Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
To breathe new life into its Grand Strand beachfront, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, built a 1.2-mile-long boardwalk in 2010 that now serves as its unconventional downtown.
“What I love about the boardwalk is that it is located in the nostalgic part of Myrtle Beach,” said Ursula Grant, meeting and convention sales manager for the Myrtle Beach CVB. “The original beach arcade is still open. It takes you back to childhood fun.”
The downtown centers on Plyler Park, which hosts events such as Hot Summer Nights. Running from June through the end of August, the summerlong celebration features live concerts, a carnival and weekly fireworks displays.
Numerous attractions lie farther down the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk, among them Family Kingdom amusement park. The park is easily spotted for its massive Skywheel, Slingshot and Twist ’n’ Shout rides.
Restaurants, souvenir shops, and roaming stilt walkers, jugglers and bagpipers add to the walk’s festive feel. Groups can choose among typical carnival foods or opt for more upscale places like the Pier House Restaurant.
Though all these attractions may give the impression the boardwalk is overrun with activity, different portions of the boardwalk can seem like an escape.
“It’s a great spot for church groups that want to relax and get some dinner,” said Grant. “You can get away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach.”
From the boardwalk, groups can also quickly access Myrtle Beach’s other top attractions, such as golf courses and Broadway at the Beach’s 350-acre entertainment complex.
Santa Cruz, California
At the end of the 1800s, Santa Cruz, California, local Fred W. Swanton had a vision: a Coney Island of the West. His idea materialized in 1907 with the opening of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which has become one of the last classic seaside amusement parks in the country. Today, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk continues to entertain guests on a stretch of northern California beach that continues to grow.
“The park has been there for 109 years, so we’re really proud of our history,” said Chuck Ryder, director of sales for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. “We have a mix of old history as well as new rides brought in every year.”
Two beloved rides designated National Historic Landmarks still bring smiles to riders each day. The 1911 Looff Carousel takes guests round and round to the tune of its original 342-pipe organ, which dates back to 1894. The other historic treasure, the Giant Dipper roller coaster, is not only an iconic image of the boardwalk but has also been featured in several movies, including “Sudden Impact,” “The Lost Boys” and “Dangerous Minds.”
Groups can learn more about the kitschy boardwalk’s history on the second floor of the entertainment center Neptune’s Kingdom, where free exhibits chronicle the site’s first 100 years. The park also offers a Historic Walking Tour brochure, plus 18 interpretive signs.
The park delivers more than a history lesson, however. Its focus is producing laughs and screams at its various attractions and rides, including the Haunted Castle, the Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdom, which houses mini golf, pool tables and other indoor fun.
The park regularly welcomes faith-based groups at events like the Boardwalk Beach Blitz, where regional youth ministries gather to encounter God and fellowship with other teens. Church groups can choose from a number of park packages, including an all-day ride wristband, a private buffet area and private beach games.
www.beachboardwalk.com
Virginia Beach, Virginia
A 20-foot-tall, 12-ton King Neptune stands tall over the Virginia Beach Boardwalk as if it presided over the lovely stretch of coastline and attractions. The well-known bronze statue is not only one of the most photographed places in Virginia Beach, it is also one of many sculptures and works of art scattered along the three-mile-long boardwalk.
The handicapped-accessible boardwalk boasts numerous monuments, nautical sculptures, museums and historic sites alongside the more traditional carnival attractions and restaurants. Church groups can add a stop at the Old Coast Guard Station for an understanding of Virginia’s maritime heritage or at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum for demonstrations of waterfowl-carving techniques.
Just taking a stroll down the boardwalk can prove a learning experience, since the Virginia Legends Walk lies along the route with information about some of the state’s most famous citizens, such as Thomas Jefferson, Robert E. Lee, Edgar Allan Poe and Ella Fitzgerald.
The boardwalk began attracting visitors in 1888 and remained popular throughout the years. By the early 1900s, Virginia Beach had established itself as a vacation destination with celebrities like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Bette Davis and Judy Garland making appearances.
The boardwalk stays busy today with amusement park rides, a video arcade and outdoor stages. These stages come to life during the summer months with frequent live concerts.
www.visitvirginiabeach.com
