A boardwalk is a raised walkway, usually made of wooden planks, built along a beach, marsh, or other wet area so people can walk over it easily. It can also mean a seaside promenade with shops, attractions, and places to stroll.

Quick Scoop

  • Most commonly, a boardwalk is a wooden path near water.
  • It helps protect sandy, muddy, or marshy ground by keeping foot traffic off the surface.
  • In some places, the word also refers to a lively waterfront area, not just the path itself.

Simple example

Think of the walkway at a beach that lets you walk above the sand without sinking into it or damaging the dunes. That is a boardwalk.

Bottom line

In plain English, a boardwalk is a path built for walking, usually near the sea or over wet ground, often made of wood.