The Steel Pier — An Atlantic City Icon That’s Still Going Strong
Hey Folks,
I stopped by Steel Pier this morning and caught up with my good friend Anthony Catanoso. Standing out there looking over the ocean reminded me just how special that place really is. If you’ve spent any time on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, chances are Steel Pier has been part of your story too.
Steel Pier first opened back in 1898, stretching about 1,000 feet out over the Atlantic Ocean. For decades it was known as the “Showplace of the Nation.” Big bands played there, some of the biggest names in entertainment performed there, and people came from all over the country just to experience it.
We’re talking legends like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and The Supremes. Back then the pier had multiple theaters, a ballroom, and attractions people traveled miles to see — including the famous diving horse act that many longtime locals still remember. If you were somebody in entertainment, chances are you eventually made your way to Steel Pier.
Like a lot of Atlantic City landmarks, the pier has had its ups and downs over the decades. Fires, storms, and changing times have reshaped it more than once. But the amazing thing is it never really disappeared. Just like Atlantic City itself, Steel Pier kept reinventing itself.
Today the pier is a full-on oceanfront amusement park with rides, games, food, helicopter tours, and one of the most unique views on the Boardwalk. The 227-foot-tall observation wheel offers 360° views of the coastline and city with 40 climate-controlled gondolas. It’s one of the best ways to see Atlantic City — whether it’s during the day looking down the shoreline or at night when the Boardwalk lights up.
And a big reason Steel Pier is thriving today is Anthony Catanoso and his brothers, who are partners in owning and operating the pier. They believed in the place and invested in bringing it back as a destination for both visitors and locals.
Anthony’s not just the owner to me — he’s a good friend. Over the years he’s been incredibly supportive. I remember riding the Boardwalk at sunrise and Anthony letting me sit all the way out at the end of the pier on the helicopter launching pad. I’d set up there with my camera capturing the sunrise over the ocean. Those quiet early mornings out there are something special.
And honestly… I think it might be time to start doing that again.
What a lot of people don’t realize today is Steel Pier has also become a great place to host events and celebrations. From weddings to 50th birthday parties, family celebrations, and kids’ birthdays, it’s turned into a really unique destination spot. Imagine celebrating with the Atlantic Ocean all around you and the Boardwalk lights in the background — pretty hard to beat that.
So next time you’re walking the Boardwalk, take the walk out there. Ride the wheel, watch the helicopters take off, grab something to eat, and take in the view.
Some places are attractions.
Steel Pier is part of Atlantic City history — and it’s still making memories today.
Live-Work-Play-AC!
See you on the 48
AC Mike
Thanks for reading AC Mike’s Newsletter.
Thanks Mike ! Yeppers the Pier holds lots of good memories for me. Was there every week-end as I danced on Grady & Hurst. Saw so many stars there ! Gave Pat Boone the key to Atlantic City. I just loved him ! Such good times back there in the 50’s & 60’s. I was born & raised across the street from Gardners Basin. Back then it was HSHS football team practice field. I still have family in EHT so I try & get back there a couple times a year. I live in S.W. Florida now .
So many memories of Steel Pier. We went as a family at least once a week and it was the best bargain. Two movies, 2 stage shows with first run stars plus the bands at night in the ballroom. Sometimes we got home at 12 midnight from 9:30 in the morning. All that for 2 dollars. I will remember this for the rest of my life.