Page 22 - 2025 Southern NJ Vacationer

STROLLING THE SHORE
The Charm of Boardwalks and Promenades at New Jersey’s Southern Shore
ANY VISIT to the state’s Southern Shore Region requires a visit to at least one of the area’s many boardwalks. Originated more than 150 years ago in Atlantic City, these raised structures have become more than just walkways over the sand; they are centers of commerce and community.
From early morning to late at night, boardwalks and promenades from Atlantic City south to Cape May are bustling with activity. A favorite spot for walking, running or bicycling, these thruways come alive when the sun rises as exercise enthusiasts get in their workouts before hitting the beach. Many of the eateries along the walkways open early for breakfast or coffee, and sundry shops offer gear needed for the day.
At more than four miles in length, Atlantic City is America’s first boardwalk. Not only does this strand serve as a gateway connecting many of the city’s casinos, it boasts candy and novelty shops, clothing stores, and Steel Pier. The Atlantic City Boardwalk connects to Ventnor’s boardwalk, adding another 1.5 miles to the walkway.
To the south, Ocean City is home to one of the most beloved boardwalks on the East Coast. One of the resort’s main hubs of activity is the Music Pier, which is home to many concerts and special events. The boardwalk is the site for baby parades, Miss New Jersey contestants, classic car shows, and many high-quality boutiques and retail
spaces. Playland’s Castaway Cove provides rides, go-karts, arcades and mini-golf to entertain the entire family.
Sea Isle City has a 1.5-mile promenade running from 29th to 57th streets that has eateries, arcades, and shops lining it. Avalon has a half-mile boardwalk that is great for morning bike rides and walks. There is an arcade, pizzeria, ice cream shop, and recreational facilities that front the walkway.
The Wildwoods Boardwalk, which clocks in at just over 2.5 miles long, lays claim to three amusement piers and more than a hundred small shops, arcades, and eateries. Morey’s Piers operates the three amusement areas and two beachfront waterparks. A third waterpark, SplashZone, helps cater to
the wet and wild crowd. The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts plenty of special events throughout the year, and there are even about a dozen establishments along the walkway that serve cocktails for adults.
The most southern walkway is Cape May’s Promenade, which stretches about 1.5 miles. With a smattering of shops, arcades, and restaurants, the Promenade is also the location of the city’s convention center, the locale of events, concerts, and shows during the year.
Each year, resorts in the Southern Shore Region work diligently to improve and sometimes even reinvent the showpieces known as boardwalks. In the 150-plus years they have existed, boardwalks have helped the character of their resorts. l
20 SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER