If you travel to the ocean often, you may think you know all of the best boardwalks on the East Coast. A stroll down the boardwalk in your favorite beach town can be exciting and relaxing at the same time. Why not head to your favorite boardwalk this year and make new memories? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite boardwalks on the East Coast for your next ocean-side vacation, including places to stay, timeshare style.
Best Boardwalks in the US
The East Coast offers a few of the best boardwalks in the US for you and your family. If you’re competitive, hungry and a little romantic, the best boardwalks on the East Coast are where you might want to consider using your paid time off. With music in Myrtle Beach to top-rated food in Maryland, the coast does not disappoint.
1. Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City is a gorgeous beach town full of fun. A picturesque scene of couples riding bicycles down the boardwalk is not out of reach here. And for the kids, Trimper’s Rides has hosted amusement style rides at the end of the walk for decades. Not to mention, if you’re looking for all things covered in Old Bay, there is no better place than Ocean City. This boardwalk offers an exciting stroll full of various food and fun amusements.
There are kids activities and arcade-style games dotted along the boardwalk, including basketball, whack-a-mole and a carousel. Additionally, there is no shortage of opportunities to shop and collect those coveted “I love Ocean City” t-shirts. During Senior Week, from late May into mid-June, thousands of graduates and families head to this beach for time in the sun. If you’re considering taking a trip to Ocean City, consider renting or buying a timeshare to make the most of the experience. Timeshare amenities are second to none and will make you feel relaxed during your week at the beach. With timeshare, there’s enough space for everyone to have peace and quiet.
Best Restaurant at Ocean City Boardwalk
Harrison’s Harbor Watch Restaurant is great for families and couples with a great variety of seafood. The best place to find Maryland crab is in Maryland, of course. The views of the beach make this location’s atmosphere dreamy and relaxing. If you’re looking for serious seafood and a fun dining experience, Harbor Watch is recommended by many TripAdvisor members who have experienced it first hand.
Ocean City Timeshares
Right on the boardwalk at 107 1st Street, Boardwalk One puts you steps from the fun, while Ocean City at Coconut Malorie sits bayside near 60th Street. You’ll also find resale and rental ads for Club Ocean Villas II and Sea Time here as well.
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
First built in 1888, this oceanfront promenade stretches three miles from 2nd to 40th Street. No matter if it’s day or night, Virginia Beach has tons to do. Live! On Atlantic, formerly Beach Street USA, brings street entertainment to the Oceanfront from mid-June through Labor Day weekend. You’ll find entertainment, fireworks, and delicious food along Atlantic Avenue. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the 34-foot-tall King Neptune statue.
If you love history, consider checking out the Virginia Legends Walk that commemorates Virginians who impacted the nation and the world. The gorgeously landscaped walkway pays tribute to figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Ella Fitzgerald and Edgar Allan Poe to name a few. For even more historical sights, visit the Old Coast Guard Station, housed in the 1903 Seatack Life-Saving Station. The museum holds 1,800 artifacts and more than 1,000 photographs covering Virginia shipwrecks and the history of the U.S. Life-Saving and Coast Guard services.
Best Restaurant at Virginia Beach Boardwalk
One of the best things about beach and boardwalk towns is undoubtedly the food. Chix on the Beach has been serving the Virginia Beach boardwalk since 1977. With direct ocean views, it’s no wonder this delicious local spot is a go-to for the visitors of Virginia Beach. If you love crab, the crab-cake sandwich here is worth writing home about. And if seafood isn’t your favorite, the burgers at Chix are savory, too.
Virginia Beach Vacation Rentals
Right on the boardwalk at 1601 Atlantic Avenue, Villas at the Boardwalk puts you steps from the sand, while oceanfront Ocean Sands and Ocean Beach Club sit just up Atlantic Avenue. Ocean Key Resort rounds out the Virginia Beach options, with both resale and rental ads available.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The boardwalk in Myrtle Beach truly has something for everyone. Whether you love country music, Ferris Wheels or fireworks, this boardwalk will not let you down! If you’re not afraid of heights, check out the SkyWheel for the best view of the beach.
