It's only fitting to start our tour with an amble down the oldest wooden waterside walkway in America in always-entertaining Atlantic City. Opened in 1870, the boardwalk provided the posh vacationers of the era a way to promenade near the water without getting sand all over themselves. It was only in later years that it evolved into its current funfair-by-the-sea form.

Located a few hours west of New Orleans, lovely Lake Charles and its beloved boardwalk are both hidden gems. This pathway skirts the water and provides locals and visitors alike the perfect place for a peaceful walk beside the lapping lake.

Fresh off a 2008 refurbishment, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is marvelous once again. Visit a haunted house and house of mirrors before making a pitstop at Pier 14 for lunch and taking a spin on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel-a 200-foot tall observation wheel that features sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visit Keansburg, New Jersey for a trip down memory lane and an excellent family-friendly boardwalk experience. Take a spin on vintage rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl and Teacups or make a splash at waterpark Runaway Rapids. In between, have a feast at a plethora of boardwalk eating establishments.

The Ocean City Boardwalk has been making Marylanders merry since 1902. Atop the three-mile stretch of sun-soaked planks, you will find an array of tantalizing food options (the french fries and frozen custard are especially adored) and scores of summery pursuits that will keep you entertained well past sunset.

A meander on the Grand Haven Boardwalk is the best way to get to know this gorgeous Michigan town. Follow the path along the harbor all the way out to Lake Michigan where you can have a gander at the town's landmark lighthouse. Along the way, you'll pass scores of boats and several places to stop for a scenic pitstop.

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is for lovers of seaside fun. Each summer, the 28-foot wide and over three-mile long walkway is filled to the brim with amusements, live entertainment and tempting places to eat and drink. Perhaps the best part is the boardwalk's separate bike lane, which allows for picturesque pedaling day or night.

Anchored by a stately pier and surrounded by thrilling amusements, the boardwalk in Daytona Beach is guaranteed to get your heart racing. Take a turn on one of the rousing rides at Screamer's Park before strolling to the pier for a meal at a seafood shack over the water. Make sure to stop by the stately Daytona Beach Bandshell for a summertime concert, too.

It takes a lot to be one of the top tourist attractions in a city as popular as Chicago. Navy Pier has managed just that, annually attracting nearly 10 million visitors. Why do the crowds flock here? For starters, the rides of Pier Park, the lake cruises and the mouthwatering Chicago-style food.

You won't find the cling and clang of carnival rides or an electric buzz in the air here, but you will find one of America's most scenic walkways to the beach. Take a meander over the water on the skinny Sandwich Boardwalk to reach Town Neck Beach, but be aware that you might be tempted to take a plunge from the pathway like the locals do.

One of New York City's best-kept secrets, Rockaway Beach and its boardwalk rewards all those who seek it out with a kitschy-yet-hip vibe and NYC's only (legal) surfing spot. The boardwalk here took a bit of battering during Hurricane Sandy but has come back stronger than ever. Expect taco joints and craft beer bars sitting next door to surf shops.

Come one, come all to the greatest free show in California: the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Dodge roller skaters and rollicking street entertainment before gawking at Muscle Beach. After you've had your fill of the boardwalk fun, saunter on down to the sand to take in the sunset.

Whether it's a relaxing time on the sand you crave or an adrenaline rush from a thrill ride, you will find it at Wildwood. In addition to the festival-like boardwalk itself, there are over 100 rides spread out over multiple onsite amusement parks. No trip here is complete without a spin on one of the vintage Sightseer Tram Cars.

The American boardwalk is so iconic that even Disney couldn't resist incorporating the theme into one of their resorts at Walt Disney World. At Disney's BoardWalk in Orlando, guests have the chance to take a walk under twinkling lights on a quarter-mile stretch of shops and performers that evoke the East Coast boardwalks of the early 20th century.

The planks on the Santa Monica Pier are some of the most cherished of any boardwalk in the country. This iconic spot is home to Pacific Park amusement park, a vintage carousel & soda fountain and even an aquarium. And that's to say nothing of the fact that it is the final stop on Route 66.

Jones Beach State Park is home to miles of sandy beaches and one of America's best outdoor concert venues. The boardwalk isn't half-bad, either. This planked pathway meanders through the beachy surrounds offering stunning views of the sea and plenty of recreational diversions along the way.

A short drive from red-hot Houston brings you to the Gulf Coast town of Kemah. Their boardwalk was built from scratch during the '90s and has become a Texas-sized success. Don't leave without riding the Boardwalk Bullet-a classic wooden roller coaster-or eating at one of the seafood restaurants on the water.

Another iconic boardwalk located in the great state of New Jersey, Seaside Heights brings the seaside experience to new heights. Sure, they've got all the iconic expected amusements, but they are most famous for the Sky Ride-an elevated chairlift that allows visitors to sail high above the boardwalk.

Sure, the Oceanfront Boardwalk between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach might be made of concrete, but it still manages to feel authentic. Before you make for the sand, take a ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park and grab a beach cruiser to tour the strand on two wheels.

Coney Island might be the most well-known boardwalk in the entire country. This place is arguably the "happiest place in New York City" and has been the summer escape for city-dwellers since the 1800s. Ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster inside Luna Park before heading to Nathan's for one of their world-famous hotdogs.

If you didn't know that Maine knew how to do boardwalks, one trip to the weathered woods of the Old Orchard Pier will set you straight. Visit nearby Palace Playland for the rides, then promenade down the pier, stopping for snacks (deep fried dough, anyone?) and a drink at the Pier Patio Pub-one of the best beach bars in the USA.

Just up the coast from the natural splendor of Big Sur, you will find the pleasure land that is Santa Cruz Boardwalk. It has been making summers spectacular since 1907 and it has only gotten better with age. Two rides here are National Historic Landmarks and taking a spin on them offers a true step back in time.

The Ocean City boardwalk is a whole lot of fun for the whole family. Whether you are into premium retail shopping or just sinking your teeth into taffy and fudge, you will find it here. There is also a myriad of classic amusements at Gillian's Wonderland and a splash-tastic waterpark.

The boardwalk here is officially called the "Broadwalk". Why? It's a wide, paved path and it stretches over two miles beside the teal blue seas of South Florida. Rent a bike, pack your roller skates or just walk the entire path and you're sure to have a broad smile on your face.

Rehoboth Beach is Delaware's summer retreat, and you'll find all you need to have a good time down on the town boardwalk. Sample the diverse range of restaurants and snack stands (Dolle's salt water taffy is a must-try) as you make your way to the iconic Rehoboth Beach Bandstand for a summer concert.