Pillars on the left side
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Civil Rights Garden

4.5
·55 reviews·Atlantic City, United States

A poignant granite garden in Atlantic City honoring the Civil Rights Movement with inscribed pillars and a 'Hand of Justice' statue.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for viewing inscriptions

CrowdLow
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Pillars on the left side

Civil Rights Garden

Best Time

Daytime

Best for viewing inscriptions

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A poignant granite garden in Atlantic City honoring the Civil Rights Movement with inscribed pillars and a 'Hand of Justice' statue.

4.5
(55 reviews)

"A beautiful monument to the people who fought tirelessly for civil rights; the pillars are grand, and the rhetoric is profound."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate 30 Minutes

Quick visit, but allow time to read quotes and reflect on the history . :stopwatch:

Start on the Right

Begin with shorter pillars and move chronologically for the full impact . ➡️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 55 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Granite Pillars

The Granite Pillars

Throughout the garden

Towering granite columns inscribed with quotes and events, symbolizing the movement's growth.

The Hand of Justice Statue

The Hand of Justice Statue

Central area

A majestic statue representing the pursuit of justice and equality.

Informational Inscriptions

Informational Inscriptions

Around the pillars

Profound and emotional rhetoric detailing key moments and figures of the Civil Rights era.

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Planning Your Visit

A Moment of Reflection

This garden offers a powerful, yet compact, journey through the Civil Rights Movement. Plan for about 30 minutes to absorb the granite pillars and profound quotes. Be prepared for potential encounters with unhoused individuals, as noted by some visitors.Reddit

Respectful Engagement

The Civil Rights Garden is a place of remembrance and education. While it's a free attraction, treat it with the respect it deserves. The garden's design, with pillars increasing in size chronologically, offers a unique way to understand the movement's progression.Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for viewing inscriptions
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to Chicken Bone Beach. 🌊✊🏾🍗🖤 Most people don’t know this part of Atlantic City’s history. During segregation, Black families were banned from most beaches so they gathered at Missouri Avenue, later known as Chicken Bone Beach. The nickname came from the fried chicken families brought with them. Since nearby restaurants wouldn’t serve them, they packed home cooked meals. What some once mock...
@cass_andthecity
14.4K likes • 96.9K views

Allocate 30 Minutes

Quick visit, but allow time to read quotes and reflect on the history.Reddit :stopwatch:

Start on the Right

Begin with shorter pillars and move chronologically for the full impact.Reddit ➡️

King Tide this morning in Garden City Beach, SC on Atlantic Avenue. Video by Ryan Swaim. #KingTide #NoWakeZone
@austinbondphoto
4.8K likes • 196K views
A surprise announcement from Mayor Small during this week's #MLKDay Ceremony at the Civil Rights Garden 🙌 @naacpatlanticcity @NJCommCapital
atlanticcitynjgov
37 likes • 1.1K views

Respectful Observation

Be mindful of the garden's purpose; some visitors note unhoused individuals present.Reddit 🙏

History Buff's Must-See

Essential stop for anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement's history.Reddit 📚

Earlier today I addressed the crowd at The Civil Rights Garden during The Atlantic City Chapter of The NAACP March. I also made an announcement regarding The Atlantic City Chapter of The NAACP Youth Council #teamsmall #mayorsmall #cityofatlanticcity #wealwaysworking #itsagreatdayhereinthecityofatlanticcity #canwesaygreatday #wejustgettingstarted
immartysmall
43 likes • 2.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate 30 Minutes

Quick visit, but allow time to read quotes and reflect on the history.Reddit :stopwatch:

Start on the Right

Begin with shorter pillars and move chronologically for the full impact.Reddit ➡️

Respectful Observation

Be mindful of the garden's purpose; some visitors note unhoused individuals present.Reddit 🙏

History Buff's Must-See

Essential stop for anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement's history.Reddit 📚

What Travellers Say

4.5
(55 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Civil Rights Garden for its profound historical significance and impactful design, particularly the symbolic granite pillars and the 'Hand of Justice' statue. It's seen as a vital memorial and educational site. However, some reviews mention the garden appearing unkempt at times and the presence of unhoused individuals.

"It's a small garden, full of information. Start on the right, where the pillars are shorter, read the quotes around each pillar. They get larger as more time passes and more incidents occur across our country. The pillars build until completed. There were some street people lying in the garden when I visited, but they didn't speak or move when I walked through."

Diane Leiter

"I love this garden. It serves as a memorial to all who fought for civil rights and equal rights for everyone. It’s a great tribute in the middle of Atlantic City. If you’re interested in history you MUST come here!!"

Zarina Mehrfar

"Do not go very disappointing lots of homeless people sleeping there and doing drugs"

Alan Tran

What People Like

Powerful historical tribute
Symbolic pillar design
Informative inscriptions

What People Dislike

Occasional unkempt appearance
Presence of unhoused individuals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Civil Rights Garden is located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It's accessible by car, and parking may be available nearby. Public transportation options might also serve the area, though specific routes would need to be checked with local transit authorities. It's often mentioned in the context of visiting Atlantic City attractions.Reddit

While specific directions can vary, the garden is a notable landmark in Atlantic City. Using GPS or a mapping app is recommended for precise navigation. It's often mentioned in discussions about Atlantic City tourism.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Civil Rights Garden is a free public space. Visitors can explore its monuments and inscriptions without any charge.Reddit

As an outdoor garden, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's advisable to check for any specific park hours or potential closures, especially if visiting during events.TikTokInstagram

Guided tours are not typically advertised for the Civil Rights Garden. The experience is largely self-guided, allowing visitors to read the inscriptions at their own pace.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Start on the right side where the pillars are shorter and move chronologically. Read the quotes around each pillar as they increase in size, symbolizing the progression of the Civil Rights Movement.Reddit The 'Hand of Justice' statue is also a key focal point.Reddit

Most visitors find that about 30 minutes is sufficient to view everything and absorb the information presented.Reddit It's a compact yet impactful site.

The garden is intended as a place of reflection and remembrance. While it's a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement, some visitors have noted the presence of unhoused individuals, which can affect the atmosphere.Reddit

As a garden space, extensive facilities are unlikely. Restrooms and other amenities would typically be found at nearby attractions or public spaces in Atlantic City.

The garden offers educational value for older children who can understand the historical context of the Civil Rights Movement. The inscriptions provide a learning opportunity.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Key photo spots include the 'Hand of Justice' statue and the series of granite pillars, especially as they increase in size. Capturing the inscriptions on the pillars can also be powerful.Instagram

Yes, photography and videography are generally permitted for personal use. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and other visitors.Instagram

Daylight hours offer the best lighting for clear photos of the inscriptions and statues. Early morning or late afternoon might provide softer light and fewer crowds.Reddit

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