When visiting the Wildwoods, NJ, visitors 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.
Barefoot Country Music Fest
Our beaches are also home to numerous events throughout the summer season. Returning to the beach in 2024 is the fourth annual Barefoot Country Music Fest. This four-day event, taking place June 20-23, 2024, will host the industry’s biggest stars, bringing a unique blend headliners, regional stars, up-and-comers, and local favorites performing across 5 unique stages. A country music fan’s dream, this festival will feature headliners Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, and Old Dominion, plus 40 other artists. Visit the Barefoot Country Music Fest website here.
Free Events, Festivals & Fireworks
And that’s not all! The Wildwoods hosts over 160 events and festivals throughout the year, many of which are FREE! From Italian and Irish ethnic festivals to food festivals to vintage car, motorcycle and Monster Truck races on the beach, the International Kite Festival, NJ State BBQ Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival, and many more. Plus, free outdoor concerts four nights each week, free Movies under the Stars and a Free Fireworks show every Friday night all season long. 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! Visit The Wildwoods website here.
Bikeability
If biking is more of your thing, the Wildwoods are 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 bike 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.
Accommodations
In the Wildwoods, adventure isn’t just on the horizon; it’s being built into the very fabric of the destination. Encompassing Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest, the resort offers 8,000 hotel and motel rooms, along with 3,000 vacation rentals, making it the perfect setting for an unforgettable getaway. New hotel properties, tantalizing dining establishments, and Boardwalk renovations create an atmosphere where progress and nostalgia coexist.
Over the past year, the Wildwoods have been experiencing a development renaissance, with many new resort properties and businesses opening. Whether it’s Seaport Suites, Oasis by Seaport Stays, MudHen Hospitality’s ‘Hen Houses,’ or the chic Waves Hotel, each accommodation beckons to the modern explorer. With renovations underway at Madison Resort and The Hotel Cabana, the Wildwoods further redefine coastal hospitality.
These modern establishments complement the island’s existing array of mid-century themed hotels and motels, designed to evoke the architecture, decor, and colors of 1950s and 60’s era predecessor buildings, embracing a distinctive ‘Doo Wop’ style. Plastic palm trees grace kidney-shaped pools, roof angles jut out, wrought iron balconies adorn structures, brightly colored neon signs adorn the buildings and imaginative names, and vibrant themes provide each building with its unique character. This architectural style transports guests to imagined tropical paradises and other exotic destinations of days gone by. Visit: https://wildwoodsnj.com/plan-a-vacation/places-to-stay/
Dining Scene
The Wildwoods’ dining scene has greatly expanded over the past few years. Choose from fresh seafood caught daily, 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.
Wildwoods Boardwalk
One of the most enjoyable places for a summer night outing with my family is the renowned Wildwoods Boardwalk. It’s a quintessential part of American culture, celebrated for being one of the most vibrant and entertaining stretches along the East Coast. The Wildwoods Boardwalk overwhelms visitors with a sensory feast, featuring breathtaking amusement piers housing over 100 rides and attractions, top-rated roller coasters, three exhilarating beachfront water parks, classic midway games, dazzling arcades, and a plethora of retail outlets and eateries. For my family, a trip to the Wildwoods Boardwalk isn’t complete without savoring the delectable boardwalk treats, such as hand-tossed pizza, Curley Fries, burgers, freshly crafted fudge, frozen custard, and, of course, those irresistible funnel cakes.
Plan Ahead & Save
With the summer of 2024 approaching, planning your vacation early sets the stage for savvy vacationers to enjoy a summer vacation filled with excitement without breaking the bank. Here are a few helpful hints for crafting your Wildwoods, NJ adventure:
- Timing is Everything: Opt for a visit in May, June, September, or October for lower hotel-motel rates, spectacular weather, and a crowd-free experience.
- Midweek Escapes: Maximize savings with midweek stays from Sunday to Thursday. Enjoy more affordable hotel and vacation rental rates while leaving the weekends for thrill-packed activities.
- Family Value Coupon Book, Holiday Sales, and Coupons: Don’t forget the Wildwoods Family Value Coupon Book, filled with over $300 in money-saving coupons. Keep an eye out for holiday sales from Morey’s Piers and Splash Zone Waterpark. Adventurers can save big on amusement and waterpark passes.
As you plan your family vacation this year, experience what all the buzz and excitement is about in the Wildwoods. Everything you could ever want in a family vacation is all right here on one five-mile island, so start creating new, lasting family memories in the Wildwoods. Visit the Wildwoods NJ website here to plan your vacation.
