Last Blast of Summer: Let's Explore Quintessential Jersey Shore Boardwalks

The late, great Anthony Bourdain once said: “To know Jersey, is to love her,” and we wholeheartedly agree.  Getting to live and work in this fine state is an absolute joy. We wouldn’t trade in our fellow loud-mouthed, short-tempered, lead-foot drivers for any other place on the planet.  There’s something really special about living in New Jersey, and even if you leave, you’ll always have a piece of her with you. That deep-seated yearning to return to your roots and good ol’ “Dirty Jerz” will always be pulling you back.

Today on the blog, we’re celebrating one of the finest things this state has to offer: The Jersey Shore. No, we don’t mean that MTV series where 97% of the cast was from Staten Island, we mean the sandy shores,well-trodden boards, and home of tomato pies and buckets of fries!  To say goodbye to summer, we’re sharing some of our favorite places to visit down the shore before school kicks into gear.  This time, we’re highlighting the wonderful, whimsical boardwalks that dot our shorelines

And, of course, if you’ve got a “love for local” like we do? Let us know your favorite Jersey Shore spots in the comments.

Let’s talk boardwalks: the quintessential jersey shore vibe.

Keyport Waterfront Boardwalk and Pier (Monmouth County) may be an unexpected addition to our list, but we promise you it’s worth a visit! This is a great place to take a nice waterfront stroll along the Raritan Bay with views of the New York Skyline along the 1.5 mile paved trail.  There’s plenty of benches for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air, as well as a shaded gazebo.  Angler’s will be thrilled with the fishing pier and easy access to the boat ramp. The boardwalk is also dog and kid friendly, welcoming well-behaved and leashed dogs and offering a playground for kids to enjoy.

Keansburg Waterfront Boardwalk (Monmouth County) has been in operation since 1904, and is a full-sized historic waterpark and amusement pier for families.  Take a walk along the boardwalk and do a little fishing, enjoy the free swimming beach, or head over to the waterpark for some splash pad and waterslide fun. Kids will be delighted to find plenty of rides, games, and attractions at the renovated historic boardwalk amusement park area.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Ocean County) is a full-stop, 100% authentic Jersey Shore boardwalk.  You’ll find the classic amusement rides like a ferris wheel and small rollercoasters, a fun house, batting cages, ropes course, and more.  All your family’s favorite classic boardwalk games are available like pinball, try-your-luck, skeeball, and more!  There’s also an aquarium for some extra fun where families can get an up close look at sharks, fish, sea turtles, penguins, rays, and more.  Lighthouse Point Miniature Golf offers a rollicking good time for kids and kids at heart. Plus, classic boardwalk eats like tomato pie, cotton candy, handcut fries, fried oreos, and many more.

Seaside Heights Boardwalk (Ocean County) is of course the filming location of the infamous reality show, Jersey Shore. This 2-mile boardwalk has been in use since 1913, and provides retro charm with its vintage styled classic arcade games, classic boardwalk rides, wall-to-wall shops filled with kitschy souvenirs, and of course your favorite boardwalk eats. Casino Pier Amusement Park is the highlight, jampacked with amusements for all ages that twinkle long into the night with their lights, strobes, and sparkles. You can enjoy an afternoon of fishing or crabbing off the pier as well, or do some boating just off the beach.  The area also has its own waterpark, Breakwater Beach Waterpark.

Long Branch Boardwalk (Ocean County) and the Pier Village will be a quieter choice in boardwalks and one of the most upscale on the list.  The newly installed Wave Resort and hotel offers 7 different restaurants and bars, an outdoor pool deck with fire pits, beach views, a spa, fitness center, and blow-dry bar among other amenities. The local city is adding a new custom carousel for some old-timey charm with 3 rows of charming little creatures to ride on.  There’s a beach club and beach bar, year-round shops and restaurants including a bookstore, historic sites, a farmer’s market, and plenty of free events year round. Nearby is the Seven Presidents Oceanfront park which offers swimming, volleyball, kayaking and canoeing, and even surfing.

Asbury Park Boardwalk (Monmouth County) offers a unique charm that’s all its own!  It’s a very clean, spacious boardwalk with great views of the ocean and the skyline.  You won’t find any of the typical Jersey carnival rides and amusements here, but rather its very own unique trademark of entertainment.  This eclectic and iconic boardwalk is home to the Silverball Retro Arcade, Swan Pedal Boat Rides, The Wonder Bar (which offers Dog Friendly Yappy Hour), Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall, the Asbury Park Distilling Co and Asbury Park Brewery, the Asbury Splash Park, nearby iconic Asbury Lanes, and of course home to the infamous Stone Pony!  The boardwalk also has an initiative called the “Wooden Walls Public Art Project” in which muralists and artist from around the world and especially from NJ come together in a collaborative effort to beautify the area; all along the boardwalk and throughout the downtown area you’ll find gorgeous hand crafted murals and art installations free to the public!  Both inside the convention hall center and dotted along the boardwalk you’ll find very unique gift shops and boutiques offering one-of-a-kind and regional themed wares.

Ocean City Boardwalk (Cape May County) spans 2.5 miles and offers a wonderful opportunity for a stroll and shop or a leisurely bike ride along the boards.  Playland’s Castaway Cove amusement pier offers themed rides, go-karting, family-friendly games and amusements, and miniature golf!  The Ocean City Boardwalk Auditorium hosts summer concerts at “the music pier” spanning multiple genres.  It’s also home to the Cruisin’ Ocean City Auto Show with more than 300 vehicles on view. You can even take a candlelight walking tour of Ocean City to do a little ghost hunting from June through October.

Wildwood Boardwalk (Cape May County) is home of the famous Sightseer Tram Car which runs the length of the boardwalk.  This boardwalk has two distinct sides with two distinct experiences. On one end you’ll find the Raging Waters Water Park and Beachfront Park, on the other the Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club. There is an amusements pier on each side (Morey’s Piers: Mariner’s Pier and Adventure Pier) as well offering numerous rides, go-karts, bumper cars, mini golf, monster truck rides, parasailing, jetskiing rentals, and more.  Opt for a sit-down formal meal with fresh seafood or stop into any of the grab-and-go eateries for barbecue, burgers, classic tomato pies, boardwalk fries, fried oreos and other deserts, ice cream, and more.  Beach access here in Wildwood is free, and there’s even a special boardwalk themed dog park and enormous dog beach designated area.

Atlantic City Boardwalk (Atlantic County) is probably one of our most well known boardwalks thanks to its numerous casinos and storied history.  The Steel Pier Amusement Park offers classic carnival games, boardwalk food stalls, classic carnival and boardwalk rides including a giant Ferris Wheel, and lots of lively entertainment. Nearby at the Tropicana hotel you can enjoy a Havana-themed experience with comedy club, nightclub, shops, and restaurants. The Wheel at the Steel Pier is a 227-foot tall observation wheel offering panoramic views of the skyline and ocean.  Head over to North Beach Mini Golf to enjoy a few rounds or grab some bike rentals to ride around the coastal boardwalk.  Enjoy the Biergarten with more than 30 draft and a wide selection of bottled and canned beers with a German themed food menu or opt for something from the raw bar kitchen, right on the boardwalk!  There are also 6 casinos located directly on the boardwalk which are currently: Bally’s, Caesars, Hard Rock, Ocean, Resorts, and Tropicana.

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