Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina sits right in the heart of Atlantic City, offering a surprising pocket of waterfront calm just blocks from the famous Boardwalk. Named after the longtime New Jersey state senator who shaped Atlantic City’s mid-century identity, this state park serves as both a working marina and a gateway to the coastal waterways of southern New Jersey.

The marina’s location on the bay side of Absecon Island gives visitors a completely different perspective of Atlantic City — one defined by tidal marshes, wading birds, and wide-open views across the Intracoastal Waterway rather than casino lights. Boaters use Farley as a launch point for fishing trips targeting striped bass, flounder, and bluefish in the back bays and nearshore Atlantic waters. The docks accommodate vessels of various sizes, making it a practical stop for anyone cruising the Jersey Shore by water.

Beyond boating, the park grounds are worth a visit on foot. Walking paths along the waterfront provide excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly during spring and fall migrations when shorebirds and raptors move through the region in large numbers. The sunsets over the bay from this vantage point are genuinely stunning.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when the marina is fully operational and Atlantic City’s coastal weather is at its warmest. Whether you’re launching a boat, casting a line from the dock, or simply looking for a quieter side of Atlantic City, Farley State Marina delivers an authentically Jersey Shore experience without the crowds.

Explore Nearby

• Tucker’s Beach Light — Lighthouse in New Jersey
• Absecon Light — Lighthouse in New Jersey
• Scarborough Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina
• Thomas Mill Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Stacy Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri