Wildwood, NJ Road Trips

Although Wildwood is primarily known for being a shore town, there are several historic and recreational sites. Historic town hall is in the center of Wildwood, as well as several small local museums. Many of the town's motels were built in the 'Doo-Wop" era of 1950s and 1960s, which may remind you of "The Jetsons." The interesting architecture and brightly lit signs sure makes Wildwood one of a kind to visit during your stay there. Wildwood boasts beautiful landscapes, which can be seen by taking a helicopter ride, or a boat tour, both of which are available daily. There is a miniature aquarium on the boardwalk that often hosts interactive exhibits. Wildwood is also home to one of the country's oldest wooden roller coasters and the tallest Ferris wheel on the east coast, which can be seen from miles, especially at night when it is lit up with an array of LED lights. The convention center, which is at the end of the boardwalk, often has various activities, demonstrations, and shows. The historic Cape May Zoo is also a short drive away, which is home to more than 200 species of animals in a quaint park setting, and is visited by more than 3 quarters of a million people annually. The Zoo features a playground, nature trails, and a pond for fishing. Movies on the beach are shown between the second and third piers: they set up a large screen on the beach, only at nights. This is a very unusual experience because it's like an old-fashioned drive-in movie but only with sand, and no cars.

If you aren't a resident of the tri-state area, it's more than likely that you haven't heard of Wildwood, New Jersey. However, it is a spot worth noting as both an eclectic town, and an enjoyable family vacation spot. Located in Cape May County, on the southern tip of New Jersey, Wildwood has long been known as one of the hot spots along the Jersey coast. What has always made Wildwood stand out amongst a sea of shore towns is its attention to family-oriented fun and a giant mix of activities for people of all ages. The most obvious, and most frequently utilized attraction in the Wildwoods are the miles of beautiful sandy beaches which are free. Although tourists and year-round residents flock to all of the beaches, two of the most popular beaches on the island are the Inlet at the entrance to North Wildwood, and Diamond Beach in the Crest. Both of these spots are known for their seclusion. Besides from the obvious sunbathing and swimming, there are many activities to participate in at the beach, such as boating, parasailing, hand-gliding, jet-skiing, surfing kite surfing. People who want to escape the crowds of the beach often head to the bay area to indulge in an afternoon of fishing or crabbing. Free events include Friday night fireworks on the beach in the center of Wildwood and concerts featuring tribute bands and local talent that are held at Fox Park on Sunday evening and at the band shell in Wildwood Crest. For rainy days when the beach is not an option, there are several movie theaters and rental places and a huge library for a quiet day inside.

Wildwood features numerous places to sample a taste of the Jersey shore in all types of settings. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, there is no better place to sample a tasty treat than the boardwalk. From the famous pizza shop rivals, Sam's and Mack's (everyone has a preference), to Curly's french fries, Laura's and Douglas's Fudge shops, to countless ice cream, Kohr Bros' frozen custard, and funnel cake stands, the smell of the boardwalk is just as prominent as the sounds of shrieking children and laughs from families enjoying each other's company. You can find popcorn, gourmet pizza, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, waffles and ice cream, Polish water ice, chocolate covered bananas, deep fried Oreos, milkshakes, and every kind of candy on the boardwalk. For incredibly fresh-baked doughnuts and pastries, Britton's bakery is a must stop. Russo's in North Wildwood has great sandwiches on the go or for sitting on the beach. Bill's in Wildwood, right on Park Boulevard and Glenwood, has great wings and family packages for the whole family. Sal's is the best if you want some Philly cheesesteaks in Wildwood Crest. If you are looking for more of a sit down meal, the island features numerous diners and family-style restaurants, such The Vegas Diner in North Wildwood. The Wildwoods also feature world class seafood and Italian style cuisine in such fine establishments as Alfe's (in Wildwood), Uries and The Boat House (on Rio Grande Boulevard), and Little Italy. For casual seafood dining, the Fish Factory has great food.

