Jersey Shore Boardwalks
Rides, games, food, and fun. The boardwalk is the heart of the Jersey Shore experience.
Top Boardwalks
Wildwood Boardwalk
Cape May County
Classic boardwalk with most rides
Length: 2 miles
Highlights
Best For
Must-Try Food
Curley's Fries, Mack's Pizza, Douglass Fudge, Kohr Bros Ice Cream
Ocean City Boardwalk
Cape May County
Family-friendly, classic charm
Length: 2.5 miles
Highlights
Best For
Must-Try Food
Manco & Manco Pizza, Johnson's Popcorn, Shriver's Fudge, Kohr Bros
Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Ocean County
Iconic, energetic, young crowd
Length: 1 mile
Highlights
Best For
Must-Try Food
Midway Steak House, Berkeley Candy, Sawmill Pizza
Point Pleasant Boardwalk
Ocean County
Family-friendly, local favorite
Length: 1 mile
Highlights
Best For
Must-Try Food
Hoffman's Ice Cream, Jenkinson's Food Court
All Boardwalks
Wildwood Boardwalk
Wildwood
2 miles
Classic boardwalk with most rides
Ocean City Boardwalk
Ocean City
2.5 miles
Family-friendly, classic charm
Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Seaside Heights
1 mile
Iconic, energetic, young crowd
Point Pleasant Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach
1 mile
Family-friendly, local favorite
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Atlantic City
5.5 miles
Big city, casino entertainment
Asbury Park Boardwalk
Asbury Park
1 mile
Artsy, hip, revitalized
Long Branch Boardwalk
Long Branch
1.5 miles
Modern, upscale
Belmar Boardwalk
Belmar
1.2 miles
Low-key, local beach town
Classic Boardwalk Food
Pizza
Mack's (Wildwood), Manco & Manco (OC), Sawmill (Seaside)
Fries
Curley's (Wildwood), Fry Guys, Potato Works
Ice Cream
Kohr Bros, Hoffman's, Springer's
Fudge
Shriver's (OC), Douglass (Wildwood), Original Fudge Kitchen
Funnel Cake
Available at most boardwalks
Salt Water Taffy
James Candy, Fralinger's, Shriver's
Boardwalk Food Crawl Guide
Themed eating adventures that turn boardwalk snacking into an epic quest. Pick your crawl and commit.
The Pizza Pilgrimage
Duration: 1-2 days
Hit the shore's most legendary pizza spots. Each boardwalk has its champion—this crawl settles the debate once and for all.
Manco & Manco
Ocean CityOrder: Plain slice, extra crispy
Watch them toss dough in the open kitchen. Lines move fast—skip the table service.
Mack's Pizza
WildwoodOrder: Cheese slice, sausage slice
The crispy bottom is the signature. Get there before 7pm or expect a 20-minute wait.
Sawmill Pizza
Seaside HeightsOrder: Sicilian square
Their Sicilian is underrated—thick, chewy, perfect for late-night post-bar cravings.
Sam's Pizza Palace
WildwoodOrder: Whole pie to share
Locals argue Sam's vs Mack's religiously. Try both and pick your side.
Insider tip: Avoid judging on your first bite—let each slice cool for 60 seconds. The cheese-to-sauce ratio reveals itself at the right temperature.
The Sweet Tooth Trail
Duration: Half day
Ice cream, fudge, and candy shops that have been perfecting their craft for generations. Pace yourself—this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Kohr Bros
MultipleOrder: Orange-vanilla twist in a cone
The original frozen custard. Softer than ice cream, richer than soft serve. Don't skip the cone.
Hoffman's Ice Cream
Point PleasantOrder: Chocolate peanut butter
Family-owned since 1976. Their portions are enormous—small is plenty.
Shriver's
Ocean CityOrder: Fudge sampler + salt water taffy
The fudge is made fresh daily. Ask for an end piece—more chocolate coverage.
Douglass Fudge
WildwoodOrder: Penuche fudge (brown sugar)
Less famous than Shriver's but locals swear it's better. The penuche is unlike anything else.
Insider tip: Start with ice cream, end with fudge. Fudge travels better in your beach bag for later.
