Explore New Hotels, Dining Destinations, Developments, Events, and Excitement in the Wildwoods!
The Wildwoods, NJ – March 26, 2025 – Renowned for its expansive, free beaches, iconic Boardwalk, and distinctive Doo Wop mid-century architecture, the Wildwoods continue to usher in a new era of excitement and growth. From new hotel developments and dining options to Boardwalk renovations and revitalization, the Wildwoods are the hotspot for tourism and development in 2025.
New Hotel Developments
The Wildwoods have been experiencing a development renaissance, with many new resort properties and businesses opening or renovating. Buzzing with a flurry of exciting new developments and business ventures, the exciting new wave of developments in the Wildwoods, NJ continues in 2025.
The Wild Resort – Wildwoods Boardwalk
Scheduled to open in 2025, The Wild Resort will be located at Glenwood Avenue and the Boardwalk. The entire facade of the Boardwalk’s retail stores is undergoing renovations to include a hotel lobby and cafe on the Boardwalk, with a second-floor restaurant and pool, and hotel rooms and luxury suites with private balconies overlooking the ocean.
Mahalo Resorts
Mahalo Resorts, formerly the Regal Plaza Beach Resort, is under construction. For more information on Mahalo Resorts, visit mahaloresorts.com/mahalo-diamond-beach/.
Additional new hotel openings included the Madison Resort Wildwood Crest, Seaport Suites, Oasis by Seaport Stays, MudHen Hospitality’s ‘Hen Houses,’ the Vibes Hotel, the Hotel Cabana, and the Waves Hotel, each new accommodations that beckon the modern vacationer.
New Culinary and Business Expansions
The Wildwoods’ dining scene has greatly expanded over the past few years. Choose from freshly caught seafood, Italian cuisine, Continental fare, ethnic restaurants, and other favorites served al fresco or indoors, many with waterfront seating.
Recently opened restaurants and eateries summon visitors to craft a foodie adventure of their own in the Wildwoods – with expansive choices along the Boardwalk and around town, keeping the list of places to dine fresh and fun.
The following is a list of eateries and businesses scheduled to open in 2025:
- Johnny Longhots: 3115 Pacific Ave, Wildwood, NJ – johnnylonghotswildwood.com
- Shawn’s Cheesesteaks & Paninis: 3421 Pacific Ave, Wildwood, NJ – ShawnsSteaks.com
- The Rook Wildwood: 2708 Pacific Ave, Wildwood, NJ – TheRookWildwood.com.
- Sandy Boots Saloon: 219 East Lincoln Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
- Crest Coffee Company: 6101 New Jersey Ave, Wildwood Crest, NJ
- Antney’s Grub (additional New Location): 120 West Walnut Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ
- Ricardi Brothers: 2508 Delaware Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ
- Rommadill Pickling Store: 3109 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
- East Coast Surf Shop (additional new location): 3810 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Last year, the Wildwoods’ food scene expanded with several exciting new dining establishments. In addition to two new Starbucks openings, the list of new options included the following businesses:
- Stephen’s Restaurant: Serving breakfast and dinner. Located at 401 E. Wildwood Avenue, Wildwood, 609-849-9037. Visit stephens-restaurant.com.
- Utterly Ice Cream, Cereal, and Coffee Bar: Featuring cereal-infused ice cream. Located at 3411 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, 609-522-0590. Visit their Facebook page.
- Mystic Lobster Roll Company: 3115 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ – mysticlobsterrolls.com/details/wildwood
- Domino’s Pizza: 2901 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ – https://pizza.dominos.com/new-jersey/wildwood-boardwalk
- Steve’s Prince of Steaks: 2701 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood, NJ stevesprinceofsteaks.com/wildwood
- Donna’s Kitchen: 115 E. 17th Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ – donnas-kitchen.com
- The Shore Eats: 2501 New Jersey Ave, North Wildwood, NJ – theshoreeat.com
- Honky Tonk Saloon: 3800 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ – honkytonkww.com
- The Point Tiki Bar: 3710 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood, NJ – dothepoint.com/wildwood
- Papelon Latin Kitchen: 2416 Boardwalk, North Wildwood, NJ – papelonwildwood.com
- The Boards Cafe: 3800 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ – boardscafe.com
- Starbucks: Two new locations at the corner of Rio Grande Boulevard and Park Avenue, as well as the Boardwalk at Glenwood Avenue. The Rio Grande location offers a drive-through and window pick-up. The Boardwalk location is a full store. These locations are serving Starbucks’ famous roasted coffees, specialty drinks, and food items.
Major New 2025 Events
The Wildwoods, known as the ‘Event Capital of the East Coast,’ host over 160 festivals and events annually, offering a variety of activities for all ages and interests. Visit https://wildwoodsnj.com/events-calendar/ for the very latest information and events.
Events take place at various locations throughout the island’s three distinct municipalities: Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and North Wildwood. Visitors can find an event happening nearly every day or night of the week throughout the summer at locations including the Wildwoods Convention Center, Byrne Plaza and Fox Park in Wildwood, Centennial Park in Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood’s Olde New Jersey Avenue, on the beaches, and on the Wildwoods Boardwalk.
The Wildwoods’ annual calendar of events not only draws visitors to the family resort but also provides additional activities and entertainment outlets to those already visiting for vacation or business. From sporting events to fishing tournaments, food, and music festivals, and even a national marbles championship, the Wildwoods have developed a unique offering of special events not equaled in any other resort destinations.
