Exploring Wildwood: A Gem on New Jersey’s Coastline

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Credit: Kurt Greiner

Credit: Kurt Greiner

Sitting right on the coast of New Jersey, Wildwood is a resort city that draws thousands every year to its wide sandy beaches. Take a trip down the long Wildwood Boardwalk full of shops, eateries, thrill rides, and even a waterpark, or just take a day to lounge in the summer sun. 

Related: Meandering In: Windham, New York

Best Time to Visit

May-October will give you the best weather, while the warmest months are usually July and August

Places to Go and See

Wildwood Beach

Credit: Calvin Kinateder

Explore five miles of white beaches right when you get to Wildwood. This stretch of sand draws in thousands of visitors every year, and you’re sure to be one of them. Whether you want to lay in the sun, take a boogie board into the water, or just throw a frisbee around, there is no end to the fun.

Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Waterparks

Credit: Ethan Hoover

If you’re looking for a location that has everything you could need right on the same grouping of piers, then Morey’s Piers are for you. Enjoy two separate waterparks, several themed hotels, or the amusement park, right in view of the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1969, this park has entertained families for decades.

Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market

Credit: Anne Preble

Celebrating its tenth season of running in 2023, the Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market is held on Saturdays, with sixty-plus vendors each week. Centrally located on Byrne Plaza, the market stretches into several other Avenues as well. Grab some fresh produce grown by local farmers, or pick out pastries or canned items from other vendors. There is no end to what you might find here.

Cape May Bird Observatory

Credit: Tommy Kwak

Called the “world’s best destination for birding” by National Geographic, Cape May acts as a funnel where dozens of species fly in and out every day. If you’re a bird enthusiast, or just like watching various flocks soar above you, head over to the observatory and learn more about the species that inhabit this space.

Also Read: Meandering In Lake Tahoe, California – The Perfect Destination Come Summer or Winter

Wildwood Boardwalk

Credit: Chris Hardy

Stunning visitors for over a hundred years, the Wildwood Boardwalk has a never-ending amount of shops, games, restaurants, and other attractions. Walk around during the day, or watch the boardwalk light up at night. Whichever time of day you decide to visit, you will have lots of fun doing so.

Wildwood Historical Society & Museum

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Discover the rich time period of the 1950s and 60s in the city, especially with various musical talents at the Wildwood Historical Society. Whether you take a tour or just walk around various artifacts, you’re sure to leave knowing more about this coastal New Jersey city and its past.

Hidden Gems

Hooked on Books

Credit: Tom Hermans

Indie bookstores are always a treasure trove, and this is also true for Hooked on Books. Whether you’re looking for new titles, children’s books, or backlogged titles, you should be able to find a perfect book to sit down with on the beach.

The Original Fudge Company

Credit: Irene Kredenets

Created in 1972, the Original Fudge Company has been making their famous fudge for locals and tourists alike. Made daily in copper kettles, this delicious and creamy fudge is the perfect excuse for eating sweets before a meal.

Check Out: 15 Tips for Exploring National Parks Alone

artBOX

Credit: CHUTTERSNAP

Taking the feeling that art can be presented anywhere literally, artBOX in Wildwood displays work in a variety of shipping containers. From known artists to growing local names, there is a great selection of pieces to view.

The Doo Wop Preservation League Museum

Credit: Drew Beamer

Take a metaphorical time machine back to the 1950s and 60s in the Doo Wop Museum and learn about the architecture and neon signs that made this time period so special. This museum is a work in progress, so even if you’ve been here before, the museum may have new exhibits for you to check out.

Cape May Brewing Company

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Putting New Jersey on the map of craft beer in 2011, Cape May Brewing offers a range of craft beers for sale in several states, or you can head to their tasting room right in New Jersey. Enjoy learning about their history, or just sit in the Brewtanical Garden and sip on one of their brews.

Cape Sea Excursions

Credit: Davide Cantelli

If you enjoy setting sail, check out Cape Sea Excursions. Join others to go on a deep sea fishing trip, or watch as dolphins and whales pop up near the boat. There is also a sunset dinner cruise that takes you around Cape May Island. Whichever tour you decide to take, you will have unforgettable fun.

Read More: 10 Solo Travel Tips To Get You Wandering

Top Restaurants

Boathouse Restaurant

Credit: Boathouse

Opened in 1989, the Boathouse is built almost entirely over the water, making it the perfect place to get a panoramic view of the ocean. You can either sit inside or on the outside deck, and choose from fresh seafood or steak while the sun dips under the horizon.

Dogtooth Bar & Grill

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A favorite of both tourists and locals, Dogtooth features a variety of locally sourced ingredients made into delicious meals certain to fill you up. Take a trip over and enjoy the best Wildwood has to offer, or just have a drink at the bar.

Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant

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Opened in 1956 by three brothers seeing potential in the coastal town after World War II, Urie’s will certainly keep you coming back for more. Enjoy the waterfront deck and immerse yourself in the sounds of the ocean waves, or have a drink and enjoy the tropical flavors presented in both food and drink.

Marvis Diner

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Head on over to Wildwood’s favorite diner with excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. A staple of locals and tourists, Marvis continues to improve their atmosphere to only serve you the best food possible.

Alfe’s Restaurant

Credit: ameenfahmy

If you’re looking for Italian food, head over to Alfe’s restaurant who’s been serving its guests for over thirty years. With four different dining rooms and two bars, there is definitely a space where you can enjoy yourself with whoever you’re with.

Doo Wop Diner

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Blast from the past? That is exactly what Doo Wop Diner is doing in Wildwood, and all ages can enjoy this fun diner. With quick service, affordable prices, and lots of memorabilia, this restaurant will keep you entertained throughout your meal.

Top Hotels

Wildwood Inn Hotel

Aztec Motel

Blue Palms

Starlux Hotel

Whether you just want to lounge on the beach or take a ride down a rollercoaster, there is a never-ending amount of attractions and food at Wildwood.

By Alexandria Wyckoff

Alexandria is a News Editor, writer, and reader of all things literature. She graduated from the State University of... More about Alexandria Wyckoff

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