Wildwood is certainly not a dry town. There are numerous places for adults to indulge in a night out on the town in Wildwood. Some of the town's most popular bars are Keenan's Irish Pub, the Anglesey Pub, Westy's Irish Pub, Echoes, Owen's Pub, and Flip Flopz which are mostly found at the entrance of North Wildwood. Juan Pablo's is a great upscale Mexican restaurant in the heart of Wildwood with awesome drinks. Both locals and tourists alike mingle in this hip setting where drinks and light appetizers are served. At local bar Shamrocks, Wednesdays are Quizzo night, where anyone can compete in a series of Jeopardy-like questions for prizes, also very popular are: Sunset Bay, La Piazza, A and L P,(A great sandwich shop), Angry Jack's in North Wildwood and Boardwalk Bar and Grill on Atlantic Ave. Wildwood's nightlife is incredibly diverse. The main attraction for families is the boardwalk, which features miles of novelty shops, eateries, and the three famous amusement piers, Surfside Pier, formerly Morey's Pier, Mariners Landing Pier, and Adventure Pier, formerly Wild Wheels Pier a few blocks apart from each other. Both of these amusement parks can be enjoyed by either buying tickets or purchasing an all day pass for a discounted price. Tickets can be loaded onto a scannable card, making it easy to have the exact amount ready for your next ride. The rides range from kiddie go-carts and merry-go-rounds, to log flumes to sky-high roller coasters and bungee jumping. There are a couple of walk-through amusements such as a funhouse and maze.

The Wildwoods are broken down into four main towns: North Wildwood, Wildwood, West Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest. The Wildwoods are world renowned for having the largest concentration of Mid-Century Modern or "Doo-Wop" motels and other commercial buildings anywhere in the world. The vast majority of vacationers choose to stay in these "Doo-Wop" motels during the summer months. Prime examples of "Doo-Wop" motels can be found throughout the Wildwoods, including the Daytona Motor Inn on Atlantic and Youngs Avenue, The Starlux Motel on Rio Grande and Atlantic, and The Caribbean Motel on Ocean Ave. and Buttercup. Often times families vacation at the same motels and hotels for multiple generations. Still other vacationers like to rent houses by either the week, the month, or the season. The most popular month to rent is July, which is consequently the month when housing is most expensive. Many residents of the surrounding states have second homes in Wildwood, and utilize their vacation homes for all or most of the summer. ICONA Diamond Beach (formerly Pier 6600), 9701 Atlantic Ave, Diamond Beach (at the southern end of Wildwood Crest), ☏ +1 609-729-6600. It retains the "Doo-Wop" look and mood of the former Pier 6600 Motor Inn. Daytona Motor Inn and Suites, 4010 Atlantic Avenue. This family-oriented motel is 1 block to the boardwalk, beach and amusements and features large 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom family suites with kitchens. Madison Resort Wildwood Crest (formerly the Ocean View) (in Wildwood Crest). This newer motel still keeps the older look.

The Wildwoods are easily accessible by car, just minutes off of the Garden State Parkway, the route that the majority of vacationers from the tri-state area take. Many locals use New Jersey Route 55 south to New Jersey Route 47, but this route can have serious jams that are more than 10 miles. As the Garden State Parkway traffic has toned down, but it gets bad on holiday weekends. Many counties in New Jersey also offer Park-n-Ride, a ride-sharing and van-pooling system. From the Philadelphia/South Jersey area, follow Interstate 76 east, which turns into New Jersey Route 42 south. Continue onto the Altantic City Expressway east and take Exit 7 to the Garden State Parkway south. Follow the Garden State Parkway south and take Exit 4A to New Jersey Route 47 south. Follow New Jersey Route 47 south into Wildwood. Another option is to take Interstate 76 east into New Jersey Route 42 south and take Exit 13 to New Jersey Route 55 south. Follow New Jersey Route 55 south to Millville, where the road leads into New Jersey Route 47 south. Follow New Jersey Route 47 south to New Jersey Route 347 south. New Jersey Route 347 south leads back into New Jersey Route 47 south. Continue along New Jersey Route 47 south into Wildwood. From the New York City/North Jersey area, follow the New Jersey Turnpike south and take Exit 11 to the Garden State Parkway south. Follow the Garden State Parkway south and take Exit 4A to New Jersey Route 47 south. Follow New Jersey Route 47 south into Wildwood. From the Baltimore/Washington, D.C.

Once in Wildwood, it is incredibly easy to navigate your way around. If needed, the entire island is walkable. However, many people choose to drive for time and convenience purposes. Be careful though, parking can be expensive! Many residents and tourists choose to ride their own bikes, or rent them from one of the several rental facilities in the town. You can rent singles, doubles, or even family sized bikes. It is also very common to see people on skates and skateboards. To get from place to place on the boardwalk, which spans numerous miles, many choose to hop aboard the tram car, which is a small, trolley-like vehicle that drives solely from one end of the boardwalk to the other, and is relatively inexpensive, one way only costing approximately $3.00. Taxi cabs and NJ Transit buses also operate through Wildwood, both which are cost effective, and are available constantly. There are three taxi services in the Wildwoods, Caribbean, Checkers, and Pink. They can pick you up anywhere in Wildwood within about 5 minutes. This is the safest way to get around at night, especially if you are drinking, for the cops in Wildwood are diligent.