November 21, 2008
Top 7 Boardwalks
The boardwalk at Ocean City, Maryland.
Small seaside towns began seeking commerce from city crowds nearly two centuries ago, but it took railroads and some strategically oriented station stops to really see the boon in beach towns we know today. For many of us, memories of trips to the beach are dappled with images of Ferris wheels lighting up the pier and cotton candy vendors selling their wares. Check out our favorites of one of the great American beach icons – the boardwalk.
1. Sandwich, Massachusetts
Spanning the Mill Creek in Cape Cod's oldest town, the boardwalk in Sandwich, Massachusetts is the quaintest selection on our list. Enjoy the smaller size of this fishing town thoroughfare while reading the many inscriptions on the boards. (Don't worry – it's not graffiti. When the boardwalk was destroyed by a hurricane in 1991, the city raised money for its repair by selling planks to local townspeople and visitors. In return for their donations, they could write whatever they wanted on their pieces of Sandwich.)
2. Coney Island, New York
For many, it is the iconic American boardwalk, and no list would be complete without it. The "Coney" part of "Coney Island" is most likely derived from the Dutch word for "rabbit" as Long Island was a getaway for sport and game hunters preying on the many, many cottontails that lived there long before the boardwalk opened in 1927. In the last 80 years, Coney Island has given birth to the first hot dog courtesy of Nathan's Famous and one of the best known wooden roller coasters in the nation, the Cyclone. Stop by this summer for traditional sideshow highlights like bearded ladies, the mermaid parade or some burlesque action for the adults in the crowd.
3. Seaside Heights, New Jersey
Seaside Heights is another somewhat small-town boardwalk. The entire city covers an area of less than one-half square mile, but what Seaside Heights lacks in size, it more than makes up for in attractions. Both the Funtown and Casino piers offer carnival rides and games of chance. (Despite the name, the only prizes you'll take home from Casino pier are stuffed animals -- there isn't an actual casino in Seaside Heights.)
Venice Beach, California.
Next to gambling, Atlantic City's biggest attraction must be its boardwalk. In fact, it's the world's longest boardwalk and one of the oldest, with a birth date of 1870. Boomers might remember Atlantic City as the host of the 1964 Democratic National Convention. More than 40 years ago, along the Jersey Shore, Lyndon Johnson captured his party's nomination and later took the White House.
5. Ocean City, Maryland
While it's not mentioned as much as other shores, for most denizens of the Mid-Atlantic region, summers would be incomplete without a trip to Ocean City. This city by the shore sees upwards of 300,000 visitors in the high season. Look out for the sling shot ride – you'll get thrown around at some pretty high speeds should you climb inside.
6. Venice Beach, California
In the late 19th century, Albert Kinney decided that he wanted to emulate one of his favorite European destinations along the shores of California. The result was Venice Beach – complete with canals and storefronts emulating Italian architecture. Others referred to the area as the "Coney Island of the Pacific." Venice Beach has seen many changes since its opening to the public on July 4, 1905, but most boomers probably remember the area for its appeal to Beats and hippies in the decades after World War II. And long before the world knew Jim Morrison, he was just another struggling musician performing sets at the Cheetah on Ocean Park Pier.
7. Santa Monica, California
Sometimes images of Venice Beach and Santa Monica get lumped together in popular consciousness, but we're pretty sure that these two promenades deserve their own separate entries. While Venice Beach is associated with counterculture and wacky stylings, Santa Monica is known for its pier, street performers and shopping. On Saturday mornings, the nearby farmer's market brings that famous California produce to local residents year-round, and the chain stores of the popular Third Street Promenade function as an outdoor mall.
It's 'Summer Fun Time' here at ReZoom. So, if you want to make the most of the season, check the Travel channel often for new stories on planning the perfect summer vacation. We'll have insight from experts in addition to great ideas for all of your own adventures.
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