New Jersey boardwalk adventures before summer ends

New Jersey’s boardwalks light up the last stretch of summer with unforgettable rides, music, food, and festivals right on the ocean.

Whether you’re craving heart-pounding roller coasters, family-friendly arcades, live concerts, or seaside eats, Jersey’s iconic promenades have it all. Every boardwalk brings its own flavor, from whimsical Wildwood to artsy Asbury Park to glitzy Atlantic City.

You’ll make memories strolling under carnival lights, browsing boutique stalls, or catching free beachside air shows and performances. Let’s hit the boards and dive in!

What thrills await at the Wildwoods boardwalk?

Morey’s Piers in Wildwood packs over 100 rides and attractions across 18 acres, all just steps from the sand.

You’ll find three amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks offering everything from looping roller coasters to lazy rivers and splash zones for all ages. Don’t miss the boomerang-style Sea Serpent coaster, an iconic steel thrill ride dating back to the 1980s, or the nostalgic Runaway Tram family coaster, both towering and twisting above the surf.

This is the place for epic rides with ocean views and endless summer energy.

Why is Jenkinson’s Boardwalk a go-to for families?

Jenkinson’s blends an aquarium, amusements, and summer special events into a perfect family escape.

Located in Point Pleasant Beach, this kid-friendly boardwalk features mini-golf, arcades, rides, and the aquarium, where you can meet penguins and seals. On select summer days, you’ll find Unlimited Ride Wristband specials and themed events like Family Wednesdays or Dine & Dive packages that bookend your activities with easy-to-plan fun.

It’s just the right mix of thrills, animals, and good eats that keep kids and grown-ups smiling.

How does Asbury Park combine arts, music, and boardwalk fun?

Asbury Park mixes legendary music history with crafty eats, street art, and seaside festivals.

The boardwalk sits amid the vibrant heartbeat of this shore town: you can play games at Silverball Retro Arcade, try hole-in-one at Asbury 18 Mini-Golf, or cool off with homemade ice cream from Cookman Creamery.

The iconic Convention Hall and murals offer perfect photo ops, while the 8th Avenue Dog Beach always brings dogs and their humans together. In September, Sea.Hear.Now rolls in – a surf, music, and arts festival that brings big acts to the beach and late-night shows to spots like The Stone Pony.

Asbury serves up music and seaside fun for the culture-lovers and the beach-goers alike.

What’s the draw of the Ocean City Boardwalk?

Ocean City’s boardwalk is a timeless family classic with mini-golf, arcades, and live concerts at the Music Pier.

Named one of USA Today’s top 10 boardwalks in the U.S. this year, Ocean City offers nostalgic charm with spots like Shriver’s for handmade saltwater taffy and the beloved Music Pier concert stage that hosted acts like The Beach Boys and The Wailers.

The boardwalk’s laid-back vibe and family focus, plus tried-and-true staples like funnel cake and casual eateries, make it a relaxed, happy place. Perfect when you want simple, sunny joy by the sea.

Why does Atlantic City still shine after all these years?

Atlantic City brings history, glitz, big rides, indoor water action, and major entertainment all in one place.

Home to America’s very first boardwalk, it features Steel Pier rides, the massive indoor Island Waterpark, and famous landmarks like Lucy the Elephant, just a short stroll away. Summer entertainment is hot: North to Shore festival shows this June brought headline-grabbing acts, and the Hard Rock Hotel continues its Garden State Live series with tribute bands, comedy, and local showcases.

Plus, this summer, the Soar & Shore air show dazzled crowds with free aerial performances over the beach. It’s old-school Americana with bold new vibes and nonstop things to do.

What special events are lighting up Jersey’s boardwalks this summer?

There’s a crazy lineup of events across multiple beach towns before summer wraps.

The Prudential North to Shore festival ran from June 14–29 in Asbury Park, Atlantic City, and Newark with top names like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, Third Eye Blind, and Stone Temple Pilots, plus a heavy focus on supporting local artists.

Asbury Park’s buzzy Sea.Hear.Now festival hits in September for live surfside music and art with eco-awareness. Meanwhile, Atlantic City hosted Soar & Shore air shows in mid-July with aerobatic stunts over the water.

And in early September, Wildwood’s Thunder Over the Waves returns with free high-flying routines by the Air National Guard. These events give you art, laugh lines, and jaw-dropping views all in one summer send-off.

Is the Shore more affordable this season?

Yes, vacation costs are down about 5% compared to last year, and beach passes remain reasonable in places like Asbury Park and Belmar.

New food spots are also popping up, like Shake Shack in Ocean County, Cheesesteaks in Belmar, and chef-driven Judy & Harry’s in Asbury Park. Family resorts like Madison in Wildwood Crest offer fresh, budget-friendly stays, and deals on wristbands or combo park tickets (like rides + water park at Morey’s) help you get the most fun for your money.

Summer’s winding down, but your Summer of Boardwalk Thrills doesn’t have to be expensive.

TL;DR

• Morey’s Piers in Wildwood delivers 100+ rides, beachfront water parks, and thrill coasters like Sea Serpent and Runaway Tram for high-adrenaline fun.
• Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach is ideal for families—with an aquarium, mini-golf, rides, and theme-day deals.
• Asbury Park blends art, music, and seaside culture: murals, retro arcades, surf festivals, and colorful food spots.
• Ocean City is a laid-back family fave, known for its boardwalk concerts, mini-golf, and old-school seaside charm.
• Atlantic City offers history, indoor waterparks, air shows, Steel Pier rides, live entertainment, and festivals galore.
• Events like North to Shore, Sea.Hear.Now, Soar & Shore, and Thunder Over the Waves amplify summer festivity across the shore.
• With lower costs and new culinary and stay options, this late summer is perfect for budget-friendly boardwalk escapes.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.