NEW JERSEY - The Jersey Shore is famous for its shoreline, and at the heart of the Jersey Shore experience is the iconic boardwalk. These wooden ways are more than just paths along the beach; they are bustling hubs of entertainment, dining, and classic summer fun. While many shore towns have beloved boardwalks, one stands out for its immense length and historic significance: the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the longest boardwalk in New Jersey and the first of its kind in the world.
A Walk Through History: The Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey's Longest
A Historic First: The Birth of the Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk holds a special place in history.
- Origin: It was first constructed in 1870, not as an amusement hub, but for a practical reason: to help hotel owners keep sand out of their lobbies. It was designed as a temporary, movable walkway.
- World's First: This simple, functional structure is credited as the world's first boardwalk, setting the standard for seaside resorts worldwide.
- Evolution: Over the decades, it was rebuilt and expanded many times, evolving from a simple walkway into the wide, bustling entertainment destination it is today.
By the Numbers: The Length of the Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is a remarkable feat of engineering that spans miles along the coast.
- Length: The main, casino-lined portion of the boardwalk runs for approximately 4 miles. When combined with the continuous walkway extending into the neighboring town of Ventnor, the total walkable distance is nearly 6 miles. This makes it, by far, the longest boardwalk in the state.
Attractions and Experiences Along the Boards
A stroll along the Atlantic City Boardwalk is a journey through a diverse array of attractions:
- Casinos and Hotels: The boardwalk offers direct access to some of the city's most renowned casino resorts, including Caesars, Tropicana, and Resorts.
- The Steel Pier: This iconic, 1,000-foot-long pier is an amusement park located over the ocean, featuring classic rides, carnival games, and a massive observation wheel that offers stunning views of the coastline.
- Shopping and Dining: The boardwalk is lined with a vast assortment of shops selling everything from souvenirs and saltwater taffy to high-end retail. You can find classic boardwalk fare, such as funnel cake and pizza, as well as upscale restaurants.
- Rolling Chairs: A tradition dating back to the 1880s, visitors can still hire a classic rolling chair for a leisurely, guided tour along the wooden way.
- Monuments and Memorials: The boardwalk is home to several monuments, including the New Jersey Korean War Memorial and the World War I Memorial.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is unequivocally the longest boardwalk in New Jersey and a true American icon. As the world's first, it set the template for coastal resorts everywhere. Today, its four-mile stretch remains a vibrant and essential part of the Atlantic City experience, offering a unique blend of casino glamour, family-friendly amusements, historic charm, and classic Jersey Shore fun. A walk along its famous planks is a walk through history and a must-do for any visitor to the Garden State.
Sources:
- Atlantic City, NJ Official Tourism Website (atlanticcitynj.com)
- New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (VisitNJ.org)
- The Atlantic City Historical Museum
- The Steel Pier Official Website
- Historical archives and records of Atlantic City
