Atlantic City, the East Coast's version of Vegas, is more Jersey, less pricey (if you can say that about a gambling hot spot), and right on the beach. Flirt with Lady Luck at the poker tables, take your turn at the slot machines, look for the poufy-haired hottie of your dreams on the beach, or maybe bump into Jersey Shore 's Mike "The Situation" on the boardwalk. Though AC's bright neon lights used to center on the boardwalk, the marina's also starting to get built up. In the past ten years, classic names like Harrah's and Caesars Palace have seen stiff competition from luxe newcomers Trump Towers and the Borgata.

The greatest thing about AC as far as New Yorkers and New Jerseyites are concerned is that it's near enough to gamble all night and drive back the next day. Or, take the new Atlantic City Express Service train (ACES… ya get it?), which services NYC/Newark/AC Friday through Sunday. It's a quick and comfy 2.5-hour trip that costs approximately $40 per person—less if there's a special.