A Letter to The Wildwoods: Why It’s The Beach to Visit

From Neon Sign Gardens to go-carting at Morey’s Piers, this beach is the one for families and friends of all ages.

MARYELA GALLARDO / Morey’s Piers

I can almost feel the rush of energy every July 4 packing all the beach toys and snacks so my family could prepare for the best day of each year. It was tradition in my household to wake up as the sun rose to beat all the shore traffic and get the best spots by the ocean. Waking up to music, to my mom rushing all the kids to get in the car, to telling my cousins who lived in the Midwest where we should go first, I’ve always loved the Wildwoods.

Every time my dad made sure to drive up to that famous sign, with the beach balls, and kids running around the giant letters. I was already planning in my head what arcades we would go to first and what kind of beach castle I would build with my siblings. That building and swimming together was a treasure to my mind, realizing that the Wildwoods created a solid bond between my family. That tradition isn’t so frequent anymore as I’ve grown much older, but whenever I visit now, I can’t help but think about these nostalgic times.

Wildwood has become a staple in my family’s lives and to me the key memory of my childhood. If you’re looking to create an everlasting bond with your family this summer and every summer after that, seek the tradition of visiting the Wildwoods this year. The beaches of Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood offer some of the best food establishments, the greatest rides, the scenic tours and more.

Here’s why you need to book a trip to this popular beach this summer.

MOREY’S PIERS

Have the time of your life at Morey’s Piers

Morey’s Piers consists of three amusement piers and one huge water park. Located toward the end of the boardwalk is Surfside Amusement Pier, featuring rides like the carousel, It, The Great Nor’easter, Atmosfear!, Cycle Jump, and Rock and Roll, For dining, try out Joe’s Fish Co.

Mariner’s Amusement Pier is a popular one for its high looping roller coaster and 120-foot hills. Sea Serpent is the best for roller coaster lovers. For kids, look for the Mini Scooters, Pink Elephants, Kite Flyer and Balloon Race. Dining options in Mariner’s Amusement Pier include Wilhelm’s Bier Garten and Founders Grub & Pub. For shopping, head to The Morey Story to bring a souvenir home.

Adventure Amusement Pier is home to some of the scariest, yet thrilling rides on the boardwalk – including Skyscraper, a ride that last two minutes of you 160 feet in the air rotating at 70 mph. Others like this are the Springshot: riders here get shot up in the air at 75 mph. Skycoaster and The Great White are other extreme amusement rides.

At the end of the Surfside Pier, you’ll find Ocean Oasis Water Park & Beach Club, perfect to splash around with family, plus private cabanas to enjoy the sun. Go to the Endless River, Shotgun Falls and Riptide Rapids. For adults who want some fun, too, head to Water Lilies Swim Up Bar. For a wild adventure, Raging Waters Water Park at the end of Mariner’s Pier has Speed Slides, Sky Pond Journey, Fountain Pool, River Adventure, and many more.

Morey’s Piers also hosts events all around the boardwalk, so if you’re looking to stay on the shore, during August they hold a Beach Roundnet Open. Located on Morey’s PigDog Beach Bar, this game is played by two, 2-person teams, positioned at four points around the net. This is the newest game inspired by volleyball and Foursquare, to hit the beaches of Wildwoods.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Dance by the ocean on Wildwood’s beaches

Every year, Wildwood hosts the biggest music festival of South Jersey. Barefoot Country Music Fest is the spot for listening to today’s biggest country music stars. This is a four-day event featuring more than 40 artists, from country headliners, regional stars, to up-and-coming and local artists. All these concerts performed across five stages include Wildwood’s scenic backdrop.

After the festival, head to Seaport Pier for BCMF afterparties, or back to Morey’s Piers.

Every Sunday from July through end of August there is Sundays in the Park. Located at The Fox Park Amphitheater, there are free concerts by bands and solo artists of all music genres so every person can listen to something different each week.

The Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series is held annually, where locals and tourists can enjoy free concerts at Centennial Park from late June through mid-September. Bring a blanket or a chair and you can dance to the music all evening.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Reel in crabs, fish, and ride on the sea

The island is a hot spot for crabbing and fishing, so head over to Lakeview Docks pier in Wildwood Crest to catch as many crabs as possible. Rent a boat, paddleboards, kayaks, and more for your crabbing essentials. If you’re looking for the best spots to fish, head to Starflight’s Fleet for deep sea fishing trips in Wildwood, open to all ages. Other spots for fishing include Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing, Overunder sportfishing, Jeannie D Sportfishing, and Dad’s Place Marina.

