My Favorite Beach Boardwalks

There are many great boardwalks in America. I've compiled a list here of what may not be the "universal" Top Ten... but, hey, it's my site so they're my top ten.

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Atlantic City, NJ

When you're in Atlantic City make sure to get out of the Casinos and take a stroll on the boardwalk. Your trip will take you past amusement rides, bars, mini-golf courses and more as you walk down the nation’s oldest and longest boardwalk.

Originating in 1870, this boardwalk stretches for almost 6 miles down the coast. There has been significant redevelopment over the last few years and you’ll be surprised at what you find if you think of Atlantic City and the boardwalk as dowdy and out of date.

If you stroll to far be sure to reward yourself by heading home in a Rolling Chair. Take a seat in the canopied seat and let someone peddle you home.

Coney Island, NY

The Riegelmann Boardwalk stretches 2.7 miles from Coney Island to Brighton Beach. Coney Island was America’s most widely known and visited playground in the early 1900’s.

Perhaps the most famous attraction on the boardwalk is the old wooden-railed Cyclone roller coaster. This ride opened in 1926 and if you’ve never heard a truly old fashioned roller coaster the sound is truly unique.

This is the boardwalk made famous in The Drifters’ song “Under the Boardwalk”. The history and location will help this ancient playground continue to receive updates and redevelopment to keep it a wonderful family attraction.

Kemah, TX

Most people think of boardwalks as being a phenomenon known only to the East and West Coast. One of the nations’ best is the Kemah Boardwalk on Galveston Bay in Texas. There have been significant development to this boardwalk in recent years and you will have plenty of activities to keep you occupied.

Take a ride on the Boardwalk Beast. A 70’ long open-topped speedboat. Or experience the Boardwalk Bullet or the Century Wheel. The first is a huge, wooden roller coaster and the latter is a king-sized Ferris Wheel.

Go for wonderful boutique shopping or the amazing variety of music festivals and events. Stay at one of the nearby hotels and be sure to feast on great food at the restaurants that seem to be everywhere.

San Diego enjoys nearly perfect weather and is home to the Mission Beach boardwalk. This cement strip runs 2 miles along the coast from the Mission Bay channel to the north of Pacific Beach.

Feel free to pull up a seat and take in the show put on by the people passing by in what seems to be a never ending stream. Or, head to one of the rental shops and rent rollerblades, skateboards or bicycles by the hour, half-day or full-day.

Be sure to spend some time visiting the amusement park and arcades. The Giant Dipper roller coaster is a main attraction of Belmont Park. And at the end of each day there is a fireworks display for an explosive finish to your day of fun.

Ocean City, MD

This oak boardwalk travels 2.5 miles along the shore. It’s officially known as Atlantic Avenue and got it start when some local merchants constructed a short boardwalk for the convenience of their customers. In the early years the boardwalk was rolled up and stored on hotel porches during high tide. Since 1902 families have traveled to Ocean City on vacation to experience the many forms of entertainment that are available.

One of the oldest fixtures on the boardwalk is Trimper’s Carousel. Running since 1912, this is the countries oldest continuously operating carousel. If you like rides, be sure to visit the Sling Shot. You’ll get a good ride as you are catapulted and bounced around inside its chambers.

On most summer nights there are free activities to attend. Activities include beach bonfires, concerts, family beach games and movie nights.

Ocean City, NJ

One of America’s great spots, this boardwalk travels for 3 miles. If you want to head out early the boardwalk has special lanes marked for bicycles and surrey rides from early in the morning until 11:00 am.

Stop for a doughnut which you can purchase through the window at brown’s Restaurant or eat at one of the many restaurants and eateries. There is also plenty of shopping and you can buy anything ranging from tee shirts to jewelry.

Take the kids to Gillian’s Island Water Park, Wonderland Park or head to the Playland Amusement Park. All of them are great choices for kids of all ages. If you want to keep your feet on the ground, stop at one of the 6 miniature golf courses.

Rehoboth Beach,DE

Located close to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., this boardwalk receives many visitors each year. Forbes Magazine has named this one of America’s Top Ten Arcade Boardwalks and the many visitors seem to agree.

Stop at Funland for the rides and games or stroll along and sample the many treats. Make sure to get some saltwater taffy from Dolle’s Candyland.

Santa Cruz, CA

This wonderful playland has been voted the Best Seaside Amusement Park in the world.

For 100 years this boardwalk has entertained visitors with food, rides, concerts and numerous other events. The Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster which was built in 1924 and the Looff carousel which was built in 1911 are among the most visible. The carousel is one of America’s last remaining places to actually grab the brass ring as you circle around.

Less visible activities include ballroom dancing and bowling. The arcade features over 300 games along with laser tag and of course miniature golf.

One of the unique features of this boardwalk which is known as “The Coney Island of the West” is that fog that often rolls in at night. When the fog comes in the boardwalk takes on a completely different feeling.

The boardwalk is over 2 miles long and is popular for skating and skateboarding. Skaters are often in outlandish or skimpy attire. The boardwalk travels right past Muscle Beach which is always a great place to watch the crowd.

Virginia Beach,VA

The 3 miles of the Virginia Beach boardwalk are alive with shops, restaurants and an assortment of street performers. One of the best ways to tour the boardwalk is by renting a bicycle. Even if you’re part of a family of four that’s no problem. You can rent a bicycle built for four and ride down the bike path parallel to the beach. During the summer the beach comes alive with a steady succession of top name musical acts. Spend the day in the sun and at a concert in the evening.

With over 40 hotels along this concrete “boardwalk” there is no excuse to keep you from visiting and staying right in the heart of things.

What is your favorite Boardwalk? Share what it is and why you think it should be in the list of Top Beach Boardwalks!

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