7 great American boardwalks perfect for surfside strolls
Taking a stroll on a boardwalk is just
magical. The sun, the surf and the fun all come together on the best boardwalks
you can enjoy for yourself in the States.
1. Venice Beach Boardwalk – Venice Beach,
California
Venice Beach has three miles of beach right on the Pacific
Ocean, but not many come to the area for that. Oh, no. They come to Venice Beach Boardwalk (it’s officially Ocean Front Walk,
but you rarely hear it called by that name) to see singers, acrobats, jugglers,
comics and other walks of life come through to entertain. It’s like a circus
with an ocean view.
2. Coney Island – Brooklyn, New York
No New York vacation is complete without spending a day at
this legendary boardwalk. From the freak shows to great spots to grab a snack, Coney Island is one
of a kind. Famed Luna Park reopened in 2010, giving visitors a taste of what
made the area so great with rides like The Cyclone and Wonder Wheel. Along with
the ocean view and rides, guests can catch a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game or
see the Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Championship during the Fourth of
July.
3. Atlantic City Boardwalk – Atlantic City, New Jersey
The granddaddy of American boardwalks is alive and kicking. The Atlantic City Boardwalk was
originally just meant to serve as the buffer between the area’s fancy hotels
and the sand that beachcombers would bring with them from the surf. Now it’s
the anchor of an area full of casinos, flashy hotels, eclectic shops, bawdy
shows, enormous arcades and an amusement pier. Only thing you won’t find in
person would be Nucky Thompson.
4. Hollywood Beach Boardwalk – Hollywood,
Florida
Just 10 miles south of Fort Lauderdale is one of the most relaxing boardwalks –
sorry, broadwalk – you can visit in the country. The 2.5-mile
path is wide enough for everyone to jog, walk, skate, go biking or take the
baby in the stroller. No matter what you do you’re getting a breathtaking view
of the Atlantic Ocean, along with oodles of eateries and shops to enjoy.
5. Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk &
Promenade – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is already a favorite among vacationers in the US,
but its new Boardwalk gives them something else to enjoy. This
1.2-mile walkway is home to all sorts of entertainment and events throughout
the summer. You won’t want to miss the amazing weekly fireworks display above
Broadway at the Beach. And you can bet they’ll hold nothing back when it comes
to the Fourth of July!
6. Santa Monica Pier – Santa Monica,
California
This isn’t your typical boardwalk, but it doesn’t stop the Santa Monica Pier from
being just as terrific. Twilight concerts during the summer, delicious
restaurants and a real soda jerk give you a lot of fun to have on a night out.
But you have to visit Pacific Park to ride the Pacific Wheel – you’ll swear
you’re about to be dunked right into the ocean. It's well worth the drive from Los Angeles to enjoy the fun.
7. Virginia Beach Boardwalk – Virginia Beach, Virginia
There’s three miles worth of fun waiting at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. You’ve got your standard fare like
the pedestrian crosswalks and bike paths. But you can spot dolphins off the
coast, art museums to visit and posh hotels right on the waterfront. You’ll
find various nautical-themed sculptures throughout the area. Don’t forget to
get a picture with the 34-foot tall King Neptune. It’s too cool to pass up.
Did we miss your favorite
boardwalk in the United States? Sound off in the comments section.
