A trip to Jersey Shore demands visiting one of these fantastic boardwalks. So whether you merely want to exercise or you want to take in all of the amusements that they have to offer, visiting New Jersey’s coastal boardwalks is sure to make a day or weekend more enjoyable.
1. Ocean City Boardwalk
With no alcohol sold along the boardwalk, Ocean City may be the most family-friendly boardwalk yet. There are several amusements for the whole family’s entertainment and various restaurants and places to get a snack so that you won’t go hungry!
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, founded in 1929, lies on the northern part of the boardwalk, offering a carousel built in 1926, a glass house, a Giant Wheel with views as far as Atlantic City on a clear day, and much more.
There is also the OC Waterpark to bring in some fun. The waterpark features a Lazy River, a Serpentine Body Slide, and other water slides and attractions.
If this all somehow wasn’t enough for you, note that Playland’s Castaway Cove is less than one mile from Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, having been established in 1959.
Playland’s Castaway Cove boasts many thrilling rides, including their GaleForce Rollercoaster, so be sure to check that out if you are looking for some adrenaline!
The boardwalk itself is also in excellent condition due to a five-year restoration project in recent years. Its distance is about 2.5 miles.
The first, shorter boardwalk was built in 1880, but that was destroyed in 1927 by a fire. So in 1928, the boardwalk, as it is now, was built, which is now being restored at the cost of $10 million.
Playland’s Castaway Cove did have to close after a 4-alarm fire occurred in January 2021 but reopened later in 2021, and the institution is stronger than ever.
2. Wildwood Boardwalk
Built at the turn of the century, Wildwood Boardwalk spans a mile and a half and 38 blocks. It features a convention center, two movie theatres, dozens of gift shops, and a multitude of restaurants.
Not to be overlooked are the wonderful amusement piers dotting the boardwalk. Morey’s Piers and Water Parks offers three amusement piers.
Mariner’s Amusement Pier is well suited to families with young children as there is an abundance of attractions suitable for small children. With 24 attractions available, your family will be spoiled with choice!
Visit Surfside Amusement Pier for a blend of rollercoasters, a 140-foot drop tower ride, and two 44-foot carousels. There are 23 rides, all in all.
Adventure Amusement Pier is truly a place for thrill-seekers. The seven rides available are all exhilarating and extreme, with the exception of the more family-orientated Boat Tag ride.
From the Skyscraper to the Skycoaster and the Screamin’ Swing, the rides on Adventure Amusement Pier are sure to get your heartbeat going!
Moreover, Mariner’s Pier hosts Raging Waters Water Park, and Surfside Pier is home to Ocean Oasis Water Park & Beach Club.
If a rope swing is what you’re after, look no further than Raging Waters. Additionally, there are a number of water slides and a program called Camp Kidtastrophe, which promises many surprises.
Ocean Oasis is most certainly an oasis – for competitive families! WipeOut! is a six-lane water slide where you can race your loved ones to the finish line. Ocean Oasis also features an Endless River, the Water Lilies Swim Up Bar, and Bonsai Beach, with everything from water jets to climbing ropes.
Please note that these parks and piers are all closed for the season. The boardwalk, on the other hand, is open year-round. There is also a Sightseer Tram Car to traverse the boardwalk.
3. Atlantic City Boardwalk
Undoubtedly one of the most renowned boardwalks in the state of New Jersey, Atlantic City Boardwalk opened on June 26, 1870. It is the oldest and longest boardwalk in America, stretching four miles, and it naturally gets very busy.
Steel Pier, built in 1898, offers a host of amusements. The Observation Wheel is singular among them, at a staggering 227 feet tall. It can hold a total of 240 passengers.
For the adults, Bally’s Atlantic City Casino is the perfect place for some gambling or a show. There are 1300 slot machines, more than 80 games tables, and ten restaurants in this complex alone. They also offer hotel rooms and valet parking.
