Vintage Americana charm, giant beachball sculptures, funnel cakes, soft serve, rides and games, all along the shoreline? It must be time for another boardwalk adventure.
Since their origins in 1870 (when Atlantic City laid down the world’s first wooden planks to keep sand out of hotel lobbies), boardwalks have been a summer staple, especially for New Yorkers. There’s nothing like heading down to Coney Island or Rockaway Beach, and spending the end of a long summer day hearing the sweet sound of the crashing waves alongside the dinging of arcade games and the scent of frying zeppoles.
This year, the USA Today 10Best 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards named Wildwood, New Jersey as America’s best boardwalk, and we can’t help but agree. Originally built in the 1890s as a mere 150-yard stretch of boards, the boardwalk has evolved into a massive, world-famous seaside promenade.
Now stretching across 38 blocks, it serves up a high-energy mix of vintage neon “Doo Wop” aesthetics, modern thrill rides, and classic carnival culture. It’s wide, bustling, and completely free to access (though rides and food cost extra). During the day, you’ll find families biking the planks, while the nights light up with a vibrant, neon-soaked skyline, a packed crowd, and weekly Friday night fireworks.
🥇 Why Wildwood Was Named The Best Boardwalk In America
It isn’t just local bias. Wildwood took the No. 1 spot nationwide for the second consecutive year in 2026 because of its sheer scale and nostalgic charm.
- Unmatched Scale: It boasts three full amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks. It has over 100 rides, more than some major commercial theme parks.
- The Blueprint for Theme Parks: The layout is so iconic and well-engineered that places like Disney World and Hershey Park actually used Wildwood as the architectural model for their own boardwalk-themed attractions.
- Preserved Mid-Century Vibe: The surrounding town features the highest concentration of mid-century “Doo Wop” architecture in the country, giving the whole trip a fun, time-capsule feeling.
🎡 Can’t-Miss Attractions
- The Sightseer Tram Cars: Operating continuously since 1949, these yellow and blue electric cars shuffle tired walkers from one end of the boards to the other. You will absolutely leave with their famous recorded warning permanently stuck in your head: “Watch the tram car, please!”
- Morey’s Piers: The epicenter of the boardwalk’s thrills. Check out Surfside Pier for a classic carnival feel, or head to Mariner’s Pier to catch a ride on the Giant Wheel—which just received a massive, top-to-bottom renovation for the 2026 summer season.
- The Food Crawl: You haven’t truly experienced Wildwood without grabbing a slice of jumbo pizza from Mack’s or Sam’s, followed by a box of Curley’s Fries, and fresh saltwater taffy.
How to Get There from NYC
Located at the southern tip of New Jersey (Exit 4 on the Garden State Parkway), Wildwood is roughly 150 miles from Midtown Manhattan.
- By Bus (~3.5 hours): Catch the NJ Transit Bus Route 319 directly from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It offers seasonal, express service that drops you off right at the Wildwood Bus Terminal, just a few blocks from the ocean.
- By Car (2.5 to 3 hours): Take the NJ Turnpike South to the Garden State Parkway South all the way down to Exit 4. From there, follow Route 47 East straight into Wildwood.
