Five Jersey Shore Locations Land Spots on USA TODAY’s Best Boardwalks List

Five Jersey Shore destinations snagged spots among the top 20 nominees in USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 for best boardwalks. Atlantic City, Ocean City, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, and Wildwood all made the cut.

A panel assembled by USA TODAY picked the most impressive boardwalks across the country. Editors whittled down those picks to 20 finalists. Now the public gets to vote and decide which 10 take home the prize.

The publication described boardwalks as offering “achingly gorgeous views of the water, the salty scent of French fries in the air, and the laughter of people from all walks of life having an incredible time together.” Per NJ.com, USA TODAY 10 Best pointed out that “there are few things as quintessentially Americana as a stroll down a bustling boardwalk.”

These nominees boast “irresistible foods on offer, top-notch entertainment, compelling places to shop, and spectacular coastal vibes,” per the award description. New Jersey claims more boardwalks than any other state in America.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk stands as the original seaside boardwalk. It was first constructed back in 1870. Point Pleasant’s boardwalk houses Jenkins Aquarium. Ocean City’s stretch brings rides, food, and the historic Ocean City Music Pier to visitors.

Seaside Heights delivers a bit of everything you could want. Wildwood’s boardwalk crams hundreds of storefronts and amusements into 38 blocks.

The other 15 nominees are Carolina Beach, Daytona Beach, Hollywood Beach, Kemah Boardwalk, Mission Beach, Myrtle Beach, Ocean Beach Park, Ocean City in Maryland, Old Orchard Beach Pier, Rehoboth Beach, Riegelmann at Coney Island, Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Virginia Beach.

Voting wraps up at noon on Monday, April 6. Winners get announced on Wednesday, April 15.

The post Five Jersey Shore Locations Land Spots on USA TODAY’s Best Boardwalks List appeared first on WMTR AM.