The Salty Snack Circuit
Duration: 2-3 hours
Fries, funnel cakes, and boardwalk classics that pair perfectly with ocean air. Salt, grease, and summer—the holy trinity.
Curley's Fries
WildwoodOrder: Large bucket, extra salt
The vinegar is key—don't skip it. Cider vinegar cuts through the grease perfectly.
Johnson's Popcorn
Ocean CityOrder: Caramel corn bucket
Been popping since 1940. The caramel corn is dangerously addictive. Get the tub to share.
Boardwalk Funnel Cake
SeasideOrder: Powdered sugar, strawberries
Best eaten immediately. The crispy edges get soft after 10 minutes. Eat standing up.
Gelato by the Beach
Asbury ParkOrder: Sea salt caramel
Not traditional boardwalk, but Asbury has upgraded the game. More sophisticated palate territory.
Insider tip: Fries first, funnel cake last. You need the salt to balance the sugar. Trust the process.
The Family Classic Route
Duration: Full evening
Kid-approved stops that adults secretly love too. No fighting over where to eat—this route has something for everyone.
Boardwalk pizza slice
Any boardwalkOrder: Plain cheese, cut in half
Every kid eats free-slice pizza. Most places will cut it for you if you ask.
Soft-serve ice cream
MultipleOrder: Small cup, rainbow sprinkles
Cups beat cones for kids—less mess, less stress. Sprinkles are non-negotiable.
Lemonade stand
Wildwood/OCOrder: Fresh-squeezed, easy ice
Real lemons squeezed in front of you. Worth the $6. Stays cold in beach cup holders.
Candy shop browse
MultipleOrder: Salt water taffy sampler
Let kids pick 5 pieces each. Sets expectations and prevents meltdowns at checkout.
Insider tip: Schedule dinner for 5:30pm. Beats the rush, kids eat before they're overtired, and you have energy left for night rides.
Which Boardwalk Is Right for You?
Every boardwalk has its personality. Here's how to match yours to the right one.
Which boardwalk has the best rides?
Winner: Wildwood
Morey's Piers operates three amusement piers with 100+ rides, including the Great Nor'Easter coaster and two full water parks. No other boardwalk comes close in sheer quantity and variety. Seaside's Casino Pier is a distant second with fewer rides but the beloved Hydrus coaster.
Alternative: For something smaller and less overwhelming, Point Pleasant's Jenkinson's has quality rides without the crowds.
Which boardwalk is best for families with young kids?
Winner: Ocean City
Ocean City is a "dry town" with no alcohol sales, which keeps the vibe family-focused. Gillian's Wonderland Pier is specifically designed for younger children, and Castaway Cove has a good mix of thrill and family rides. The 2.5-mile boardwalk is flat and stroller-friendly.
Alternative: Point Pleasant is smaller but has Jenkinson's Aquarium as a rainy-day backup—invaluable with kids.
Which boardwalk is best for adults and nightlife?
Winner: Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights has the most energetic bar scene right off the boardwalk. The MTV "Jersey Shore" fame brought young crowds, and the scene delivers with clubs, late-night food, and party atmosphere. Atlantic City wins for casino nightlife but the boardwalk itself isn't the draw.
Alternative: Wildwood's boardwalk is family-oriented, but the bars on Pacific Avenue are a short walk away.
Which boardwalk has the best food?
Winner: Wildwood (tie with Ocean City)
It's genuinely close. Wildwood has Mack's Pizza, Curley's Fries, and Douglass Fudge—all legendary. Ocean City counters with Manco & Manco Pizza, Johnson's Popcorn, and Shriver's. Your loyalty depends on which you grew up with. Both are excellent.
Alternative: Point Pleasant's food is underrated—Hoffman's Ice Cream is arguably the shore's best.
Which boardwalk is best on a budget?
Winner: Wildwood
Wildwood beaches are completely free—no beach badges. Combined with ride wristband deals at Morey's (check for weeknight specials), you can do a full boardwalk day for less than anywhere else. Free parking is available if you know where to look (side streets past the motels).
Alternative: Atlantic City beaches are also free, but casino temptations add up fast.
Which boardwalk is least crowded?
Winner: Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant's Jenkinson's boardwalk draws mostly locals and doesn't have the name recognition of Wildwood or Seaside. The aquarium crowd dissipates by mid-afternoon, leaving a pleasant evening boardwalk experience without the chaos.
