The east coast has some amazing beaches and boardwalks to explore. Read on to learn about the best boardwalks on the east coast and get ready for your next beach adventure.
Although some may think only of the west coast for beach fun and boardwalk games, the east coast boasts some great options too. They range from family fun locations to more secluded, private ones. And, if you want to fit in with the locals, make sure you say that you are “down the shore.” The following boardwalks are highly worth a visit.
To get the most out of the best boardwalks on the east coast, we’ve broken them down by state — no matter where you’re headed, you have plenty of options.
South Jersey
Although there are many boardwalks along the east coast, some of the classic boardwalks you probably heard about are in New Jersey. This is where many go when they want the classic beach, boardwalk, or casino experience. Many who visit these beaches are from surrounding states that don’t have access to the beach and boardwalk fun all year round. Check out the following best boardwalks on the east coast: New Jersey edition.
1. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Probably the most “classic” boardwalk on the east coast (and seen in major television shows and movies), Atlantic City has it all: beaches, boardwalk and casinos. This boardwalk is the longest in the world, stretching to almost six miles. This location is great for families, as there are various amusement park rides, games and restaurants to peruse. It’s also a fun location for adults only, as the casino is close to the boardwalk and beach.
2. Ocean City, New Jersey
Slightly smaller than Atlantic City, Ocean City’s boardwalk has similar areas to explore: games, restaurants, amusement park rides, escape rooms and many more. A great family fun boardwalk and is slightly less crowded than Atlantic City. This boardwalk is known for its tasty treats, such as its soft serve ice cream, monkey bread, and pizza. This city is considered dry, so be aware you won’t find any liquor stores or bars in this area.
3. Wildwood, New Jersey
Wildwood offers even more fun for families and kids: arcade games, restaurants a few bars and lots of stores to shop until you drop. There is even a dog beach for your furry friends. Check out Morey’s Pier for a beautiful view and a great place to hang out. Wildwood is not dry like Ocean City, so you will find more adult areas to spend your evenings.
4. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a slightly quieter town/boardwalk. The surrounding area has vintage shopping, antiques and a great ghost tour. Although there is still plenty to do for kids, this is a town you may want to visit as adults only. Cape May offers a beautifully scenic boardwalk, and if you plan to catch the ferry to see other state boardwalks, this is where you take off from.
North New Jersey and New York
Now we’ll shift our focus to the best boardwalks on the east coast in New York and North Jersey. There is plenty of fun to be had by all in these incredible locations.
5. Coney Island, New York
Boasting NYC’s largest amusement park and rides, Coney Island is an incredibly entertaining boardwalk to explore, especially with kids. This boardwalk has everything: rides, games, food and drinks. Built in 1923, this gem has been named a New York City landmark. Coney Island boardwalk also has a beautiful pier to walk along, an outdoor gym, and a playground for the little ones. This boardwalk is accessible from the NYC subway and can be visited all year round.
6. Asbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park boardwalk boasts a variety of shops and spots to hang out. It also has mini golf, live music, water slides, and many playgrounds for the kids. Probably known best for its musical history, Asbury Park is home to music icon Bruce Springsteen.
7. Point Pleasant, New Jersey
This boardwalk is a great spot to bring the kids. One mile long, Point Pleasant has everything from games to an aquarium. You can ride the amusement park rides, spend hours in the arcade, and snack on delicious treats.
8. Long Island, New York
This boardwalk stretches across multiple beaches, giving you and your family many options to choose from. If you want a more quiet stretch to stroll, check out Atlantic Beach. Jones is a well-known two-mile stretch that has areas to exercise, snacking stands, and table games. Long beach has playgrounds, an indoor pool and live music.
Massachusetts
If you’re looking to get wrapped up in the beauty of nature, Massachusetts boardwalks offer the perfect getaway.
9. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
While you may not find the classic arcade games to scale as you would in New Jersey, Martha’s Vineyard has a boardwalk filled with great spots to eat, shop, or enjoy the views of nature as you walk along the beach. Check out the vineyards for adult-only fun.
10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Similar to Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod’s boardwalk is more of a nature walk with a few stores. Take in the magic of the ocean and the beauty of the piers around you – this is the place to go if you want a more relaxing holiday rather than the classic fast-paced boardwalks from other states.
Delaware and Maryland
These two are some of the best boardwalks on the east coast if you want something a bit different from the chaos and expense that comes with the New Jersey boardwalks.
11. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth is a great boardwalk if you’re looking for all the classic attractions for a lower price. This boardwalk has arcade games, shops, restaurants and rides. You can usually avoid the crowds of tourists you’re more likely to find exploring the more classic boardwalks in NJ.
12. Ocean City, Maryland
With similar feels as the NJ boardwalks, Ocean City, Maryland, has it all. You’ll find arcade games, tons of amusement park rides, restaurants, sweet shops and even a carousel from 1902 on its three-mile-long boardwalk. If you bring the kids on your vacation, they will not be bored in OCMD.
Virginia and South Carolina
Though more commonly associated with the more northern areas of the country, some of the best boardwalks on the east coast can be found as we make our way south.
13. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach’s boardwalk is three miles long and geared more towards healthy activities like biking (it boasts its own biking path) but also contains classic boardwalk attractions. Check out their water rides, nature museums and many places for chow and drinks.
14. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Looking for a great view of the beautiful Myrtle Beach? Check out the Ferris wheel for its vantage point of the beach and boardwalk at Myrtle Beach. Ride the rides, eat at the sugar shops and restaurants and play all the arcade games you want on the boardwalk. Myrtle Beach is another great family fun boardwalk. Don’t miss the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove for souvenirs.
Florida
Last but certainly not least, we make our way to Florida to round out our list of the best boardwalks on the east coast. These offer a better chance for warmer weather year-round, so you don’t need to bundle up if visiting in the winter.
15. Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona’s boardwalk was built in 1938, giving it that old-time feel. You’ll also find amusement rides with stunning views, sweet shops, water rides, and shopping areas. Movie theaters offer a break from the heat or unpleasant weather.
16. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Florida
The broadwalk in Hollywood Beach is so named for its wide open space. There are lots of excellent spots to grab a bite to eat with the beach in full view, along with options for beach sports and activities. Live music also appears on the regular.
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