price. So, if you’re looking for budget-friendly bachelor party ideas without sacrificing fun, keep reading for a complete guide to New Jersey bachelor parties.
Choosing the perfect location is the first step in organizing a New Jersey bachelor party. With its lively casinos, historic boardwalk, and beautiful beaches, Atlantic City is a popular spot. However, locations such as Jersey City, Long Beach Island, and Hoboken also deserve a second look when planning the groom-to-be’s special event.
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from each.
Also known as AC, Monopoly City, or America’s Playground, Atlantic City is an obvious choice when planning a bachelor party in the Garden State. Some people even refer to it as the Las Vegas of the East Coast, thanks to its nine casinos. Not only do these betting houses offer slots, table games, and tournaments, but they’re also home to plenty of world-class restaurants and entertainment.
But despite what some may think, AC isn’t just about gambling. From the sandy beach and historic sites to beautiful women and tasty restaurants, there are all kinds of bachelor party activities to enjoy.
While Atlantic City holds the top spot for New Jersey bachelor parties, it’s far from being the only worthwhile destination in the state. Some other spots worth checking out include:
Once you’ve narrowed down your bachelor party destination, it’s time to start planning your activities. While we think New Jersey is full of worthwhile locations, we’re only focusing on Atlantic City for this section. Not only is it the most popular bachelor party city, but compared to the other cities we’ve mentioned, AC has the most activities to choose from.
With that in mind, here are our top picks. We’ve divided them into day and nighttime activities to help you better organize your weekend.
Enjoying a few hours at Atlantic City Beach is, without a doubt, the best way to spend your daylight hours in Monopoly City. Extending four miles along the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City Beach is the ideal spot to swim, lounge in the sand, or crack open some morning brewskis (hey, no judgment). If you want something a bit more intense, try a surfing lesson or rent a kayak.
After you’ve had your fill of the water, take a stroll along the famous Atlantic City boardwalk. Extending the length of the beach, this iconic landmark boasts all kinds of activities. There’s Steel Pier, an amusement park with 25 rides, and Boardwalk Hall, a 10,500-seat venue that hosts sporting events, concerts, and more. Feeling hungry? Head to one of the boardwalk’s top-rated restaurants for lunch. From Gordon Ramsey’s Pub & Grill to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, there’s no end to fantastic dining options.
Once you’ve waited the obligatory 30 minutes after eating, check out one of Atlantic City’s pool parties. We recommend Ocean Casino Resort’s HQ2 Beachclub, a happening spot that welcomes DJs like Steve Aoki, Diplo, and Tiësto. Golden Nugget’s H2O Pool is also worth a visit. This rooftop pool offers views of Atlantic City along with hot tubs, bottle service packages, and a full-service restaurant.
When the sun goes down in Atlantic City, the party heats up. Start your night with dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants. Some of our favorites include:
After dinner, Monopoly City is your oyster.
Try your luck at the casino or explore the city’s unique bars. Some of the best bachelor party bars include The Irish Pub (an authentic-looking taproom housed in a former speakeasy), Mountain Bar (a Wild West-themed saloon complete with a mechanical bull), and Toga Bar (a Roman-themed watering hole with affordable drink specials).
If you and your crew want something more risqué, head to one of AC’s premier adults-only entertainment venues. Bare Exposure is a local favorite thanks to its full-nude status and BYOB drinks policy. AC Dolls BYOB Gentlemen’s Club is another excellent venue thanks to its cheap cover charge and friendly dancers. Rounding out the list is Scores, a strip club with seven different entertainment spaces ranging from a sports bar to an outdoor deck.
Choosing a hotel in Atlantic City comes down to one question: How do you want to spend your time?
If your mind is set on the blackjack table, staying at one of the casino hotels makes the most sense. However, if the beach is more your scene, look for hotels along the boardwalk. Of course, you’ve got to consider your budget as well, but narrowing down a location makes selecting a hotel much easier.
Top casino hotels include:
Some of the top boardwalk hotels include:
The best man and other groomsmen usually cover the costs of the bachelor party. This includes expenses like meals, drinks, and activities.
The median cost for a bachelor party was $1,500 per person in 2022. This figure includes expenses such as travel, lodging, food and drinks, and activities. If this figure seems high or low, remember you control your bachelor party costs. Spend however much feels comfortable for you.
The final guest list for your bachelor party depends on how big of a send-off you want. If you want to keep things small, only invite members of the wedding party. For a bigger gathering, feel free to invite other friends and family members.
Whether you let loose in Atlantic City or chill out on Long Beach Island, New Jersey’s scenic beaches, lively nightlife, and delicious restaurants provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable bachelor party.
But choosing a destination is only the first step. Check out even more tips for the big event in our bachelor party planning guide.