Bally’s is not without its competition. Golden Nugget is yet another casino and hotel. In addition, the casino houses a variety of restaurants, one of which, Bill’s Bar & Burger, was voted Top 10 Best Burgers in America, according to CNN. There is also Resorts Casino and the Tropicana, to name but a few.
Energetic nightlife is a regular feature of Atlantic City. Dozens of clubs and bars along the boardwalk create a lively atmosphere, with bands and DJs galore.
The Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, a performance center established in 1926 and has hosted the likes of The Beatles, Elton John, and The Rolling Stones. The Hall has a capacity of 14 770 seats. There is also a smaller theatre inside with 3200 seats.
Also located on the boardwalk, nestled between Bally’s and Resorts Casinos, is Ripley’s Believe it or Not! This museum features an Odditorium filled with peculiar images, artifacts, and stories and a Vault Laser Maze Challenge, just like in any of your favorite heist movies!
There are also a variety of gift shops and candy stores, as well as upscale retailers and brands. Atlantic City Convention Centre is also available for conferences and the like.
4. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk – Point Pleasant Beach
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is probably one of the shortest boardwalks on this list, at only about a mile long. Although the rides are closed off season, the aquarium and the arcades are open all year.
There are a few gift shops and restaurants along the boardwalk for your convenience. In addition, the amusement park on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk has over thirty rides for maximum fun.
Young children will be enchanted by the carousel and the antique train that encircles the perimeter of the children’s rides.
For adrenaline junkies, Pirate’s Plunge is the newest and tallest ride in the park, rotating 360 degrees and offering spectacular views of the boardwalk and the beach.
The boardwalk boasts four separate arcades, with a multitude of games in each of them. There is also a mini-golf course at Castaway Cove and, of course, the incredible aquarium.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium is chock-full of excitements. Pacific sharks, penguins, and seals are all on display. A touch tank is also available, where visitors can touch sea stars and stingrays if they should so wish!
5. Asbury Park Boardwalk
Asbury Park, made famous by Bruce Springsteen, is an inordinately chic boardwalk with trendy restaurants like MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos and Asbury Oyster Bar.
A historical landmark can be found in the Carousel Building, designed in part by the architects who conceived Grand Central Terminal in New York.
The Silverball Museum features over 600 pinball and other gaming machines, going back as far as 1950, in rotation with an hourly admission payable. Some of the games include Tetris, Super Mario Brothers, and more. Skee Ball and Air Hockey are also available.
Ashbury Eighteen is a mini-golf course situated on the boardwalk. There is also a Splash Park. Both amusements are closed off season.
The Stone Pony is another unmissable attraction. Established in 1974, the live music venue has played host to the likes of Billy Idol and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. It is still a thriving venue, having featured Jason Mraz and Panic at the Disco.
The gift shops on the boardwalk offer souvenirs and gifts crafted by local artists and artisans. They’re not to be missed!
6. Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Seaside Heights is the model of tenacity. Shortly after being hit by Hurricane Sandy, with its rollercoaster being displaced into the ocean, Seaside Heights faced a disastrous fire that led to 68 businesses burning down.
Nevertheless, the boardwalk was rebuilt, more vital than ever. There are several arcades, including Coin Castle, Lucky Leo’s, Casino Arcade, Shake Shoppe Arcade, and Sonny’s and Rickey’s Arcade.
There is also an amusement park at Casino Pier, which is very family-friendly despite its name suggesting otherwise. There are a range of rides, from relaxed children’s rides to daring leaps of faith for the adventure seekers.
If this wasn’t enough, there is also the Breakwater Beach Waterpark to visit. The 5680 square feet wave pool is great fun for the whole family. There are several water slides and a hot tub spring, and a wild river ride.
A miniature golf course can be found on the boardwalk and the Smuggler’s Quay Adventure Golf Course, and the Wacky Rooftop Golf Course.
A variety of delectable sweet treats can be found at various candy stores and restaurants across the boardwalk to tempt your taste buds.
