America’s lakeshores and seashores are speckled with quaint communities where wooden boards kiss the water’s edge and fresh seafood abounds, providing ideal vacation spots for families and young couples alike. These boardwalks are the lifeblood of lake and coastal towns, featuring a mix of old-school arcade classics and upscale dining with eye-popping views.
They embody a special Americana that changes while retaining their old-fashioned charm.
Here is a list of 16 exceptional U.S. towns where boardwalks deliver memorable experiences for food lovers, thrill-seekers, and families alike.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
The granddaddy of American boardwalks, Atlantic City’s wooden walkway, dates back to 1870 and stretches for 4 miles along the Jersey Shore. It features old-school saltwater taffy shops alongside modern casinos and high-end restaurants.
The Steel Pier amusement park remains a centerpiece attraction, offering rides that extend over the Atlantic Ocean and provide breathtaking shoreline views.
Santa Cruz, California
This West Coast gem has maintained its vintage charm since 1907. It features the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, which has thrilled visitors for nearly a century. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk encompasses classic midway games, modern thrill rides, and food stands serving everything from corn dogs to clam chowder.
Its beautiful setting between redwood-covered mountains and Monterey Bay makes for spectacular sunsets year-round.
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Ocean City, Maryland
Spanning over three miles, this family-friendly boardwalk combines old-fashioned appeal with modern amenities. Ocean City’s planked paradise features Trimper’s Rides, a carousel-based amusement park that has been operating since 1893.
The air is perpetually filled with the scent of caramel popcorn from Fisher’s, while Thrasher’s French fries continue to draw long lines of devoted fans even after 90+ years in business.
Coney Island, New York
This iconic Brooklyn destination blends historic landmarks with revitalized attractions along its wide wooden walkway. Coney Island’s famous Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone roller coaster stand alongside newer additions that have helped revive this classic American amusement area.
Nathan’s Famous continues serving its legendary hot dogs, where the annual eating contest draws international attention every Fourth of July.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
This charming mile-long boardwalk perfectly balances old-time seaside atmosphere and contemporary comforts. Rehoboth Beach features Funland, a family-owned amusement center since 1962, with rides suitable for multiple generations.
Dolle’s saltwater taffy and Grotto Pizza have become institutions, while boutique shops and fine dining options cater to more sophisticated tastes.
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Disney Springs, Florida
This reimagined entertainment district creates a boardwalk experience around a series of springs in the heart of Central Florida. Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, combines themed dining experiences with unique shops and entertainment venues that appeal to visitors of all ages.
The complex features excellent people-watching opportunities and frequent live performances, all without requiring theme park admission.
Navy Pier, Chicago
This Lake Michigan landmark stretches nearly 3,300 feet into the water, providing spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline. Navy Pier houses the iconic Centennial Wheel, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and numerous restaurants serving everything from deep-dish pizza to gourmet cuisine.
The location hosts frequent fireworks displays and seasonal events, making it a year-round destination despite the Windy City’s notorious winters.
Kemah, Texas
This Gulf Coast boardwalk transformed a sleepy fishing village into a premier entertainment destination outside Houston. Kemah features amusement rides that take advantage of waterfront views, including a 65-foot Ferris wheel and a wooden roller coaster.
The dining scene ranges from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants, all enhanced by the constant parade of sailboats and speedboats gliding in and out of the marina.
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Wildwood, New Jersey
With over 38 blocks of boardwalk attractions, this Jersey Shore town boasts one of America’s largest concentrations of mid-century architecture and neon signs. Wildwood’s wooden walkway houses three amusement piers featuring more than 100 rides and attractions.
The preserved 1950s aesthetic creates a time-capsule effect that draws architecture enthusiasts alongside typical beach-going families.
Seaside Heights, New Jersey
This Jersey Shore staple has remarkably recovered from Hurricane Sandy’s destruction in 2012. Seaside Heights offers classic boardwalk games of chance alongside modern arcade experiences and thrill rides.
The food scene ranges from pizza by the slice to fresh seafood restaurants, with most establishments offering outdoor seating for optimal people-watching.
Newport Beach, California
The Balboa Fun Zone provides a compact but vibrant boardwalk experience in this upscale Orange County community. Newport Beach combines carnival attractions with harbor cruises and whale-watching expeditions departing directly from the boardwalk area.
Luxury shopping, casual dining, and family entertainment create a destination that appeals to all demographics.
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Old Orchard Beach, Maine
This New England gem features a classic wooden pier extending 500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. Old Orchard Beach combines carnival rides with authentic Maine lobster shacks serving fresh seafood daily.
The seven-mile stretch of sandy beach provides ample space for relaxation before or after enjoying the concentrated entertainment district on the pier.
Santa Monica, California
This iconic Southern California destination features a concrete pier housing Pacific Park, an amusement area with the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. Santa Monica’s location provides stunning views of Malibu to the north and the South Bay to the south, particularly at sunset.
The adjacent Palisades Park offers a more tranquil experience with walking paths along the bluffs overlooking the ocean.
Ocean City, New Jersey
This dry town (no alcohol sales) provides a family-friendly alternative to its more raucous namesake in Maryland. Ocean City’s 2.5-mile boardwalk features two major amusement areas and numerous water-based activities.
The absence of bars creates a distinctly wholesome atmosphere that appeals particularly to families with young children looking for classic American summer experiences.
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Long Beach, Washington
This Pacific Northwest destination claims to have the world’s longest continuous beach, with a boardwalk offering spectacular ocean views. Long Beach hosts unique events like the International Kite Festival that take advantage of the consistent coastal winds.
The cooler climate creates a different boardwalk experience than East Coast or Gulf equivalents, with hiking trails and nature preserves complementing traditional attractions.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Famous for its hard-packed sand, which allowed cars to drive directly on the beach, this Atlantic Coast destination offers a boardwalk experience blending old and new. Daytona Beach features the Boardwalk Amusement Area with classic rides, including a 1930s-era carousel.
The proximity to the Daytona International Speedway creates a unique atmosphere where beach culture meets racing heritage.
Coastal Connections
America’s boardwalks are more than tourist attractions—living museums that maintain architectural fashions, gastronomic practices, and entertainment from a bygone era. The wood sidewalks have endured hurricanes, depressions, and shifting vacation styles while adapting to successive generations.
The persistent popularity of these beachside promenades attests to our shared yearning for uncomplicated pleasures and straightforward contact with nature’s beauty and public amusement.
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