Our recent research for a project in Atlantic City, New Jersey revealed some exciting new hospitality-related developments happening in the area. These developments will have an impact on tourism, employment, and the general economy in New Jersey and the surrounding areas in 2025 and beyond.
- The Island Waterpark at Showboat has made a splash in Atlantic City. The new attraction, which opened at Atlantic City’s Showboat Hotel in July of 2023, features a stunning 100,000 square feet of indoor waterpark space and represents a total investment of around $100 million, making it one of the largest-ever non-gaming developments in Atlantic City history. In January 2025, the Showboat received a $4.2 million state revitalization grant to support an expansion of its family entertainment center, creating a larger arcade, a ten-lane bowling alley, food and beverage outlets, and a children’s play area with private party rooms.
The Jersey Shore is getting a major facelift. A sweeping beach replenishment project led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is now underway, targeting key stretches in and around Atlantic City. Backed by more than $92 million in federal funding, the project will combat beach erosion and restore the shoreline, creating wider, more inviting beaches just in time for the 2025 summer season and elevating the experience for visitors for years to come.
A new vibe is coming to the Boardwalk. In summer 2025, Resorts Casino Hotel will debut an outdoor entertainment stage at LandShark Bar & Grill, perfectly timed with the refreshed beachfront. With a tiki bar, dance floor, and breezy Margaritaville-inspired atmosphere, this new hotspot will be a must-visit destination for live music and oceanfront fun.
The Atlantic City Aquarium is back and better than ever. After a five-year closure and a sweeping renovation, the Atlantic City Aquarium officially reopened in March 2025. Nestled in the Gardner’s Basin district, the revitalized facility features 25,000 gallons of aquatic exhibits, including mesmerizing jellyfish, vibrant coral reefs, graceful manta rays, and even loggerhead sea turtles. It’s once again a family-friendly anchor in Atlantic City’s growing roster of attractions.
Steel Pier is amping up the thrills. Fresh off the 2024 launch of the Spinning Wild Mouse coaster—with its hairpin turns, sudden drops, and 360-degree spinning cars—Steel Pier Amusement Park is set to unveil the Sky Rocket II in 2025. This high-octane ride will soar 150 feet into the air and blast riders at speeds topping 60 mph, adding even more adrenaline to Atlantic City’s iconic seaside skyline.
A game-changing industrial development is on the horizon. Plans are moving forward for a 3.5-million-square-foot industrial campus on a 400-acre site adjacent to Atlantic City International Airport. Spearheaded by Los Angeles-based Industrial Realty Group under a ground lease with the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the $350 million project is being marketed to tenants and could take 5 to 10 years to fully develop. If realized, it would drive significant economic growth, boost activity at the airport, and further diversify Atlantic City’s economy beyond tourism.