Note that some of the attractions close for the winter, but the arcades still stay open, as do the bars.
7. Belmar Boardwalk
Belmar Boardwalk is unique in that it is made out of a composite material called Trex comprised of wood or plastic fibers. Even though it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the other boardwalks, it is a great place to exercise or relax and watch the ocean.
The boardwalk is broad and a mile long. This makes it perfect for walking and running.
8. Manasquan Boardwalk
Another excellent place for running or walking, Manasquan, has its own mile-long asphalt boardwalk. In addition, there are several food trucks available to satiate your taste buds.
9. Ocean Grove Boardwalk
Ocean Grove is yet another boardwalk that suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy. Most of the boardwalk was destroyed, but the planks were replaced, and Ocean Grove now thrives.
The improvements to the boardwalk have made it much more suitable for jogging, walking, and biking. There are also many benches if you need a break or if you’d just like to sit and stare at the ocean in contemplation.
There is a religious aspect to this Jersey Shore town as it is also called “God’s square mile.” It is a dry town with a ban on alcohol, and there are also restrictions on using the beach before church is over on a Sunday.
10. Avon Boardwalk
Located in Avon-by-the-Sea, this boardwalk offers benches dotted along the coastline. In addition, there are generally Boardwalk Summer Concerts on offer.
The Avon Pavilion, which is on the boardwalk, is home to a boutique and a restaurant. It was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy but was rebuilt in spectacular fashion.
11. Spring Lake Boardwalk
Spanning two miles, Spring Lake Boardwalk is considered to be the longest non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey. Free of commercial distractions, Spring Lake is a place for friendly conversation and light exercise.
You can even use part of the boardwalk to ride to Asbury Park beach and back. There is plenty of parking, and you won’t find yourself bogged down by crowds.
The boardwalk is very well maintained and is made out of TimberTech, which doesn’t require as much painting or sanding.
12. Sea Girt Boardwalk
This half-mile boardwalk offers majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The boardwalk starts at the Sea Girt Lighthouse, which has been around since 1896. The boardwalk was also rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy wrecked it.
13. Bradley Beach Boardwalk
The Bradley Beach Boardwalk is about one mile long and is the perfect incentive for that exercise you never get around to. In addition, there are three Little Free Libraries, so you can pick a novel and unwind for the day.
There is a beautiful gazebo around Fifth Avenue where you can do your relaxing in style. There are also sometimes events on the boardwalk like Lobsterfest. Bradley Beach Boardwalk is also home to Shipwreck Island Mini Golf.
Conclusion
Nothing beats the joy of spending a great day outdoors with your family and seeing your children’s delighted faces when they’re eating cloudy candy floss on a bright summer’s day. With 13 gorgeous boardwalks on your doorstep, what are you waiting for!
Resources
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29750-d268859-Reviews-Atlantic_City_Boardwalk-Atlantic_City_New_Jersey.html
- https://visitnj.org/new-jersey%E2%80%99s-iconic-boardwalks
- https://www.njfamily.com/boardwalks-in-new-jersey/
- https://mommypoppins.com/new-jersey-kids/outdoors/jersey-shore-boardwalks-explore-offseason
- https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/07/all_18_boardwalks_in_new_jersey_ranked_from_worst.html
- https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2016-07-01/the-best-beaches-in-nj
- http://www.gillians.com/rides/
- https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-ocean-city-boardwalk-20171211-story.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLAONgYMJoE
- https://6abc.com/ocean-city-boardwalk-fire-playland-castaway-cove-reopening-ocnj-oc/10387814/
- https://capemaycountynj.gov/421/Wildwood
- https://www.app.com/story/news/local/redevelopment/2018/09/12/seaside-boardwalk-fire-5-years-later/1209992002/
- https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/new_jersey/Seaside-Heights-replaces-coaster-that-fell-into-the-sea-during-Superstorm-Sandy.html
- https://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/2014/05/the_boardwalks_of_new_jersey.html
