Best places to party in Atlantic City

Early birds

The summer lineup at HQ Beach Club is filled with top DJs.
Credit: Hakkasan Group

At Revel, there’s no need to wait until sundown for the nightlife experience. Those who want to get the party started early can head to HQ Beach Club, a pool club that opens before noon. Expect a lot more than beach chairs and pina coladas: This is a full-on packed club with big-name international DJs. Headlining DJs tend to go on mid-afternoon.
500 Boardwalk, 609-345-2211, www.revelresorts.com

Night owls

End your Saturday nights at the Tropicana. The intimate after-hours party is at Vamp Room in Anthem Lounge. By “after-hours,” we mean it kicks off at 3 a.m. The smaller setting lends itself well to bottle service, for all you high rollers.
2801 Pacific Ave., 609-576-5206, www.anthemlounge.com

Cowboys

The Mountain Bar at Bally’s is a refreshing twist on the typical shore scene, and it’s especially great for beachgoers on a budget: no cover and the prices are always at happy hour level, so head to this honky tonk if you’re looking for boardwalk nightlife that’s a little more casual. Don’t worry, you’ll still get live music and DJs on the weekends, plus dancing cowgirls on the bar and a mechanical bull.
1900 Pacific Ave., 609-340-2000, www.ballysac.com

Swimmers

Party in style at Harrah’s Pool After Dark. Credit: Tom Briglia /PhotoGraphics for CET

There’s no shortage of places to take a dip in AC, but a nighttime pool party puts a new spin on diving in (just don’t drink and dive). Under the enormous glass dome at Harrah’sPool After Dark. you’ll find an indoor pool/club and, on the right night, resident DJ Paul DelVecchio, better known as Pauly D of “The Jersey Shore.”
777 Harrah’s Blvd., 609-441-5585, www.thepoolafterdark.com