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My aunt sat behind the wheel of the family’s Ford Country Squire station wagon, while my cousins and I sprawled across the backseat. As soon as we crossed the causeway bridge, the scent of salt air snapped our heads up with the same delight as the aroma of freshly baked cookies.
The tall buildings rising out of the sea looked to me like we were entering Oz. It was the mid-1960s. The names on the big billboards were as goosebump groovy as getting to see the wizard himself. Herman’s Hermits, Frankie Avalon, The Beach Boys. We were headed straight into the heart of Atlantic City, to the Steel Pier, to the boardwalk.
Atlantic City, NJ, is home to the first boardwalk built in the United States. The year was 1870. In the early days, boards on the beach proved a necessity to keep the sand on visitor’s feet out of hotels and railcars. Over the years, confectionary shops, arcade games and live entertainment combined with the lure of sun, sand and sea gave the boardwalk and its culture a distinct personality.
Today, “Doing the boards,” whether at the Jersey Shore or other beach towns along the Atlantic Coast, is still a summertime must-do rite of passage.
New York
More than a boardwalk, this three-mile-long world-famous footway is the birthplace of the amusement park, the roller coaster, and the hot dog, according to Cindy Vourderis, PR, marketing and events manager for the Alliance for Coney Island. “Go on the Wonder Wheel at least once. Celebrating its 104th year, the wheel is nicknamed ‘the most romantic ride in the world’ because of how many people propose here. You get amazing panoramic views when you reach the top.”
Those more daring can ride on the Cyclone Roller Coaster, one of the oldest U.S. wooden coaster rides. Grab a Nathan’s Famous Coney Island Hot Dog topped with sauerkraut and chopped onions for dinner, then settle in for the Friday Night Fireworks series (June 21 to August 30 at 9:45 p.m.).
Where to Dock: Miramar Yacht Club
New Jersey
Travel this five-mile wooden way by foot, bicycle or in a legendary rolling chair, while stopping to sightsee, eat and play. This provides a traditional boardwalk experience, says Jessica Kasunich, director of communications for Visit Atlantic City. “The boardwalk also demands a nod to saltwater taffy. It was deemed the first Atlantic City Souvenir.”
A new rollercoaster will debut at the Steel Pier this summer, and the Lucky Snake Arcade & Raceway at the Showboat Resort is the largest on the East Coast. The Peach at the Beach Festival happens outdoors at the Showboat Resort on July 13, and the Visit Atlantic Airshow takes place on August 13 and 14.
Where to Dock: Golden Nugget Hotel, Casino & Marina or Kammerman’s Marina
New Jersey
It’s famous for being one of the liveliest seaside stretches on the East Coast. Often called America’s Boardwalk, this quintessential strip of the Jersey Shore boasts over 100 rides and attractions on three amusement piers, three beachfront waterparks, flashing arcades, carnival games, shops, and 200+ restaurants and snack shops. Take a bite of classic boardwalk culture in handmade fudge, funnel cakes, frozen custard, saltwater taffy, and fried Oreos and Twinkies.
The Sightseer Tram Cars, easily seen by their sun yellow color, are a must-ride attraction along the 2.5-mile boardwalk, says Ben Rose, director of marketing and PR for Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority. “Whether you’re riding in the tram taking in the sights or walking along the boards, it’s hard not to join along when you hear, ‘Watch the tram car please.’” Recorded in 1963 by North Wildwood resident Floss Stingel, this announcement is one of the most recognizable phrases at the Jersey Shore.
Where to Dock: Schooner Island Marina
New Jersey
A century ago, boards lay where this nearly two-mile-long esplanade is today. Still considered a boardwalk by locals, this protective seawall serves both as a beach barrier and an entree to entertainment. Convention Hall, the focal point of the boardwalk, hosts Tuesday Magic Shows, Wednesday Dance Nights, and Thursday Movies on the Beach, as well as a summer concert series.
