It’s official: The Wildwoods Boardwalk is the best in the nation.
USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards crowned the iconic Jersey Shore stretch the No. 1 boardwalk in America, beating out rivals from California to Maine in a nationwide vote.
The accolade comes after a public vote, following a nomination from a panel of travel experts. The Wildwoods Boardwalk edged out boardwalks from states including California, Maine, Texas, and Virginia.
“This honor is especially meaningful because it comes from our fans, visitors, and residents who know and love our boardwalk,” said Louis M. Belasco, executive director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority. “It’s not just a destination—it’s where memories are made.”
The win caps off a record-breaking 2024 tourism season and sets the stage for a packed 2025, including events like the Barefoot Country Music Fest (June 18-22) and the Thunder Over the Boardwalk Air Show (Sept. 5-6). Meanwhile, major upgrades are underway as the boardwalk undergoes a full rebuild.
Stretching two miles along the Jersey Shore, the Wildwoods Boardwalk is known for its vintage charm and sensory overload—more than 100 rides and attractions, three waterparks, arcades, shops, eateries, and its iconic “Watch the Tram Car, Please!” catchphrase.
Originally built in the 1890s as a modest wooden walkway to keep sand out of hotels, the boardwalk has evolved into a nationally recognized attraction—and even inspired boardwalk recreations in Disney World and Hersheypark.
The Wildwoods Boardwalk continues to rack up accolades, previously earning praise from National Geographic, CNN Travel, Reader’s Digest, and Smart Travel. The latest award from USA Today adds to its legacy as one of America’s most iconic seaside promenades.
The other winners:
- Ocean Beach Park Boardwalk, New London, Conn.
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach, N.C.
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, Ca.
- Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, Texas
- Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.
- Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice, Ca.
- Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, N.J.
- Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, Md.
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, Va.
