The Wildwoods, NJ – April 4, 2024 – Experience loads of free activities for all ages in the Wildwoods! As the best value family vacation destination at the Jersey Shore, the Wildwoods offer FREE activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy and to stretch your vacation budget!
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, live entertainment, FREE, scenic bike paths, fishing, nature trails, must-see landmarks, and much more – the Wildwoods are one of the most sought-after places to vacation at the Jersey Shore.
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. There is never a fee to enjoy the beaches in the Wildwoods.
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, including surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more!
FREE Summer Fun
Taking place almost every week throughout the summer in the Wildwoods are FREE-to-attend block parties, craft shows, family outdoor movie nights under the stars, farmer’s markets, and many food, music, and ethnic festivals. A wide variety of FREE concerts and live entertainment can also be found almost every single night of the week throughout the summer, including spectacular, FREE Friday Night Fireworks, and FREE live outdoor concerts featuring national recording artists, oldies groups, dance, big band music, and more performing at four outdoor amphitheaters throughout the island!
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, and 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 ocean 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.
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 Sightseer Tram Car, and ride the entire Boardwalk in style.
Dog-Friendly Beach and Recreational Attractions
From May through October, four-legged friends have a special, designated beach area to call their own at Glenwood Avenue in Wildwood. Just to be safe, all dogs must be licensed, must always be leashed, except inside the enclosed beach dog park, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their four-legged friends. North Wildwood beaches allow dogs during the summer season, anytime when lifeguards are off duty (lifeguard hours 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.).
The Wildwoods Dog Beach has been named one of the Top 10 ‘Best Dog Friendly Beaches in the US’ in the 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest sponsored by USA TODAY. USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with BringFido.com to nominate the 20 most dog-friendly beaches in the nation. The Wildwoods Dog Beach received the second highest number of votes, ranking it #2 overall in the nation.
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 and reinforces its claim as the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll Music.” 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 nation’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 history and unique culture that has drawn people of all ages to this shore resort destination for generations.
The Wildwoods Sign
The nine foot 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.”
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 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!
Fishing
Fishing is a great way to have fun and enjoy the island’s 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.
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. All 57,000-plus names of our fallen heroes of that war are etched into the black granite surface for visitors to pay their respects. The memorial also offers an important educational opportunity for people of all ages.
Downtown Byrne Plaza
Byrne Plaza, located on Pacific Avenue between Oak & Cedar Avenues in Wildwood, hosts numerous FREE events and festivals throughout the year, including a weekly Farmers Market, Music in the Plaza, Fitness in the Plaza, and Free Family Movies Nights. Parking is always free at the Plaza.
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.
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