Best Of: Summer Boardwalks and Pathways
Is there anything more quintessential to summertime than beaches and boardwalks? The joyful experience of a stroll along a boardwalk fills our senses: the sound of the waves and the delighted screams of thrill seekers on rides, the smell of funnel cake and taste of ice cream, the feeling of sun-warmed skin and sand between the toes. Highlighted below are just a few boardwalks from across the country to explore as the weather warms up.
Miami Beach Beachwalk (Florida)
Tracing 7 miles of sandy beach with Atlantic Ocean views, summer trail experiences don’t come much nicer than the Miami Beach Beachwalk in southeastern Florida. The paved pathway, which provides prime beach access, also connects a handful of parks, providing amenities such as public fitness equipment, volleyball courts, playgrounds and bike-share stations. With numerous outlets into the surrounding commercial areas, local restaurants and shops are also only steps away.
The trail is part of the Atlantic Greenway, which in turn is part of two larger projects: the Miami LOOP, a developing 225-mile trail network throughout Miami-Dade County, and the East Coast Greenway, which is connecting trails from Florida to Maine.
Long Beach Boardwalk (Washington)
Located in Washington’s southwest corner, the Long Beach Boardwalk skims over coastal wetlands and grassy dunes on an elevated, half-mile pathway within walking distance of downtown Long Beach. With public art, picnic areas and Pacific Ocean access, the boardwalk feels tailor-made for enjoying a day outside. Bring binoculars to watch for whales, eagles, shorebirds and other wildlife, then learn about them—and the area’s historical significance—through the trail’s interpretive displays.
For further adventuring, the boardwalk connects with the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail, which is dotted with sculptures commemorating Lewis and Clark’s explorative Corps of Discovery trek (1804–1806) and reaches the neighboring community of Ilwaco and Cape Disappointment State Park. East of the city center, another not-to-miss boardwalk offers a sinuous route through the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.
Crescent Beach Boardwalk (Wisconsin)
For the small Wisconsin city of Algoma, the Crescent Beach Boardwalk is the go-to destination and defining feature of the community. Stretching a half-mile along Lake Michigan, the boardwalk—made from recycled plastic lumber—provides outstanding views of the expansive Great Lake and, on its northern end, the iconic red tower of Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse, built in 1908. Just steps from both a sandy beach and downtown, it’s a lively setting for spring and summer events and activities.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk (South Carolina)
Following South Carolina’s Atlantic coastline for 1.2 miles, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers not only ocean views, but also a skyline dominated by the iconic 200-foot-tall SkyWheel. Shops, restaurants and palm trees line the route, giving the boardwalk a vibrant, tropical vibe. Those preferring a quieter time should aim for the walkway’s southern end, where the Second Avenue Pier offers the perfect place for fishing (including a bait shop and fishing tackle rentals) and picnicking at one of the shaded tables.
Floating Boardwalk (Idaho)
Idaho is home to one of the world’s longest floating boardwalks. Stretching 3,300 feet over Lake Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho—and part of the Coeur d’Alene Resort—the walkway adds another recreational amenity in an area known for its fishing, boating and swimming. On the shore, a connection can be made to the 24-mile North Idaho Centennial Trail, which heads west to the Washington border and southeast along the lake.
Navy Pier (Illinois)
Home to the Centennial Wheel and Pier Park, Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most visited attractions, drawing nearly 9 million visitors each year. Extending 3,300 feet over Lake Michigan, the pier is a bustling 50-acre shopping, dining and entertainment hub. On its western end, the pier’s pathway also meets the popular Chicago Lakefront Trail, which traces the lake’s shoreline for 19 miles and connects numerous parks and other destinations.
Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk (Hawaii)
Beginning from Polo Beach Park, the palm-tree-lined Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk (also known as the Wailea Beach Path) follows Maui’s coastline for 1.6 miles to Mokapu Beach Park. Flanked to the east by oceanfront resorts, the path offers outstanding Pacific views and sandy beaches looking west. Bring a swimsuit, beach towel and snorkel gear for fun along the way!
Venice Beach Boardwalk (California)
This 2-mile boardwalk along Los Angeles’ Venice Beach is known as much for its quirky buskers and talented artisans as for its brightly colored storefronts and tasty eateries. Don’t miss the famed Santa Monica Pier with its amusement park rides or the connection to the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail along the coast.
Ocean City Boardwalk (New Jersey)
Jersey Shore’s broad Ocean City Boardwalk welcomes cyclists in addition to pedestrians, and spans 2.5 miles with shops and eateries lining one side and ocean beach on the other. Trailside amusement parks, movie theaters, arcades and miniature-golf courses round out the fun. For beautiful views of Great Egg Harbor Bay, you can also check out the nearby Route 52 Bridge Trail, which spans 2.4 miles across the waterway. To reach it, leave the boardwalk at 9th Street and follow the street for about a half-mile to the bridge.
This article was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Rails to Trails magazine and has been reposted here in an edited format. Subscribe to read more articles about remarkable trails while also supporting our work.
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