There’s nothing quite like a stroll down a classic American boardwalk—where the scent of funnel cake and ocean salt fills the air, and laughter spills from arcades and old Ferris wheels. This guide to the 10 Iconic U.S. Boardwalks for a Classic Beach Day takes you from the Atlantic’s storied promenades to the Pacific’s sunlit piers, celebrating where beach culture, history, and timeless fun come together.
Atlantic City Boardwalk – New Jersey
Built in 1870, the Atlantic City Boardwalk was the first of its kind and remains the blueprint for every seaside promenade that followed. Stretching nearly six miles, it’s home to casinos, arcades, and the historic Steel Pier, which first opened in 1898. You can stroll past shops selling saltwater taffy, watch street performers, or step into old-school glamour at the Boardwalk Hall, where legendary musicians once played. On summer nights, the glow of lights reflecting on the ocean captures Atlantic City’s enduring magic.
Santa Monica Pier – California
The Santa Monica Pier, opened in 1909, defines California’s coastal spirit with its nostalgic rides and sweeping Pacific views. The solar-powered Pacific Wheel has become an icon of the city skyline, spinning above the surf while buskers perform below. Locals and travelers alike come for fishing, sunset dining, and a stroll along Route 66’s western end. As night falls, neon lights shimmer across the water, blending the city’s cool energy with classic boardwalk charm. You can read more about this destination in our guide to Things to Do in Los Angeles.
Ocean City Boardwalk – Maryland
Since 1902, the Ocean City Boardwalk has been Maryland’s favorite stretch of seaside fun, filled with vintage amusement rides, ice cream stands, and ocean breezes. Grab a bucket of Thrasher’s Fries and wander the three-mile wooden walkway dotted with shops and arcades. Early mornings draw joggers and bikers chasing sunrise views, while summer nights bring carnival rides and fireworks. It’s the kind of place that still feels like every family vacation you remember as a kid.
Coney Island Boardwalk – Brooklyn, New York
Few spots say “classic American summer” like Coney Island in Brooklyn, home to the Riegelmann Boardwalk since 1923. From the rumble of the Cyclone Roller Coaster to the smell of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, every step here feels steeped in history. The seaside amusement district was once known as “America’s Playground,” drawing millions for its sideshows, music, and rides. Today, you can still ride the Wonder Wheel, cheer on a baseball game, or join the crowd at the wild Mermaid Parade each June.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk – Virginia
Dating back to 1888, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers a wide, three-mile stretch perfect for biking, skating, and people-watching. Along its path are oceanfront cafés, open-air concerts, and street performers that keep the atmosphere lively. The massive King Neptune statue marks the center of it all, watching over the waves as visitors soak up the Virginia sun. Each summer, the boardwalk bursts to life with festivals celebrating everything from sand sculpting to live jazz.
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk – Delaware
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, in place since the 1870s, radiates small-town charm and nostalgia. Families flock here for Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy, beach fries, and classic seaside arcades. It’s the kind of place where generations return year after year to relive childhood memories by the sea. Summer nights bring music at the Bandstand and pastel skies that turn every walk into a postcard moment.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – California
Built in 1907, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California’s oldest seaside amusement park and one of the most iconic. Its wooden Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, a National Historic Landmark, has been thrilling visitors for over a century. The boardwalk blends vintage seaside charm with a laid-back surf-town vibe, where laughter, music, and the scent of popcorn fill the air. Whether you’re chasing waves or chasing nostalgia, this spot delivers both in perfect balance—much like those featured in our 8 Spectacular Desert Destinations in the USA post for travelers who love adventure.
Wildwood Boardwalk – New Jersey
Stretching for nearly two miles, the Wildwood Boardwalk bursts with neon lights, retro motels, and pure Jersey Shore energy. Since 1969, Morey’s Piers has been the heart of its fun, offering roller coasters, water parks, and over 100 rides. Every summer, the boardwalk transforms into a living time capsule of the 1950s with its Doo-Wop architecture and beach music festivals. It’s wild, colorful, and exactly what a summer at the Shore should be.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk – South Carolina
Opened in 2010, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk may be newer, but it quickly became one of the South’s top coastal attractions. Its 1.2-mile stretch features restaurants, oceanfront bars, and the famous SkyWheel, which towers nearly 200 feet above the beach. At night, live music and street performers fill the boardwalk with energy, while fireworks light up the coastline. It’s a perfect blend of modern entertainment and old-fashioned beach fun, similar in vibe to the seaside towns mentioned in our 20 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in USA article.
Old Orchard Beach Pier – Maine
Since 1898, the Old Orchard Beach Pier has stood as a beacon of Maine’s summer season. Once hosting grand ballrooms and big band music, today it offers seaside bars, dining, and live entertainment stretching 500 feet over the Atlantic. Visitors can still sense the echoes of its storied past as waves crash below its wooden beams. Watching the sunset from the pier feels like stepping into a vintage New England postcard, much like those coastal scenes captured in 10 Breathtaking Islands in the United States.