For those who frequent Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand is a part of their everyday vocabulary. Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk is known for great music all summer long. If live music is an essential part of vacation for you, check out the best live music in Myrtle Beach.
What’s more, fireworks displays are not uncommon here, so kids and parents alike can feel a sense of wonder when the fireworks light up the sky. And, if you’re in the mood for seafood, Little River ShrimpFest brings local restaurants to the Little River waterfront each October. Additionally, if country music is something you long for, the Carolina Country Music Fest happens in June in this lively beach town, bringing some of the best country stars to the beach.
Best Restaurant on Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
If you love oysters, Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar and Grill is a great eatery on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. The food here has often been described as delicious and the staff is ready to accommodate all your needs in a friendly and quick manner. Like most of the best restaurants on the boardwalks, the view here is picture-worthy.
You might also like: Best Places to Drink in Myrtle Beach
Staying at Myrtle Beach
Near where the boardwalk starts at 14th Avenue North, SeaGlass Tower puts you steps from the action, with Ocean 22 and Anderson Ocean Club a short walk up Ocean Boulevard. Wyndham SeaWatch Plantation sits at the far north end of the Strand, with both resale and rental ads available.
4. Daytona Beach, Florida
There can’t be a complete list of the best boardwalks on the East Coast without a mention of Florida. Did you know Daytona Beach bills itself as the World’s Most Famous Beach?
This often visited pier has activities awaiting you and your loved ones when you’re ready for a beach day. Fishing off the pier is a great experience for the fishing fanatics in your group. The plethora of fish here include snook, bluefish, cobia and even flounder, depending on the day you cast your reel. If fishing isn’t really your favorite experience but you love seafood, Daytona Beach boardwalk definitely delivers. Vacation is a great time to treat yourself and your loved ones. Luckily, Daytona Beach has many unique little shops for shopping and retail therapy. Spend your time at the shops looking for the perfect souvenir to commemorate your time at the beach.
Best Restaurant at Daytona Beach Boardwalk
Joe’s Crab Shack takes the cake for being one of the best restaurants near Daytona’s boardwalk. With primary real estate right atop the Atlantic, this seaside bar is perfect for seafood lovers. If you’re interested in a roof-top bar experience, Joe’s has that, too, with their bar perfectly named, “The Roof.” Joe’s Crab Shack is a tradition for many families and friends who visit Daytona each year. Consider making Daytona Beach your annual destination by renting or buying a timeshare there.
Daytona Beach Timeshares
Right beside the boardwalk and Main Street Pier at 300 N Atlantic Avenue, Club Wyndham Ocean Walk puts you steps from the action, while Grand Seas Resort sits about two miles north on Atlantic Avenue. Daytona Resort & Club rounds out the options with both resale and rental ads available.
5. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Few boardwalks come with as much history as Atlantic City’s. Opened on June 26, 1870, it was the first boardwalk built in the United States and remains one of the city’s defining attractions. The route stretches about 5.5 miles, running roughly four miles from Absecon Inlet to the Atlantic City limit before continuing another 1.5 miles into Ventnor City.
There’s plenty to see along the way. Steel Pier, which dates back to 1898, is one of the best-known stops, but the boardwalk also connects visitors with Central Pier, Boardwalk Hall, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! With attractions, entertainment, ocean views, and plenty of room to wander, it’s easy to see why Atlantic City continues to rank among the best boardwalks on the East Coast for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Best Restaurant at Atlantic City Boardwalk
LandShark Bar & Grill sits directly on the boardwalk at 1133 Boardwalk, inside Resorts Casino Hotel. Its beachfront setting pairs casual dining with ocean views, giving you an easy place to stop for a meal without straying far from the action.
