USA Today’s 2025 rankings of the top 10 boardwalks in the country are out—and three New Jersey favorites made the list. Known for their mix of charm, beautiful Shoreline views, and family-friendly attractions, these Garden State boardwalks stand out on the national stage.
The Wildwoods Boardwalk has claimed the top spot as the Best Boardwalk in the country, according to USA Today. Spanning three amusement piers, this Jersey Shore favorite offers more than 100 rides and attractions—from roller coasters and waterparks to classic arcade games, boardwalk eats, and shopping.
In the warmer months, watch for the Wildwoods Boardwalk Sightseer Tram Cars, known for their famous phrase, “Watch the Tram Car, Please!” Or rent a bike to get to the northern end along the seawall, which takes you into North Wildwood, and includes access to the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse.
Across from the Wildwoods Convention Center, which hosts family-friendly events year-round, but slightly off the boardwalk is the Doo Wop Experience Museum, steeped in nostalgia from the ’50s and ’60s, which was recently named one of the best pop culture museum in the country, also by USA Today readers.
There have been new additions to the area, such as Madison Resorts in Wildwood Crest and the Honky Tonk Saloon in Wildwood, plus the complete rebuilding of the boardwalk itself.
Upcoming events in Wildwood include the Barefoot Country Music Fest in June and the new Thunder Over The Waves Air Show in September. There are lots of free events, fireworks, concerts and beaches throughout the summer, too.
Atlantic City came in at No. 6 on the USA Today list, just months after being named the country’s best boardwalk according to TimeOut Magazine. It’s the world’s oldest and longest boarwalk, so as you pass by the casinos, check the entertainment schedule at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, pay tribute at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, walk onto the sand to a beach bar, shop at Playground Pier, or hit the rides at Steel Pier. Take a walk toward the end to visit the recently reopened Atlantic City Aquarium.
AC will be part of the North to Shore Festival in June, and then The Soar & Shore Festival and air show flies above the shoreline in July.
Ocean City came in at No. 8 after being named the coolest city in New Jersey by the Discoverer. Hot spots along the boardwalk include Playland’s Castaway Cove, OC’s oldest amusement park with 32 rides; Sandcastle Putt Club mini golf; Shriver’s and Johnson’s Popcorn; and JiLLy’s French Fry Factory.
Coming up this spring are Martin Z. Mollusk Day, a Spring Block Party, the Spring Cruisin’ car show, Ocean City Schools Art Showcase, the OCNJ triathlon and duathlon, Unlocking of the Ocean Plunge, Memorial Beach Challenge, and a Memorial Day service.
To determine the best boardwalks, an expert panel assembled by USA TODAY 10BEST nominated the most outstanding boardwalks in the country, and then readers voted for their faves.
The Top 10 Boardwalks in the Country, according to USA Today readers:
1. Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
2. Ocean Beach Park Boardwalk, New London, CT
3. Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach, NC
4. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
5. Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, TX
6. Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
7. Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice, CA
8. Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ
9. Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD
10. Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA
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