If your idea of summer perfection involves roller coasters, funnel cakes, and Whac-A-Mole, here are 19 little pieces of honky-tonk heaven — from Jersey to Cali —just waiting for you to pay a visit.
Navy Pier,Chicago
Who says a boardwalk has to be by the ocean? Along Lake Michigan in the Windy City, the Navy Pier has got a 150-foot-high Ferris wheel that lets you take in the skyline and the lake, a carousel, wave swinger, mini-golf, and remote-control boats in season. And don't forget to grab an America's Dog Chicago hot dog with mustard, relish, onion, sport peppers, tomato, pickle, and celery salt. navypier.com
(Click here to see Budget Travel's slideshow of awesome boardwalks.)
Atlantic City Boardwalk,Atlantic City, N.J.
This waterfront city may be known for its casinos, but its historic boardwalk is no gamble if you're looking for a great time. Originally built in the 19th century to prevent sand from blowing off the beach into the area's schmancy hotels, the Atlantic City Boardwalk has become a destination all its own. Its Steel Pier is a thriving amusement park, while its Garden Pier is a hot spot for the performing arts. atlanticcitynj.com
Coney Island,Brooklyn, N.Y.
Sure, the name may conjure images of barbershop quartets and early-20th-century couples strolling by the sea. But the revitalized Luna Park amusement park ain't your great-grandfather's Coney Island. The names of the rides at this iconic Brooklyn destination say it all: The Sling Shot throws you up in the air and lets you freefall back down to earth; the Cyclone roller coaster is still one of the most terrifying around, and the Wonder Wheel may be the best-known Ferris wheel in America. If it's a hot day, grab a classic New York-style Italian ice at Uncle Louie G's. lunaparknyc.com
Santa Monica Pier,Santa Monica, Calif.
I may be a native New Yorker, but my favorite Ferris wheel is here at Pacific Park, on Santa Monica's pier. Why? Because it's so close to the water that you can almost convince yourself that the wheel is going to dip you into the Pacific. You'll find gentle rides here for the little ones, and you can take a ride on the beautifully carved and painted carousel that was featured in the Academy Award-winning motion picture "The Sting." santamonicapier.org
Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade,,Myrtle Beach, S.C.
This one's just a baby compared with some of the historic boardwalks on our list. Opened just four years ago, this place feels as if it's been here forever. Welcoming crowds by the million with its charm and hospitality, Myrtle Beach's Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade features the Family Kingdom amusement park that includes the massive Skywheel and Slingshot, and the just-opened Twist 'n Shout steel roller coaster. visitmyrtlebeach.com
Ocean City Boardwalk,Ocean City, Md.
A carousel dating back to 1902, free boardwalk entertainment, and the classic vibe of a relaxed beach town make Ocean City's boardwalk one of the most popular stops on the Atlantic. For a taste of '50s-style seaside fare, drop by Atlantic Stand for fried chicken, soft crabs, and burgers. ocean-city.com
Venice Beach Boardwalk,Venice Beach, Calif.
Visit a typical boardwalk and you'll most likely return home with memories of blue water, candy-apple red kiddie rides, and the scent of fried seafood. Visit Venice Beach Boardwalk (officially Ocean Front Walk, but nobody calls it that) and you're more likely to return home with memories of blue hair, candy-apple-red lipstick, and the scent of pot smoke. It's not the beautiful location or the array of unique shops here that make the place unforgettable; it's the always-surprising, creative folks who turn out every day to make political statements, perform stunts, or just be their fabulous selves. venicebeach.com
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk,Rehoboth Beach, Del.
I had my most relaxing boardwalk visit ever at this mid-Atlantic beauty. It's not huge, glitzy, or loaded with terrifying rides. Instead, this place rolls out a quiet, family-friendly pace that can be just what the doctor ordered. Kids will love the rides and treats along the boardwalk. Grown-ups will appreciate the clean, laid-back beach and charming town. beach-fun.com
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,Santa Cruz, Calif.
Get your picture taken at the apex of the thrilling coaster here and you're almost certain to have a hilarious keepsake —it's a loooooooong way down! The boardwalk's vibrant party scene, fast-paced rides, and best-ever funnel cakes are just a few of the things to love about Santa Cruz, situated near the top of Monterey Bay on the central California coast about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. The city is also home to barking sea lions, one of the world's best surfing scenes, and redwood forests just a short ride up into the mountains. beachboardwalk.com
Old Orchard Beach Boardwalk,Old Orchard Beach, Maine
We tend to associate New England with quiet stretches of beach, but the boardwalk in Old Orchard Beach is an exception, with a full-blown amusement park, Palace Playland, right by the ocean. You'll find easy rides for the kiddies, family-friendly water rides, and the crazy adrenaline-junkie stuff, too. palaceplayland.com
Wildwood,Wildwood, N.J.
A shore thing whether you want a perfect beach or rides that'll rattle your nerves, this is the place to soak up the spirit of the Jersey Shore. wildwoodsnj.com
Virginia Beach Boardwalk,Virginia Beach, Va.
Sure, there are lots of great beaches and boardwalks out there. But Virginia Beach not only boasts a beautiful stretch of sand and attractions but also dolphins right off shore, and unparalleled history just down the road. virginiabeach.com
Disney World Boardwalk,Walt Disney World, Fla.
No list of boardwalks would be complete without Disney. The ocean may be nowhere in sight, but the imaginative folks here have put together a fun family experience for guests that rivals the real thing. disneyworld.disney.go.com
Kemah Boardwalk,Kemah, Texas
The Gulf Coast needed a boardwalk and Kemah, just 20 miles from downtown Houston, fits the bill, having expanded from a popular dining spot to a full-blown family-travel destination. kemahboardwalk.com
Mission Beach Boardwalk,San Diego, Calif.
Often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors up the California coast, Mission Beach is one of San Diego's sweetest spots and should be on your SoCal to-do list. sandiego.com
Carolina Beach Boardwalk,Carolina Beach, N.C.
Appropriately located on Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach specializes in making you forget your cares. Mild breezes, gorgeous beach, and a sweet hospitality make this boardwalk a family favorite. visitcarolinabeachnc.com
Hampton Beach Boardwalk,Hampton Beach, N.H.
This low-key gem is great for relaxing, shopping, and pretending you never have to go back to your real life. hamptonbeach.org
Jenkinson's Boardwalk,Point Pleasant, N.J.
Admid the Jersey Shore's bigger, better-known boardwalks, Jenkinson's has a retro charm that can't be beat. Walk the boardwalk early in the morning as the shops open to beat the crowds. And grab a fresh-squeezed lemonade when the sun is high. jenkinsons.com
Sandwich Boardwalk,Sandwich, Mass.
OK, this isn't a honky-tonk boardwalk. It's a boardwalk made for strolling and taking in the fresh air, unforgettable sky, and water that Cape Cod is known for. You'll have to bring your own funnel cakes! sanwichmass.org
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