“Wake up and stroll the boardwalk, visiting the coffee shops and bakeries on Beach Avenue. Then, spend the day on the beach. Finish with dinner at boardwalk restaurants, followed by fun at the arcades,” suggests Kacie Rattigan, director of civic affairs, recreation, tourism and marketing for the City of Cape May. Enjoy the spirit of generations of boardwalkers with the arcade game of Skee-Ball at the Family Fun Arcade or Beach Arcade, both on the promenade.
Where to Dock: South Jersey Marina
Maryland
Many years ago, hotels and businesses would lay down boards for guests to walk on and remove them at high tide. At the turn of the 20th century, a permanent promenade was constructed, and the Ocean City Boardwalk was born. Today, the almost three-mile stretch is packed with family-friendly activities, restaurants and shops.
“Those who are looking for the traditional boardwalk experience need to indulge in the classic fare, like Thrasher’s French fries, an Ocean City delicacy served in bucket sizes and only with salt and 100% apple cider vinegar. Plus, play arcade games and ride a few rides, like the Ferris wheel looking over the beach and boardwalk,” says Jessica Waters, marketing and communications director for the Town of Ocean City. During the summer, businesses around the boardwalk host free activities such as concerts, kite shows and movies on the beach.
Where to Dock: White Marlin Marina
Virginia
Victorian vacationers “walked the boards,” but a century-ago fire led to the walkway’s rebuild in concrete. Spanning from 2nd to 40th street, this promenade is both pedestrian- and pedal-friendly.
“The 28-foot-wide boardwalk features a separate bike path,” says Erin Goldmeier, director of media relations for the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Rent a four-wheel surrey- topped bike, so the whole family can use their pedal power. Stop for a selfie with King Neptune, a 24-foot, 12-ton bronze statue at the entrance to the Neptune Festival Park on 31st Street. At the other end of the boardwalk, head to Waterman’s or Chix’s for a Virginia Beach orange crush cocktail.”
Events such as music festivals, surfing championships and sand sculpting competitions keep the boardwalk hopping.
Where to Dock: Rudees Inlet Station Marina
South Carolina
Located in the heart of downtown with dazzling views of the deep blue ocean along its 1.2-mile span, this is a “green” boardwalk. As part of a recent renovation, the wooden boards were replaced with planks made out of recycled plastic. “The SkyWheel is a top boardwalk attraction and offers bird’s- eye sights of the beach from some 200-feet high,” says Denielle Van Dyke, PR manager for Visit Myrtle Beach.
“There are also several fun Ripley’s attractions, thrill-seeking rides like the Slingshot, and a classic arcade that has been a family favorite since the late 1930s and is considered a local landmark.” The Carolina Country Music Fest (June 6-9) is a famous event with headliners this year including Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood and Lee Brice.
Where to Dock: Grande Dunes Marina
Florida
A heaping helping of history is located along the one-mile paved pedestrian way. This spans from the nearly century- old Daytona Beach Pier, also known as the Main Street Pier with restaurants and shops, to the Daytona Beach Bandshell built in 1934 of natural coquina rock.
“The Bandshell hosts free live concerts Friday and Saturday from May 25 to September 28, with fireworks launched from the pier after Saturday’s performance,” says Andrew Booth, director of communications for the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Thrill seekers should head to Screamer’s Park, where the Slingshot propels riders 365 feet into the air at 70 mph. For a tamer time, the Mardi Gras Fun Center is filled with video game favorites plus the ever-popular Skee-Ball.
Where to Dock: Loggerhead Daytona Beach Marina
Florida
Best known as a “broadwalk,” because it’s a 2.5-mile brick rather than board oceanfront promenade. Reasons to visit include a children’s water playground, exercise equipment at Charnow Park, public art displays, restaurants serving everything from pizza and ice cream to fresh seafood, and many attractions. Or, go for a stroll or rent a surry-topped jitney bike.
“The Hollywood Beach Bandshell at Johnson Street features live music programed by the Margaritaville Beach Resort on Wednesday through Sunday nights,” says Kris Rebar, city spokesperson. “The broadwalk also hosts signature events every year, like the popular Fourth of July Celebration featuring entertainment during the afternoon and an offshore firework display at 9:00 p.m.”
Where to Dock: Loggerhead Marina Hollywood
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