Introduce family to favorite boardwalks or discover them together
Here are five to consider:
1. Atlantic City Boardwalk; Atlantic City, N.J. Stroll along this historic promenade, considered the oldest and longest boardwalk in the country. Since the first wooden planks were placed in 1870, the walkway has served as the centerpiece of this resort city. Families can ride bikes, sample an endless menu of confections and wander the arcade halls and museums. Adjacent to the famed boardwalk is Steel Pier, home to a flashy amusement park sure to appeal to kids of all ages. Call to request a free visitor’s guide or download yours from the website.
Contact: (888) 228-4748; atlanticcitynj.com
2. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk; Myrtle Beach, S.C. The recent addition of this 1.2-mile walkway has added vibrancy to this beach town. Expect plenty of dining options, shopping and music, as well as views of the sea and intermittent green spaces for picnics or play. Kids will enjoy the weekly carnival that promises face painters, bounce houses, balloon artists and stilt walkers. Other summer fun on the boardwalk includes fireworks displays, live bands, acrobats and fire shows.
Contact: (800) 356-3016; visitmyrtlebeach.com
3. Ocean Front Walk; Venice Beach, Calif. Rollerblade, bike or stroll this scenic stretch of boardwalk where beachfront beauty combines with surf-culture commerce to create an eye-popping array of colorful activity. Expect farmers market-style jewelry and art as well as aura readers, tattoo artists and performances by jugglers, human statues and magicians. Stop for breakfast or lunch in any of the beachfront cafes and keep your eyes peeled for your favorite celeb.
Contact: venicebeach.com
4. Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk; Rehoboth, Del. Visit this family-friendly beach community for a relaxing seaside getaway. The recently spruced-up boardwalk, first built in 1873, has not lost its celebrated vintage vibe. After a day on the wide expanse of beach, sample sweets from Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy, ride the Jolly Trolley and leave time for kids to enjoy the retro Funland amusement center where rides, shooting galleries, pinball machines and arcade games offer a glimpse of the kind of fun you enjoyed as a child.
Contact: (302) 227-6181; rehobothboardwalk.com
5. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; Santa Cruz, Calif. Offering affordable family fun since 1907, this West Coast boardwalk features free summer entertainment and the chance to hop aboard two rides that proudly claim National Historic Landmark status. The 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster promises to thrill. Look to the Looff Carousel with its retro ring toss for chill. Take a break from games, mini golf and laser tag to look toward the sea. You may catch a glimpse of dolphins, sea lions and otters swimming offshore.
Contact: (831) 423-5590; beachboardwalk.com