The Wildwoods, NJ – September 28, 2023 – In today’s economy, good deals and reasonable prices are hard to come by, particularly when planning a vacation. Planning ahead is one way to get the best deals; another is planning your vacation in the Wildwoods.
With a myriad of FREE activities and attractions awaiting visitors of all ages to experience and enjoy, the Wildwoods arguably are the best family vacation destination value at the Jersey Shore. The seaside destination is bursting with FREE attractions, including FREE, sprawling, white sand beaches, a two-mile world-famous Boardwalk, FREE events and festivals, FREE outdoor concerts, FREE Friday Night Fireworks, free Movies Under The Stars and live entertainment, FREE scenic bike paths, fishing, nature trails, must-see landmarks, and much more – making the resort destination one of the most sought-after places to vacation at the Jersey Shore.
“Many people wonder why most of the Jersey Shore’s beaches charge a fee to enjoy the sand and sea – and so do we,” said Louis M. Belasco, Greater Wildwoods Tourism, Improvement, and Development Authority (GWTIDA) Executive Director. “Our beaches are, and will remain, free to everyone. Given that beach tags have increased in some cases to $15 a day or $35 for the season per person, visitors save on their vacations here – all while experiencing some of the cleanest, most spacious beaches on the East Coast at no additional charge.”
Plan Ahead and Save in 2024
The first step in affordability in the Wildwoods is planning ahead. The fall and winter are the best time to plan ahead to next summer and ensure you get the accommodations you want on the dates you want, all at the lowest available rates.
Here are some tips and ways to save while planning your Wildwoods vacation:
- Plan your Wildwoods vacation in May, June, September, or October. Everything is more affordable during our shoulder seasons, and the weather is just as spectacular! You’ll also avoid traffic and crowds – while enjoying ongoing events and activities – many of which are FREE!
- Plan a midweek stay. Hotel and vacation rental rates are always more affordable Sunday-Thursday. You can search accommodations here: https://wildwoodsnj.com/plan-a-vacation/places-to-stay/.
- Keep an eye out for Morey’s Piers and Splash Zone Waterpark’s holiday sales during the Christmas and Easter seasons online at www.moreyspiers.com and www.splashzonewaterpark.com. You’ll save on the advance purchase of amusement and waterpark passes.
- Keep an eye out for the free Wildwoods Family Value Coupon Book – with over $300 in money-saving coupons. The 2024 book is scheduled to publish in March here: https://wildwoodsnj.com/visitor-information/vacation-guide-books/. Individual money-saving coupons can be downloaded and printed for your convenience.
- When you arrive, save on island transportation with a Boardwalk Tramcar all-day discount pass; and save on parking fees by hopping on the Wildwoods’ Island Shuttle Jitney to the Boardwalk and North Wildwood Entertainment District.
Free must-do activities and attractions in the Wildwoods will fill your vacation itinerary quickly:
Wildwoods Gateway Visitor Experience
As visitors make their way over the bridge and onto the island, vacationers are greeted by the new ‘Welcome to the Wildwoods’ Doo Wop style sign in the shape of a surfboard. With its vivid colors and lighting, it can be seen upon approach day or night, setting the tone for the fun that lies ahead. The new Gateway also features a digital billboard announcing the latest upcoming events and information. Visitors will also notice colorful beach ball bollards along the entranceway, leading straight to the world-famous ‘WILDWOODS’ sign. It’s the perfect spot to capture a photo of the beginning of your Wildwoods vacation!
FREE Beaches
The Wildwoods’ five-mile island has appealed to vacationing families for more than a century. One of the reasons families choose the Wildwoods is for the island’s expansive clean, safe beaches with plenty of room to spread out. These pristine beaches have been voted ‘Best Beaches in New Jersey’ and ‘Top 10 Beaches in the US’. The Wildwoods beaches also remain FREE for all visitors – removing the hassle of purchasing expensive beach tags each season.
The Wildwoods’ FREE, white-sand beaches aid to clear the minds of visitors as they enjoy the calming benefits of ‘Beach Therapy’. The beaches offer an award-winning and spacious stretch of tranquility to relax, recharge, and reunite with friends and family. The beach also gives visitors an opportunity to get some exercise and partake in the thrill of all the exciting watersports offered.
Year-Round Events
The Wildwoods’ Calendar of Events is full of FREE fun events and festivals for the whole family. FREE-to-attend events in the Wildwoods include Sports Cards, Toys, Comics, and Collectible Shows; street fairs celebrating Irish and Italian heritage, food and music festivals including The Fabulous ‘50s Weekend, the Seafood and Music Festival, New Jersey State Barbeque Championships and Anglesea Blues Festival, National Marbles Tournament, Baby Parade, International Kite Festival. Classic Car Shows, and much more! You can view our more than 160 events and festivals at https://wildwoodsnj.com/events-calendar/.
