The Wildwoods, NJ – May 29, 2026 – USA Today has named Kona Surf Company and PigDog Beach Bar in the Wildwoods, NJ to their 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Kona Surf Co. was named in the ‘Best Surf Shop’ category placing fourth overall, while PigDog Beach Bar placed third in the category of ‘Best Beach Bar’. Both categories are nationally ranked, and the two Wildwoods’ businesses were named along competitors from across the country. Kona and PigDog’s inclusion to the 10Best lists continue the Wildwoods exceptional year of national recognition in the lead up to the summer season.
Founded by New Jersey Surf Hall of Fame inductee Mike Sciarra in 1969, Kona has been on a mission to create a shop with positive vibes and premium products at affordable prices for all surfers. Today, Kona Surf Company is more than a surf shop. It’s a thriving, multi-dimensional brand that honors its deep East Coast roots while embracing a global community. The flagship Wildwood store is a destination in itself, featuring in-house collections, exclusive collaborations, and events that celebrate the intersection of surf, skate, style, and community. What began with a surfer and a dream has become a respected name in surf and a legacy shaped by passion, dedication, and staying true to the motto: follow the waves.
PigDog Beach Bar, located on the beach at the rear of Morey’s Mariner’s Landing Amusement Pier at Schellenger Avenue & the Boardwalk, has become a standout along the Jersey Shore, offering guests a unique lively oceanfront experience that includes live music, refreshing drinks, delicious BBQ, and unbeatable beach views.
The Kona Surf Company and PigDog wins follow other major recognition for the destination, as the Wildwoods were recently named ‘Best Boardwalk’ in the United States in the 2026 USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice contest for the second consecutive year, and the Wildwoods Beaches took the #1 spot in the category of ‘Best Beaches in NJ’ for a third consecutive year, further solidifying the area as a premier beach destination. Other recent accolades include Monsters Mayhem Mini Golf and the Doo Wop Experience Museum being named to USA Today 10Best lists, and multiple Wildwoods attractions being named to national ‘Best Of’ lists in 2025, including the Wildwoods Beach, Boardwalk, Starlux Mini Golf, and The Madison Resort Wildwood Crest.
The Wildwoods have recently garnered national praise from HGTV, USA Today, Newsweek, The New York Times, Boston Globe, Travel + Leisure, and more. Nods to the quirky and historic mid-century inspired town have grown the Wildwoods from a beach town into a nationally recognized resort destination competing with other iconic destinations across the country, while emphasizing affordability, family-friendliness, and the mid-century history that has made the island a standout.
USA Today’s 10Best provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. Created by a team of local travel experts: a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields – and their cities – but discriminating in their tastes. These local experts live in the city they write about so the content is constantly updated.
The Wildwoods offer everything a family could ever want in a fun, affordable vacation destination at the New Jersey Shore. With FREE Events, FREE Beaches, FREE Fireworks, and FREE Live Music throughout the summer, the Wildwoods offer the best family vacation value at the Jersey shore.
For additional information on Kona Surf Co., visit KonaSurfCo.com
For more information about PigDog Beach Bar, visit PigDog.com. For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
