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Ahead of the summer tourism season, several Jersey Shore destinations earned praise as some of the best places in the country to find food and fun along the coast.

According to USA Today’s 2025 readers’ choice awards, the Wildwoods Boardwalk ranked No. 1, the Atlantic City Boardwalk was No. 6 and the Ocean City Boardwalk came in at No. 8.

Awarded annually, the recognition aims to provide trusted recommendations across several travel and lifestyle categories, such as food and drink, shopping, sports, outdoors, lodging and attractions. According to USA Today, an expert panel selected finalists and readers voted on the winners.

Other Best Boardwalk honorees include:

• No. 2 New London, Conn.
• No. 3 Carolina Beach, N.C.
• No. 4 Santa Cruz, Calif.
• No. 5 Kemah, Texas
• No. 7 Venice Beach, Calif.
• No. 9 Ocean City, Md.
• No. 10 Virginia Beach, Va.

The recognition comes as the Wildwoods celebrate a record-breaking 2024 tourism season — and look forward to another strong summer. Along with the Barefoot Country Music Fest (June 18-22) and the “Thunder Over the Waves” air show (Sept. 5-6), the beach resort destination plans to unveil new developments in the hospitality and entertainment sectors.

Originally a 150-yard boardwalk at its inception in the 1890s, Wildwood Boardwalk now stretches 38 blocks. The span is packed with shops, restaurants, bars, water parks and an amusement pier with over 100 attractions. In 2016, USA Today readers picked the destination as the No. 4 best boardwalk. The following year, they selected it as the No. 4 best attraction in the state.

Not-so-hidden gem

Louis Belasco, Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority executive director, commented, “It’s thrilling to see our boardwalk named the best in the nation. This recognition is truly special because it comes from the visitors, residents, and fans of the Wildwoods who cherish our boardwalk. The Wildwoods Boardwalk is more than just a destination—it’s a place where unforgettable memories are made. We’re thrilled that visitors celebrate The Wildwoods and our boardwalk as a premier gem of the Jersey Shore.”

USA Today editors noted the Atlantic City Boardwalk’s status as one of the most famous in the nation. Built in 1870, the stretch support everything from high-end retailers to classic candy shops to casinos to beach bars. It’s not the first time AC made the list. In 2016, the boardwalk ranked at No. 10.

The 2.5-mile boardwalk in Ocean City was a standout for its family-friendly vibe. It was previously a runner-up for best New Jersey attraction in 2017.

“From the nostalgic charm of Playland’s Castaway Cove to the sweet scents wafting from Johnson’s Popcorn and Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard, every block offers a new temptation. Morning bike rides, evening concerts at The Music Pier, and spectacular sunsets remind visitors why this alcohol-free boardwalk has been creating memories for generations,” USA Today wrote.