No other location in the region offers the number and variety of special events and festivals the Wildwoods offer annually. The following is a list of major 2025 events:
New! Stampede Rodeo & Bulls on the Beach, May 16 & 17
The weekend consists of two shows – one each evening at 7 p.m. on the beach at East Baker Avenue in Wildwood, NJ. Admission starts at $25 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger. Gates open 2.5 hours before each performance and the fun begins with the Western Midway which will include western vendors, food trailers, as well as beer from MudHen Brewery. Kids can come early to participate in Sheep Riding & Stick horse racing at 6:30 p.m. During the performances, each showtime the event will feature girls’ barrel racing, trick riding, break-a-way, Spectator Bull Hockey, and of course, Bull Riding! This event is sanctioned by SEBRA. There will also be plenty of laughs by entertainers Dave “Showtime” Meyer as well as Jacob the Amishman. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.Bullsonbeach.com.
Barefoot Country Music Fest Celebrates 5 Years in the Wildwoods! June 19-22
Barefoot Country Music Fest takes place June 19-22 on the beach in Wildwood. What began as a dream on the sandy shores of Wildwood, NJ, has grown into a country music paradise, drawing fans from every corner of the country for the Barefoot Country Music Fest. To celebrate the 5th anniversary, they’re pulling out all the stops with five legendary headliners to mark this milestone in true BCMF style. Headliners include Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Rascal Flatts, and Jordan Davis, along with over 40+ artists across five stages, including nationally known artists. https://barefootcountrymusicfest.com/.
New! Sevens at the Shore Beach Rugby, August 2 & 3
Morey’s Piers is proud to partner with the Washington Township Rugby Club to bring Beach Rugby to life on August 2 & 3, 2025! Youth and adult teams will compete in a 7s format on the Wildwood beaches. For more information or to register click here. For questions regarding the tournament, contact the Washington Township Rugby Club at rpmcfall@gmail.com. For questions regarding wristbands, contact Morey’s Piers at beach.sports@moreyspiers.com. Visit www.moreyspiers.com/event/beach-rugby/.
New! Wildwoods’ Thunder Over the Waves Air Show, September 5 & 6
The “Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Airshow” flies into town September 5 & 6, 2025! Spectators can enjoy the show across the entire island with the beach and boardwalk areas showcasing optimal viewing areas. The center of the event takes place above the ocean between Morey’s Mariner’s Pier and Adventure Pier. Produced by David Schultz Airshows, the show features 4 hours of non-stop action and entertainment from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM featuring military jet flyovers, jet team performances, aerobatic teams and the Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. An after party featuring live entertainment, food and merchandise vendors and more at Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood follows the Airshow starting at 4 PM! Click here for available lodging options in the Wildwoods! For more information visit WildwoodsAirShow.com.
Boardwalk and Infrastructure Revitalization
Revitalization of the iconic Wildwoods Boardwalk is continuing in 2025, with significant upgrades and expansions.
This winter, the Wildwoods’ historic and famed Boardwalk has once again undergone a transformation with rehabilitation projects. This marks a significant step towards enhancing the iconic Boardwalk experience for residents and visitors alike.
Boardwalk updates included a complete reconstruction of the base support along with new timber decking, signage, tailings, lighting, and ADA-accessible ramps. These enhancements are funded by a mix of local, state and federal contributions. The Cedar Avenue Extension project includes the Cedar Avenue Extension Boardwalk Reconstruction, featuring a boardwalk entryway with a new Boardwalk entry Wildwoods sign, decorative archways and lighting, enhanced accessibility, and landscaping.
Pacific Avenue Downtown Development
The commercial corridor along Pacific Avenue in Wildwood is continuing to evolve as well, thanks to a five-year designation from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP). NPP provides funding to assist with economic and community development projects designed to help revitalize the designated area of Downtown Wildwood and ensure future economic success. This designation includes an initial $125,000 grant that, pending future years’ budget approvals, will be awarded at the same level of funding annually through 2026.
National Accolades
Developments in the Wildwoods have been attracting new visitors and garnering national attention. The Madison Resort was named the ‘Best New Hotel’ in USA Today’s 10Best list of new hotels in the United States. The Honky Tonk Saloon was also named as one of the top 5 ‘Best New Attractions’ in the country by USA Today, and North Wildwood was named as a “quaint, comfy town,” attractive to everyone from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, a trend which Priceline dubbed “townsizing” in their ‘Where to Next?’ 2025 travel trends report. Additionally, the Wildwoods beaches were voted #1 Best Beach in New Jersey in USA Today’s 10Best list of top beaches, and the Doo Wop Experience Museum was voted among the best Pop Culture Museums in the country by USA Today.
Record-Breaking Tourism Growth
In 2024, through August, the Wildwoods reached an unprecedented milestone in summer tourism revenue. Several factors have contributed to this remarkable success, including targeted marketing campaigns, significant property developments, and revitalization projects that have transformed the resort into one of New Jersey’s top destinations. With tourism revenue surpassing previous records, the Wildwoods’ strategic initiatives and enduring charm are clearly resonating with visitors.
The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) reported tourism revenue from January to August 2024 increased by 3% compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, 2023 was already the most successful year in the destination’s history recording record tourism tax revenues. Direct tourism spending rose by over $374 million year-over-year, while the 2% tourism tax revenue grew by $325,439, marking a 4% increase. Over the past five years, the Wildwoods have consistently outperformed tourism growth expectations, exceeding their projected tourism tax revenue plan by 52%.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
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