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The Wildwood Boardwalk has been named the best boardwalk in the United States according to USA Today's 2025 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the 38-block boardwalk features a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, bars, and amusement piers with over 100 rides and arcades. This recognition comes after Wildwood experienced a record-breaking tourism season in 2024.
Originally a modest 150-yard boardwalk in the 1890s, the Wildwood Boardwalk has grown into a bustling hub of activity. It offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, making it a quintessential Jersey Shore destination. The boardwalk's attractions include three amusement piers, water parks, and the iconic Wildwoods Boardwalk Sightseer Tram Cars. Louis M. Belasco, Executive Director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, expressed his excitement, stating, "It’s thrilling to see our boardwalk named the best in the nation."
The Wildwoods Boardwalk has a rich history and has been a model for other boardwalks, including those at Disney World and Hershey Park. It has won numerous awards over the years, including being named one of the top boardwalks by National Geographic and CNN Travel.
Atlantic City's boardwalk ranked sixth, while Ocean City's came in eighth in the same USA Today poll. The Wildwoods continue to be a top destination for families, offering free events, beaches, fireworks, and live music throughout the summer.