For families who want to take a ride kayaks, paddleboards and canoes, you can visit many places offering rentals. Life jackets and paddles are always included at Wildwood Resort & Marina, so paddle along with your family on a relaxing ride if you don’t want to travel around the boardwalk.

Wildwood also has fun sightseeing for the family at East Coast Water Sports. Their famous dolphin speedboat tours allow 138 passengers to experience fast boat riding and slowing down to spot the dolphins glide and swim. There is free parking, plus snacks and beverages during the 90-minute narrated tour as the captain of the boat soars through the sea.

Spend time with loved ones at the Kick Back Tiki Cruises that rides along Wildwood shores. Bring your family for birthday parties or family vacations. Sailing is done by a licensed United States Coast Guard captain to ensure maximum safety, so relax and enjoy the boat’s Adirondack chairs. Tours are available for any part of the day, and last around 2 hours. Whenever the captain anchors the post, guests are free to swim in the waters.

MARYELA GALLARDO

Bring your furry friends to a pet-friendly beach

Wildwood is the spot for dog owners who are worried about leaving their pets at home while they go on vacation. From May to October, your four-legged friends have access to the designated beach area at Glenwood Avenue. North Wildwood beaches also allow dogs during the summer when lifeguards are off duty. This is the best spot for your furbabies, so let them run around the Wildwoods Dog Beach. Your dog gets to enjoy a 25-foot-tall red Fire Hydrant Sculpture, a fence with enough room for them to run around, and two sections for large and small breeds.

If you’re looking to stay for a day or two, the Wildwoods is home to lots of pet-friendly hotels. Make a reservation at the Sandbox Motel, Skylark Resort Motel, Tide Winds Motel or Red Horse Motel to book a weekend at the beach with your furry friends.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Cycle through the Wildwoods

The Wildwoods has recently coined the term “bikeability” as biking becomes more popular within the town. Going to the beach every summer, I would watch the number of cyclists grow at the shore, whether it was to enjoy the scenery, a great way to exercise, or simply to save money on parking fees.

Even if you are unable to bring your own bike from home, Wildwood has bike rentals scattered throughout, so rent and enjoy what beautiful sights the beach has to offer. For example, the free 12-mile bike route runs through almost the entirety of the island, starting from Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest. You’ll pass by Wildwood Crest Dunes Bike Path, toward Wildwoods Boardwalk to North Wildwood’s Mulberry Bike Path, all the way to North Wildwood Sea Wall. Cyclists have their own bike lanes to share the road with traffic.

Popular cycling sights you must catch with families is along the 2.5-mile Wildwoods Boardwalk until noon. While you’re on the boardwalk grab some coffee, or hot, hand-dipped donuts from the Fractured Prune.

MATT LONG / Wildwood Crest Amateur Sand Sculpting Festival

Attend Wildwoods’ abundance of festivals

Home to some of the most popular events down the shore, you’ll never get tired of the Wildwoods because there is always an event happening. Check out the annual Italian and Irish festivals, classic car shows, motorcycle drag races, and Wildwoods’ Baby Parade.

At the Wildwood Convention Center, you’ll find events held for sports experts, comics and collectibles enthusiasts, WWE Live shows, and endless championship games.

Bring the kids to watch the ultimate sand sculpting down the shore at the annual sand sculpting festival. As a kid being able to make the best sandcastles and decorating the outsides with the prettiest seashells I could find, it’s a joy to watch a professional build a ginormous castle. Your kids will feel inspired to do the same, so watch from the sidelines or have your kids participate in this incredible competition. The festival is open to amateur and semi-pro sand sculptors and is hosted by a world professional, Matt Long. Prizes are awarded to the top three winners.

Inside of the Wildwood Convention Center lies the Annual Tattoo Beach Bash hosted by Rebel Image Tattoo and Villain Arts. The festival is held mid-August every year and is the location to get the best tattoos, meet new artists and overall check out everyone’s awesome tattoos. Witness some of the best tattoo artists in the country compete in tattoo contests, live tattooing, art exhibits, live entertainment and tattoo novelties.

Score a hole in one

One of my favorite pastimes that brought incredible memories of the Wildwoods was mini golfing. Nothing is better than challenging your family at glow-in-the-dark mini golf. Since it is such a popular activity, you’ll never run out of places to go to as Wildwood has eight different courses.

