America’s Best Boardwalks

Perhaps no destination is as quintessentially summer as the beach, but there’s another coastal feature worth a dedicated visit: the boardwalk.
Imagine strolling along the wooden planks as you bask in the sunshine, enjoying stunning waterfront views to one side and unique eateries and attractions to the other. Best of all, America holds seemingly endless options for enjoying such an experience. Plan a vacation to any of these beloved spots this season to create lasting memories with your family and friends.

Coney Island, New York
As arguably the most iconic boardwalk in the country, Coney Island offers delightful nostalgia mixed with thrills and wonder, beginning with its 1920s-era rides. Between Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, you have many to choose from, including the famous Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster at the former and the Ferris wheel at the latter, where you can witness breathtaking views of the New York City skyline from 150 feet up. Meanwhile, marine lovers will find plenty to admire at the New York Aquarium, home to fascinating creatures like sand tiger sharks, black-footed penguins, and moray eels. And to round out the experience, grab a hot dog from Nathan’s Famous, which began here with a nickel stand in 1916, and catch the spectacular fireworks show that lights up the sky every Friday night through the end of August.

Atlantic City, New Jersey
About two hours south of Coney Island is Atlantic City, home to the first boardwalk ever built in the United States in 1870. This historic stretch is also the longest in the world at five and a half miles, with one and half of those extending into neighboring Ventnor City. Be sure to visit the iconic Steel Pier, which brazenly juts out into the ocean and boasts thrilling attractions like the Slingshot—aptly named for how it launches thrill seekers 225 feet straight into the air in under two seconds! But there’s fun for all ages as well, such as a charming carousel, spinning teacups, and bumper cars. Looking for more entertainment? Take your pick of the many casinos lining the boardwalk for a mix of fine dining, gaming, and shopping. You can also catch side-splitting comedy shows and top-notch musical performances by bands like Chicago at the numerous venues both along the beach and in the city.

Ocean City, Maryland
Spanning almost three miles, this locale offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a day of adventure or a relaxing excursion to take in the sights and sample some good food. Either way, take to the boards in style by renting a canopied bicycle surrey for fun and fast transportation. Consider making stops at Marty’s Playland for Skee-Ball or air hockey, Jolly Roger at the Pier for the elegant, two-story Venetian carousel, and Trimper Rides for its family-friendly slides, rides, and coasters. Such activity is sure to work up an appetite, so hit Mug & Mallet for Maryland favorites like steamed crabs or Thrasher’s French Fries to try its world-famous recipe. And if you have room, top off your feast with funnel cake or homemade lemonade from Love’s Lemonade. A final note: don’t miss the fascinating sights at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, including a vortex tunnel of colorful lights and mind-bending optical illusions.

Navy Pier, Chicago
Though shorter than other boardwalks at just over half a mile, this gem on Lake Michigan brims with diverse opportunities. Art enthusiasts will delight in the many installations along the pier, from the bronze Captain on the Helmstatue at the front gates that honors mariners of the past to Made in Chicago, a vibrant mural by the second entrance celebrating the city’s cultural tapestry. For entertainment, take in a performance at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which stages modern productions as well as those by the Bard, or let your children explore the interactive exhibits at Chicago Children’s Museum. Make sure to stay for the free fireworks display as well, occurring twice weekly in summer—in 2024, USA Today recognized Navy Pier as the best place to view such a show.

Kemah Boardwalk, Texas
Situated thirty miles from downtown Houston in the coastal city of Kemah, this southwestern tourist site sitting on Galveston Bay offers all the trappings of a classic seaside boardwalk. Raise your adrenaline on the Boardwalk Bullet, a twisty wooden roller coaster just five feet from the water’s edge, or rise high above the bay on the Boardwalk Tower, taking in 360-degree views as it slowly revolves. You can also see wonders of the sea up close at the Aquarium, where visitors are allowed to touch and feed live stingrays at Stingray Reef. Then head to the establishment’s dining room to savor delicious seafood while watching colorful fish swim by in floor-to-ceiling aquarium tanks.

Coeur d’Alene Resort Floating Boardwalk, Idaho
For a less conventional option, venture to this gorgeous walking path on the tranquil Lake Coeur d’Alene, considered the longest floating boardwalk in the world. Bring your binoculars to see majestic osprey and eagles up close from the 3,300-foot-long expanse, climbing up to its arch bridge for the best views. Or embark on a delightful boat cruise for glimpses of Tubbs Hill, a wooded natural park, and the world’s only Floating Green, which serves as the fourteenth hole of the Coeur D’Alene Resort Golf Course. Once you return, enjoy the sunset from the pier with a refreshing drink at the Marina Cantina—on summer Fridays, there’s even lively local music you can tap your feet to.

Santa Monica Pier, California
You’ll never lack something to do at this world-renowned National Historic Landmark just outside Los Angeles that dates back to 1909. You only need to walk a few feet down the boardwalk to encounter a fun activity; for instance, try your luck at classic games at Playland Arcade or pose for an artist-drawn caricature. The food options are equally numerous and intriguing—you could grab a Japanese-style hot dog accented with unique toppings such as seaweed, fried onions, and teriyaki sauce or indulge in classic seafood like grilled lobster, steamed Dungeness crab, or raw oysters. Got the mettle for some thrills? Ride high on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park, learn death-defying acrobatic skills at the Santa Monica Trapeze School, or jump on the Gyro Loop, where you can use a joystick to control your carriage’s spins and speed as you compete for prizes.

No matter where you choose to visit this season, these unique locations will be sure to please. And if you start planning your itinerary today, it won’t be long before your boardwalk adventures begin!

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