Since the legalization of casino gambling in the 1970's Atlantic City has grown to become one of the most popular travel destinations in the eastern United States. The major casino hotels regularly fill up on the weekends as thousands of gamblers make the short trip from the Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington, DC areas. Atlantic City doesn't have the enormous variety of Vegas, but it does have more than enough casinos, restaurants and shows to keep you busy for an extended weekend - plus it has the boardwalk!