Summer Fun & Food at Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City

Ocean Casino Resort isn’t just another casino. Step past the gaming floor and you’ll find Stephen Starr restaurants, ocean view suites, a private pool oasis, immersive mini golf, and a summer packed with reasons to visit. Here’s why Ocean should be your next getaway.

Ocean Casino Resort at a Glance

Summertime at Ocean Casino Resort

After falling in love with Ocean Casino Resort during the holidays last winter, we couldn’t wait to see what summer would bring. We’ve now returned multiple times, and Ocean in summertime continues to exceed every expectation.

Most visitors to Atlantic City focus on the casino floor, but Ocean proves itself as a true resort destination first. Planning a day in the city before heading down? Check out our guide to fun things to do in Philadelphia for couples.

Where winter brought cozy Holiday Social Suites and festive Jingle Bell Bar cocktails, summer offers something entirely different: Stephen Starr’s acclaimed restaurants, elevated poolside cabanas with ocean views, a brand new mini golf and bar experience, and a relaxed beachside vibe. Ocean provides a resort experience that leaves gaming as an afterthought rather than the main event.

Our Studio Suite: 29 Floors Above It All

Our corner Studio Suite on the 29th floor gave us front-row seats to Atlantic City. Floor-to-ceiling windows opened up sweeping views of the ocean, Steel Pier with its Ferris wheel, the inlet filled with boats, and the boardwalk below where people strolled day and night. From sunrise to sunset, the scene outside never stopped changing and quickly became our favorite part of the stay.

The suite itself felt like a true retreat. It was spacious and bright, with power shades when we wanted to unwind. A cozy couch gave us another spot to sit back and enjoy the views and the mini fridge was great for leftovers.

The king bed was super comfortable, the room was clean and fresh, and the shower was one of the best we have ever experienced. Large enough for two, with jets from the top and sides, perfect water pressure, and intuitive temperature controls, this was the Holy Grail of hotel showers. After days in the sun and salt air, stepping into this shower felt like visiting a spa.

Each morning we enjoyed coffee from the in-room Keurig while watching the sun come up over the water. In the evenings, sunset was just as spectacular.

I especially loved stretching out on the bed after those showers, sipping coffee, watching TV, and still catching glimpses of the Ferris wheel turning, boats passing through the inlet, and the lively boardwalk below.

This corner suite provided everything we wanted: comfort, style, and amazing summertime views.

💡 Tip: Corner Studio Suites on higher floors are worth the upgrade. The views of the ocean, Steel Pier, and the inlet are stunning and the rooms are very quiet up there. New this summer: Ocean offers ShoreShot IV, a concierge-style in-room IV drip wellness service for guests who want to recharge between pool days and dinners. There’s also a new After Sun, Before Fun Package that includes a 50-minute Exhale Spa treatment, in-room wellness delivery, and ShoreShot IV service — perfect for transitioning from a day at HQ2 Beachclub to an evening at the restaurants.

The Cabanas at Ocean Casino Resort Are Worth It

Ocean Casino Resort has completely reimagined the experience with its adults-only pool deck, offering a serene, elevated escape that feels worlds away from the main pool and beach.

No kids. No rowdy parties. Just calm vibes, ocean breezes, and a view that stretches endlessly across the Atlantic.

We spent the day bouncing between a daybed and a cabana, and honestly, both were incredible in their own way. The daybeds are comfortable for soaking up the sun, sipping cocktails, and watching the coastline shimmer. But the cabana is seriously next level.

The cabanas feel like your own private retreat. Think plush seating, shade when you need it, a TV, dining area, and a mini fridge stocked with complimentary water and soda to keep you refreshed. It’s quiet, intimate, and the views are unreal. Parasailers drift by at eye level, helicopter tours cruise the shoreline, and the iconic Steel Pier rides spin in the background.

Located away from the main pool area, the cabana zone has its own exclusive pools and a jacuzzi, reserved just for cabana and daybed guests. It’s like a VIP hideaway within the resort, and it never feels crowded or chaotic. Just mellow groups enjoying their own slice of paradise.

Service here is top-tier too. Our server kept the frozen cocktails flowing poolside all afternoon. We were in full vacation mode.

And if you really want to treat yourself, you can even book a massage right in your cabana. Exhale Spa & Bathhouse offers a few different styles. There’s nothing quite like a deep tissue massage with the ocean breeze rolling in.

