Best Beaches Boardwalks in New Jersey

Check out some best beach boardwalks in New Jersey, ranked on the basis of accessibility, amenities, and cleanliness.

Summers are all about sand, sun, and sea in New Jersey!

Hey, something is missing?

Yes, obviously, you forget the New Jersey beaches’ iconic boardwalks. These stunning wooden walkways come with some amazing arcade games, jaw-dropping rides, mouthwatering food, and sounds of joy with picturesque views of the coastline.

With this incredible beach and boardwalk, New Jersey allows you to enjoy the sounds of the waves while keeping the kids entertained with miles of food, fun, and exciting rides.

Check also: Best Beaches in the Virgin Islands

Top 10 Best Beaches Boardwalk to Visit in New Jersey

Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk features overloaded attractions along the one-mile Point Pleasant Beach. Although it’s not as long as some other boardwalks in New Jersey, however, it offers the ultimate family fun. 

The north end of Point Pleasant Beach is home to a wonderful Jenkinson’s Aquarium. For 30 years, the aquarium has been educating the public on sea life through various exhibits and programs that feature penguins, seals, and more.

If you move right outside the aquarium doors, there are some tempting dining options available with late-night fun at Jenks Club and Martell’s Tiki Bar. For music lovers, head toward Sinatra House to enjoy legendary Frank Sinatra tunes.

However, a giant attraction is the rides, with a lot of choices for your tiny tots and also some thrilling options for bigger ones. In fact, a new interactive ride – the Adventure Lookout ropes course and 7D Dark Ride test your fighting skills with carnival creatures & zombies.

There are also four locations to engage your little ones in video games, slot machines, crane games, and skeeball. There is a funhouse, batting cages, two mini-golf courses, and more boardwalk games along the boardwalk for the whole family.

Ocean City Boardwalk

In the land of New Jersey boardwalks, Ocean City comes with a perfect balance of old-school and touristy. Big, but not overcrowded it is home to some great attractions like Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, a historic park since 1929.

Or try the 1926’s carousel that soars high in the new Giant Wheel or dare to try the 130′ drop tower, where you’ll speed at 47 MPH toward the ground. Some other amusements are Playland’s Castaway Cove and OC Waterpark, however, there is a number of classic food choices, including Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard.

The boardwalk itself was redesigned as part of a 5-year restoration project and is now in perfect shape. Ocean City is also a great spot to rent a surfboard, to try some mini-golfing at one of the spots i.e. the Pirate Island Miniature Golf, Haunted Golf, and two more.

The Wildwood Boardwalk

Nestled in Wildwood, Morey’s Piers boardwalk comes with three amusement piers, two waterparks, and unique dining options such as having breakfast on a 156-foot Ferris wheel at Morey’s Piers.

Some great dining spots are Jumbo’s Grub & Pub, PigDog, and Stubborn Bros.

The three amusement piers are:

• Mariner’s Amusement Pier: Has 24 attractions that are mostly perfect for families with young children
• Surfside Amusement Pier: Features 23 rides ranging from the kid-friendly Wacky Whip and Jump Around to the exhilarating It and The Great Nor’easter.
• Adventure Amusement Pier: Ideal for true adrenaline junkies, comes with some extreme rides like the Skyscraper, Springs Hot, Screamin’ Swing with Boat Tag, and Luna’s Lost Labyrinth for younger patrons.

The two waterparks are:

• The Ocean Oasis Water Park & Beach Club: Perfect for whole family members. Elders and kids can compete with family and friends via Wipeout. Further kids can choose from various slides, or splash around in The Puddle, while the elders can unwind at Hot Springs Spa with a drink.
• Raging Waters Water Park: Heaven for adventurous young ones. They discover “three levels of activities” and “water surprises” with the incredible Camp KIDtastrophe, hang from the Rope Swing, or explore their inner pirate via the interactive Ahoy Mateys pirate ship.

If still wandering, go for a scenic bike route the entire length of the 5-mile island or sign up for a beach yoga class. You can also check a Doo Wop Museum and Neon Sign Garden, a perfect mix of design, music, and pop culture. In short, it is a flashback to Wildwood in the 1950s and ’60s). 

Some scheduled events: Pour into Summer Wine Festival, Wildwoods International Kite Festival, PigDog Beach Volleyball Classic, Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series, and Friday Night Fireworks. Remember to watch out for the tram cars.

Asbury Park Boardwalk

The Asbury Park boardwalk become famous for rock n’ roll legend Bruce Springsteen. There are some historical buildings alongside trendy hotels, restaurants, and bars. Asbury Park is a perfect mix of the latest attractions (Mogo, APYC, new restaurants coming to the northern end) and old attractions (Madame Marie’s, Convention Hall, and Paramount Theatre).

