Asbury Park

A little bit edgy, a little bit rock n’ roll and a whole lot of fun, this boardwalk is a Jersey Shore staple. Come for the trendy restaurants, bars and historical buildings and stay for fun activities like mini-golf at Asbury Eighteen. Kids will love getting wet at the Asbury Splash Park on the boardwalk. Snap some pics at the historic waterfront Carousel Building and take in a concert at the iconic Convention Hall. The legendary Stone Pony is just across the street, as is Wonder Bar which is so dog-friendly it even hosts a Yappy Hour. The Silverball Museum has more than 6,000 pinball machines you can marvel at and play for an admission fee (no quarters required). Head to nearby Cookman Avenue and its side streets where you can check out the shops, galleries, coffee shops, microbreweries and distilleries and more eateries.

AC has the oldest (built in 1870) and longest boardwalk in America. Step outside the resorts and casinos to take a ride on a rolling chair along the boardwalk the way they did back in 1880! The boardwalk is 4 miles each way and filled with shops, dining, entertainment and of course salt water taffy. Take a stroll and you’ll be entertained by musicians and street performers along the boardwalk. Bike rentals are available from 6 to 10 am. Be sure to make your way to Steel Pier, the oldest amusement park with thrill rides like the Slingshot and classic ones like the carousel. While you’re in the area, head to nearby Margate City to see Lucy the Elephant, a National Historic Landmark.

This boardwalk was revitalized with the addition of Pier Village in the Victorian-inspired community. These days you’ll find ample parking, great restaurants like Simply Greek which has a daily happy hour and of course the original WindMill hot dogs (don’t forget the cheese fries). There’s a great carousel for the young and young-at-heart that evokes the nostalgic history of Long Branch. Boardwalk Fun and Games has virtual reality games, Skee-Ball, crane games and more for all ages and skill levels. Try the free, year-round scavenger hunt that’ll have you taking photos of some of this beautiful beach town’s most iconic sites.

A visit to the Wildwoods is worth the trip! With 38 blocks of fun, over 100 rides, three beachfront waterparks, arcades, minigolf, go-carts and escape rooms, this boardwalk is truly a summer paradise for families. Known as one of our country’s last great seaside promenades, it’s been a center of activity for families since the 1890s. Be sure to spend some time at Morey’s Piers for amusement rides, two water parks, dining and events including the Sticks in the Sand Beach Hockey Tournament. Head to PigDog Beach for the best BBQ on the sand. The loaded BBQ fries and trash can nachos will be a hit with the kids. Take a morning bike ride with a view or a serene stroll at sunset. You’ll also find fun events all summer including beach yoga and the Wildwoods International Kite Festival.

Friends and family step onto the boards here for wholesome fun and adventure. The 2.5-mile boardwalk is a favorite for biking, walking and jogging in the early morning hours. The two can’tmiss destinations here are Gillian’s Wonderland Pier at Boardwalk and 6th Street and Playland’s Castaway Cove at Boardwalk and 10th Street. The Music Pier hosts a summer concert series featuring a full range of musical styles and on Tuesdays and Thursdays the Philadelphia Mummers bands strut the boardwalk from 6th to 14th streets. Shopping is another fun activity and you’ll find everything from antiques and collectibles to fudge and jewelry. Grab a sausage or an ice cream for a snack or take the teens to Bungalow Bowl for fruity açaí bowls and smoothies. You’d be remiss to pass up Manco & Manco Pizza and Shriver’s is an institution for salt water taffy and the best way to bring home a taste of those seaside memories.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk on Point Pleasant Beach is all about family fun. Come for the rides (there are kiddie rides for the little ones and coasters for the big kids!), the SkeeBall, video games, batting cages and of course tons of games up and down the boardwalk. Don’t forget to stop by Jenkinson’s Aquarium where kids will marvel at the fish, penguins, seals and sharks and other forms of marine life. When you’re hungry, the Boardwalk Bar & Grill has seafood, salads and pasta. Stop by Martell’s Tiki Bar sans kids for a strawberry daiquiri or tequila sunrise. The new Adventure Lookout Ropes Course is fun for the whole family since there’s a larger course (for those over 48” tall) or a smaller one for guests under 48” (Sky Tykes).