The laid-back atmosphere makes it especially convenient during a full day of sightseeing. Grab a bite, enjoy the view, and then head right back out to the boardwalk when you’re ready to keep exploring.
Vacation Rentals in Atlantic City
If Atlantic City sounds like the right home base for your next shore getaway, you can explore both ownership and rental options before planning your stay. Atlantic Palace sits right on the Boardwalk at 1507 Boardwalk, while Flagship Resort anchors the north end near Absecon Inlet. Wyndham Skyline Tower is just a block off the boardwalk on South North Carolina Avenue.
6. Duck, North Carolina
Set along the Currituck Sound, the Duck Town Park boardwalk offers a different kind of waterfront experience. Instead of crashing ocean waves, you’ll find calm water, peaceful sunsets, and an easygoing atmosphere that feels perfectly suited to the Outer Banks. That quieter setting helps Duck stand out among the best boardwalks on the East Coast.
The boardwalk stretches 3,386 linear feet along the sound and is open daily from dawn until 1:00 a.m. It also connects the shops and restaurants in Duck’s Village Commercial District with the Waterfront Shops. It’s easy to turn a simple stroll into an afternoon of browsing and enjoying the view.
Part of the boardwalk winds through the 11-acre Duck Town Park, giving families even more reasons to linger. The park includes a 350-seat amphitheater, a public kayak and canoe launch, and a playground for younger visitors. Summer brings a steady lineup of community events, while the annual Duck Jazz Festival adds live music to the waterfront each fall.
Best Restaurant on the Duck Boardwalk
NC Coast Grill & Bar sits directly along the Duck Boardwalk, with outdoor seating and bar tables just steps from the water. A temperature-controlled tent keeps the waterfront setting comfortable in different seasons, making it an inviting place to settle in for sunset or catch live music.
The menu blends coastal Southern flavors with global influences, offering enough variety for groups with different tastes.
Staying on the Sound
Barrier Island Station Duck sits right in Duck’s village along Duck Road, just steps from the soundside boardwalk. Timeshares Only features both resale and rental ads for this resort, making it easy to plan your Outer Banks escape your way.
7. Miami Beach, Florida
The Miami Beach Beachwalk follows the Atlantic for nine miles, stretching from South Pointe Park all the way to 87th Street. More oceanfront promenade than traditional wooden boardwalk, it’s a favorite with walkers, runners, and cyclists who want an easy way to enjoy the beach without stepping onto the sand. With ocean views and sea breezes along much of the route, it easily earns a place among the best boardwalks on the East Coast.
In June 2022, the old wooden boardwalk between 23rd and 45th streets was replaced with a wider, paved path. The updated Beachwalk is ADA-accessible and open 24 hours a day, making it easy for visitors to explore on their own schedule. Restrooms, water fountains, and playgrounds near several beach entrances add a little extra convenience, especially for families.
Best Restaurant on the Miami Beach Beachwalk
Bungalow by the Sea brings a relaxed, toes-in-the-sand feel to the beach level of the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club at 3921 Collins Avenue. This oceanside palapa serves fresh ceviche, salads, burgers, and tropical cocktails, making it a convenient stop after a morning on the Beachwalk or an afternoon by the water.
The restaurant is open to the public, and walk-ins are welcome, so you can stop by without building your whole day around a reservation.
Miami Beach Timeshares
HGVC at McAlpin Ocean Plaza and Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, South Beach sit just off the Beachwalk on Ocean Drive, while Westgate South Beach at Coral Sands is nearby on Collins Avenue — and resale ads for all three are available here on Timeshares Only.
Plan Your Trip to the Best Boardwalks on the East Coast
From the 1870 planks of Atlantic City to the quiet soundside stroll in Duck, the best boardwalks on the East Coast each offer something different, and every one of them sits within reach of a timeshare resort. Pick your stretch of coast, book a timeshare rental for the week, and go make some new memories on the boardwalk.