‘Bikeability’
Another FREE way to experience the wonder of the Wildwoods is by biking. Recharge, get physical exercise and enjoy the beautiful shore air and scenery by hopping on your bike and taking part in the Wildwoods exclusive version of ‘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. Travel along the path 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, with special “bikes only” lanes available around the entire island. Can’t bring your bicycles? No worries. There are lots of bike rental shops offering a wide selection of bikes and Surrey’s at affordable rates.
The World-Famous Wildwoods Boardwalk
Otherwise known as ‘two miles of smiles,’ the iconic 38-block Wildwoods Boardwalk is one of the most exciting attractions in the Wildwoods for strolling, jogging, and biking. There’s no better way to take in the incredible views of the lively Boardwalk, beach, and ocean. There is a myriad of shops, eateries, arcades, carnival games, plus three exciting amusement piers with over 100-rides and attractions and three beachfront Waterparks to experience. The sights, sounds, and smells of the Wildwoods’ Boardwalk are pure sensory overload. And when you get tired of walking, just hop on the famous Wildwoods Boardwalk Tram Car and ride the entire Boardwalk in style.
The Wildwoods’ Icon Wall Murals
Tributes to iconic musical artists who have represented the destination’s rich musical history are displayed throughout the Wildwoods in a series of ‘Icon Wall Murals.’ The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) developed the Icon Wall Mural project to enhance public spaces while heightening appreciation of the music evolution of the Wildwoods throughout the decades. These icon wall murals showcase the Wildwoods’ influence as a living, breathing slice of Americana. Subjects of the Icon Wall Murals include key music legends whose mark was first made in the Wildwoods: Bobby Rydell, whose hit song ‘Wildwood Days’ has become the official anthem of the Wildwoods; Bill Haley & The Comets, who introduced the country’s first Rock ‘n Roll hit song ‘Rock Around The Clock’ at the Hof Brau Hotel in Wildwood; and Chubby Checker, who first introduced a new dance craze that swept the nation in the ‘60s, ‘The Twist’, at the Wildwoods’ Rainbow Club. Each of these musical icons has significantly contributed to Wildwoods’ colorful music history and unique culture that has drawn people of all ages to this shore resort destination for generations.
The Wildwoods Sign
The brushed aluminum letters and blue background that make up the dramatic 80-foot-long, 19-foot-high sign – coined ‘the Hollywood sign of the East Coast’ – is a must-see New Jersey icon and a landmark for the Wildwoods. The Wildwoods Sign along with its brightly colored giant beach ball bollards were unveiled in 2008 and have welcomed millions of visitors to pose in front of the sign for a once-in-a-lifetime photograph. The entryway and sign that boldly states ‘WILDWOODS,’ was designed by Philadelphia architect Richard Stokes. Its prime location has not only made it a major tourist attraction for photo opportunities but has also become the ideal backdrop for major outdoor events, weddings, class pictures, TV broadcasts, press conferences, and much more. The sign is also broadcast live worldwide on our EarthCam webcam for viewing year-round, 24-7.
Doo Wop Architecture
The Wildwoods offer the largest collection of mid-20th century architecture in the country. This iconic style is known as ‘Doo Wop Architecture.’ Take a self-guided tour on foot or by car to witness the islands unique aesthetic up close and personal. The bright neon signs, vibrant architecture and colorful motel names make up the Doo Wop ambiance for which the Wildwoods are famous and gives it its unique flair. As we like to say, “As Art Deco is to South Beach, Doo Wop is to the Wildwoods.”
Fishing
Fishing is a great way to have fun and enjoy the islands unique seaside environment for FREE. 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. The beaches along Hereford Inlet in North Wildwood are a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts to enjoy the sport of surf fishing.
Crabbing
Crabbing is another beloved shore activity common in the tidal marsh areas along the west side of the island. Those looking to catch their evening crab feast are frequently spotted along the wetlands area entering the island; at street ends; or on docks along the back bay.
Nature Trails
Being so close to the ocean and the bay provides some of the best wildlife habitats in the region. Visitors can take a bike ride around the island to see all the wildlife and plant life on the dunes; and explore wildlife management areas and wetlands, where they can learn more about the shore’s one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
Located on the corner of Ocean and Burk Avenues, the Wildwoods’ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is an exact half-size replica of the official Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This attraction offers ample opportunity for individuals to reflect and pay respect to the heroes of the Vietnam War who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial also offers an important educational opportunity for people of all ages.
With so much to see and do for FREE, the possibilities for fun are endless – making the Wildwoods truly the ultimate and most affordable vacation experience at the Jersey Shore.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
###
