California boardwalk named No. 1 in the nation for ‘timeless thrills.’ Which one?
Planning a beach vacation? California boasts the best boardwalk in the entire country, according to Fodor’s Travel.
The travel guide recently ranked the top 10 boardwalks across the United States in 2025 — and the No. 1 spot went to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
“We’ve gathered our favorite boardwalks from coast to coast — from storied classics to fresh newcomers, including a few unsung gems,” the travel site said.
Fodor’s Travel said the Santa Cruz boardwalk won the top spot due to its surf town aesthetic and “rickety, heart-in-your-throat” roller coaster.
Here’s what to know:
What makes Santa Cruz boardwalk the best in US?
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was ranked the best in the nation for its “funky, free-spirited energy,” Fodor’s Travel said, noting that visitors can hop on a 100-year-old ride, surf some waves or visit an organic cafe.
The boardwalk is perhaps best known for its wooden Giant Dipper coaster, which has attracted 66 million visitors since it first opened in 1924, according to the boardwalk’s website.
“Since 1907, the boardwalk has anchored it all with timeless thrills like the Cyclone, Double Shot and WipeOut,” Fodor’s Travel said. “You can pop into Neptune’s Kingdom for mini golf and arcade snacks, brave the Fright Walk’s underbelly, or step straight onto golden sand where the waves roll in.”
Besides stellar rides, Santa Cruz is legendary for its surf history.
Surfing was introduced to the continental United States in 1885, when three Hawaiian princes rode the waves off the coast of the California beach town on redwood boards, according to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.
Where are top 10 boardwalks in the nation?
Here are the top 10 boardwalks in the country, according to Fodor’s Travel.
- 1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz
- 2. Ocean City Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland
- 3. Virginia Beach Boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Virginia
- 4. Navy Pier in Chicago
- 5. Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, New York
- 6. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- 7. Atlantic City Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey
- 8. Long Beach Boardwalk in Long Beach, Washington
- 9. Seaside Promenade in Seaside, Oregon
- 10. Old Orchard Beach Pier, Old Orchard Beach, Maine
This story was originally published September 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "California boardwalk named No. 1 in the nation for ‘timeless thrills.’ Which one?."
