The Wildwoods, NJ – January 16, 2026 – Renowned for its expansive, free beaches, iconic Boardwalk, and distinctive mid-century architecture, the Wildwoods continue a redevelopment renaissance with distinctive new hotels, attractions, events, businesses, and improvements. From new hotel developments and dining options to Boardwalk renovations and revitalization, the Wildwoods’ booming redevelopment is leading the way in 2026, offering more to experience this year than ever before.
The Wild Resort
Scheduled to open in Summer 2026, The Wild Resort will feature a five-story resort with 75 luxury rooms at Glenwood Avenue and the Boardwalk. Guest accommodations will range from hotel rooms to luxury suites, many offering private balconies with ocean views. Additional amenities will include a fitness center and a gift shop showcasing Wildwood memorabilia, as well as a second-floor restaurant and outdoor pool. The boardwalk frontage stores will include a Starbucks, an It’s Sugar candy store, and a family-owned pizzeria.
Boardwalk Revitalization
Revitalization of the iconic Wildwoods Boardwalk is continuing in 2026, with significant upgrades and expansions. This winter, the Boardwalk is undergoing significant reconstruction, with major sections in North Wildwood, from 24th to 26th Avenues, aiming for completion by April, while the Wildwood section of the boardwalk continues its multi-phase projects, replacing old boards and tram car tracks, with new sections also targeting spring/summer 2026 openings to minimize seasonal disruption and modernize the infrastructure. Boardwalk updates include a complete reconstruction of the base support along with new timber decking, signage, railings, lighting, and ADA-accessible ramps. These enhancements are funded by a mix of local, state, and federal contributions.
Wildwood Crest Fishing Pier Expansion
A once favorite spot for fishing in the Wildwoods, the Wildwood Crest Fishing Pier, located on Heather Avenue on the beach, will undergo a significant expansion in 2026. The pier is one of the Wildwoods many family-favorite fishing spots and the construction will improve upon the existing pier, extending it 1,250 feet into the ocean. The pier serves as a uniquely beautiful spot in the Wildwoods for families to fish and gather while enjoying in the breathtaking views of the Wildwoods beaches and spectacular sunrises from a one-of-a-kind angle.
New Restaurant to Replace Exit 6ix
Construction has begun on a modern two-story new restaurant and bar concept at the location of the Exit 6ix restaurant at 100 West Walnut Avenue in North Wildwood. The restaurant will be completely overhauled, featuring multiple dining spaces, multi-level renovations, a large outdoor courtyard and rooftop dining deck. This new restaurant continues the Wildwoods’ restaurant renaissance, with new establishments opening each year.
Doo Wop themed Super Wawa
A new Super Wawa will be coming to the Wildwoods, with construction already underway. The new location will pay tribute to the Wildwoods’ renowned Doo Wop mid-century architectural history. The Wawa, which will be erected on Schellenger and New Jersey Avenue in Wildwood with a gas station, replacing the Rite Aid, will feature stylistic elements inspired by the Wildwoods’ iconic Doo Wop mid-century aesthetic, further reinforcing the resort’s retro theme. This will mark the second Doo Wop-themed Wawa celebrating the history of the Wildwoods, following the original Doo Wop Wawa located on Rio Grande Avenue at the entrance of the island.
Morey’s Piers Giant Wheel Refurbishment
The iconic Morey’s Piers’ Giant Wheel is getting a fresh spin ahead of the 2026 season, with a full refurbishment underway. All 40 gondolas will be refreshed, ensuring a smoother ride from top to bottom. At 156 feet in height, the beloved Ferris wheel provides some of the best views of the island and is one of the largest on the east coast.