The Cabanas at Ocean are open daily, with food and cocktail service running throughout the afternoon. You can book online, and everything is designed for guests 21 and over. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, the drinks stay cold, and the only thing on your to-do list is to relax.

💡 Tip: Pool season runs late May through September. Cabanas book up 1 to 2 weeks ahead for summer weekends. Daybeds are first come, first served.

America’s Birthday Bar: Celebrating America’s 250th

Ocean Casino Resort knows how to throw a party. Last summer’s Lucky Summer of Sevens, a celebration of the resort’s seventh birthday complete with fireworks, special dining events, and over $7 million in prizes, set the bar high. This summer, they’ve gone even bigger.

For 2026, the pop-up at 1927 Lounge will transform into America’s Birthday Bar, an immersive Americana-inspired experience celebrating the country’s 250th birthday. The décor is festive and photo-ready, and the cocktail menu is genuinely impressive. Highlights include the Blueberry Bluecoat Smash, crafted in partnership with Philadelphia Distilling, and the Liberty Bell from Little Water Distillery, two specialty drinks that feel as local as they are celebratory.

The kickoff event on June 26 features live broadcasts from 93.3 WMMR’s Brent Porche, appearances by historical figures, colonial drummers, complimentary mini cheesesteaks, and interactive photo moments throughout the evening. The first 76 guests received a limited-edition Yuengling America’s 250th Lager can, plus a chance to win overnight stays and dining experiences. The Instagram opportunities are everywhere. Go take full advantage!

Water Ice Festival: Ocean’s Coolest New Summer Event

One of the most exciting additions to Ocean’s 2026 summer lineup is the first annual Water Ice Festival, happening at The Park on Saturday, July 18 from 2PM to 5PM.

Inspired by the iconic summer treat made famous in South Philadelphia, and with Philadelphia taking center stage this summer for America’s 250th birthday, Ocean is bringing the flavor to the Jersey Shore in a big way. This family-friendly, ticketed event brings together water ice vendors from across the region for unlimited tastings, a flavor competition hosted by everyone’s favorite Aunt Mary Pat, face painting, caricatures, and fun photo moments.

Confirmed vendors include fan favorites like John’s Water Ice and Philadelphia Water Ice Factory from Philly, South Philly Ice, Primo Water Ice from Cherry Hill, Fusco’s Water Ice & Ice Cream from Wilmington, Rosati Ice, Uncle Louie G’s from Staten Island, Diane’s Italian Water Ices, and many more. The event is proudly presented with support from Wooder Ice, Philadelphia Magazine, Q102, and Wawa.

Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar: Atlantic City’s Most Fun New Venue

One of the most talked-about new additions at Ocean is Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar, and after playing a round ourselves, we can confirm the hype is completely deserved. This multi-million-dollar entertainment venue spans 8,000 square feet across two stories and uses the same immersive hologram technology found at The Sphere in Las Vegas. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a 12-foot Great White Shark hologram towering over the main bar. It’s the kind of jaw-dropping entrance that sets the tone for everything that follows.

The course features two 9-hole layouts so you can play a full 18 or just pop in for a quick nine. Every hole is creative and surprising, and the bar is right there when you need a drink between holes. Our personal favorite was the bowling pin hole, where you aim your putt straight down a mini lane into a full rack of glowing pins. The whole place glows with neon and blacklight, and the energy is infectious.

If you’re short on time, you can also step up to the Challenge Hole for a chance to win cash, drinks, or even a hotel room. Whether you’re with a group of friends, on a date night, or just looking for something to do between pool and dinner, Ocean’s 18 is a no-brainer. It’s fun for all ages and unlike anything else in Atlantic City right now.

Summer Dining at Ocean Casino Resort

Dining at Ocean Casino Resort is one of the strongest reasons to visit. Award-winning chefs prepare international dishes across both upscale and casual venues, and there is something to satisfy every craving at every price point.

Guests can savor Chef José Garcés’ Spanish tapas at Amada, enjoy late-night sushi at Zhen Bang, indulge in gastropub fare at Villain & Saint, or experience fine dining at Linguini By The Sea. And with Stephen Starr’s Chez Frites and Sunny’s now firmly established, plus the arrival of LaScala’s Fire, the dining program at Ocean keeps getting better.

