From Maine to Florida, boardwalks along the East Coast continue to define American beach vacations. These seaside areas have remained active through decades of change, adapting with new amenities while keeping their original character. They serve as public gathering points, offering easy access to beaches, food stands, and local entertainment. Each destination on this list represents a long-standing connection between coastal communities and tourism. Together, they show how well-managed infrastructure, preservation efforts, and family-friendly activities allow these towns to stay relevant across generations of visitors.
1. Atlantic City, New Jersey – The Original Iconic Boardwalk
Atlantic City built its first boardwalk in 1870 to prevent sand from tracking into hotels. Over time, the walkway turned into one of the most visited stretches on the East Coast. It remains lined with food stalls, souvenir stands, and amusement rides that represent the earliest form of American seaside entertainment. The Steel Pier is still in operation, providing family attractions alongside ocean views. Modern casinos and hotels dominate the skyline, but the city’s central appeal has not changed. Visitors come to walk beside the Atlantic, enjoy classic snacks, and experience the history that began with a simple wooden path.
2. Ocean City, Maryland – Family Favorite by the Shore
Ocean City extends along ten miles of sand and features a three-mile boardwalk that remains one of Maryland’s main tourist draws. It includes long-standing attractions such as Trimper Rides and the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Restaurants serve regional seafood, and bike rentals make the promenade easy to navigate in the morning before it fills with visitors. The area supports both small motels and modern resorts, keeping it suitable for different budgets. Ocean City has maintained its focus on family activities and clean public beaches, helping it stay popular with travelers who return every summer.
3. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – Classic Seaside Energy
Rehoboth Beach offers a smaller, walkable coastal setting that attracts both locals and tourists from nearby cities. Its mile-long boardwalk includes food vendors, small hotels, and traditional amusement rides. Rehoboth Avenue connects the boardwalk to a compact downtown known for art galleries and local restaurants. Seasonal events such as film festivals and parades contribute to its community-oriented atmosphere. The nearby Cape Henlopen State Park provides quiet hiking and wildlife observation areas. Rehoboth’s long-standing reputation as an inclusive and relaxed town continues to make it one of the most recognizable destinations in Delaware.
4. Virginia Beach, Virginia – Oceanfront Fun for All Ages
Virginia Beach maintains one of the most developed waterfronts on the Atlantic coast. The three-mile paved boardwalk supports walking, cycling, and access to major attractions, including the King Neptune statue and oceanfront stages used for summer concerts. Public beaches are monitored for safety and cleanliness, and lifeguard stations are spaced regularly along the shore. The area includes a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and museums, giving visitors a full range of activities beyond swimming. Annual festivals, such as the Neptune Festival and the American Music Festival, strengthen its position as a reliable year-round vacation spot.
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – The Grand Strand Experience
Myrtle Beach anchors the 60-mile Grand Strand, a continuous line of beaches that extends through multiple coastal communities. The modernized boardwalk connects major points of interest such as the SkyWheel, arcades, and beachfront cafes. The city’s tourist economy remains strong due to its affordability, accessible lodging, and wide range of entertainment. Families visit for live shows, outlet shopping, and easy ocean access. Off the main strip, several state parks preserve natural dunes and maritime forests. Myrtle Beach remains one of the Southeast’s most visited vacation areas because of its consistent upkeep and year-round activity options.
6. Coney Island, New York – New York’s Timeless Seaside Escape
Coney Island remains one of the most recognized beachfront destinations in the United States. Located at the southern tip of Brooklyn, it attracts millions of visitors each year for its boardwalk, amusement rides, and summer events. Luna Park and the historic Cyclone roller coaster continue to define their character. The beach is managed by New York City Parks, providing lifeguards, restrooms, and concessions during the warmer months. The annual Mermaid Parade and Friday night fireworks add to its recognizable identity. Coney Island represents the city’s long connection between recreation and the Atlantic shoreline, maintaining cultural importance beyond tourism.
7. Hampton Beach, New Hampshire – Lively Boardwalk on a Small Coast
Hampton Beach represents one of New England’s most compact but active beach areas. The boardwalk runs alongside Ocean Boulevard, providing easy access to shops, small hotels, and restaurants. The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom hosts concerts and comedy shows during the summer, contributing to the local economy. Regular events such as sand sculpting competitions and fireworks displays bring large weekend crowds. The town maintains clean facilities, paid parking areas, and lifeguard services to support safe recreation. Despite its limited size, Hampton Beach continues to draw consistent tourism from nearby states because of its accessibility and maintained beachfront.
8. Cocoa Beach, Florida – Laid-Back Vibe on the Space Coast
Cocoa Beach occupies a central spot on Florida’s Atlantic shoreline near Cape Canaveral. It has long served as a gateway for visitors, combining beach recreation with space-related tourism. The Cocoa Beach Pier stretches over the ocean, offering fishing, dining, and live music events. Surfing is a major draw, supported by consistent waves and surf schools. The nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attracts additional travelers, helping the local economy year-round. Public facilities, wide beaches, and accessible parking contribute to its steady popularity. Cocoa Beach maintains its appeal through simple recreation supported by reliable infrastructure and clear coastal planning.
