7 Classic Beach Boardwalks

Saltwater taffy, carnival rides, and old-school fun are back on the upswing in classic beach towns whose boardwalks can make you feel like you've stepped into a time machine.

These days, an increasing number of boardwalk towns are emerging from makeovers as fresher and more family-friendly. On the southern end of the Jersey Shore—a good 90 miles from where Snooki and JWoww hang out—the boardwalk town of Wildwood recently prohibited anyone from going shirtless, or wearing pants so baggy that they fall three underwear-exposing inches below the hips. In Brooklyn, amusement Luna Park—featuring creative new rides, such as one based on flying machines imagined by Leonardo da Vinci—has helped reinvigorate Coney Island.

These destinations are great reminders of why a beach-boardwalk vacation is still an evergreen summer getaway for families. Here are seven more classic boardwalk towns that go out of their way to entice families:

Santa Cruz, California

Hugging the coastline about an hour south of San Francisco, the Santa Cruz boardwalk first opened as an attraction in 1907 and is one of the few seaside parks on the west coast. You’ll find nostalgic rides such as the Looff Carousel, a National Historic Landmark, and the Giant Dipper roller coaster (circa 1924). You’ll also find laser tag, bowling, fresh saltwater taffy and, as a nod to the Cali agriculture, the ever-popular, lightly fried artichokes. An all-day ride pass starts at $32.

(MORE: Browse real families’ trip itineraries and create your own.)

Ocean City, Maryland

The three-mile oceanfront promenade is the heart of this sprawling Maryland beach city. Besides the pier’s Jolly Roger amusement park and the more old-school Trimper’s (home to the 1902 Herschel-Spellman carousel), the Ocean City boardwalk boasts an arcade, a kite shop, and The Life Saving Museum, where you can explore exhibits about old shipwrecks, mermaids, and vintage bathing suits. On select Tuesday nights during the summer, you can participate in the Family Beach Olympics, with relays, tug-of-war and sand-castle-building contests. Treat the kids to another taste of history at the beloved Thrasher French Fries, which has been a staple here since 1929. Jolly Roger day passes cost $20. Trimper’s entry wrist bands cost $23.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Offering plenty of root beer floats and strolling Dixieland jazz bands, this 1.2-mile coastal stretch may feel vintage, but it was only built in 2010. Throughout the summer, fireworks go off on Wednesday nights and every Monday evening brings a Kids Carnival with bounce houses, face painting and stilt walkers. The boardwalk borders Family Kingdom, an amusement park that boasts 35 rides and claims the tallest Ferris wheel on the East Coast; there’s also a water park with kiddie pools, a lazy river, and multiple speed slides. All-day amusement-plus-water-park passes start at $36 per person.

(MORE: Myrtle Beach with kids? Find a parent-recommended hotel.)