Jersey Shore Boardwalks

The Jersey Shore is famous for its seaside boardwalks with their arcades, water parks, amusement parks, and fantastic people watching opportunities. These boardwalks also make for great running spots. For a more serene experience, it’s best to go early. In high season, you might have to dodge the crowds. We’ve chosen boardwalks that are at least 1 mile in length. Surfaces might vary from wood to concrete. One benefit of these boardwalks is that they’re lit at night! Our favorites, from north to south, include:

Asbury Park to Belmar: It’s possible to run the nearly 5 miles between Asbury Park and Belmar on an oceanside boardwalk. There are a couple of brief sections on Ocean Ave. The 1.3 mile Belmar Boardwalk is more of a party atmosphere, while the section through Ocean Grove is lined with benches, street lamps, and potted flowers. Asbury Park is known for its history. For add-ons, the beach in Asbury Park is great for running. There are also nice paths along three lakes that come right of the path: Wesley Lake, Sunset Park, and a part of Deal Lake.  MAP of the three boardwalks, the southern end of which is at 20th Ave. in Belmar. Asbury Park Boardwalk article.

• Add-On:  It’s possible to continue south beyond Belmar to the Spring Lake Boardwalk, which is 1 mile south of 20th Ave. Then, run on the road for a short time and then go on the Sea Girt Boardwalk. MAP

Belmar to Sea Girt. From the south end of the Belmar Boardwalk at Lake Como, it’s possible to continue for another 3.2 miles south to Sea Girt Beach. Most of this is on dedicated boardwalks, including the Spring Lake Boardwalk and the Sea Girt Boardwalk. There are a couple of short on-road connections. These are nice sections, with nice waterfront homes on one side and the beach/ocean on the other.

Point Pleasant Beach: This classic wooden boardwalk runs 1 mile from the Lighthouse Point mini golf club to the Manasquan Inlet. Arcades, amusements, fun. MAP

Seaside: A 2.1 mile wooden boardwalk runs between Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. It has been rebuilt since the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. More of a party atmosphere. For variety, we’ve mapped out a 6-mile loop than includes the Boardwalk and Bayview Ave., which runs for 1.5 miles along Barnegat Bay, with great water views and a good shoulder for running. Boardwalk MAP. Loop Including Bayview Ave.   Note: Under construction as of February 2023. 

Atlantic City: This Iconic oceanfront boardwalk featuring views and a variety of shops and restaurants has been a fixture since 1870. The wooden boardwalk runs for 5.8 miles, from the Atlantic City Aquarium/casino area in the north to St. Martindale Ave. & Atlantic Ave. in the south. The ‘center’ of it is off Rt.40/N. Albany Ave., where you can go 2 miles south, or 4 miles north. Beach is ~8 miles long and runnable!  MAP

Ocean City: This fun and festive route stretches 2.5 miles along the beachfront from 23rd St. to St. James Place. You’ll pass a Playland, the Historic Brighton Estates, and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, among other piers and parks. For a longer run, there’s a very scenic section from 9th St. off the Boardwalk over the Stainton Memorial Causeway bridge to Somers Point. This is part of the 5-mile Ocean City Bike Path. Great views! Boardwalk Map. Bike Path Map.

Wildwood: This concrete and wood boardwalk follows the coast 3+ miles from near Wildwood Crest to North Wildwood. Good ocean views and a festive atmosphere, with 300 businesses and a giant ferris wheel. Wildwood Beach, at 4+ miles, is also great for running. MAP