The Wildwoods, New Jersey: Experience a Family Vacation Getaway with Endless Possibilities

Written by Ben Rose Photography courtesy of Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement Development Authority

When visiting the Wildwoods, NJ, Pittsburghers will find everything they could ever want in a vacation destination all right here, on one 5-mile island.

From relaxing on our spacious, FREE white-sand beaches to exploring our 38-block world-famous boardwalk with three action-packed amusement piers, our resort is ranked as the top East Coast destination for good reason – over 9 million visitors returning annually to vacation in the WIldwoods.

The Wildwoods, comprised of Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, is the southern-most barrier island off the coast in southern New Jersey with over 11,000 room accommodations – including 8,000 hotel and motel rooms, and over 3,000 vacation rentals. Mid-century themed hotels/motels, as well as other businesses, can be seen throughout the island. These hotels reflect their predecessor buildings from the 1950s in architecture, décor, and color – an architectural style known as ‘Doo Wop.’ Plastic palm trees tower over kidney shaped pools, jutted roof angles, and wrought iron balconies, and whimsical names and flamboyant themes give these buildings individual character. Their architecture continues to memorialize the bold spirit of a newly restless society, while motel names conjure up tropical paradises and other exotic destinations.

The Wildwoods free beaches are the perfect spot for swimming, soaking up the sun, and relaxing on a summer day. If you’re like me and enjoy a little adventure, our beaches are a hot spot for surfing, boogie boarding, boating, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. You can even bring your pooch along for some beach time. There’s a designated dog-friendly beach on Poplar Avenue in Wildwood, where dogs, along with their owners, may enjoy a fun-filled day, sandy paws, and all.

Our beaches are also home to numerous events throughout the summer season. In 2023, the National Marbles Tournament will return to celebrate its 100th Anniversary. The tournament is a Wildwoods tradition that attracts Mibsters and their families from across the country, including many from Pittsburgh, to play and compete for national honors, scholarships, and prizes. Also returning to the beach in 2023 is the third annual Barefoot Country Music Fest. A country music fan’s dream, this four-day beach festival will feature Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Kid Rock, along with over 40-other country music artists from June 15-18. The Wildwoods hosts over 160 events and festivals throughout the year, many of which are FREE! From Italian and Irish ethnic festivals to vintage car and motorcycle races on the beach, the International Kite Festival, Wildwoods Baby Parade and many more. No other vacation destination offers the variety of events and festivals that the Wildwoods offer. You’ll have something fun to do almost every day and night of the week.

One of my favorite spots to spend a summer night with the family is on the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk. A true slice of Americana, and famous for being one of the liveliest stretches of fun and excitement on the East Coast, the Wildwoods Boardwalk offers a pure sensory overload of sights, sounds and smells to visitors, with spectacular amusement piers featuring over 100 amusements, world-class roller coasters, three wet and wild waterparks, carnival-style midway games, flashing arcades, and a myriad of retail shops and eateries. For my family, a visit to the Wildwoods Boardwalk isn’t complete without indulging in delicious boardwalk fare – like hand-tossed pizza, Curley Fries, burgers, freshly made fudge, and oh, those yummy funnel cakes.

The Wildwoods’ dining scene has greatly expanded over the past few years. Choose from seafood, Italian cuisine, Continental fare and other favorites served al fresco or indoors, many with waterfront seating. For a more budget-conscious meal, I recommend one of our Doo-Wop diners, complete with retro jukeboxes, futuristic exterior architecture, and black and white checkered floors.

If biking is more of your thing, the Wildwoods is famous for its ‘bikeability’. Recharge, exercise, and relish the beautiful shore air and scenery by cruising for a leisurely 12-mile round-trip starting at the 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 Mulberry Bike Path to the North Wildwood Sea Wall. You may also ride along the Wildwoods streets and downtown, with special ‘bike only’ lanes available around the entire island.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, NJ visit www. WildwoodsNJ.com.