13 Amazing Things To Do In Wildwood, NJ
Wildwood, New Jersey, is the quintessential seaside escape, where nostalgic charm meets modern-day fun. Known for its vibrant boardwalk, expansive beaches, and thrilling amusement parks, Wildwood has been a beloved summer destination for families, couples, and adventurers alike. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping rides at Morey’s Piers, tranquil walks along Wildwood Beach, or a bite of seaside classics like fried Oreos and funnel cakes, this coastal gem promises an unforgettable getaway.
Wildwood’s allure goes beyond its beaches and boardwalks. Dive into history at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, explore family-friendly attractions like mini-golf and waterparks, or savor local seafood at waterfront dining spots. With activities for every taste and age, Wildwood combines timeless charm with modern excitement, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Let's see some of the best things to do in Wildwood.
1. Wildwood Boardwalk
Stretching nearly two miles along the Atlantic, the Wildwood Boardwalk is an electric fusion of nostalgia and non-stop energy. Its origins date back to 1892, but today’s boardwalk pulses with arcades, shops, eateries, and amusement piers that light up both day and night. It’s not just a walkway—it’s a sensory experience, where the scent of funnel cakes mingles with salty ocean air, and the hum of roller coasters adds rhythm to beach views. The Boardwalk is home to iconic tram cars—yellow and blue electric rides that have “watched the tram car, please” since 1949—and is the main artery connecting Wildwood’s vibrant attractions. From taffy shops and pizza stands to haunted houses and karaoke nights, this stretch of planks reflects the town’s love for fun, food, and family traditions. By day, it draws beachgoers in flip-flops; by night, it becomes a carnival under the stars.
2. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
Spanning three massive piers along the Wildwood Boardwalk, Morey’s Piers offers over 100 rides and attractions plus two full-scale water parks. Founded in 1969 by brothers Bill and Will Morey, the piers are now a multigenerational wonderland—from the adrenaline of the Great White wooden coaster to the splash zones of Ocean Oasis Water Park. The rides range from gentle kid-friendly carousels to high-speed scream machines. Mariner’s Pier, Surfside Pier, and Adventure Pier each offer a different vibe, connected by midway games and food stalls serving everything from crab fries to deep-fried Oreos. The two water parks—Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters—feature lazy rivers, splash buckets, and waterslides that arc over the Atlantic. Morey’s is more than an amusement park—it’s a summer tradition, built on innovation, safety, and oceanfront thrills. It’s where memories start at sunrise swim sessions and end with fireworks lighting up the coast.
3. Wildwood Beach
Wildwood Beach is wide, free, and full of personality. Unlike many East Coast destinations, this beach has no entry fee, and its breadth—sometimes over 500 yards from boardwalk to ocean—offers space to spread out, play, or just be. The sand is soft, white, and ideal for beach games, sandcastle competitions, or lounging under a rented umbrella. Lifeguards patrol during the season, ensuring safety for swimmers, surfers, and skimboarders alike. It’s also the stage for major events: kite festivals that turn the sky into a canvas, beach concerts, lifeguard competitions, and even monster truck races. Despite the activity, there are quiet corners for sunbathing and surfside reading. Restrooms, showers, and food vendors line access points, while the boardwalk is just a few sandy steps away. Whether you're starting your day with sunrise yoga or ending it barefoot beneath fireworks, Wildwood Beach welcomes all with open shores and unforgettable views.
4. Cape May County Park & Zoo
Cape May County Park & Zoo, located just a short drive from Wildwood, offers a refreshing blend of natural serenity and wildlife exploration—all free of charge. Established in 1978 on land donated to the county, the zoo has grown into one of New Jersey’s most beloved attractions, drawing nearly half a million visitors annually. It houses over 550 animals across 250 species, including giraffes, lions, snow leopards, and red pandas, within thoughtfully designed habitats that mirror their native environments. The 85-acre zoo sits within a 200-acre park, offering not just animal exhibits but also picnic areas, playgrounds, bike paths, and walking trails shaded by old oaks and pines. The African Savanna section lets visitors get close to zebra and ostrich, while the aviary and reptile house explore ecosystems less visible. Educational programs and conservation initiatives underscore the zoo’s commitment to global wildlife protection. Managed by Cape May County and bolstered by community donations, the zoo has maintained free admission as part of its mission to provide accessible, enriching family experiences. With its mix of recreation and preservation, Cape May County Park & Zoo is both a relaxing retreat and a living classroom.
