Priceline Says This New Jersey Town Should Be On Your Vacay Radar

The website cited "townsizing" (where people seek movie-like destinations) as inspiration behind planning a trip here

GREATER WILDWOOD TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Priceline released its Travel Trends Report for 2025 and one popular New Jersey town made its list for “Where to Travel Next.”

IYKYK. The Wildwoods has been a destination for families for over a century, welcoming visitors from New York down to the Jersey Shore. Specifically, North Wildwood is loved for its quaint, quiet and retro feel its “classic small-town Americana”

According to Priceline, there is a new trend called “townsizing” where Gen Z travelers seek out small towns that resemble sweet, old-fashioned movies. Well, the scenes in North Wildwood aren’t on the screen: there are real-life “sugar sand” beaches (which are free!), Doo-Wop architecture, a lighthouse and a miles-long sea wall for hiking.

The Wildwoods is actually comprised of five areas (did you know about West Wildwood and Lower Twp.?), and the five-mile island is most well known for Wildwood because of Morey’s Piers, along with parks and hotels in Wildwood Crest. We visited North Wildwood in the fall and can assure you this area has lots to do year-round!

CRAIG TERRY / Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

Among the biggest draws is the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, which is way more than a lookout point. The outdoor grounds include gardens open to the public until dusk, regardless of whether you go inside the historic building. The pathway begins with a gazebo and has sections of butterfly gardens.

STAFF PHOTO / Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

While inside the building, walk up the three flights of stairs of the 150-year-old lighthouse on a self-guided tour to get to the top room, where you overlook the water. Along the way, you’ll learn about former lighthouse keepers, see the rooms where the families lived, and get a glimpse of the beacons used at the top of the lighthouse. Admission is free from May to October.

STAFF PHOTO / Sea wall

After your self-guided tour, head back toward the seawall, which is ideal for walking or hiking. It goes 1 mile in either direction along the inlet and then the Atlantic Ocean.

ISTOCK.COM/KIRKIKIS

When you reach the boardwalk, stop for a traditional soft-serve vanilla ice cream cone at Kohr Bros., which is at the Gateway 26 merchandise casino and entertainment center. It’s open year-round, too.

For more sightseeing, check out the buildings around town that incorporate doo-wop, space age and tropical elements that were popular when The Wildwoods were redeveloped in the 1950s. Some are private homes, like a Queen Anne home on E. 22nd Street; or public buildings like the Lollipop Motel.

If you stay the weekend, the Montego Bay Resort has an indoor water park with water slides and an adventure playground. The Vegas Diner & Restaurant has lots of Jersey diner charm with an 8-page menu that features all the classics, plus South of the Border dishes, chef full-course meals and a kid’s menu.

Maui’s Dog House is another foodie destination known for its hot dogs with 29 different toppings – plus Angus burgers, chicken cutlet chicken fingers and homemade macaroni salad. Some of the faves here are the homemade chili, sauerkraut cooked in beer, and a traditional Italian hot dog with peppers, onions and provolone.

ISTOCK.COM/KIRKIKIS

The best way to see all of North Wildwood (and the Wildwoods in general) is aboard the fun World Famous Sightseer Tram Car. The historic yellow and blue boardwalk train has been around since 1949 and takes you along the entire length of the boardwalk.

GREATER WILDWOODS TOURISM IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / Independence Day Family Parade

There are lots of events held year-round at the north end of the island. Next up is the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15. The day starts with a Catholic Mass service at St. Ann Church of Notre Dame La Mer Parish, continues with a ceremony in front of City Hall, and concludes with the parade along Atlantic Avenue and Olde NJ Avenue.

Summer is the premier time to visit, and the Independence Day Family Parade brings hundreds of families who decorate their bikes, strollers, pet carriers and themselves in patriotic gear.

Come fall there is the annual North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Block Party in October; plus the Family Holiday Beach Bonfire, Christmas in North Wildwood, Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade and Santa Paws pet parade come holiday time.

Here are Priceline’s top destinations for “townsizing”:

  • Three Rivers, CA
  • Panguitch, UT
  • Bretton Woods, NH
  • South Yarmouth, MA
  • Ouray, CO
  • Old Saybrook, CT
  • North Wildwood, NJ
  • Carmel Valley, CA
  • Gorham, NH
  • Forks, WA

In other Wildwoods news, city officials announced that fixed bollards will be installed at any vehicle access point along the boardwalk, and removable bollards will be placed at access ramps. New lighting will also be installed along the boardwalk from 26th Street to Burke Avenue, along with security cameras.

Bennett Avenue, Wildwood Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and Spencer Avenue projects should be complete before the summer season, with Robert Avenue done by the fall. This comes after last summer’s installation of bollards at Maple Avenue and Spicer Avenue.

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Read More:
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20 Family-Friendly Things to Do in The Wildwoods in The Fall
20+ Ways to Spend The Holidays in The Wildwoods
This NJ Resort Was Voted Best New Hotel by USA Today Readers (And We Agree!)
The Wildwoods’ Newest (And Largest) Resort is a Bit Doo-Wop, a Bit Modern

 

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