Stephen Starr at Ocean

Two of Ocean’s most celebrated restaurants come from James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr: Chez Frites, which delivers stripped-down contemporary French flair with traditional steak and frites, and Sunny’s, offering sundrenched American breakfast and brunch. Starr grew up coming to Atlantic City, worked the boardwalk as a kid, and you can feel that personal connection in these restaurants.

Chez Frites: Paris on the Jersey Shore

We dined at Chez Frites on our first night. Walking in, the vintage French cinema posters covering the walls immediately set the mood. The bar area buzzed with couples sipping cocktails and we were seated in a burgundy leather booth that felt like it belonged in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Starr drew inspiration from traditional Parisian entrecôte restaurants where you could eat well and affordably, and he has brought that exact concept to Ocean.

Our server Jacob provided outstanding service with excellent recommendations. Chez Frites quickly became our favorite meal of the trip. We visited Paris for our anniversary and had steak frites and moules-frites there, and this experience transported us straight back to those French bistros.

We started with the Brie en Croûte, baked brie wrapped in puff pastry with seasonal jam and fresh berries. It’s rich and elegant and the perfect thing to share over a glass of wine while you decide on your main.

The French Onion Soup is one we’d order on every visit. It arrives in a classic white crock with a cheese pull that stops the table, bubbling and golden on top, rich and savory all the way through. It’s exactly what you want from a Parisian bistro, and it completely delivers.

New this season: The Surf & Turf Special ($99) is the most indulgent way to do Chez Frites, and we loved every bite. It starts with a glass of bubbles and a mixed greens salad, then arrives as a Prime NY Strip paired with a South African Lobster Tail, plus unlimited hand-cut fries of course. You finish with your choice of Crème Brûlée or Dark Valrhona Chocolate Mousse. I saved my glass of bubbles for the end and sipped it alongside the chocolate mousse, and honestly that might have been the best decision of the entire trip. Bubbles and dark chocolate after a surf and turf dinner is a combination we will be repeating. The steak arrived with an expertly grilled char and we requested a side of béarnaise sauce. The lobster, a large South African tail, was tender and sweet. Its flavor was close to Maine lobster, a little firmer, and nearly twice the size. It was served with drawn butter and chimichurri. We wanted to order another.

Also new on the menu: the Cheeseburger Royale. Double smash patties, American cheese, onions, pickles, and special sauce, served with unlimited fries and your choice of béarnaise, peppercorn, or chimichurri. We paired it with a Pinot Noir, and something about ordering a smash burger in a French bistro with a glass of red wine just works. It felt both fancy and completely unpretentious at the same time, which is exactly what Chez Frites is all about.

But let’s not forget the frites.

Golden, crispy, perfectly salted, and unlimited. Our server Jacob mentioned people average two servings. We hit three without shame. They arrive hot, and just when you think you’re done, Jacob appears with “Would you like more fries?” Yes. Always yes.

Dessert was Profiteroles, three choux pastries filled with vanilla ice cream. Jacob brought a small pitcher of warm chocolate sauce to pour over them for a dramatic presentation. The Dark Valrhona Chocolate Mousse arrives in a beautiful coupe glass, silky and deeply chocolatey, topped with whipped cream and chocolate pearls alongside a glass of bubbles. Both were exceptional endings to a meal that captured authentic Parisian bistro magic.

We stayed for nightcaps at the bar, not ready for the evening to end. The bartender made us New York Sours with egg white foam floating on top, a red wine float creating a beautiful sunset effect in the glass. The bar became our regular evening spot for the rest of the weekend.

Sunny’s: Breakfast & Brunch in Atlantic City

On our first morning, we headed to Sunny’s at 11 a.m. for brunch. Stephen Starr created the concept after sitting in the resort, looking out at the ocean, and thinking “sunshine.” That is exactly what you get. Eleven floors up, the space glows with morning light.

Coffee comes in bright yellow mugs. It’s a small touch, but it instantly makes the experience feel happier.

We started with the Lobster Roll, overflowing with large chunks of lobster lightly dressed in lemon mayo on a buttery toasted Portuguese roll. This is what summer tastes like. The Maryland Crab Cake followed, all jumbo lump with almost no filler, pan-seared golden and served with remoulade.

