Every year, people from all over the Northeast flock to the Jersey Shore to soak up the sun on one of the region’s wide stretches of sand. The roughly 130-mile-long coastline is dotted with dozens of charming beach towns to appeal to every type of traveler. Many feature boardwalks lined with nostalgia-inducing attractions, restaurants, bars, shops, and more. For good old-fashioned fun—and food (think: fry buckets and fudge)—keep scrolling. Here are eight of the best boardwalks in New Jersey.
Asbury Park Boardwalk
mike black photography / Getty Images
Asbury Park’s one-mile-long boardwalk is teeming with top-notch shopping, drinking, dining, and entertainment. Kick back, relax, and listen to live music at Wonder Bar or The Stone Pony. Families will enjoy playing pinball games at Silverball Retro Arcade or going mini-golfing at Asbury Eighteen. When hunger calls, grab a bite (or a cocktail) at local mainstays like The Iron Whale, Maruca’s Tomato Pies, and Stella Marina. If you plan on staying the night, snag a room at the sleek Asbury Ocean Club, which boasts an incredible outdoor pool and bar area. Its sibling property, the Asbury Hotel, is better suited for families, according to Brian Lonergan, Fora’s in-house client development lead.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Abby Mercer/Travel + Leisure
According to Fora travel advisor Lissa Caltrider, Ocean City is ideal for families since it is a dry town. The eponymous boardwalk, which spans 2.5 miles, is a popular spot for strolling or biking. Take the kids to Playland’s Castaway Cove, which boasts an array of nostalgic attractions like coasters and swings. Along the boardwalk, you’ll also find a variety of tasty treats that’ll take you back to your childhood, like crispy fry buckets at Chickie’s & Pete’s, caramel corn from Johnson’s Popcorn, and an array of freshly made fudge and saltwater taffy at Shriver’s. Per Caltrider, the historic, all-suite Flanders Hotel makes a great home base for exploring due to its central locale.
Avalon Boardwalk
Robert D. Barnes / Getty Images
“Simple in scope and scale, Avalon’s boardwalk measures half a mile long,” says Fora travel advisor AnnaMarie Jones. Adjacent to the boardwalk is a small playground and skate park. Perhaps the boardwalk’s best attraction is Summer Salt, a local haunt known for its ever-changing multicourse menu featuring farm-to-table fare. (Tip: For the best ocean views, snag a table out on the terrace). Post-dinner, stop for dessert at Sundae Best, which has two locations (one in town and one right on the boardwalk). The kitschy—albeit beloved—Pirate Island Miniature Golf is also a short stroll away.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure
Fora travel advisor Gianna Quattrini describes Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach as “the quintessential Jersey boardwalk” with “rides, games, and funnel cake galore!” Family-friendly attractions abound, from old-school carnival games like ring toss and whack-a-mole to a fun house with mirror mazes and glowing lights. There’s even an amusement park, an exhilarating ropes course, an aquarium, and a handful of arcades. When it’s time for lunch, grab a slice at Joey Tomato’s or check out Boardwalk Bar & Grill, where you’ll find everything from nachos and BBQ ribs to lobster rolls and oysters. For dessert, head straight to Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop, which has been making confections like candy apples, fudge, and taffy since the early 20th century.
Wildwood Boardwalk
Hannah Beier / Getty Images
Spanning a whopping 38 blocks, the Wildwood Boardwalk is dotted with water parks, amusement parks, arcades, carnival eats, and (so much) more. Stepping into Ed’s Funcade (which has two boardwalk locations) feels like you’ve traveled back in time with its bright lights and old-school games, including ample claw machines and Skee-Ball. The family-owned Morey’s Piers offers fun for families of all ages. Among the best boardwalk eats are Douglass Candies, The Chillin Pineapple, Doo Wop Diner, and Hassles. After a fun-filled day, check into the centrally located, ’70s-inspired Starlux hotel, which has an on-site ice cream parlor and mini-golf.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Driendl Group / Getty Images
Atlantic City is known for its glimmering casinos, luxurious hotels, and numerous dining, nightlife, and entertainment offerings. So, it should come as no surprise that its boardwalk—which is said to be the world’s first and longest—is equally impressive. Don’t miss the city’s oldest theme park, which boasts carnival games and thrilling rides like a carousel and a Ferris wheel. Lucky Snake Arcade is part arcade, part sports bar, while Bally’s Beach Bar (part of the Bally’s resort) is a great place to sip cocktails while soaking up the ocean views. For something sweet, check out confectionaries James Candy Company and Steel’s Fudge. There’s a handful of big-name casino hotels situated along this four-mile stretch, such as the aforementioned Bally’s, Tropicana, and Caesars.
Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure
This bustling, two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk is home to rides, games, and attractions galore, many of which can be found at Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach. One of the best arcades on the boardwalk, Coin Castle offers Skee-Ball, crane machines, slots, video games, and more. If you’re looking for a place to cool off, head to the SeaSpray Park. Before going down to the beach to bask in the sun, snag a souvenir or two at Shore Store (of Jersey Shore fame) followed by a visit to Lucky Leo’s Sweet Shop for fudge, saltwater taffy, and a seemingly endless amount of colorful gummy candy.
Sea Isle City Promenade
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
The city’s oceanfront asphalt-covered promenade stretches from 29th to 57th Streets, and travelers can easily spend an afternoon here. As you make your way down the promenade, it’s worth checking out the destination’s shopping scene, which includes mom-and-pop staples such as Book Nook, A Touch of Class, Sessoms’ Gifts & Candies, and The Fudge Boat. Of course, after all that retail therapy, you’re bound to get hungry, in which case local pizza joints like DeNunzio’s have you covered. If you’re craving something other than ‘za, venture a block or so off the boardwalk to discover cafes and coffee shops like Shorebreak and Red White & Brew.
Read the full article here