New and returning visitors find exciting ways to discover and rediscover the reasons that the Wildwoods, NJ remain a favorite tourist destination
The Wildwoods, NJ – May 15, 2025 – For generations, visitors have called the Wildwoods their second home, especially in the warm summer months, bringing their children back to the island every year. What keeps visitors coming back is the same thing that brings in record amounts of new visitors each year: there is so much to discover– and rediscover in the Wildwoods. See for yourself why the Wildwoods are one of the premier vacation destinations at the Jersey Shore.
From the iconic Wildwoods Boardwalk to the spacious beaches, unique architecture, numerous dining and accommodation options, and more, the Wildwoods have proven that a shore destination can be much more than a one-time stop. It’s not uncommon to see families riding their bikes along the island’s miles of bikeable paths, or spread out on the Wildwoods’ famous beaches, reminiscing about the many years past that they’ve spent in the Wildwoods together. Many families return each summer for decades, creating memories and treasured traditions of visiting the island.
Home to wide and spacious FREE beaches, visitors can spread out and enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating day on five miles of clean, white-sand beaches. There is so much to do to while enjoying a safe and memorable vacation experience in the Wildwoods, that visitors often stay for days, weeks, or return for years after their initial visit. The world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk is 38 blocks of pure sensory overload with over 100 amusement rides and attractions, three beachfront waterparks, shopping, carnival games of chance and arcades, plus hundreds of eateries offering one-of-a-kind dining experiences, from fresh seafood caught daily to the traditional Boardwalk fare and everything in between. Everything you could ever want in a much-needed vacation getaway is in the Wildwoods.
The Wildwoods have over 11,000 room accommodations – including 8,000 hotel and motel rooms, and over 3,000 vacation rentals – so there’s plenty of options for everyone’s budget or taste! Mid-century themed hotels/motels – as well as other businesses – are prevalent throughout the five-mile island, giving the Wildwoods its unique flare. These hotels reflect their original predecessor buildings from the 1950s and ‘60s in architecture, décor and color– an architectural style known as “Doo Wop.” Plastic palm trees tower over kidney-shaped pools, jutted roof angles, and wrought-iron balconies; and whimsical names and flamboyant themes give these similarly styled buildings individual character. Vivid imagery and vibrant aquas, oranges, and pinks dazzle the eye of the motoring public, as bright neon signs beckon to travelers, each blatantly attempting to outdo their neighbor. And most of them have been updated with today’s modern amenities.
The motels and their ample parking reflect the burgeoning era of automotive travel of the 1950s and 1960s. The designs and architectural features pay tribute to post-war pop culture and continue to memorialize the bold spirit of a newly restless society back then, while motel names conjure up tropical paradises and other exotic destinations.
Stretching for five miles across North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest, the Wildwoods’ spacious beaches are clean and free for visitors to enjoy with no beach tags required ever. The beaches are the ideal location to clear the mind, escape the chaos, and enjoy the calming effects of ‘Beach Therapy’. Beach goers have the option of choosing to enjoy a relaxing day in the sun, or a more adventurous day of activities on the water, such as surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, power boating, paddle boarding, jet-skiing, sailing, kayaking, and whale watching. Plus, there’s a dog-friendly beach and a large dog park right on the beach at Glenwood Avenue, ensuring that visitors can bring along their four-legged friends while vacationing in the Wildwoods. There are also a number of accommodations in the Wildwoods that are pet-friendly.
Another way to recharge, get physical, exercise, and enjoy the beautiful summer air is by hopping on a bike and taking part in the Wildwoods’ ‘bikeability’. Enjoy a scenic, leisurely 12-mile round-trip route, with plenty of fresh air and breathtaking views, starting at the far southern-end of the island along the Dunes Bike Path in Wildwood Crest, up onto the Wildwoods’ 2.5-mile Boardwalk, and through North Wildwood’s Muhlbury Bike Path to the North Wildwood Sea Wall. You can also ride your bike along the Wildwoods streets and downtown and to the back bays, with special “bike only” lanes. Don’t have room to pack your bikes on vacation? There are plenty of bike rental shops located on the Boardwalk and throughout town where you can rent a bike by the hour at a nominal fee.
History buffs will enjoy the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, an 18th–century landmark that’s open to the public to experience the fascinating history of the Wildwoods’ maritime past. Built in 1874, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is the most important historic structure on Five Mile Beach and continues to function as an active navigational aid maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Visitors to the lighthouse will learn about the history of the building and the local area. Stroll through the Lighthouse grounds right up to the seawall at Hereford Inlet as you take in the ocean air and the beautiful English Gardens to enjoy its beauty.
Satisfy your hunger after a day of fun with a one-of-a-kind New Jersey shore dining experience! Dining in the Wildwoods is a unique way to savor the flavors of the Jersey Shore; and whether you’re choosing to dine indoors or al fresco, you’re sure to enjoy the variety of food options of the resort destination. The Wildwoods offer restaurants and menus for every appetite, every budget, and virtually every taste. From seafood caught fresh daily to fine or casual family dining, to many ethnic cuisines, the Wildwoods have every type of cuisine to satisfy any palate.
Don’t forget about dessert! Who can resist a box of homemade fudge, or a banana split sundae made with homemade ice cream? What about a fresh funnel cake or a fried Oreo from the Boardwalk? Or a smooth milkshake from one of the Wildwoods’ Doo-Wop style diners? There are so many dessert options in the Wildwoods, it’s no surprise some people skip dinner and go right for the sweet stuff.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com.
###