Then came The Elvis. This double-stack French toast is piled with peanut butter whipped cream, maple caramel sauce, sliced bananas, and bacon bits. It all works without being overwhelming. The peanut butter cream and French toast are lighter than you expect, while the banana, bacon, and maple pull it together. We love dessert for breakfast, and this one is fit for The King.

We returned the next morning for simpler options. The Two Eggs Any Style came with crispy potatoes and bacon that started the day off right. The Matzo Ball Soup surprised us on a summer morning, but those tender matzo balls in rich chicken broth with fresh dill proved comfort food has no set time or season.

Their already famous Monkey Bread also needed to happen. These warm, soft pillows came topped with cinnamon butter and served with icing for dipping. Fun to share and even better with coffee.

Sunny’s cocktails are just as memorable. The Spa Day blends Hendrick’s, aloe, cucumber, and mint into something that tastes like self-care, while the Tequila Sunrise Mimosa brings vacation vibes to any morning.

LaScala’s Fire: Classic Italian American, Reimagined

One of the best surprises of this summer’s visit was LaScala’s Fire, tucked on the casino level in the back near The District food court, right next to Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf. Easy to walk past if you don’t know it’s there. Seek it out. We ate lunch there twice in one weekend, which says everything you need to know.

From the moment you walk in, the staff makes you feel like family. Manager Betty sets the tone for the whole place and everyone on the team follows her lead. You are greeted warmly, looked after throughout, and sent off like you’re a regular even on your first visit. The atmosphere is fun and laid-back — the place where you settle in, lose track of time, and end up ordering one more round. Everything is made fresh daily, and the menu reads like a greatest hits of Italian American cooking, reimagined with real care.

We went straight for the sushi on both visits, which we know sounds like an odd move at an Italian restaurant. Trust us on this one.

The Crispy Rice Squares with spicy salmon are beautifully executed and we are still talking about them. The rolls are huge and incredibly fresh. The poke bowl is generous enough for two. We would go back to LaScala’s for the sushi and drinks alone, and we mean that.

On the Italian side, the Italian Egg Rolls with roasted pork, sharp provolone, broccoli rabe, and Calabrian chili sauce are crispy, savory, and completely addictive. Alicia’s Meatball & Italian Salad is a meal unto itself, an extra-large meatball with ricotta and famous tomato sauce nestled over romaine, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

The Baked Lasagna is pure comfort. Meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and their famous tomato sauce, layered perfectly and served bubbling hot. The kind of dish that grandmom would approve of.

The Spicy Chicken Cutlet Rigatoni with burrata, LaScala’s hot honey, and vodka cream sauce was one of the best pasta dishes we had all weekend. Rich, spicy, and utterly satisfying. The Fig & Smoked Prosciutto pizza with fig jam, basil pesto, and crumbled gorgonzola is equally good. The sweet and savory balance is just right.

At the bar, bartender Vickie knows her stuff. She makes excellent cocktails and is great company while you’re deciding what to order next. LaScala’s also does a special whisky experience where you choose your Macallan expression, from the 25 Year to the Harmony Collection and beyond, and it’s served over a beautifully carved ice sphere in a rocks glass.

For dessert, the LaScala Cookie Skillet, David’s Chocolate Chip Cookies and Brownies baked to order with caramel syrup, shaved chocolate, and vanilla ice cream, is a must. And you cannot leave without an Espresso Martini. Vanilla vodka, fresh-brewed Italian espresso, and Kahlúa. Silky, bold, and the perfect way to cap a meal.

See also

LaScala’s is hidden in plain sight, and that makes finding it feel like a reward. Don’t miss it.

Amada by Chef José Garcés

On our last night, we dined at Amada, Chef José Garcés’ Spanish masterpiece. The ocean views from the dining room are striking, especially at sunset.

We began with the new crisped pork belly with chicharrones, a deeply savory, beautifully presented tapa that set the tone for the entire meal. The pork belly is tender and rich, the chicharron adds crunch, and the pickled garnish cuts right through it. It’s a new addition to the menu and already a must-order.

The tapas portions were generous and easily shareable. The Piquillos Rellenos featured sweet roasted peppers stuffed with crab and topped with marcona almonds, delivering sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in harmony. The Albóndigas, lamb meatballs in sherry and foie gras cream, were as indulgent as they sound. We also loved the Coca de Costillas, beef short rib flatbread with horseradish cream, crispy bacon, and arugula, and the Amada Empanada with spinach and Manchego.

