New Jersey has earned its reputation as the “Boardwalk State,” a title that evokes images of wooden planks, ocean breezes, and the scent of salt water taffy. The question of exactly how many boardwalks line the state’s coastline is a common one, but the answer is far from a simple, single number. The total count depends entirely on the criteria used to define what constitutes a true boardwalk, leading to a nuanced and complex tally.
The Elusive Number and Defining a Boardwalk
The number of New Jersey boardwalks can be estimated to fall within a range of 10 to over 20, depending on the strictness of the definition applied. The original boardwalks were temporary wooden planks laid down to prevent beach sand from being tracked into seaside hotels and railroad cars.
The traditional definition of a boardwalk refers to a pedestrian walkway constructed primarily of wooden planks, often elevated, that runs parallel to the ocean. However, many coastal towns have replaced the original wood with more durable materials like concrete, asphalt, or composite decking, often due to storm damage or maintenance costs. These modern structures are technically “promenades” or “esplanades,” yet they are still colloquially referred to as boardwalks.
If the count is limited only to the major, commercial, wooden-planked structures, the number is smaller, focusing on the famous entertainment hubs. Expanding the count to include every seaside promenade, paved walk, and short residential stretch significantly increases the total. For the purpose of a comprehensive count, it is necessary to acknowledge both the iconic, amusement-focused wooden structures and the quieter, paved promenades that serve a similar purpose.
The Iconic Entertainment Hubs
The most famous New Jersey boardwalks are the sprawling, high-energy entertainment districts synonymous with the Jersey Shore experience. These hubs are characterized by their traditional wooden construction, extensive commercial development, and concentration of amusement piers.
Atlantic City is home to the world’s first and one of the longest boardwalks, originally opened in 1870. This four-mile stretch is backed by casinos and hotels, featuring attractions like the historic Steel Pier. Visitors can still experience the classic rolling chairs, which have been a fixture on the boards for decades.
Further south, the Wildwood Boardwalk spans 38 blocks, making it one of the longest in the country. It is famous for its Doo-Wop architecture, the Sightseer Tram Car, and the three amusement piers operated by Morey’s Piers. This boardwalk boasts a high concentration of rides, water parks, and arcades, offering a high-energy, carnival-like atmosphere.
Ocean City offers a family-oriented experience on its 2.5-mile boardwalk, known for its alcohol-free environment. The boards are lined with amusement parks like Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and Playland’s Castaway Cove, along with numerous miniature golf courses and candy shops. This focus on wholesome entertainment makes it a popular destination for families.
The central Jersey Shore features other major hubs, including Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant Beach. Seaside Heights is known for its high-energy atmosphere and the Casino Pier, which features rides and the Breakwater Beach Waterpark. Point Pleasant Beach is anchored by Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, which includes an amusement park, arcades, and the Jenkinson’s Aquarium.
Tranquil Promenades and Residential Walks
In contrast to the commercialized entertainment hubs, many New Jersey coastal towns feature quieter, less developed walks that prioritize strolling and ocean views. These structures are often the ones that complicate the final count, as they are frequently paved or made of composite materials rather than traditional wood.
The Cape May Promenade is a notable example, consisting of a two-mile paved walkway that runs along the beachfront. This promenade is designed for leisurely activity, such as walking, jogging, and biking. It features small shops and quaint candy stores rather than large amusement rides. It serves as a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling commercial boardwalks further north.
Similarly, the Sea Isle City Promenade runs for about 1.5 miles and was rebuilt with macadam after the devastating 1962 storm destroyed the original wooden structure. While it hosts concerts and family entertainment at its center, its primary function is a paved path for exercise and enjoying the seaside scenery.
Other towns, such as Spring Lake and Long Branch, maintain scenic, non-commercial walks that are primarily used for quiet recreation. These quieter promenades, including those in towns like Belmar, Bradley Beach, and Avalon, are often excluded from lists because they lack major rides and arcades. However, they are structurally and functionally equivalent to the original concept of a seaside walkway, and their inclusion is necessary for a complete count.
A Comprehensive List of New Jersey Boardwalks
A comprehensive list of New Jersey’s notable seaside walks, encompassing both the traditional wooden boardwalks and the paved promenades, provides the clearest answer to the total count. These locations represent the full spectrum of the state’s coastal pedestrian paths. The total number of distinct, named seaside walks in New Jersey is well over a dozen.
The major entertainment boardwalks associated with the classic amusement-and-food experience include:
- Atlantic City
- Wildwood
- Ocean City
- Seaside Heights
- Point Pleasant Beach
- Asbury Park
Quieter, more residential promenades and walks include Cape May, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Long Branch, Spring Lake, Belmar, and Bradley Beach. Other smaller or less-commercialized walks can be found in towns like Keansburg and Manasquan.