Category: Beaches

Stories about beaches as it relates to hotels, restaurants and attractions along the East and West coasts. But this category also may include locations around the world. For instance, you may find stories about Mexico beaches as well as islands in the Caribbean. In addition, you also might find a story about locations in Spain, Italy, France and elsewhere along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Of course, island destinations like Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and even Australia and New Zealand may appear in this category.

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Excerpt from a story related to beaches:

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

400 Beach St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5590

Date Opened: June 22, 1907

The admission-free Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is widely considered the world’s Best Seaside Park. Overlooking Monterey Bay, the Beach Boardwalk is renowned for its picturesque beach and rare historic attractions. This includes two National Historic Landmarks – the Giant Dipper roller coaster and Looff Carousel . Additional highlights are a miniature golf course inside the historic Plunge and Cocoanut Grove ballroom, dating back to 1907.

Santa Monica Pier/Amusement Park

200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8901

Date Opened: Santa Monica Pier, September 9, 1909, Pacific Park, 1996

Santa Monica Pier did not have any attractions when it first opened to the public. In fact, it wasn’t until 1916 that the Looff Hippodrome and amusement park opened to the public. More than 100 years later, the Hippodrome continues to anchor the pier and Pacific Park. The only West Coast amusement park on a pier features classic arcade and amusement rides like the West Coaster. However, the star attraction is the Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar powered Ferris wheel..

Steel Pier Amusement Park

1000 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(866) 386-6659

Date Opened: June 18, 1898

The east coast and in particular the Jersey Shore, has the largest cluster of seaside amusement parks in America. However, the Steel Pier is by far, the oldest still in operation. Located along Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, Steel Pier once boasted theaters, ballrooms, arcades and world class entertainment. Today, the original structures are gone, notably the main building destroyed in a 1982 fire. In its place are popular arcade games, amusement rides and plenty of snack options.

Trimper’s Rides

South First St. & Boardwalk
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 289-8617

Date Opened: 1893

Trimper’s Rides is the world’s oldest family owned amusement park in continuous operation. With a prime spot on the southern end of the boardwalk, Trimper’s is acclaimed for its collection of rides, particularly its Herschell-Spillman Carousel. What’s more, there is plenty of delicious boardwalk-style food, like candied popcorn and saltwater taffy.

Another beach story

When you think of a seaside boardwalk, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? In brief, it’s probably a picturesque beachside community often accompanied by a family friendly amusement park. Of course, that’s why coastal cities rank among America’s top destinations in the summer. In light of this, it’s not too late to start planning for a seaside vacation before summer is over. Without further delay, here is a look at 15 of the best seaside boardwalks in the United States.

Atlantic City, NJ

Even if this list wasn’t alphabetized, the AC’s boardwalk deserves to be mentioned first. After all, it was the America’s first, opened way back in 1870. On top of that, it’s one of the longest and among the East Coasts’ most famous boardwalks. Extending over 4 miles, the iconic pedestrian pathway connects several of the AC’s top attractions, like casinos, retail shopping, piers and the famed Boardwalk Hall. Lastly, if it gets too hot, the beaches are just footsteps away.

Daytona Beach, FL

It’s not just the historic boardwalk that makes this Florida city so exceptionally popular. For one, it’s home to one of the world’s most famous beaches. For another, there are amusement park rides, arcade games and of course, a legendary racetrack. In addition are lively summer concerts at the time weathered Bandshell. If that’s not enough, head over to the Pier or enjoy an upcoming event in the Festival Capital of Florida.

Hampton Beach, NH

This beautiful seaside community doesn’t really have a boardwalk. Yet almost everywhere you look, is a business named after it. Moreover, with arcade games, cheap eats and small retail shops, it definitely looks like the real thing. What’s more, events are held all summer, including live entertainment on the Sea Shell Stage, a talent contest and seafood fest. Lastly, Hampton Beach will host a long list of world-class performers all summer at the iconic Casino Ballroom.

Hollywood Beach Broardwalk, FL

Blessed with summery weather all year long, Hollywood Beach has been drawing visitors since the 1920s. During the early days, a cement walkway was paved as this resort area was emerging as the Atlantic City of the South. With this in mind, Hollywood Beach Broadwalk now extends nearly 2.5 miles and among the best in Florida. Several hotels, eateries and tourists shops line the walkway to complete the total vacation experience. Oh and that’s not a typo, it is called Broadwalk!

Jones Beach, NY

Like New Jersey, the Empire State has an impressive collection of boardwalks. While Coney Island reigns supreme, Rockaway and Long Beach are as scenic as they are as expansive. However, the nearly-mile long Jones Beach boardwalk makes the cut here. That’s primarily because of concerts at the Bandshell and Jones Beach Theater. In fact, aside from Atlantic City, no other boardwalk comes close to this level of world-class entertainment.

Mission Beach, San Diego

Featuring a historic seaside amusement park, Mission Beach has not one, but two seaside boardwalks. The first opened in 1925, around the same time as Belmont Park. Today, the boardwalk runs the length of Mission and Pacific beaches . Unsurprisingly, the walkway is filled people, to enjoy snack shops, nightlife and shops for water activities. Additionally, on the opposite side of the beach is Mission Bay, with its own popular Bayside Walk.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Located along South Carolina’s Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is among the top beach destinations in the entire South. The top South Carolina boardwalk dates to the 1930s and today runs 1.2 miles long while bustling with activity. The pathway connects visitors to many affordable hotel and attractions, including the 187-foot tall SkyWheel. If that’s not enough, there are arcade games, a wooden roller coaster and even more amusement parks.

Ocean City Boardwalk (credit: Creative Commons)

Ocean City, MD

Located on Fenwick Island, Ocean City is a resort community with a population of barely over 7,000. But in summertime, it’s reminiscent of other popular coastal destinations. The first boardwalk opened in 1902 and now ranks among the Top 10 Best. The 2.25 mile boardwalk is dog friendly and known for its award-winning food options. Even more is Trimper’s Rides, one of America’s best and oldest remaining seaside parks. In fact, Trimper’s is the oldest operating family-owned amusement park in the country, dating back to 1893.

Rehoboth Beach, DE

Once named the East Coast’s Best Family Beach, Rehoboth Beach backs up the distinction. Similarly, the mile-long seaside boardwalk has earned its own national awards. The original boardwalk dates to 1873, the same year the town was established. What is more, the contemporary walkway is actually made of wood! In addition, there are family-friendly attractions like Funland and Ryan’s Mini Golf. During the summer months, you can enjoy free music for the Rehoboth Beach Summer Concert Series. In fact, the Concert Series features over 40 live music acts each season.

Riegelmann Boardwalk, NY

The name might not be recognizable. However, think Coney Island and you will instantly know Riegelmann is one famous boardwalk. Even before the wooden walkway was completed in 1923, Coney Island was by far, America’s largest amusement area. Although many attractions have come and gone, Coney Island continues to draw enormous crowds. A few landmark attractions are thankfully still around, like the Cyclone, Wonder Wheel and original Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand. That’s not to mention the 250-foot tall Parachute Jump tower, although it’s no longer operational.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk, CA

Like many of today’s amusement parks, the boardwalk here is no longer wooden. However, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk retains some of its oldest rides and attractions. This includes the Giant Dipper roller coaster, Looff Carousel and the Cocoanut Grove. Opened in 1907, the Beach Boardwalk is the oldest surviving amusement park on the West Coast. Even more, the Beach Boardwalk has been named the world’s best seaside park by the Golden Ticket Awards.

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