Summer vacations to the Wildwoods can range from a mid-week escape to an extended vacation, and there’s still plenty of time to book your 2026 getaway
The Wildwoods, NJ – June 26, 2026 – With the 2026 summer season now underway, there’s still plenty of time to book the perfect affordable vacation to the Wildwoods, NJ.
Mid-week stays give travelers a budget-friendly option compared to the busier weekends, while still offering the same packed Wildwoods event schedule, award-winning beaches, and thrilling attractions.
With over 8,000 hotel and motel rooms alongside 3,000+ vacation rentals, the massive variety of accommodations spans everything from vintage, mid-century “Doo-Wop” motels to modern oceanfront resorts, providing options for every budget and preference. Visitors can book accommodations to a number of Wildwoods hotels and motels by simply clicking the Book Your Stay web page on the WildwoodsNJ.com website..
The Wildwoods are within driving distance from many of the east coast’s major cities, including Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and more, offering a scenic trip to the Wildwoods before experiencing the action on the island. When you’re hungry, there are restaurants and menus for every appetite, every budget and virtually every taste. From freshly caught seafood and gourmet dining to traditional Boardwalk fare, to healthy vegetarian and vegan options, the Wildwoods have you covered. Visit: Places to Eat.
FREE Award-Winning Beaches & Boardwalk
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. The Wildwoods beaches remain FREE for all visitors, removing the hassle of purchasing expensive beach tags each season. In 2026, the Wildwoods’ beaches were voted the #1 Best Beach in New Jersey in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year.
The Wildwoods’ Boardwalk was also voted #1 Best Boardwalk in the country in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year. Otherwise known as ‘two-and-a-half miles of smiles,’ the iconic, 38-block Wildwoods’ Boardwalk is one of the destination’s most exciting attractions for strolling, jogging, and biking. There’s no better way to take in the incredible views of the lively Boardwalk, beach, and ocean. The boardwalk offers a myriad of shops, eateries, arcades, and carnival games, plus three exciting amusement piers with over 100 rides and attractions, and two beachfront waterparks.
The Wildwoods’ Boardwalk has also won numerous travel and tourism awards throughout the years, including being named “One Of The Top Ten Boardwalks” by National Geographic , “One of America’s Best Boardwalks” by Smart Travel, “One Of The Best Boardwalks In America” by CNN Travel, “One Of America’s Best Seaside Boardwalks” by Trending Travel, ‘20 Best Beach Boardwalks in America’ by Reader’s Digest, and the ‘Favorite Boardwalk in New Jersey’ by New Jersey Family Magazine. The Boardwalk was also named among the ‘The 20 Most Iconic Boardwalks in the US’ By INSIDER, MSN.com and BEST TRAVEL TALE.
Over 160 FREE Events
Taking place every week throughout the summer on the five-mile island are FREE-to-attend block parties, craft shows, family outdoor movie nights under the stars, farmer’s markets, and many food and ethnic festivals. A wide variety of FREE entertainment can also be found almost every night of the week throughout the summer, including spectacular Friday Night Fireworks and free live outdoor concerts featuring national recording artists, oldies groups, dance, and more!
The Wildwoods’ Calendar of Events is full of FREE fun events and festivals for the whole family. FREE-to-attend events in the Wildwoods throughout the year including Sports Cards, Toys, Comics, and Collectible Shows; ethnic street fairs celebrating Latino, Irish, and Italian heritage; food and music festivals, the Seafood and Music Festival, and New Jersey State BBQ Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival and the Wildwoods Airshow taking place Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13.
You can view more than 160 events and festivals: Events Calendar.
FREE Friday Night Fireworks
In addition to the Wildwoods renowned events, the island also hosts a FREE fireworks show every Friday night at 10 p.m. throughout the summer. The fireworks are launched from the beach at Pine Avenue and are synchronized to music that plays over the Wildwoods Boardwalk Sound System. Fireworks are visible anywhere on the boardwalk,
2026 Wildwoods ULTIMATE FREE Family Vacation Contest
A lucky winner will have the chance to experience all the thrills and relaxation of the Wildwoods with a FREE vacation of a lifetime by entering the 2026 Wildwoods ULTIMATE Family Vacation Contest.
The contest offers a 5-day, 4-night vacation for up to four people, with the lucky winner being notified on October 26, 2026. Enter for a chance to win the ULTIMATE family vacation packed with fun for all ages: Win a FREE Family Vacation.
This year’s contest is bigger and better than ever, with a total prize package nearly double the size of previous years. With all amenities included, the total prize package is worth nearly $5,000. Each winner will enjoy a Wildwoods vacation for four that truly has everything you could want in a vacation experience, including:
- A four-night mid-week stay for four guests at the beautiful Madison Resort in Wildwood Crest
- Four General Admission Tickets to the Barefoot County Music Fest for 2027
- Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks combo ride and waterpark passes for four guests
- Shopping gift certificate of $125 to Wildwood Customs: A One Stop Boardwalk Shop
- A 90-minute Back Bay Boat Cruise for up to six guests aboard Sandbar Joe’s Wildwoods Cruises
- $50 gift cards to MudHen Brewing Company, Poppi’s Brick Oven Pizza & Kitchen, and Dogtooth Bar & Grill, courtesy of MudHen Hospitality
- A $50 gift card to Lime Ricky World Arcade & Ice Cream Bar
- Bike rental or surrey rentals for four people courtesy of Surf Bike Rental or Ocean Cycles
- Dragon’s Lair Blacklight Mini Golf admission for four guests
- Sightseer Tram Car passes for one round-trip ride for four guests’
- Free parking at the Wildwoods Convention Center Lot daily for one vehicle for four days during your stay
The Wildwoods offer everything a family could ever want in a fun, affordable vacation destination. With FREE Beaches, FREE Events, FREE Fireworks, FREE activities, and FREE Live Music throughout the summer, the Wildwoods offer the best family vacation value at the Jersey shore. For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