5. Doo Wop Experience Museum
The Doo Wop Experience Museum isn’t just about music—it’s a deep dive into the postwar architectural and cultural explosion that defined Wildwood in the 1950s and ’60s. Located across from the Convention Center in Fox Park, this retro-chic museum celebrates the town’s signature Doo Wop style, a blend of futuristic mid-century modern and kitschy Americana. Think neon signs, boomerang patterns, and motel facades adorned with starbursts and pastel colors. The museum houses salvaged signage, vintage furniture, diner booths, and interactive exhibits that chronicle Wildwood’s transformation during its golden era of tourism. Founded by the Doo Wop Preservation League, the space also functions as a restoration lab and archive. It highlights not only how Wildwood became a cultural icon for vacationing baby boomers, but how local preservation efforts continue to save its unique motels from redevelopment. Visitors can also embark on a Doo Wop architecture trolley tour to see surviving gems like the Caribbean Motel and Starlux Hotel. Beyond nostalgia, the museum tells a story of resilience—how a small shore town embraced optimism, atomic-age design, and the American dream through architecture that still sparkles decades later.
6. Wildwoods Convention Center
The Wildwoods Convention Center, overlooking the Atlantic at the southern end of the boardwalk, stands as both a modern venue and a symbol of the region’s long-standing commitment to entertainment. The original structure, built in 1972, was demolished to make way for today’s facility, which opened in 2002 and spans over 260,000 square feet. Its oceanfront location makes it a rare convention hall that pairs business with beachfront scenery. Inside, the expansive Oceanfront Arena seats up to 7,000 and hosts everything from cheerleading championships and boat shows to national concerts and wrestling events. But the site’s legacy runs deeper. Wildwood has long been a hub for mass gatherings, from early 20th-century religious revivals to the birth of rock ’n’ roll—Bill Haley & His Comets famously debuted “Rock Around the Clock” here in 1954. The center honors that history with exhibits and local partnerships, even as it embraces modern technology and versatility. Open year-round, it plays a pivotal role in sustaining Wildwood’s tourism economy beyond the summer months. The Convention Center is more than a structure—it’s a stage for memories, a generator of momentum, and a testament to Wildwood’s dynamic past and present.
7. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is more than a navigation aid—it’s a living monument to maritime history on the Jersey Shore. Completed in 1874, this Victorian Stick-style lighthouse was designed by architect Paul J. Pelz, who later co-designed the Library of Congress. Originally manned by a keeper and his family, the structure served to guide ships through the often treacherous Hereford Inlet between Wildwood and Stone Harbor. While the light was automated in 1964, the structure itself was restored and reopened as a museum in the late 1980s. Today, visitors can explore period-furnished rooms, climb to the light tower, and wander through its serene English-style gardens that bloom in harmony with the surrounding dunes. The museum houses maritime artifacts, archival photographs, and personal stories of former keepers. As much about community pride as coastal safety, the lighthouse has become a symbol of North Wildwood’s commitment to preservation. It stands quietly but confidently at the edge of the sea, a reminder of a time when the light from its lens meant hope, direction, and homecoming for sailors offshore. Entry is free, though donations are welcome, and its location near the seawall offers perfect views for sunrise and reflection.
