What’s better than spending a warm summer night hitting the boards at the Jersey Shore? With the oldest boardwalk in the country (hello, Atlantic City), jaw-dropping rides, sounds of joy, and delicious, only-on-the-boardwalk food, going to one of the boardwalks in NJ is an experience that stays with you long after you leave the shore. A visit to one always signals the start of summer, and this year, visiting all 6 beaches with boardwalks in New Jersey is high on our summer bucket list. Scroll down for what you can expect to find at these seaside hot spots. And while you are at the boardwalk, don’t forget to get your 2024 Jersey Shore Beach Badge. (featured image taken at Morey’s Piers Boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey)
Boardwalks in New Jersey you won’t want to miss
There is a mile of fun on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk, one of the most popular boardwalks in NJ. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk
Located in Point Pleasant Beach, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk isn’t as long as some other boardwalks in NJ, but it offers just as much family fun. At the north end is Jenkinson’s Aquarium, which celebrates years of educating the public on marine life through its exhibits and programs featuring penguins, seals, and more. Some dining and drink options are outside the aquarium doors, including late-night fun (or day, if you wish) at Jenks Club and Martell’s Tiki Bar. But the big deal here is the rides, with plenty of options for smaller kids and thrilling slides and coasters for bigger kids. Enjoy the newer Adventure Lookout ropes course and 7D Dark Ride, an interactive ride that tests your skills fighting carnival creatures or zombies. If your kids crave video games, slot machines, crane games, and skeeball, there are four locations where they can play and rack up prize tickets. There is also a funhouse, batting cages, two mini-golf courses, and, of course, more boardwalk games up and down the boardwalk for the whole family.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
The Boardwalk in Wildwoods has over 100 rides and attractions. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Wildwood Boardwalk
It’s technically called The Wildwoods, but if you’re from NJ, you call it Wildwood. And there’s something for everyone on its 38 blocks—more than 100 rides and attractions, including three beachfront waterparks, arcades, classic boardwalk games, mini-golf, go-carts, escape rooms, and unique dining, including breakfast in a 156-foot Ferris wheel at Morey’s Piers. Want to get some exercise while you’re there? Cyclists can take a scenic bike route the entire length of the 5-mile island or sign up for a beach yoga class. There’s also a Doo Wop Museum and Neon Sign Garden showcasing a mix of design, music, and pop culture that you have to see to believe (it’s a flashback to Wildwood in the 1950s and 60s). Upcoming events include the Wildwoods International Kite Festival, Downtown Farmers Market, Yoga On The Beach, and Barefoot Country Music Fest.
Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
The Asbury Park Boardwalk is a mix of fresh sea air and a little bit of rock n’ roll. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Asbury Park Boardwalk
Made famous by rock n’ roll legend (and New Jersey resident) Bruce Springsteen, Asbury Park has its share of historical buildings alongside trendy hotels, restaurants, and bars. Today, you can walk around the 5,000-square-foot historic waterfront Carousel Building or grab a drink at Wonder Bar during the dog-friendly Yappy Hour – look for the iconic mural of Tillie, and you’re in the right place. Play a round of mini-golf at Asbury Eighteen, cool off at the water-themed playground at Asbury Splash Park, or test your pinball skills at Silverball Museum, featuring over 6,000 pinball games from the 1950s to today. And let’s not forget the music—catch a concert at the Convention Hall, Paramount Theatre, or see the legendary rock club, The Stone Pony. This year, bonfires on the beach are back on different nights throughout the summer. After exploring this unique boardwalk in NJ, visit the downtown, one of our favorites in NJ.
Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Saltwater Taffy, shops, and the sea line the Ocean City Boardwalk in New Jersey. Photo Credit: istock/Vladone
Ocean City Boardwalk
With the slogan: America’s Greatest Family Resort, this boardwalk delivers two amusement parks—Gillian’s Wonderland Pier (at the northern end) and Playland’s Castaway Cove (in the middle of the boardwalk), offering a wide selection of rides for kids of all ages, with a water park between the two. You’ll also find Jilly’s Arcade, plenty of mini-golf options, go-kart rides, escape rooms, and shopping. For food, stop by Shriver’s to get a glimpse of candy-makers twirling saltwater taffy and stand in line for a slice from the famous Manco & Manco Pizza (definitely worth the wait). Ocean City Music Pier hosts a summer concert series at the height of the season, with performers this year including Bernadette Peters performing with the Ocean City POPS, Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra, The Jersey Tenors, and more.
Ocean Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Established in the 1800s as a health resort, Atlantic City has high-rise hotels and casinos, the famous Steel Pier, and the oldest boardwalk in NJ. Photo Credit: istock/Vladone
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Most people go to AC to gamble, but the 160-year-old Atlantic City boardwalk is the oldest and longest in America and a must for any AC trip. You can still ride on a rolling chair (the OG way to see the boards in 1880) and go past the casinos to Central Pier Arcade & Speedway. Then head to Steel Pier, the oldest themed amusement park (since 1890) with lots of thrills, including the iconic Wheel, offering sweeping views of AC beaches. New this summer is the Island Waterpark at Showboat, an indoor and outdoor waterpark just steps off the boardwalk with a retractable roof and beach views. And no visit to AC is complete without stopping by Lucy the Elephant, a National Historic Landmark named “The World’s Largest Elephant” structure.
Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
The Seaside Heights boardwalk is full of rides, mini-golf, food, games, and fun for all ages. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Kelly Clarkson sang, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” which perfectly describes the Seaside Heights boardwalk. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy damaged the boardwalk and destroyed the southern amusement ride area (you may remember the iconic photo of the Jet Star roller coaster floating in the Atlantic Ocean). Then, in 2013, a large fire broke out, damaging 50 businesses and the pier. Thankfully, Seaside has recovered, and it’s better than ever. The 2-mile boardwalk has Casino Pier at the northern end, offering rides for littles and bigs, go-karts, miniature golf, food stands, games, and five arcades. After all the fun, you’re sure to work up an appetite, and you’ll have your choice of boardwalk food faves—from The Beachcomber Bar & Grill and Spicy Catina Restaurant to Kohr’s and The Sawmill (for the largest pizza slice ever) at the southern end of the boardwalk. Want to cool off but not in the ocean? Breakwater Beach Waterpark is across the street from Casino Pier with waterslides and a wave pool, or check out the bayside and don’t miss Bill’s Boat Rentals, a hidden gem at the Jersey Shore. Spend the night with the fam this summer and catch the different movies on the beach.
Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Which Boardwalks in NJ are your favorite?
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
