Sometimes the same old love song signals comfort and contentment. Sometimes it suggests you’re in a rut. A romantic getaway to Atlantic City is an ideal way to change your tune. Though it’s generally known for partying, the city by the sea has a lot more to offer than boozin’ and blackjack. Any number of couple’s spa treatments being only the beginning.
Imagine getting cozy by a roof-top fire pit, turning up the heat in a cooking class, or even sailing off into the sunset. Here, our picks to help you write your own Atlantic City love song.
1. Surfin’ Safari
Can’t you just picture it? Frothy waves. Warm sun. Cool breeze. An adrenaline rush topped by loads of laughter as you run and fall and then finally (hopefully) catch that wave. Whether you’re beginners or hardcore surfers (or one of each), the pros at AC Surf School can teach you a thing or two. Go for the big kahuna with a full week camp ($500 per person), or have a little weekend fun, with two full days of surfing, plus a Saturday evening luau ($60 pp). acsurfschool.com
2. Empire State of Mind
Go for broke (without actually going broke). The “Escape to the Empire” package (from $126) at Caesars Atlantic City includes VIP treatment from check-in to a four-course dinner for two and admission to both the Qua Baths & Spa and DUSK Night Club. Plus, late check out means a little extra time to, um… sleep in. caesarsac.com
3. Up on the Roof
Whether you lounge poolside all day or just cozy up by the evening fire, the Golden Nugget’s rooftop H2O Pool + Bar lends a little swank to your romantic weekend. With just 12 daybeds (from $20 rentals) there is an air of exclusivity here. Or, spring for a cushy cabana (from $100). Note: The Golden Nugget “Love is in the Air” package (from $289) dressed things up even more, with a couples massage, private time in the Couples Suite jacuzzi, plus champagne, chocolates, and two complimentary bathrobes. goldennugget.com
4. Summer Breeze…
Sail off into the sunset (literally) with Summer Breeze Sailing Charters. The 34’ Catalina is oh-so-yar, and you can charter her for a half-day (three hours, $275), full-day (five hours, $500), or sunset ($360) sail with Captain Ken Westcoat, a sailing veteran who’ll share history, fun facts, and sailing tips while you watch for dolphins, turtles and more. summerbreezesailingcharters.com
5. Makin’ Whoopee (pies)
Turn up the heat by heading into the kitchen. Harrah’s Viking Cooking School, offers myriad cooking course options, from “Asian Invasion” to “Macarons and Whoopie Pies” (from $89 per person). You can learn to fry, flambe, and sizzle, and then you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. There are even “date night” classes, especially for couples (check the calendar for complete offerings). harrahsresort.com
6. Two to Tango
Get into the groove at Tango’s Lounge. The newly updated hotspot at the Tropicana is equal parts sophisticated and high-energy, featuring bespoke cocktails, live entertainment, and a rockin’ dance floor. tropicana.net
7. And All That Jazz
The Knife and Fork Inn may have started as a men’s club (women had to wait in the “ladies’ lounge”), but it’s all genders equal now at this romantic, historic spot that hearkens back to its Jazz-Age glory, with lush decor, restored original details, ocean views, and a decadent menu of surf (from $28), turf (from $30), and everything in between. Try the special Knife and Fork Dinner, which includes corn and crab chowder, Jersey tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad, plus lobster thermidor and a 6-oz. filet mignon ($58). knifeandforkinn.com
How to get there: Consult oM’s transit guide to AC.
For more ideas on fun things to do in Atlantic City, visit atlanticcitynj.com. Check out Atlantic City Getaways for up-the-minute deals and announcements about what’s new in town, like Margaritaville.
Photos: rowanb73, BOMBTWINZ, Harrah’s, Golden Nugget, Knife and Fork Inn
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram