Wildwood Boardwalk Named the Best In America

Wildwood Boardwalk Named the Best In America

The famed Wildwood Boardwalk, the almost two-mile stretch of wooden planks along the Jersey Shore that has welcomed generations of beachgoers with its cacophony of amusement rides, neon lights, arcade games and the steady hum of tramcars, has been named the best boardwalk in America by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The honor, announced Wednesday, follows a public voting process that pitted the Wildwoods against other popular seaside promenades across the country, including in California, Texas, Virginia, and Maine.

The nomination came from a panel of travel experts, but it was the votes of fans and visitors that propelled Wildwood to the top of the 2025 list.

“It’s thrilling to see our boardwalk named the best in the nation,” said Louis M. Belasco, executive director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority. “This recognition is truly special because it comes from the visitors, residents, and fans of the Wildwoods who cherish our boardwalk.”

While the Wildwood Boardwalk has long been a staple of New Jersey’s coastal identity, its prominence on a national scale is a reminder of the staying power of traditional boardwalk culture — even as destinations across the country modernize or pivot away from their nostalgic roots. It even used to be called “America’s Boardwalk.”

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The award also arrives during a time of significant investment and transition for Wildwood.

The city is emerging from a record-breaking 2024 tourism season and preparing for major events in 2025, including the Barefoot Country Music Fest, a multi-day beachside concert scheduled for June 18–22, and Thunder Over the Waves, an air show set for September 5–6.

Additionally, the city has been full steam on a full-scale reconstruction project to revitalize and reinforce sections of the boardwalk.

Built originally in the 1890s as a modest barrier to keep sand out of nearby hotels, the boardwalk has undergone more than a century of transformation. It has been rebuilt, moved closer to the ocean more than once, and reimagined as both a local amenity and a national icon.

Its design has reportedly influenced the look and feel of boardwalk-style attractions at Walt Disney World and Hersheypark. (something the Wildwood Video Archive documented in the video at the bottom of this article)

Today, the boardwalk is perhaps most recognized for its blend of vintage Americana and sensory overload: three amusement piers, more than 100 rides and attractions, water parks, games of chance, souvenir shops, eateries, and the steady loop of the familiar announcement from its tramcars: “Watch the Tram Car, Please!”

The boardwalk also serves as a transportation route for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting the island’s southern tip in Wildwood Crest to the scenic seawall in North Wildwood. It’s a favorite for sunrise joggers, strollers, and families with ice cream cones in hand.

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Over the years, the Wildwood Boardwalk has accumulated a portfolio of accolades, including top rankings from National Geographic, CNN Travel, Smart Travel, and Reader’s Digest. But USA Today’s recognition carries a distinct weight — reflecting not just editorial opinion but public affection.

USA Today’s 10Best platform is known for its destination rankings based on a combination of expert insights and popular vote.

According to the outlet, its panel of local contributors evaluates destinations across categories ranging from food and lodging to attractions and experiences.

For city leaders, the recognition is more than ceremonial. It provides a national marketing boost at the start of the summer tourism season and reinforces a central theme of Wildwood’s brand: affordability, accessibility, and family-friendly fun.

“Free beaches, free fireworks, live music all summer — the Wildwoods continue to be the best value on the Jersey Shore,” Belasco said.

And now, they can officially call themselves home to the nation’s best boardwalk.