For the perfect getaway to Atlantic City, you can't find a much better home base than the 4-star Harrah's Atlantic City. The casino resort is packed with things to do aside from gambling, from lounging at the indoor pool to savoring Mexican street food at an up-and-coming restaurant to learning culinary tricks at an onsite cooking school. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend this itinerary:

Friday Night: Steaks & Slots

Checking in: First things first, you'll need to find your room. We recommend booking an Atrium Suite for the most space, but the Bayview Tower rooms are a nice choice too, since they've just been renovated. Afterward, acclimate yourself to the resort with a walk through The Waterfront Shops. Browse the ladies' fashion accessories at Studio Shoes, find a romantic gift at two jewelry stores, or have a little pre-dinner snack at Sugar Squared. You might also take a stroll along Harrah's Baywalk.

For dinner: You can't come to an Atlantic City casino without having a steak. Snag a reservation at The Steakhouse at Harrah's Atlantic City, now helmed by chef George Galati from Food Network's Dinner: Impossible. The Press of Atlantic City has nothing but praise for the new management, saying "the result is the best steakhouse Harrah's has offered in years."

Late night: We can't imagine you heading to Harrah's Atlantic City without spending time in the casino. Start at more than 2,000 slot machines and video-poker games on Harrah's main floor. At Harrah's, some of the slots are entertainment in and of themselves, especially the Space Invaders-, The Simpsons-, Betty White-, and Willy Wonka-themed games. Afterward, drop into the party at The Pool After Dark (available on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights), which attracts top-flight DJs and celebrities—Paris Hilton, 50 Cent, and DJ Pauly D have all been spotted at the impromptu nightclub.

Saturday: Relax at the Spa & Pool

During the day: After waking up with breakfast at Cafe Tazza, check into the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa. The spa, which recently won a CDRA Atlantic City Host Award for Best Spa Personnel, is perhaps best known for its signature facial, featuring its trademark face massage. Other notable treatments include the olive-oil-infused Stress Melter Ritual (with a body scrub, Swedish massage, and body wrap) and a therapeutic mani-pedi enhanced by a bamboo exfoliation process.

Pair your spa day with some time at Harrah's pool, a year-round indoor oasis heated to a balmy 82 degrees. It's Saturday, which means you'll be a part of the DJ, games, and happy hour that takes place every Saturday afternoon. You can even have lunch at the pool (think burgers, salads, and wraps). Otherwise, head over for fresh seafood at Coastal Craft Kitchen + Bar, the resort's best spot for crab legs, lobster, mussels, and more.

For dinner: Delve into the world of Mexican and Spanish street food at Veracruz. While it's named after the coastal region of Mexico that's known for its fresh seafood and tropical fruits, Veracruz is equally focused on the cured Iberian pork and delectable tapas of Madrid. And due to its location in the resort, it's one of the few restaurants in Atlantic City to offer great sunset views.

Late night: Dive back into the casino and try your hand at Harrah's table games, including one of the daily tournaments in the Poker Room, an official venue for World Series of Poker circuit events. You'll also find a wide variety of twists on classic games, including Fortune Pai Gow, Spanish 21 Blackjack, and Let It Ride, a five-card stud poker game. If you've won a little cash—or perhaps, if you haven't—grab a cocktail at Eden Lounge, where you can enjoy live music every evening and purchase a "Drink AC" souvenir glass to remember your trip.

Sunday: Cooking Class + Atlantic City Boardwalk

During the day: Instead of going out for lunch, make your own meal at the resort's Viking Kitchen School. Call ahead before the weekend to see what kind of meal the chefs can teach you to whip up, with options ranging from a champagne brunch to classic Italian pastas.

If you're looking to get out of the hotel for a bit, use this time to visit the Atlantic City Boardwalk, perhaps the most famous walkway on the Jersey Shore. Built in 1870, the boardwalk is rife with restaurants, shops, arcades, amusement parks, and of course, saltwater-taffy stores. There's also the iconic Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest lighthouse.

Farewell dinner: Take advantage of the $39 menu available on Sundays at Martorano's, which counts Al Pacino himself among its fans. Helmed by restaurateur Steve Martorano, called "the Godfather of Italian-American cooking," Martorano's specializes in meatballs, pastas, and other Italian staples. You'll enjoy dinnertime entertainment as well, with Rat Pack–style tunes starting at 6 p.m.