Walking around the 5,000-square-foot historic waterfront Carousel Building or having a drink at Wonder Bar during the dog-friendly Yappy Hour  – search for the iconic face of Tillie, and you’re at the right spot.

Whether it’s Asbury Eighteen mini-golf, Asbury Splash Park, or Silverball Museum to test your pinball skills, the Asbury Park boardwalk has something for everyone.

Music lovers can catch a concert at the Convention Hall, Paramount Theatre, or see the legendary rock club, The Stone Pony.

Somebody is thinking about the nightlife? No worries, it has vibrant nightlife, and on nights when the Stone Pony Summer Stage is overflooded, you can still enjoy music for free from the boards. In short, it is one of the best beaches and boardwalks in New Jersey.

Atlantic City Boardwalk

It is America’s oldest boardwalk, constructed in 1870. It has a six-mile-long exquisite beachfront path for strolling with your loved ones while enjoying shopping at saltwater taffy and souvenirs or high-end Pier Shops at Caesars.

The Steel Pier theme park is perfect for kids of all ages, as it offers 20+ rides ranging from a carousel or Ferris wheel to the more extreme “Slingshot.”

Once you have fulfilled your thrill thirst, you can win prizes by playing a variety of games or going toward classic boardwalk treats i.e. water ice, funnel cakes, popcorn, etc.

The Lucky Snake (a former casino turned into a giant arcade) at Showboat features a sports bar and a boxing ring.

Visit Garden Pier which comes with the Atlantic City historical museum and Atlantic City Art Center, for a more educational experience. The boardwalk also hosts some scheduled events i.e. runs and food festivals.

Seaside Heights Boardwalk

“Storms come to make you stronger” which is true for the Seaside Heights boardwalk. The two most devastating events such as Hurricane Sandy (2012) and a large fire that broke out (2013) turned it into better than ever. The 2-mile boardwalk is Iconic. It is a classic venue for post-prom beach weeks and summer vacations.

Casino Pier at its northern end offers rides for kids of all ages. Don’t be misguided by the name: Casino Pier is a family-friendly destination. This boardwalk is home to one of the best family amusement parks in New Jersey.

More options are a rollercoaster, a Ferris, go-karts, miniature golf, food stands, games, a ski lift, and five arcades. After all the fun quests, your hungry tummy has numerous boardwalk food options.

Recommended ones are the Beachcomber Bar & Grill, Spicy Catina Restaurant, and Kohr’s. Catch The Sawmill for a giant pizza slice at the southern end of the boardwalk.

Want to cool off, head toward Breakwater Beach Waterpark with waterslides and a wave pool, or check out the bayside. Don’t miss Bill’s Boat Rentals. It’s a hidden gem at New Jersey Shore.

Long Branch Boardwalk

Two words: Pier Village has been described as “New Jersey’s most luxurious oceanfront and dining destination”. It is basically a beachfront Victorian-inspired community. 

Families enjoy some traditional arcade attractions i.e. skee ball and virtual reality games at Boardwalk Fun N’ Games. Or you can also ride the historic Pier Village Carousel for having more fun in the sun.

Shopaholics must visit the boutiques such as Molly & Zoey, Salt Nation Surf Shop, and Makers + Shapers. Every Sunday during summer, they organized Family Fun Nights. Kids will definitely enjoy miniature golf and rock climbing.

Some of the famous restaurants are the family-friendly Branch Cantina and the high-end 110 Ocean. Simply Greek is a great spot if you associate beach time with spanakopita. The original WindMill hot dog stand which was built like a real windmill in 1963, isn’t far at all.

Belmar Boardwalk

On the Belmar boardwalk, there’s a lot to eat and see on Ocean Avenue. Playa Bowls is almost jammed with acai cravers. The boardwalk itself is expansive and well-kept, but it’s overcrowded in the summertime. For the best experience, get there early or around sunset.

Cape May Promenade

Cape May’s paved beachfront path is not technically a boardwalk. It offers almost two miles of picturesque views, a feeling of sea breeze, and classic ocean fun.

In the evening, the promenade has been lighted, making it perfect for a romantic nightly stroll with your soul mate.

There are some benches along the promenade to sit and enjoy the surf from afar. Remember, alcohol is completely prohibited, as this is a family-friendly promenade.

Avon-By-The-Sea Boardwalk

The not too busy and not too quiet, the ideal atmosphere surrounded by beautiful homes. There are some old-fashioned, globular lamps along the way.

Avon Pavilion is a local sit-down favorite for lunch with a breathtaking view.

A paradise for music lovers. The columns just off the boardwalk feature a ton of quality cover bands — many Springsteen tributes.

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