Article Overview: From Coney Island’s Cyclone to Atlantic City’s 5½-mile stretch, the Northeast’s best seaside boardwalks blend classic amusements with quiet, scenic escapes. Explore eight top picks across Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.
There is just something so appealing about a broad wooden pathway on the seashore. Mix those boards with the smell of fried seafood, a little music and a few attractions, and the boardwalk becomes a destination that has entranced generations of Americans.
And the concept of a seaside boardwalk has evolved in some parts to be a quieter, more scenic affair. You’ll find that many of these pathways are better suited for bird-watchers than people-watchers, and many flock to seaside boardwalks to snap some unbeatable photos.
Whether you’re into thrills or tranquility, the shoreline of the Northeast is a boardwalk empire. Here we share eight of our favorites.
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Which Northeast Boardwalk Is Right for You?
Eight boardwalks, four states, endless ways to spend a day by the water. Here’s a quick side-by-side look to help plan your route.
| Boardwalk | State | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Beach Park | Connecticut | 0.5 miles | Families who want a pool and waterslide with their beach day |
| Silver Sands State Park | Connecticut | 0.75 miles | Birdwatchers and legend-hunters chasing buried treasure tales |
| Salisbury Beach Boardwalk | Massachusetts | 625 feet | A short, accessible stroll near a classic New England downtown |
| Asbury Park Boardwalk | New Jersey | 1 mile | Music lovers and fans of arcade games and public art |
| Atlantic City Boardwalk | New Jersey | 5.5 miles | First-timers who want the classic rolling-chair boardwalk experience |
| Ocean City Boardwalk | New Jersey | 3 miles | Families seeking a relaxed, alcohol-free resort atmosphere |
| Riegelmann Boardwalk (Coney Island) | New York | 2.7 miles | Thrill-seekers chasing classic rides and Nathan’s hot dogs |
| Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk | New York | 5.5 miles | Surfers and food-hoppers ready for a long walk |
Connecticut
Ocean Beach Park, New London
The half-mile boardwalk and surrounding beach pack in a lot of fun per square foot. Opened in 1940, Ocean Beach Park is one of the only boardwalk areas to include an Olympic-size freshwater swimming pool and a waterslide. Other family-friendly activities include mini-golf, a carousel and an arcade. If you want a quieter excursion, there’s a nearby nature walk.
Silver Sands State Park, Milford
A three-quarter-mile wooden boardwalk offers great views of the beach, sand dunes and marshland. The park’s boardwalk connects you to a sandbar, traversable at low tide, which leads to Charles Island, where pirate Capt. William Kidd is rumored to have buried treasure. It’s a great spot to view majestic Long Island Sound and spy migrating flocks of birds.
The Northeast Beach Guide
If you're looking for sun, sand and saltwater this summer, check out our list of the best beaches in the Northeast.
Go now!Massachusetts
Salisbury Beach Boardwalk, Salisbury
The newest and the shortest of the boardwalks in the Northeast, this walkway was completed in 2017 as part of a revitalization effort of a vintage seaside community that harks back to colonial times. Bordering an expansive beach and near the bustling downtown district, the 625-foot boardwalk was built with accessibility in mind. It features covered picnic areas, a classic carousel and play structures for kids just a short walk away.
New Jersey
Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park
This mile-long boardwalk is cemented in rock ‘n’ roll history, bordering music venues the Stone Pony and Paramount Theatre, which were the early stomping grounds of Bruce Springsteen and the band Bon Jovi. The walkway has gone through several rounds of revitalizations in the last quarter century, while still keeping its quirky character. Families will enjoy that the stroll has opportunities for mini-golf, a splash park and plenty of classic pinball and arcade games. Asbury Park is also known for its public murals.
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City
The grandparent of all seaside walkways, Atlantic City Boardwalk is also one of the longest boardwalks in the Northeast, measuring approximately 5½ miles with the connected section in Ventnor City. It’s so long that it has tram service and an amusement park at its heart. The boardwalk became a popular leisure destination in the late 1800s with the introduction of rolling chairs to enjoy the seaside with minimal effort. Those chairs are still rentable if you want a truly retro Atlantic City experience. Some construction is underway on the boardwalk as part of a $33 million revitalization project.
Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City
This wide boardwalk spans almost 3 miles of one of the most well-known dry resort communities in the U.S., meaning no alcohol is served or sold there. The locale is also well known for the Music Pier, a storied venue for musicals, concerts and orchestra performances. While at the boardwalk, enjoy mini-golf, amusement park rides and good food.
New York
Riegelmann Boardwalk (Coney Island), Brooklyn
Visit this almost-3-mile boardwalk to check a lot of things off your boardwalk bucket list. For some vintage thrills, hop on the Coney Island Cyclone or the Wonder Wheel at Luna Park, spend a day at the New York Aquarium and snack on Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. The city has renovation plans, so the century-old boardwalk will soon have a facelift.
Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Queens
If you are setting out to go from one end to the other of this boardwalk, bring comfortable shoes and an empty stomach. The 5½-mile walkway is known for its food vendor hubs. Offshore is also the only place in the Big Apple where you are legally allowed to surf. The boardwalk, destroyed during Superstorm Sandy, was rebuilt with elevated sections in 2017.
Sunrise or Sunset Walks on the Boardwalk?
Boardwalk FAQs
What is the longest boardwalk in the Northeast?
Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey and Rockaway Beach Boardwalk in New York, at 5½ miles each, are tied as the longest in the Northeast. Atlantic City’s total includes a connected section running into Ventnor City, while Rockaway stretches along the Queens shoreline with elevated sections rebuilt after Superstorm Sandy.
Which boardwalk is best for a family with young kids?
Ocean Beach Park in Connecticut stands out for families thanks to its Olympic-size freshwater pool, waterslide, mini-golf, carousel and arcade all in one spot. Salisbury Beach Boardwalk in Massachusetts is another solid pick, with covered picnic areas and play structures built with accessibility in mind.
Are dogs allowed on Northeast boardwalks?
Pet policies vary by location and season, so check each boardwalk’s official website before visiting. Many Jersey Shore and New York boardwalks restrict dogs during peak summer months but relax the rules in the off-season.
Is parking available near these boardwalks?
Most boardwalks offer nearby public parking lots or metered street parking, though availability tightens during summer weekends and holidays. Arriving early or using rideshare options can save time at busier destinations like Atlantic City and Coney Island.
What’s the best time of year to visit a Northeast boardwalk?
Late spring through early fall (May through September) brings the warmest weather and the most open attractions, arcades and food vendors. Visiting on a weekday or in the shoulder season (May or September) means smaller crowds and easier parking.
Is Coney Island’s boardwalk under construction?
Yes. New York City is undertaking a renovation of the century-old Riegelmann Boardwalk, so visitors may encounter construction areas. Check current advisories before planning a visit to avoid closed sections.
How do I get to Atlantic City Boardwalk without a car?
Atlantic City is accessible by train, bus or car, and the boardwalk runs right through the casino district, so no car is needed once you arrive. A free tram service also runs along sections of the boardwalk for those covering longer stretches.