Alternative: Belmar and Long Branch boardwalks are quiet but lack the rides and attractions.
First-Timer's Guide
Never done a Jersey Shore boardwalk? Here's everything they don't tell you in the guidebooks.
What to Expect
The sensory overload is intentional
Flashing lights, game barkers calling out, music overlapping from every direction—it's designed to excite. Don't fight it. Let the chaos wash over you like a wave.
You will spend more than planned
Budget $50-100 per person for a full evening with rides, games, and food. Games are expensive ($5-10 per play) and rigged to favor the house. Set a limit before you start.
Crowds peak 7-9pm in summer
The boardwalk transforms from families with strollers to teenagers and young adults as the sun sets. Plan accordingly based on your vibe preference.
Walking is the point
Boardwalks are meant for strolling. Resist the urge to rush between attractions. The people-watching, the smells, the energy—that's the experience.
Timing Strategies
Arrive at 5pm for the sweet spot
Afternoon crowds are leaving, evening crowds haven't peaked. Shorter ride lines, cooler temperatures, and golden hour light for photos.
Weekday evenings beat weekends
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday nights have 40-60% fewer people. Locals know this. Same boardwalk, fraction of the wait.
September is the secret season
Most rides stay open through mid-September. Water's warm, crowds are gone, and the boardwalk feels like yours. Best-kept secret of the shore.
Rain clears crowds instantly
If you don't mind getting a little wet, light rain sends tourists running. Covered areas (arcades, food stands) stay open. Lines disappear.
Money-Saving Moves
Wristbands beat individual tickets
For 3+ hours of rides, the all-day wristband saves money. Morey's has time-of-day pricing—evening wristbands cost less and you still get 4-5 hours.
Bring cash (lots of it)
Many game booths and smaller food stands are cash-only. ATMs charge $3-5 fees. Bring $100+ in cash to avoid multiple withdrawals.
Games are entertainment, not investment
The giant stuffed prize costs $50+ in game plays. If you want it, buy it from the boardwalk shops for less. Play games for fun, not prizes.
Share food strategically
Boardwalk portions are huge. One pizza slice feeds two kids. One bucket of fries serves a family. Order strategically and sample more.
Unwritten Rules
Stay right, pass left
The boardwalk flows like traffic. Slow strollers to the right. If you stop to take photos, step to the railing. Blocking traffic is the cardinal sin.
Don't touch the game operators' equipment
They'll reset you and you lose your turn. Watch, learn the technique, then play. Asking for tips is fine—they love explaining their games.
Tipping is expected at food stands
Even counter service—a dollar in the tip jar is standard. These workers are earning summer wages in brutal heat.
The tram car has right of way
Wildwood's famous tram cars will announce themselves: "Watch the tram car, please!" Move aside quickly. They don't stop for slow walkers.
Boardwalk Tips
Save Money
- • Buy ride wristbands for unlimited access
- • Bring cash - many games are cash only
- • Wildwood beaches are FREE
- • Evening rides have shorter lines
Best Times to Visit
- • Weekday evenings for fewer crowds
- • September for warm weather, empty boardwalks
- • Sunset for best photo opportunities
- • Night rides for the full experience
Accessibility
- • All major boardwalks are wheelchair accessible
- • Free beach wheelchairs at many locations
- • Mobi-Mats provide sand access
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best boardwalk at the Jersey Shore?
It depends on what you want! Wildwood has the most rides and free beaches. Ocean City is family-friendly and alcohol-free. Seaside Heights is classic Jersey Shore. Point Pleasant has the best aquarium.
Are Jersey Shore boardwalks free?
Walking the boardwalks is always free! You pay for individual rides, games, and food. Some activities have wristband options for unlimited rides.
When are Jersey Shore boardwalks open?
Most boardwalks are walkable year-round. Rides and attractions operate Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some open weekends in May and September. Wildwood often has the longest season.
Which boardwalk has the best rides?
Wildwood's Morey's Piers has the most rides including major coasters and two water parks. Seaside Heights has the Casino Pier with the Hydrus coaster. Ocean City has family-friendly Gillian's and Castaway Cove.
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