The Downbeach Loop: Cycling from Atlantic City to Longport

The Ultimate Absecon Island Ride

The Downbeach Loop is the quintessential Atlantic City cycling experience — a ride that takes you from the bright lights of the casinos through the charming downbeach communities of Ventnor and Margate to the peaceful southern tip of Longport. It's a journey through the diverse character of Absecon Island, all on flat, bike-friendly terrain.

Route Overview

Distance: 12-14 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Estimated time: 1.5-2 hours with stops
Surface: Boardwalk and paved road

The Route

Start: Atlantic City Inlet or any point along the boardwalk

Outbound (boardwalk): Ride south along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, continuing onto the Ventnor and Margate boardwalks. The wooden planks give you continuous ocean views as you pass through each community. The boardwalk ends in Margate near Longport.

Longport tip: Continue to the very southern tip of Longport for a beautiful view of the ocean and the Great Egg Harbor Inlet. This is a great spot for a break and photos.

Return (Atlantic Avenue): Ride back north on Atlantic Avenue, which runs parallel to the boardwalk through Margate, Ventnor, and back to Atlantic City. The road has bike lanes in many sections and is smoother and faster than the boardwalk.

Points of Interest

• Steel Pier — Historic amusement pier in Atlantic City
• Gardner's Basin — Waterfront park and marina
• Ventnor City Hall — Charming downbeach architecture
• Lucy the Elephant — The famous 6-story elephant building in Margate
• Longport Point — The peaceful southern tip of the island

Best Time to Ride

The Downbeach Loop is great any time, but early morning offers the best experience — empty boardwalk, cool temperatures, and golden light. In the off-season (October-April), you can ride any time of day without worrying about crowds.

Where to Stop

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along Atlantic Avenue in Ventnor and Margate for a coffee or meal break. The boardwalk also has numerous food options in the Atlantic City section.

Plan This Ride

Use our route planner to customize this loop based on your starting location and desired distance. Need a bike? Check our bike shop guide for rentals.