Wildwoods Boardwalk Ranked #1 in the Nation Again by USA Today
For the second year in a row, the Wildwoods Boardwalk has officially been named the best in the country.
USA Today just released its 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and once again, the Wildwoods took the top spot, beating out some of the most well-known boardwalks across the United States. The rankings are determined by a combination of expert nominations and public voting, meaning this win came directly from the people who actually visit and experience it.
And the competition wasn’t light.
This year’s top 10 list included major destinations like Kemah Boardwalk in Texas, Ocean City’s Boardwalk in Maryland, Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, and California favorites like Santa Cruz and Venice Beach. But despite the national lineup, the Wildwoods held onto the number one spot.
That repeat win says a lot.
The ranking for this year went from 1 to 10
- Wildwoods Boardwalk
- Kemah Boardwalk
- Ocean City Boardwalk
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- Atlantic City Boardwalk
- Venice Beach Boardwalk
- Ocean Beach Park Boardwalk
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach
“It’s an incredible honor to see the Wildwoods’ Boardwalk named the best in the nation for a second consecutive year. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes from the visitors, residents, and devoted fans who hold the Wildwoods close to their hearts. We’re proud that so many continue to celebrate the Wildwoods and our boardwalk as one of the crown jewels of the Jersey Shore,” said Louis M. Belasco, Executive Director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA).
Let’s be honest, we don’t need a national poll for us to realize that the Wildwoods boardwalk is the best in the country. For generations, we’ve seen families come down to the Wildwoods to make beautiful memories.
Whether it’s hanging out on the cleanest and largest beaches in New Jersey, walking the boardwalk at night, riding the rides, or jumping on the slides in the water parks, there’s something for everyone down here, and that’s something we’re very much proud of.
Just to add, it’s more than just the beaches and the boardwalk that make us the best.
It’s the many families that run many of the businesses up here on the boardwalk, some of which have been doing it for generations and have become a part of visitors’ vacation every time they come down.
So thank you not only to the cities, but also the families who run many of the businesses down here on the island. This is all because of you.
And this is your daily reminder that if you have not booked your summertime vacation, you should do it now.
With the prices of fuel skyrocketing, it’s looking like the Jersey Shore might have one of the most popular seasons in a very long time, as many people are opting to come to the beach rather than flying away to other destinations.
So if there was ever a time to visit, this is it.
Because now it’s not just a Jersey Shore staple.
It’s officially the best boardwalk in the country. Again.