Nothing says “summer at the shore” quite like a stroll along a boardwalk with the scent of saltwater taffy in the air, the sound of waves crashing on one side and laughter ringing out on the other. Here in South Jersey, we’re lucky enough to have not just one, but two action-packed boardwalks. There’s always something to do, see, taste and enjoy on both the Atlantic City and Ocean City boardwalks. Though only about ten miles apart, these two iconic stretches of wood have distinct personalities and rich histories that helped shape the Jersey Shore as we know it today.
Atlantic City: Where it all began
Believe it or not, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is the first boardwalk ever built in the United States, and depending on how you define it, possibly the world. The story begins in 1870, when a local hotelier and railroad conductor wanted to find a way to keep sand out of their guests’ hotel lobbies. Their solution? Build an 8-foot-wide wooden walkway just above the beach, stretching a modest eight blocks.
What began as a simple sand management fix quickly transformed into something far bigger.
As Atlantic City grew into a popular vacation destination, especially for city dwellers from Philadelphia, the boardwalk grew with it. By the early 1900s, it had become a bustling entertainment corridor, lined with hotels, theaters, restaurants, and world-famous attractions like Steel Pier (opened in 1898), which featured diving horses, vaudeville acts, and later, performances by icons like Frank Sinatra and The Beatles.
At its peak, the Atlantic City Boardwalk stretched over seven miles, making it the longest in the world. While time, storms, and changing tastes have reshaped its look and feel over the decades, it still remains a crown jewel of the shore and a home to amusement piers, casinos, saltwater taffy shops, and good times.
Ocean City: A boardwalk built on family values
Just a few years after Atlantic City laid down its first boards, Ocean City followed with its own wooden walkway, but with a very different vision in mind. Ocean City was always meant to be a family-friendly resort, one where alcohol was prohibited, and community came first.
The first version of the Ocean City Boardwalk appeared around 1880. While it’s been rebuilt and extended over the years, especially after being battered by storms, it has always stayed true to its roots. At 2.5 miles long, the boardwalk may be shorter than Atlantic City’s, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm.
Today, it’s a place where families ride bikes in the morning, snack on Kohr Bros. custard in the afternoon, and ride the Ferris wheel by night. Its no-alcohol policy keeps the vibe wholesome and relaxed, a sharp contrast to its flashier neighbor up the coast.
Two boardwalks, one shoreline legacy
While both boardwalks share their Atlantic coast DNA, they’ve come to symbolize two distinct styles of shore life. Atlantic City’s boardwalk is bold, flashy, and full of history. It features neon-lit casinos, big-stage performances and was the original home of the Miss America pageant. Ocean City’s is quieter, cozier, and built for memory-making.
No matter your preference, each boardwalk tells a story of resilience, community, and evolution. They’ve weathered hurricanes, economic shifts, and cultural changes. Yet every summer, the planks are full again, carrying families, beachgoers, and kids toward their next adventure.
So, the next time you find yourself walking one of these iconic paths, take a moment to think about the generations before you who did the same, eating fudge, watching the waves, and soaking up everything that makes our Jersey Shore the best!,
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC’s Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