MARYELA GALLARDO / Pirates of Wildwood Mini Golf

On the boardwalk you’ll find Dragon’s Lair Mini Golf, a blacklight mini golf course with glow-in-the-dark golf balls. The backdrops of this course really make you feel like you’re in a castle scurrying to escape the dragon. A similar one on the boardwalk called Pirates of Wildwood 3D Miniature Golf also uses blacklight to make the walls of this course pop out. With the 3D glasses they give you, your family will be truly immersed while competing against each other, in this pirate ship-themed course.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / Starlux Mini Golf

One of the go-to miniature golf courses is Starlux Mini Golf, offering three unique locations with lots of shade and pet-friendly spaces for you and your family. The Beach Course has one of the largest artificial sand dunes and castles in the world. The Ocean Course has huge water fountains and statues of famous creatures of the sea. The Boardwalk Course brings a novelty twist to Wildwood’s boardwalk, filled with memorabilia of the town and trivia at each hole.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / Hawk Haven

Sip on some fine wine and Jersey brews

You wouldn’t think that some of the most beautiful vineyards are just minutes away from the shore. The Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery is open daily, with 14 acres of vines and 16 different varietals. All the grapes at this location are pressed, fermented and blended on site. Enjoy an outstanding view of the sunset while sitting at a vineyard concert. At Jessie Creek Winery, you’ll get to listen to live music every weekend while enjoying wine at their tasting rooms. The winery also features a gallery for local artists to display their amazing art.

If you’re looking to taste the beers of Wildwood, head over to MudHen Brewing Company for your drinking and dining needs. They offer a wide selection of craft beers showcasing flavors that perfectly describe the culture of the Wildwoods. Try their smoked wings, skillets of mac & cheese and their famous BBQ ribs. Reserve the brewery for your wedding, special events, or just for you. Anglesea Aleworks houses some of Wildwood’s most loved craft beers and top-quality beers fit right for the summer season.

WILDWOODS BOARDWALK

Watch the sky light up

End the night in Wildwood every Friday with the Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks. At around 10 pm you’ll witness the wonderful fireworks show launched from Pine Avenue while they synchronize music from the Wildwoods Boardwalk Sound System. Make sure you arrive early to get the best seats on the shore, or in the bleachers if you’re not comfortable sitting in the sand.

Make sure you have the essentials before viewing the fireworks show which includes cotton candy, the best soft serve ice cream, your camera for the pictures, and wear your Wildwoods merch! Kohr Bros on the boardwalk has three spots with frozen custard so thick and delicious it makes you want more, so enjoy their soft serve, shakes, sundaes and malts. Chipstix has some great cotton candy, but also their deep-fried foods are most loved here. Try their fried Oreos and cookie dough fresh out of the fryer or a twist on the well-known Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Visit the 5 Mile Marketplace before the show to buy a hoodie showcasing your favorite beach because nights at the shore get cold.

Finally, don’t forget to eat!

The Wildwoods have some of the best seafood places where you will leave with satisfied appetites. You’ll find fine dining, casual dining, family-owned restaurants that you should support, and boardwalk pizzerias with the cheesiest base.

Featuring two bars, an immense selection of food, and live entertainment during the summer season, try out Alfe’s with the family. The restaurant has four distinct dining rooms suited for all types of occasions, from casual to business casual. The shrimp scampi and their calamari are their most beloved dishes by the locals of Wildwood. Pasta Pesto Bar & Grill is another modern Italian restaurant with pizzas and endless variations of pastas inspired by Wildwood, so feast on their pasta pesto and spaghetti Portofino.

Boathouse Restaurant & Marina Deck has a beautiful panoramic view of the harbor, so during the evening you’ll watch the sunset while eating amazing seafood. The restaurant also has sunset specials every day during 4-5 pm featuring their wild caught shrimp fried and broiled filet of salmon. Best for their water view, Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant lies on the waterfront deck so you can experience all the sounds and sights. This spot features a bar with specialty drinks to frozen tropical drinks so you’ll feel relaxed during your vacation.

MARYELA GALLARDO

If you’re heading to the boardwalk, The Doo Wop Diner is known for its old timey 1950s interior featuring classic American favorite dishes. This iconic diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and they hold their chubby burger challenger for daring customers who want to try something new. Get a slice of the boardwalk’s best pizza places to satisfy those hungry tummies at Franconi’s Pizza, Crazy Junky, Sam’s Pizza Palace and Mack’s Pizza.

The Wildwoods have an endless amount of fun; you’ll never get bored in this town. No matter if you’re into swimming at the beach or relaxing on a mini cruise, your family has options for all. Make new memories with your family and create a summer they will never forget, just as mine does!

Read More:
This Beach Has Been Named NJ’s Favorite For the 10th Year
9 Free Beach Spots in NJ To Hit This Summer
These Are Our Favorite Boardwalks in NJ
Visit Cape May’s Beaches and Victorian
NJ Has the Top Three Beaches in the Northeast

Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Get fun things to do in NJ delivered straight to your inbox.

Latest articles

More from NJ Family