15 Boardwalk Snacks Ranked From Worst To Best
Walking along the boardwalk with the smell of fried food and sweet treats in the air is one of summer’s greatest pleasures.
But with so many tasty options calling your name, which snacks are truly worth your money?
We’ve ranked the most popular boardwalk treats from the ones that are just okay to the absolute must-haves that’ll make your beach day unforgettable.
1. Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels get stuck at the bottom because, honestly, they’re kind of boring.
Sure, they’re big and salty and you can dip them in mustard, but that’s about where the excitement ends.
They fill you up fast without giving you that wow factor you’re looking for when you’re at the beach.
Plus, they get chewy and weird if you don’t eat them right away.
Save your appetite for something more memorable!
2. Donuts
Donuts are sweet and all, but you can literally get them anywhere.
Why spend your boardwalk budget on something you could grab at any corner shop back home?
They’re not bad, just not special enough for a beach day adventure.
The frosting melts in the sun, making them a sticky mess in your hands.
If you’re craving something sugary, there are way better options further up this list!
3. Smash Burgers
Smash burgers have those crispy edges everyone raves about, which is cool and all.
But here’s the thing—they’re pretty messy to eat while you’re walking around.
Grease drips everywhere, and you need about ten napkins just to survive one burger.
They taste good, sure, but they’re not exactly beach-friendly.
You’ll probably want to sit down somewhere before tackling one of these bad boys.
4. Popcorn
Popcorn is light, crunchy, and comes in fun flavors like caramel or cheese.
It’s a decent snack if you want something to munch on while strolling.
The problem? It gets stuck in your teeth like nobody’s business.
Plus, one strong ocean breeze and half your bag is flying down the beach.
It’s fine for a movie, but boardwalk snacks should be a bit more exciting than this!
5. Saltwater Taffy
Saltwater taffy is a boardwalk tradition that’s been around forever, especially on the Jersey Shore.
It comes in about a million flavors, which sounds awesome until you realize they all taste pretty similar.
The chewy texture is fun at first, but it sticks to your teeth and takes forever to finish one piece.
It makes a better souvenir than an actual snack.
Grab a box for Grandma, but skip it for yourself!
6. Pizza
Pizza is pizza—you know what you’re getting, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
It’s convenient, filling, and you can eat it with one hand while you check out the rides.
But let’s be real: boardwalk pizza is usually just okay, not amazing.
The crust can be soggy, and the cheese slides right off if it’s too greasy.
It’s a safe choice when you’re starving, nothing more.
7. Funnel Cake
Funnel cake is the ultimate fair and boardwalk dessert, all fried and covered in a mountain of powdered sugar.
It tastes like happiness and childhood memories rolled into one crispy, sweet treat.
The downside? You’ll wear half that powdered sugar on your shirt, and it’s ridiculously messy to share.
It’s also super heavy, so eat this one early or you’ll be too full for anything else.
Worth it, though!
8. Ice Cream
Nothing beats ice cream on a hot day when the sun is blazing and you need to cool down fast.
With endless flavor options, there’s something for everyone—from classic vanilla to wild cookie dough explosions.
The only problem is you’re in a race against time before it melts all over your hands.
Eat quickly or accept your sticky fate!
Still, it’s refreshing and delicious every single time.
9. Oysters
Oysters aren’t for everyone, but if you love seafood, these babies deliver a true taste of the ocean.
Freshly shucked and served with a squeeze of lemon, they’re briny, smooth, and surprisingly refreshing.
They make you feel fancy even though you’re eating them on a boardwalk in flip-flops.
Just make sure you trust the vendor—nobody wants a bad oyster experience.
Adventurous eaters, this one’s for you!
10. Frozen Lemonade
Frozen lemonade is like summer in a cup—tangy, icy, and ridiculously refreshing when you’re sweating buckets.
It’s sweet enough to feel like a treat but tart enough to wake up your taste buds.
You can sip it slowly while you walk or slurp it down fast for an instant brain freeze.
Either way, it hits the spot.
Pro tip: share it with a friend or prepare for a serious sugar rush!
11. Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are where the boardwalk gets fancy without trying too hard.
Packed with succulent crab meat and just enough seasoning, they’re flavorful, satisfying, and totally worth the splurge.
Coastal regions especially nail these, serving them fresh with a tangy sauce that makes every bite sing.
They’re not the cheapest snack on the boardwalk, but quality like this doesn’t come cheap.
Treat yourself—you deserve it!
12. Fudge
Rich, creamy, and dangerously addictive, fudge is the snack that calls to every sweet tooth within a mile radius.
It comes in wild flavors like peanut butter, cookies and cream, or classic chocolate that melts in your mouth.
Watching them make it fresh in the shop window is half the fun.
One square is never enough, so you’ll probably end up buying a whole slab.
Zero regrets, though!
13. Fried Shrimp
Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—fried shrimp is pure perfection in every crunchy bite.
Dip them in tangy cocktail sauce or a squeeze of lemon, and you’ve got yourself a flavor explosion.
They’re filling but not too heavy, so you can keep snacking on other goodies without feeling stuffed.
Plus, they just taste better when you’re by the water.
Top-tier boardwalk eating right here!
14. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are the ultimate boardwalk classic—simple, portable, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
Whether you go all out with mustard, relish, onions, and sauerkraut or keep it basic, they never disappoint.
They’re easy to eat while walking, won’t break the bank, and taste like pure nostalgia.
Everyone from kids to grandparents can agree on a good hot dog.
Truly iconic boardwalk fuel!
15. French Fries
French fries take the crown because they’re crispy, salty, golden perfection that everyone loves.
Whether you eat them plain, drown them in ketchup, or go fancy with vinegar, they hit every craving.
They’re the snack you can share with friends or hoard all to yourself—no judgment either way.
Hot, fresh, and addictive, fries are what boardwalk dreams are made of.
The undisputed champion of seaside snacking!
