As a kid, the family vacationed at the boardwalk every other year it seems. We would either drive down or grab a bus.
The majority of hotels on the strip were clean & cheap. Alot of the lobbies still have shag carpeting & Donkey Kong. The surf & turf was a bargain at most restaurants(bring your own wine), & the sweet shops had great fresh chocolate covered strawberries. 🙂 All the saltwater taffy you could carry as well.
The beach was always clean & fine. Even 50 yards out, the water wouldn't go past your waist. You could rent a bike & ride the boardwalk early, or grab the tram if it happens to be going your way.
There are a ton of low-mid sized rides, some water events, & even a couple nice walk-though/ride through haunted houses. Pay for the unlimited ride wrist band rather then the individual tickets. Grab some curly fries & hit the arcades. Play with the horseshoe crabs & make some sand art. Race remote controlled cards, submarine shoot, funnel cakes. 🙂
Weather in August will be sticky, but the boardwalk will be alright. There are alot of hotels with rooftop pools & free breakfast. 😀 The likelyhood of rain is about the same as the surrounding areas. There use to be a movie theatre on the boardwalk, but most rides close with the rain. Arcades, restaurants, indoor pools, & a comfortable room are about the only things I remember having when it rained.