This time we made room for the Mariscos Paella, and we are so glad we did. The pan arrives loaded with lobster, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, and squid over deeply flavored saffron rice with smoked paprika aïoli. It takes time to prepare, as all authentic paella should, but every minute of the wait is worth it. On past visits we always ran out of room before ordering this one. Consider it non-negotiable going forward.

By the time the Tarta de Santiago arrived, an almond cake with white chocolate gelato and a bright amarena cherry, we were blissfully full.

Gaming, Entertainment, and Nightlife at Ocean Casino Resort

The casino at Ocean itself spans 135,000 square feet with modern design that feels more Vegas than old Atlantic City. We tried our luck with a few fun games, bouncing between slots and table games. The contemporary design with sweeping fabric installations and dynamic lighting creates an energetic atmosphere that makes gaming feel like part of the resort experience rather than the only focus. And if you’re an Ocean Rewards cardholder, summer 2026 brings over $10 million in giveaways, including a $1 Million Sweepstakes running June 25 through July 6.

We spent evenings starting with cocktails at the Chez Frites bar or lobby bar before hitting the casino floor. But honestly, between the restaurants, pool, and mini golf, the gaming felt almost optional.

Ovation Hall: World-Class Concerts Steps from the Beach

What surprised us most about Ocean is how complete the entertainment package is. Ovation Hall is a 4,500-seat concert venue right on property, and the Summer 2026 lineup is genuinely impressive. Diana Ross, Sebastian Maniscalco, Matt Rife, Lenny Kravitz, Dirty Heads and 311, John Fogerty and Steve Winwood, and Collective Soul are all on the calendar. The venue recently invested $1.5 million in a new Meyer Sound PANTHER system, and the sound quality shows. It’s an intimate setting for acts this size, and being able to walk from your suite to a world-class show and back again is something you appreciate in a way you don’t expect.

HQ2 Beachclub: Daylife and Nightlife by the Ocean

HQ2 Beachclub is Ocean’s outdoor daylife and nightlife destination, and it runs all summer long. Think poolside party vibes with globally recognized DJs on weekends. This summer’s HQ2 lineup includes Loud Luxury, Steve Aoki, Two Friends, and Fisher. Whether you want to spend an afternoon dancing by the water or stay into the night, HQ2 is the energy center of the property when the sun is out.

And on Friday nights throughout July, The Park lights up with a patriotic-themed drone show celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The colors and formations over the Atlantic are worth staying up for.

Summer vs. Winter at Ocean Casino Resort

Having experienced both seasons, Ocean masters seasonal transformation. Winter brought cozy Holiday Social Suites with hot cocoa stations and Christmas trees, the festive Jingle Bell Bar, comfort food at Harper’s, and warming cocktails by indoor firepits.

Summer brings a completely different energy. Sun-soaked pool days, Stephen Starr’s restaurants, a round of mini golf with a cocktail in hand, frozen drinks with ocean views, concerts at Ovation Hall, and that laid-back coastal atmosphere that makes Ocean feel like a true beach resort. If we had to recommend one season, summer wins for first-time visitors. But if you’ve already been in summer, winter is worth the trip for an entirely different experience. Looking for another Jersey Shore getaway? Check out our review of the Icona Avalon.

Is Ocean Casino Resort Worth Visiting?

Ocean Casino Resort has redefined what Atlantic City can be and is absolutely worth visiting. This isn’t just a casino with some restaurants attached. It’s a complete luxury resort that happens to have gaming if you want it.

The dining alone justifies the trip. Stephen Starr’s Chez Frites and Sunny’s, Chef Garcés’ Amada, and the irresistible LaScala’s Fire give you more great meals than a long weekend can handle. Add the elevated pool experience, Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar, the America’s Birthday Bar, and those stunning suite views, and you have a destination that rivals any East Coast beach resort.

Since we’re less than 90 minutes away in Wilmington, DE we keep coming back, and we’re already planning our next return before pool season ends in September.

Whether you’re here for the food, the pool, a mini golf date night, or just to escape reality for a weekend, Ocean consistently delivers more than you expect from Atlantic City. If you’re planning a Jersey Shore trip, check out our weekend getaways from Philadelphia guide for more ideas close to home.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit: Pool season runs through September. Weekdays offer easier restaurant reservations and more pool space. Summer 2026 events and the America’s Birthday Bar continue through the season.

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