The 9 Best Boardwalks in the U.S.
GettyMyrtle Beach, South Carolina
Though it’s one of the newer boardwalks in the country, built in 2010, it has quickly become a staple on the eastern seaboard. The 1.2-mile walkway is filled with everything you’d find on the historic ones—shops, rides, jugglers, and restaurants—with a bit more of a modern edge. Think Art Burger Sushi Bar over Nathan’s hot dogs.
GettySanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California
Visitors can still take a spin on two historic landmarks along this half-mile boardwalk built in 1907: the Giant Dipper roller coaster that’s been around since 1924 and the Looff Carousel, which was built in 1911. Meanwhile, the newer attractions, like mini golf, pinball, bowling, and Surf City Grill, all still embrace that California surfer attitude.
GettyConey Island, Brooklyn, New York
This is one boardwalk that’s seemingly stuck in time. You can still ride the iconic Cyclone roller coaster (which celebrated its 90th birthday this year) or the Wonder Wheel Ferris wheel, an official New York landmark that first opened in 1920. And classic rides come with classic treats: Nathan’s New York-style hot dogs, that once sold for a nickel in 1916, can still be ordered along with an Italian ice from Uncle Louie G’s, first opened in 1959.
GettyOcean City Boardwalk, Maryland
This three-mile promenade draws crowds for many of the historic attractions like Thrasher’s French fries, which still serves signature vinegar fries first created in 1929, and antique rides like the Herschel-Spellman carousel, which was built in 1902. There’s also the Life-Saving Station Museum that takes visitors through the history of shipwrecks and the rescue teams that came to their aid.
GettyNavy Pier, Chicago, Illinois
Navy Pier may not be considered a traditional boardwalk since it juts out into the middle of Lake Michigan instead of a beach, but it’s just as historic, having been built in 1916. It also offers all the same summer attractions families have come to love at other seaside escapes like a Ferris wheel and chocolate-covered treats at the famous Churro Factory. The newer additions are just as impressive like the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Children’s Museum, which will keep the whole family entertained.
GettyOcean Front Walk, Venice Beach, California
Built in the 1960s, this quirky boardwalk has long been home to an eccentric set of people showing off a range of talents. Fortune-tellers, tattoo artists, weightlifters, and street performers can still be found today, just mixed in with trendy vegan eateries and modern bohemian clothing shops.
GettyWailea Oceanfront Boardwalk, Hawaii
No amusement park rides or boisterous crowds to be found along this two-mile stretch, but you will be graced with incredible views of the Pacific. During your walk, you’ll be able to snap pictures of the Molokini, Kahoolawe, and Lanai volcanoes or stop at one of five coves for a dip in the picturesque waters.
GettyVirginia Beach, Virginia
The 34-foot-tall bronze King Neptune statue is just one of the many reasons tens of thousands of tourists flock to this three-mile-long boardwalk each year. Since first opening in 1888, the walkway has expanded its original five-block footprint into a sprawling beachy metropolis filled with live music venues, rides, and bicycle rental shops. There’s even a separate bike path that runs parallel to the promenade, so you can cruise from one attraction to another without having to dodge pedestrians.
GettyAtlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey
This city has faced some troubled times recently, but its historic boardwalk still retains many of the classic 19th-century elements from when it was first built. Today, you can still venture out on to the Steel Pier where you can ride the Ferris wheel and chow down on funnel cake, John's Water Ice, and Fralinger's Salt Water Taffy.