8. Sunset Lake
Tucked along the bay side of Wildwood Crest, Sunset Lake offers calm waters and unhurried charm—markedly different from the boardwalk’s high-octane energy. Named for the sweeping, watercolor sunsets that reflect off its surface, the lake is a serene spot with a history that stretches back to the area’s early days as a fishing and sailing outpost. Over the years, it’s evolved into a versatile space for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and evening strolls. A shoreline park includes benches, bike paths, and a memorial plaza honoring fallen military personnel. The lake also plays host to the annual Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series and fireworks events that draw families from across the island. What makes Sunset Lake exceptional isn’t just its beauty, but the emotional resonance it holds for locals—it’s a place where generations have gathered for family photos, lazy afternoons, and goodbyes before heading home. It’s not flashy, but it’s timeless. In a town built on vacation rhythms, Sunset Lake is a reminder of life’s slower moments and the value of stillness by the water’s edge.
9. Seaport Pier
Seaport Pier is Wildwood’s reimagined take on the classic oceanfront entertainment hub. Opened in 2018 on the North Wildwood Boardwalk, the pier blends coastal leisure with a sleek, modern design. While it doesn’t host rides like its neighbors to the south, Seaport makes its mark with a sprawling open-air bar, upscale seafood dining, a swim club, and regular live music acts. Built on the bones of former fishing piers and older commercial structures, it nods to the Wildwoods’ long history as a working-class seaside escape, even as it ushers in a more elevated boardwalk experience. In summer, its private swim club offers poolside views of the ocean, with cabana rentals, DJs, and cocktail service for those seeking a day-to-night beachside scene. Meanwhile, families come for dinner, ice cream, or relaxed conversation under string lights and sea breezes. Seaport Pier stands as a symbol of Wildwood’s evolution—honoring the past without clinging to it, offering modern flair without forgetting the community it serves. It’s where old shore traditions meet new tastes, in one of the most scenic corners of the Jersey coast.
10. Splash Zone Water Park
Splash Zone Water Park brings a burst of aquatic adrenaline to the heart of the Wildwood Boardwalk. Opened in the early 2000s, it quickly became a family favorite, offering a cooler, wilder alternative to sunbathing on the beach. Built across multiple levels, the park features more than a dozen water attractions—from high-speed slides like the "Speed Dominator" to the relaxing "Lazy River" that loops through shaded zones. For younger visitors, areas like "Hydro Zone" and "Buccaneer Bay" offer safe, interactive water play structures, while thrill-seekers can take on "The Beast of the East," a six-story half-pipe that’s one of the largest of its kind in the region. What sets Splash Zone apart is its compact design, nestled right into the boardwalk’s rhythm. That proximity allows visitors to hop between roller coasters, arcades, and waterslides without skipping a beat. Over the years, it has become a summer ritual for returning families—proof that even in a town known for constant reinvention, water fun never goes out of style. Clean facilities, attentive lifeguards, and updated features ensure a safe and lively experience, year after year.
11. Wildwood Historical Society and George F. Boyer Museum
The Wildwood Historical Society, headquartered in the George F. Boyer Museum, is the town’s most concentrated capsule of local memory. Located just a few blocks from the boardwalk, the museum is named after a former mayor and passionate historian who began collecting artifacts in the 1960s. Today, the collection has grown into a colorful and deeply personal archive that charts the transformation of Wildwood from a marshy barrier island into a vibrant resort town. Visitors will find vintage beach tags, black-and-white photos of long-demolished hotels, hand-painted signs, and mid-century brochures that capture the promise of endless summers. There are exhibits on the town’s role in early rock and roll, the Doo Wop motel boom, and the effects of World War II on the local population. What makes the museum stand out is its focus on people—not just famous figures, but everyday residents and visitors whose stories continue to shape Wildwood. Admission is free, and volunteers are often on hand to share anecdotes and answer questions, making this a deeply personal experience. It’s not flashy, but it’s heartfelt—and essential for anyone curious about the soul beneath Wildwood’s surface.
12. Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille
Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille blends culinary finesse with coastal relaxation along the Wildwood waterfront. Located on Otten’s Harbor, this upscale-yet-casual seafood spot opened in the early 2000s and quickly became a go-to for both locals and visitors looking to escape the boardwalk buzz. The restaurant sits on a converted dock and offers sweeping views of the marina, best enjoyed at sunset with a cocktail in hand. Its menu leans toward ocean fare—fresh oysters, seared scallops, ahi tuna, and signature crab cakes—but also includes hearty steaks, pasta, and plant-based dishes. Inside, exposed wood beams and nautical touches keep the vibe welcoming and unpretentious, while the outdoor deck turns into a lively gathering place on warm evenings with live acoustic music and fire pits. Unlike many shore restaurants that cater mainly to foot traffic, Beach Creek invites you to stay a while. Its waterfront views, consistently excellent service, and thoughtfully crafted menu make it more than just a dinner spot—it’s part of the Wildwood dining experience’s upper tier, offering atmosphere and authenticity in equal measure.
13. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Housed in a massive, restored World War II hangar at Cape May Airport, the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is a powerful testament to local military history. The site was originally commissioned in 1943 as a dive-bomber training base and has since been converted into an immersive museum that educates while it amazes. Inside Hangar #1, visitors can explore over 25 aircraft ranging from warbirds and helicopters to jets and civilian planes. Exhibits delve into aviation history, wartime life, and even local contributions to global conflicts. Interactive displays include flight simulators, an authentic air traffic control tower, and hands-on engineering lessons for children. Unlike more sterile museums, NAS Wildwood invites you to touch, climb, and discover. Family-owned and operated, the museum was rescued from demolition in the 1990s and has been gradually restored through community effort and passion. It serves as both an educational center and a memorial, honoring the 42 men who lost their lives while training at the site. Whether you're a history buff, aviation enthusiast, or curious traveler, this museum offers a rare chance to step directly into the stories that shaped the skies above South Jersey.
14. MudHen Brewing Company (Wildwood, NJ)
MudHen Brewing Company captures the spirit of Wildwood, New Jersey with a vibrant blend of house-brewed craft beer, bold bar eats, live music, and community gatherings. Housed in a repurposed industrial building, its airy taproom opens onto a lively outdoor beer garden built for long summer nights, casual conversation, and spontaneous live sets. The brewery’s core lineup features approachable styles like Pilsner, Belgian-style Witbier (Holly Beach Wheat), and its flagship 1883 IPA, alongside adventurous seasonal releases like Wildwood Haze NEIPA and Captain Doug’s Porter. Food offerings include hearty burgers, mac and cheese skillets, and smoked wings—perfect companions for pints and conversations. Regular events range from trivia nights and live music to wiffle ball tournaments and Oktoberfest celebrations, making each visit an experience rather than just a stop. More than just a brewpub, MudHen invites patrons into an atmosphere built on local energy, creativity, and sincere hospitality.
15. Gateway 26
Gateway 26 stands as a landmark on the Wildwood Boardwalk—a retro-inspired arcade, donation-based casino, and seaside hangout rolled into one. Located at 2512 Boardwalk in North Wildwood, it opens late into the night and blends bright vintage signage with energetic crowds. Inside, visitors can play classic slot machines, claw games, and carnival-style prizes, while outside the neon-lit façade draws passersby with nostalgic charm and simple thrills. More than a boardwalk stop, Gateway 26 offers a timeless attraction—where prize tickets, coin machines, and seaside breeze converge in a space both playful and memorable.
Conclusion
Wildwood, New Jersey is more than just a beach destination—it's a nostalgic escape where boardwalk thrills, family traditions, and seaside charm converge. Known for its free, wide beaches and vibrant summer energy, Wildwood has been drawing visitors since the early 20th century. Over time, it evolved into one of the most iconic vacation spots on the East Coast, shaped by its rich Doo Wop architectural heritage and generations of sunseekers.
The heart of the experience beats along the two-mile Wildwood Boardwalk, where amusement piers, water parks, and classic eateries offer nonstop entertainment from morning till late night. Morey’s Piers and Splash Zone Water Park provide oceanfront fun for all ages, while historic gems like the George F. Boyer Museum and Hereford Inlet Lighthouse offer quieter moments of reflection. Whether you’re kayaking at Sunset Lake, dining at a marina-view oyster bar, or catching a concert at the Convention Center, there are endless things to do in Wildwood, NJ.
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