Best Jersey Shore Boardwalks
From world-class amusement piers to charming promenades, find the perfect boardwalk for your Jersey Shore adventure.
Quick Comparison
| Boardwalk | Length | Rides | Beach Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood | 2 miles | Yes | FREE |
| Ocean City | 2.5 miles | Yes | $12/day |
| Atlantic City | 4 miles | Yes | FREE |
| Seaside Heights | 1 mile | Yes | $10/day |
| Point Pleasant Beach | 0.5 miles | No | $13/day |
Boardwalk Rankings
The East Coast's biggest boardwalk entertainment destination
Highlights
- +3 amusement piers with 100+ rides
- +World-class roller coasters
- +Raging Waters & Ocean Oasis waterparks
- +Iconic Tram Car ("Watch the Tram Car, Please!")
Must-Eat
- +Curley fries at multiple stands
- +Mack's Pizza
- +Kohr Bros frozen custard
Consider
- Very wide beach - long walk to water
- Can feel overwhelming for young kids
- Loud and crowded in peak summer
America's Greatest Family Resort - classic boardwalk charm
Highlights
- +Gillian's Wonderland Pier
- +Playland's Castaway Cove
- +Music Pier with free concerts
- +Dry town - no alcohol, family-focused
Must-Eat
- +Manco & Manco pizza
- +Johnson's caramel popcorn
- +Kohr Bros frozen custard
Consider
- No alcohol anywhere in town
- Badge prices add up for families
- Very crowded July-August
The original American boardwalk with casino glamour
Highlights
- +America's first boardwalk (1870)
- +Steel Pier amusement rides
- +Casino access from boardwalk
- +Outlet shopping at The Walk
Must-Eat
- +White House subs
- +Boardwalk pizza slices
- +Casino buffets
Consider
- Adult-oriented atmosphere
- Some areas feel run-down
- Less family-focused than other boardwalks
Classic Jersey Shore boardwalk with MTV fame
Highlights
- +Casino Pier amusement rides
- +Breakwater Beach waterpark
- +Classic arcade games
- +Affordable beach badges
Must-Eat
- +Sawmill pizza
- +Midway Steak House cheesesteaks
- +Sausage & peppers
Consider
- Party atmosphere at night
- Smaller than Wildwood/OC
- Post-Sandy rebuilding continues
Family-owned charm with Jenkinson's everything
Highlights
- +Jenkinson's Aquarium on boardwalk
- +Jenkinson's amusement rides
- +Mini golf and arcade
- +Family-owned since 1928
Must-Eat
- +Boardwalk funnel cake
- +Jenkinson's Pavilion dining
- +Ice cream shops
Consider
- Smaller boardwalk
- Gets very crowded
- Limited parking
Mini boardwalk with Taylor Pavilion charm
Highlights
- +Direct NJ Transit train access
- +Taylor Pavilion restaurants
- +Active bar scene
- +Great fishing pier
Must-Eat
- +Beach Haus seafood
- +Klein's fish market
- +Boardwalk food stands
Consider
- No amusement rides
- Small boardwalk area
- More local than tourist
Upscale oceanfront with Pier Village
Highlights
- +Pier Village shopping & dining
- +Upscale restaurants and bars
- +Direct NJ Transit train
- +Seven Presidents beach park
Must-Eat
- +Pier Village restaurants
- +Rooney's Oceanfront
- +Avenue restaurant
Consider
- Not a traditional boardwalk
- More expensive than other towns
- Less family entertainment
Best Boardwalk Food by Category
Pizza
1stManco & Manco (Ocean City)
2ndSawmill (Seaside)
Curley Fries
1stWildwood (multiple stands)
2ndSeaside Heights
Frozen Custard
1stKohr Bros (multiple locations)
2ndSpringer's (Stone Harbor)
Cheesesteaks
1stWhite House (Atlantic City)
2ndMidway (Seaside)
Funnel Cake
1stPoint Pleasant
2ndOcean City
Best Boardwalk For...
Thrill Rides
Wildwood - Morey's Piers has 100+ rides including world-class coasters
Family Fun
Ocean City - Dry town with gentle rides, arcades, and clean boardwalk
Nightlife
Atlantic City - Casinos, clubs, and bars right on the boardwalk
Budget Day Trip
Wildwood - FREE beach + free parking options available
NYC Day Trip
Point Pleasant - NJ Transit accessible, family boardwalk
Food Scene
Ocean City & Atlantic City - Most dining variety
Boardwalk Tips
Save Money
- + Buy ride wristbands for all-day access (save 30-40%)
- + Visit on weekday evenings for shorter lines
- + Wildwood and AC have FREE beaches
- + Bring water bottles - boardwalk drinks are expensive
Best Times
- + June & September: Smaller crowds, lower prices
- + Weekdays: Shorter lines, easier parking
- + Evenings: Cooler temps, lit-up rides
- + Avoid July 4th weekend unless you love crowds
Related Guides
Plan Your Boardwalk Trip
Compare boardwalk towns head-to-head or explore individual guides.