Â鶹APP

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about the Atlantic City boardwalk

The Atlantic City boardwalk which stretches 4 miles (about 6 km) is the oldest American boardwalk. The boardwalk provides access to shops, casinos, resorts, and hotels. There are also a number of attractions such as the Garden Pier which is referred to as the arts and cultural center.

Built-in 1870, the boardwalk was designed to keep sand away from the hotels and resorts that were coming up along the shore. The sand discouraged people from enjoying the facilities at the shore. To resolve the issue, developers requested a hotel owner and railroad contractor to build a walkway. The idea of a wooden walkway that would be about eight feet wide was presented.

Alex Boardman and Jacob Keim advocated for a walkway that would cover the distance from the beach to town. The material used to construct the walkway was wood. The wooden planks were laid out in rectangular patterns in the herringbone design.

To create the proper surface for the planks, they were placed on a steel and concrete surface.  Over the years, the boardwalk has suffered damage due to hurricanes. This led to its replacement in 1884, 1889, and 1944.

Today, apart from keeping sand out, people can enjoy the shopping experience as well as have delicious fudge and saltwater taffy. You can also jog or enjoy a leisurely stroll that can go hand in hand with shopping or a meal in one of the hotels.

Below are ten incredible facts about the Atlantic City boardwalk

1. The Atlantic City boardwalk was the first ever to be built

The Atlantic City Boardwalk in a photo taken on August 24, 2004. Photo by Raul654/

The first boardwalk ever was introduced in Atlantic City. Initially, the plans which began in 1870 were to have a mile-wide boardwalk at a cost of about USD 5,000 only. 

The seasonal structure was to be stored during winter and reused in the summer when it was warm enough to be outside.

2. Atlantic City has the longest and oldest boardwalk ever built

The Atlantic City boardwalk is the longest and oldest boardwalk ever built in any part of the world. It has become a favorite place for you to enjoy activities such as windsurfing and fishing.

The businesses operating along the shore also make the boardwalk more appealing for those who want to relax, exercise, shop, or enjoy a meal.

3. The first casino in Atlantic City was built in 1978

View of Resorts Atlantic City hotel towers from the boardwalk. Photo by B64 (Andy Borysowski)/Wikimedia Commons

The boardwalk made the area a favorite place for you and in turn a good place for businesses to set up. In 1978 after gambling had been legalized, the first casino was built in Atlantic City.

Just a short distance from the boardwalk, the casino, previously known as Resorts International was built. It has since changed its name and is now known as Resorts Atlantic City.

4. One of the businesses still operational is a taffy stand

Atlantic City boardwalk photo by autiscy on Flickr/

Every day, there are 11,000 lbs of saltwater taffy produced. This business has been operational since the 1800s when the boardwalk was first built. By 1899, taffy’s had become a popular treat along the boardwalk.

This was fifteen years after Joseph Fralinger took over the taffy stand. Today, taffys are still a popular treat and Fralinger’s is still located near the boardwalk.

5. The Boardwalk Hall has the largest musical instrument globally

The musical organ at the Atlantic City Convention Hall> Photo by

The boardwalk Hall has an organ that comprises more than 30,000 pipes. It is said that a dozen orchestras are nothing compared to the organ at the boardwalk.

From the months of May to October, one can listen to a 30-minute concert while on the boardwalk. This brief concert takes place every day of the week at noon. 

6. Many celebrities spent their time at the Atlantic City boardwalk

Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Photo by Farragutful/

During the 50s and 60s, the boardwalk was a very popular place for celebrities. Visiting mainly from New York City, many of them would visit the boardwalk to hang out.

Some of the most notable celebrities who visited include Dean Martin, Ed Sullivan, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, Bing Crosby, and Jimmy Durante. Additionally, the popular rock and roll band, The Beatles also visited the Atlantic City boardwalk.

One of the businesses set up at the boardwalk was a bowling alley owned by Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello.

7. The Atlantic City boardwalk had a few interesting aspects

Raised wooden dock at sea. Photo by Camille Bismonte on

During the 19^thcentury and early 20^th century, the boardwalk had been created to be collapsible. It was taken apart every summer and kept away to prevent wear and tear. 

In 1883, a decade after its construction, the boardwalk showed signs of aging and had to be replaced. Although it was not a case of vandalism, continuous usage of the boardwalk resulted in a lot of wear and tear.

During this process, the boardwalk was made bigger and businesses could be set up 10 feet from the boardwalk. Previously, businesses could only be set up 30 feet from the boardwalk.

A year later in 1884, a big part of the boardwalk was destroyed yet again in a storm. The boardwalk had to be built once again. This time, it was raised up for the ocean to run below it and it was made 20 feet wide. It was also lengthened and ran for about two miles.

8. The Atlantic City boardwalk helped businesses to thrive

View of Resorts Atlantic City hotel towers from the boardwalk. Photo by B64 (Andy Borysowski)/

The incorporation of businesses along the boardwalk made the area thrive. When gambling was legalized in the casinos began popping up along the boardwalk.

9. The Atlantic City boardwalk is the venue for several parades

The boardwalk is the venue for the Puerto Rican Parade which is held in August. The Latin Music Festival then follows.

10. The boardwalk is used as a place for exercise

People walking on a wooden boardwalk. Photo by Delfina Iacub on

Throughout the year, there are a lot of people using the boardwalk for their exercises. Bikers can be spotted riding their bikes between 6 am and 10 am. Throughout the day there will also be joggers and people walking.

There are a number of attractions on the Atlantic City boardwalk. These include the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall arena, and the House of Blues.

About a decade ago, during the 2012 Hurricane Sandy, the boardwalk suffered a bit of damage during the hurricane. The northern section suffered more damage as compared to other areas. The areas around the casinos survived the hurricane with minimal damage.