New Culinary and Business Expansions
The Wildwoods’ dining scene has expanded significantly in recent years, offering a diverse array of options for every taste. Visitors can enjoy freshly caught seafood, Italian cuisine, Continental fare, ethnic restaurants, and other favorites served al fresco or indoors, with a number of restaurants featuring waterfront seating. Adding to this vibrant culinary landscape are several exciting new dining establishments. The growing list of recent additions in the Wildwoods includes the following businesses:
New Dining Restaurants, Bars, Quick Bites & Takeout Establishments:
• Antney’s Grub (New Location): 120 West Walnut Avenue, North Wildwood
• Baypoint Marina & Tiki Bar: Montgomery Avenue & The Bay, Wildwood
• Cavu BYOB: 5901 Ocean Avenue Wildwood Crest
• Crest Coffee Company: 6101 New Jersey Ave, Wildwood Crest
• CrestWood Diner: 5308 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood
• DeAngelis Culinary: 100 E. Walnut Avenue, North Wildwood
• Effie’s Buttercup Cafe: 5501 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest (at the Aqua Beach)
• John’s Water Ice: 20th Street and the Boardwalk, North Wildwood
• Johnnie’s By The Sea: 3001 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Johnny Longhots: 3115 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Kimberly’s Eatery & Mini Golf: 2410 Atlantic Avenue, North Wildwood
• La Cantina Wildwood: 218 East Schellenger Avenue, Wildwood
• La ISLA Restaurant: 4100 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood
• Rommadill Pickling Store: 3109 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Sabbia D’oro Italiano: 3401 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Sandy Boots Saloon: 219 East Lincoln Avenue, Wildwood
• Shawn’s Cheesesteaks & Paninis: 3421 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Taqueria El Azteca: 2nd Location at 4020 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood
• The Boards Cafe: 3800 Boardwalk, Wildwood
• The Reef Restaurant: 5401 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest (inside Adventurer)
• The Rook Wildwood: 2708 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• The Salty Mermaid: 2507 Delaware Avenue, North Wildwood
• Tim’s Ale House: Ocean and Lincoln Avenues, Wildwood
New Businesses:
Mayhem Zone: 3800 Boardwalk (inside the Boardwalk Mall), Wildwood
Ricciardi Brothers: 2508 Delaware Avenue, North Wildwood
Additional New Locations:
East Coast Surf Shop: 3810 Boardwalk, Wildwood
The Tram Car Store: 5314 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Major 2026 Events
The Wildwoods, known as the ‘Event Capital of the East Coast,’ host over 160 festivals and events annually, offering a variety of activities for all ages and interests. For the latest 2026 events schedule, visit: https://wildwoodsnj.com/events-calendar/.
The Wildwoods are home to signature events, including the Barefoot Country Music Festival, which returns on June 18-21, 2026, featuring over 40 of country music’s hottest headliners, and the Thunder Over the Waves Airshow, themed this year around Honoring America’s Heroes, scheduled for September 11 (practice day) and September 12, 2026 (main event). Visitors can also enjoy events such as The Race of Gentleman Vintage Car and Motorcycle Beach Drag Races, Bulls On The Beach Rodeo, two Boardwalk Classic Car Shows, 5k runs, weekly summer Friday Night fireworks, and much more.
The Wildwoods’ annual calendar of events not only draws visitors to the family resort but also provides additional activities and entertainment outlets to those already visiting for vacation or business. From sporting events to fishing tournaments, free outdoor concerts four nights each week, food, and music festivals, and even a national marbles championship, the Wildwoods have developed a unique offering of special events not equaled in any other resort destinations.
National Accolades
The Wildwoods have garnered numerous awards and accolades, placing the resort at the top of national ‘Best’ lists from USA Today, Newsweek, HGTV and more, earning recognition for having some of the country’s best beaches, Boardwalk, and events. Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, TripAdvisor, Priceline and other national publications have named the resort a top-trending destination with one-of-a-kind events and standout offerings.
Recent notable accolades include multiple Wildwoods attractions being named to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards contests, including the Wildwoods Beaches, Boardwalk, Starlux Mini Golf, and The Madison Resort Wildwood Crest. The Wildwoods beaches were voted the Best Beach in New Jersey in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards Contest 2025, marking the second consecutive year that the Wildwoods’ Beaches have been ranked #1 in New Jersey in the USA Today contest. The Wildwoods Boardwalk was also voted the 2025 #1 Best Boardwalk in the US in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards Contest.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
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