Do you and your eBike need a vacation together? If you’re looking for somewhere to take your eBike on vacation or staycation then you may want to consider a trip to one of the many boardwalks that line both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of America. Boardwalks are one of the best places to get hold of an eBike and test it out at your own leisurely pace.
Boardwalks are one of the best places to ride eBikes; they’re flat, often very wide, don’t feature cars, and always have great views and a huge variety of activities for you to partake in. A boardwalk ride on an eBike should not be expected to be finished quickly, or completed at top speed. A leisurely approach is the best to take, and it is recommended that you go at a time where you know it’s not going to be too busy, either earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
Before we get into the top ten beach boardwalks to explore by eBike, which eBikes are best for riding boardwalks? Fortunately a class of eBike has been created for this purpose, taking after the already much-loved beach cruiser bike and aptly called cruiser eBikes. These laid back eBikes are designed with ergonomic and comfortable riding in mind and feature: a comfortable, upright riding position, high-rise handlebars, and a wide, plush saddle. All complimented by the assistance you know, or have heard, comes from eBikes with both pedal assist and throttle functionalities. Comfort and fun is the focus here, not speed.
So now you know what eBikes are designed for the boardwalk, which are the best boardwalk destinations for you to take your eBike for a cruise?
Atlantic City Boardwalk - Atlantic City, NJ
The Atlantic City boardwalk is a wide, 4 mile long boardwalk lined with casinos, hotels, and both adult and child friendly activities. It runs right alongside the Atlantic City beach and has been hosting visitors for over 150 years! During the Summer, bicycle riding is only allowed on the boardwalk before 10am (due to large numbers of people), so check the current restrictions before you roll out.
Rockaway Boardwalk - Queens, NY
The Rockaway Boardwalk is an excellent getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City life. It is 5.5 miles long, runs directly alongside the beach, and has a large and well loved food scene. Much of this boardwalk was unfortunately destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, but since then millions of dollars have been put into its reconstruction, allowing it to bounce back bigger and better than before.
Unlike many of the other boardwalks on this list, the Rockaway boardwalk is not packed full of amusement parks, restaurants, cafés, nightlife, etc. Instead it offers a more relaxed and sporty vibe, with volleyball, handball, and pickleball courts, fitness equipment, playgrounds, baseball fields, skateparks and more activities to stop off and try yourself, or just watch others.
You can get close to the Rockaway Boardwalk by taking an MTA "A" train bound for Far Rockaway or using the NYC Ferry Rockaway route. Generally, you can bring your bike on New York MTA transit, including subway cars and ferries, but not buses. Check before you go for more info and guidance.
South Bay Bicycle Trail - Southern CA
The South Bay Bicycle Trail runs along the coast of Los Angeles County for 22 miles, from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach, running directly along the beach for a majority of its length. It is a well used trail, popular with bikers, joggers, roller skaters, walkers, skateboarders and more! It passes Santa Monica Pier, rides along Venice Beach, and up to Ballona Creek.
Here a small and well signposted detour will guide you inland and away from the coast, before taking you back to the coast to ride alongside multiple other beautiful beaches before hitting Manhattan Beach, featuring the Manhattan Beach Pier, and then continuing onward past more beautiful beaches, and ending at the Palos Verdes cliffs and Torrance Beach. This boardwalk is littered with entertainment, food, drinks, and fantastic views of this famous piece of the California coast. It's easy to stop for a snack, lunch, or just to take in the scenery.
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk - Hollywood, FL
Called a broadwalk (no, that's not a typo) because it doesn’t actually feature a single board, this 2.5 mile, Atlantic pathway is a favorite amongst bikers, joggers, and walkers. Not only because of its excellent view but also because it is exceptionally wide, allowing everyone to enjoy it at their own pace.
This broadwalk is lined with cafés and eateries, featuring mouthwatering flavors from around the world and across the country!
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk - Myrtle Beach, SC
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is the youngest on this list, opening in 2010, and is also one of the shortest on this list, coming in at just 1.2 miles. However, an extension is underway, and the hope is to take it to a total length of 4.6 miles in the future. The boardwalk is full of attractions, from a 187ft tall Skywheel, to multiple places to eat, drink, and play!
Oceanfront Boardwalk - San Diego, CA
This 3 mile boardwalk connects two of San Diego’s most famous beaches, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Speed here is limited to a chilled 8 MPH, and its popularity with everyone from walkers to eBikers makes it difficult to travel faster than this even you wanted to. Take in the beach and visit some of the many cafés, bars, and restaurants that line this boardwalk to take a break.
You can watch experts surfing or take in some beach volleyball, as shown in the film "Top Gun" and filmed in nearby Miramar. If you want to make a longer ride out of it you can add the 12 mile Mission Bay Bike Path onto the end, and explore Mission Bay at your own leisurely pace. The Mission Bay Bike Path is a convenient way to reach tourist attractions like Sea World.
Ocean City Boardwalk - Ocean City, NJ
The boardwalk in Ocean City is 2.5 miles long and has been described as one of the perfect family-friendly vacations on the Jersey Shore. This is because of all the family activities on offer and its location in a dry county.
This boardwalk has eight blocks of family entertainments along it, plus with a waterpark, a family friendly entertainment park (Gillian’s Wonderland Pier) and the aptly named Music Pier, which hosts a resident orchestra in the summer, and shows from nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians, dance troupes, and other performing acts! This is a great spot to ride your eBike and take in some live music.
Coney Island Boardwalk - Brooklyn, NY
Officially the Riegelmann Boardwalk and constructed in 1923, the Coney Island Boardwalk is exceptionally wide, ranging from 50ft to 80ft wide across its 2.7 mile length; making it a very comfortable ride to share with other boardwalk users at most times of the year.
This famous boardwalk, appears in numerous movies and music videos, features the New York Aquarium, multiple amusement parks, and hosts the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest every 4th of July.
Asbury Park Boardwalk - Asbury Park, NJ
This four mile boardwalk stretches along the Jersey Shore, and features a mini-golf course, a pinball museum, a glassblowing studio, famous music venues, and an excellent restaurant scene. Historical buildings line this picturesque boardwalk, facing the Atlantic coast and overlooking the beautiful beaches that line it.
Wildwoods Boardwalk - Wildwoods, NJ
The Wildwoods Boardwalk began life as 150 yards of boards back in the 1890s. It has now grown to 3.3 miles long and takes in 38 blocks of shops, entertainment, and beachfront. Amusement piers line up pointing into the Atlantic Ocean, and its width allows riders, walkers, and joggers to all take in the ocean views together, at their own pace.
Boardwalks: The Perfect Places For a Test Ride
If you’re wondering whether or not an eBike is for you, then a boardwalk is the perfect place to get the feel for one of these elegant machines in a low-stress, fun environment. As riding eBikes on boardwalks is both a fun and popular activity, each of these boardwalks will have a location nearby where you can get some answers regarding your curiosity around eBikes and which one might be best for you, while also renting one and trying it out for yourself!
