(CNN) -- If your idea of summer perfection involves
roller coasters, funnel cakes and Whac-A-Mole, we've got 19 perfect spots for
the season's last hurrah.
Navy
Pier, Chicago
Who says a boardwalk has to be by
the ocean? Along Lake Michigan in the Windy City, the Navy Pier has got a
150-foot-high Ferris wheel that lets you take in the skyline and the lake, a
carousel, wave swinger, mini-golf, and remote-control boats in season. And
don't forget to grab an America's Dog Chicago hot dog with mustard, relish,
onion, sport peppers, tomato, pickle, and celery salt. navypier.com
Atlantic
City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.
This waterfront city may be known
for its casinos, but its historic boardwalk is no gamble if you're looking for
a great time. Originally built in the 19th century to prevent sand from blowing
off the beach into the area's schmancy hotels, the Atlantic City Boardwalk has
become a destination all its own. Its Steel Pier is a thriving amusement park,
while its Garden Pier is a hot spot for the performing arts. atlanticcitynj.com
Coney
Island, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Sure, the name may conjure images
of barbershop quartets and early-20th-century couples strolling by the sea. But
the revitalized Luna Park amusement park ain't your great-grandfather's Coney
Island. The names of the rides at this iconic Brooklyn destination say it all:
The Sling Shot throws you up in the air and lets you freefall back down to
earth; the Cyclone roller coaster is still one of the most terrifying around,
and the Wonder Wheel may be the best-known Ferris wheel in America. If it's a
hot day, grab a classic New York-style Italian ice at Uncle Louie G's. lunaparknyc.com
Santa
Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California
The Ferris wheel here at Pacific
Park, on Santa Monica's pier, is a gem. Why? Because it's so close to the water
that you can almost convince yourself that the wheel is going to dip you into
the Pacific. You'll find gentle rides here for the little ones, and you can
take a ride on the beautifully carved and painted carousel that was featured in
the Academy Award-winning motion picture "The Sting."santamonicapier.org
Oceanfront
Boardwalk and Promenade, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
This one's just a baby compared
with some of the historic boardwalks on our list. Opened just four years ago,
this place feels as if it's been here forever. Welcoming crowds by the million
with its charm and hospitality, Myrtle Beach's Oceanfront Boardwalk and
Promenade features the Family Kingdom amusement park that includes the massive
Skywheel and Slingshot, and the just-opened Twist 'n Shout steel roller
coaster. visitmyrtlebeach.com
Ocean
City Boardwalk, Ocean City, Maryland
A carousel dating back to 1902,
free boardwalk entertainment, and the classic vibe of a relaxed beach town make
Ocean City's boardwalk one of the most popular stops on the Atlantic. For a
taste of '50s-style seaside fare, drop by Atlantic Stand for fried chicken,
soft crabs, and burgers. ococean.com
Venice
Beach Boardwalk, Venice Beach, California
Visit a typical boardwalk and
you'll most likely return home with memories of blue water, candy-apple red
kiddie rides, and the scent of fried seafood. Visit Venice Beach Boardwalk
(officially Ocean Front Walk, but nobody calls it that) and you're more likely
to return home with memories of blue hair, candy-apple-red lipstick, and the
scent of pot smoke. It's not the beautiful location or the array of unique
shops here that make the place unforgettable; it's the always-surprising,
creative folks who turn out every day to make political statements, perform
stunts, or just be their fabulous selves.venicebeach.com
Rehoboth
Beach Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
This mid-Atlantic beauty offers a
relaxing boardwalk experience. It's not huge, glitzy, or loaded with terrifying
rides. Instead, this place rolls out a quiet, family-friendly pace that can be
just what the doctor ordered. Kids will love the rides and treats along the
boardwalk. Grown-ups will appreciate the clean, laid-back beach and charming
town. beach-fun.com
Santa
Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California
Get your picture taken at the
apex of the thrilling coaster here and you're almost certain to have a
hilarious keepsake -- it's a loooooooong way down! The boardwalk's vibrant
party scene, fast-paced rides, and best-ever funnel cakes are just a few of the
things to love about Santa Cruz, situated near the top of Monterey Bay on the
central California coast about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. The city
is also home to barking sea lions, one of the world's best surfing scenes, and
redwood forests just a short ride up into the mountains. beachboardwalk.com
Old
Orchard Beach Boardwalk, Old Orchard Beach, Maine
We tend to associate New England
with quiet stretches of beach, but the boardwalk in Old Orchard Beach is an
exception, with a full-blown amusement park, Palace Playland, right by the
ocean. You'll find easy rides for the kiddies, family friendly water rides, and
the crazy adrenaline-junkie stuff, too. palaceplayland.com
Wildwood,
Wildwood, N.J.
A shore thing whether you want a
perfect beach or rides that'll rattle your nerves, this is the place to soak up
the spirit of the Jersey Shore. wildwoodsnj.com
Virginia
Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sure, there are lots of great
beaches and boardwalks out there. But Virginia Beach not only boasts a
beautiful stretch of sand and attractions but also dolphins right off shore,
and unparalleled history just down the road. virginiabeach.com
Disney
World Boardwalk, Walt Disney World, Florida
No list of boardwalks would be
complete without Disney. The ocean may be nowhere in sight, but the imaginative
folks here have put together a fun family experience for guests that rivals the
real thing.disneyworld.disney.go.com
Kemah
Boardwalk, Kemah, Texas
The Gulf Coast needed a boardwalk
and Kemah, just 20 miles from downtown Houston, fits the bill, having expanded
from a popular dining spot to a full-blown family-travel destination.kemahboardwalk.com
Mission
Beach Boardwalk, San Diego, California
Often overshadowed by its
flashier neighbors up the California coast, Mission Beach is one of San Diego's
sweetest spots and should be on your SoCal to-do list. sandiego.com
Carolina
Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach, N.C.
Appropriately located on Pleasure
Island, Carolina Beach specializes in making you forget your cares. Mild
breezes, gorgeous beach, and a sweet hospitality make this boardwalk a family
favorite.visitcarolinabeachnc.com
Hampton
Beach Boardwalk, Hampton Beach, N.H.
This low-key gem is great for
relaxing, shopping, and pretending you never have to go back to your real life. hamptonbeach.org
Jenkinson's
Boardwalk, Point Pleasant, N.J.
Admid the Jersey Shore's bigger,
better-known boardwalks, Jenkinson's has a retro charm that can't be beat. Walk
the boardwalk early in the morning as the shops open to beat the crowds. And
grab a fresh-squeezed lemonade when the sun is high.jenkinsons.com
Sandwich
Boardwalk, Sandwich, Massachusetts
Okay, this isn't a honky-tonk
boardwalk. It's a boardwalk made for strolling and taking in the fresh air,
unforgettable sky, and water that Cape Cod is known for. You'll have to bring
your own funnel cakes!sanwichmass.org
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