News & Information
| Fun and Free! | ||
| Tourism Media Kit The Wildwoods, N.J. -The five-mile long resort of the Wildwoods has appealed to vacationing families for more than a century. One of the reasons why so many families have opted for the Wildwoods is because of the island's expansive, pristine beaches that are free to all, without the expense and hassle of having to purchase beach tags. But the Wildwoods' world-famous beaches aren't the only free things that are pleasing to vacationers. The Wildwoods and surrounding area have a myriad of events and activities throughout the summer -- as well as before and after -- which visitors can enjoy without having to pay a dime. Fishing, a favorite seashore pastime is a great way to have some fun and enjoy the island environment. A fishing pier on the Intracoastal Waterway -- known locally as "the back bay" -- at Sweetbriar Road in Wildwood Crest is a popular fishing spot for island natives and visitors alike, and there are beaches along Hereford Inlet in North Wildwood where fishing enthusiasts gather to surf fish. Crabbing is commonplace along the tidal marsh areas on the west side of Five Mile Beach, and those looking to catch their evening crab feast are frequently spotted along the wetlands area entering the island; at street ends or from docks along the back bay. Recreation centers can be found in each of the three Wildwoods (North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest), with playground equipment and basketball courts open for all to use. Cyclists will find a route that runs nearly the entire length of the island, beginning in the south at Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest. The beach side bicycle path runs north to the start of the Boardwalk at Cresse Avenue, where bicycles are permitted until 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays. The Boardwalk stretches 2.5 miles north to a connecting ramp between 16th and 15th avenues in North Wildwood. From there, cyclists may continue along a path on the beach until Third Avenue in North Wildwood. A special "bikes only" lane is also dedicated throughout the length of North Wildwood, from First to 26th avenues along Surf Avenue. If you left your bicycle behind, bikes and associated equipment may be rented at reasonable rates at many sites throughout the Wildwoods. Each Monday throughout the summer, from the July 4th weekend until the Labor Day holiday, Captain Ocean holds his weekly ecological program on the beach in Wildwood Crest at Rambler Road. Gathering near the water's edge, Captain Oceans offers insights and education about the local marine environment in a way that is fun and interesting for children and adults. Captain Ocean's program is free and begins at 8 a.m. each Monday. Nearly every night during the tourism season there is a free musical concert or event somewhere in the Wildwoods. Free concerts are given Monday evenings at the Crest Pier Recreation Center in Wildwood Crest; Thursdays there's free children's entertainment on the Wildwood Boardwalk at Cedar Avenue beginning at 7 p.m.; Wednesdays the Summer Sunset concert series at the Sunset Lake Gazebo at Miami and New Jersey Avenues in Wildwood Crest begin at 7 p.m; Thursdays include the North Wildwood Concert Series at the Lou Booth Amphitheater at Second and Ocean avenues in North Wildwood and Gazebo Concerts at the Wildwood Crest Gazebo, Rambler and Ocean avenues in Wildwood Crest. Thursdays are also Family Fun Night on the Wildwood Boardwalk with parades, clowns and music -- including a string band performance -- strolling through the crowds from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. enhancing the excitement of the boardwalk atmosphere. Fridays feature a fireworks show from the beach at Pine Avenue in Wildwood at 11 p.m.; and Saturdays include top-name talent at the Lou Booth Amphitheater in North Wildwood. The Wildwood Talent Showcase provides quality entertainment with young dancers and singers from throughout the East Coast Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Wildwoods Bandshell, Schellenger Avenue and the Boardwalk, throughout July and August. The free shows begin at 7:30 each evening. The Wildwoods' calendar of events is replete with fun, wholesome events and activities from May through October. Many of the events listed in the calendar are free to spectators, whether it's watching the New Jersey State Elks parade through one of the resort's main streets or enjoying the colorful and skillful display of kites that fill the skies during the Wildwoods International Kite Festival held every Memorial Day weekend. There are also attractions not far from the Wildwoods that come with no or low cost. The Cape May County Park and Zoo, just off the Garden State Parkway in nearby Cape May Court House, is a great place with hundreds of different animal species, an aviary, a reptile house and an African Savanna. Admission is a donation and parking is free. At the very tip of Cape May County is Sunset Beach, a popular spot to take a romantic walk or watch the sun as it sets over the Delaware Bay and look for Cape May Diamonds. Unique to this area, Cape May Diamonds are actually pure quartz stones that have been polished for thousands of years during a journey that carries them from the upper reaches of the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. It's possible to spend hours sifting through the stones in search of the perfect diamond. The first inhabitants of the area, the Kechemeche Indians, were the first to find Cape May Diamonds. They believed the stones possessed supernatural powers that bring success and good fortune. Each year visitors trek to Sunset Beach hoping the Kechemeches were correct. The Wildwoods also have several historical museums, which are free or request a small donation. Inside, these museums uncover the celebrated history of the island from its origins to the present. The Wildwood Historical Society's Boyer Museum is home to the National Marbles Hall of Fame and highlights the national tournament held on the beach in the resort each year. The Wildwoods' collection of mid 20th century architecture, also known as Doo Wop, is evident throughout the island. Stop in at the Doo Wop Preservation League on the newly-refurbished Pacific Avenue to learn more about Doo Wop, then take a stroll or drive around the resort and see the neon, the architecture and the names, up close and personal, that make up the Doo Wop look. Welcome to the Wildwoods -- it's fun, it's close and so many great things are free! | ||
