16 Things To Do in Wildwood NJ Everyone Will Love

The Jersey Shore is one of the most popular spots to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast. Wildwood, New Jersey is one of the Jersey Shore’s most popular destinations for tourists looking to soak up the sun and surf. 

Located roughly an hour and a half drive from Philadelphia, or just over two and a half hours outside of New York City, Wildwood is easily accessible for a day trip or long weekend from many major East Coast cities. Its location make it a popular spot for vacation homes, as well as a great place to get away from the city life and enjoy fun in the sun.

Whether you live nearby and are looking for a quick escape from the city, or are a tourist headed in specifically to enjoy the Jersey Shore, Wildwood is a favorite destination. Here are 16 of the best things to do in Wildwood NJ.

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN WILDWOOD NJ

• Best for Foodies: Located 800 feet from the Wildwood beach and boardwalk, Bolero Resort offers free Wi-Fi, an indoor rooftop pool and two restaurants. Guests can enjoy American cuisine at Blue Water Grille, the on-site restaurant and bar. The Deck at Holly Beach, which offers indoor and outdoor dining, serves American fare for lunch, dinner and late night snacks. Nightly entertainment is also provided.

• Best Location: This super fun and bright retro-looking hotel is just a short walk from Morey’s Piers & Beachfront. The StarLux has an awesome seasonal outdoor heated pool, complimentary bicycles, and uniquely designed guest rooms.

• Best for the Whole Family: Blue Palms Resort is only a short walk from Morey’s Piers and the Wildwood Boardwalk. It features a large outdoor pool with separate children’s section and two decks. You’ll love the amazing onsite restaurant and bar, and the kids will love the bunk beds in the Family Rooms.

PLAY AT THE WILDWOOD BOARDWALK

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The apple of Wildwood’s eye is its beloved boardwalk. With 38 blocks of energy, hundreds of restaurants, and more than 100 attractions and rides to enjoy, it is easy to see why the Wildwood Boardwalk is the backbone of this popular beach town. 

Stroll along the boardwalk, sit and people watch, or take a bike ride. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy the Wildwood Boardwalk, you are sure to have a good time.

WILDWOOD BEACH

Of course, a favorite activity along the Wildwood Boardwalk is enjoying the sand and the surf. With five miles of pristine, award winning beaches it is easy to see why people flock to the area to swim, compete in sporting events, and celebrate together. 

Pack a picnic, bring plenty of cold drinks and sunscreen, and find the perfect spot to set up on the beach with a speaker for your jams, a large towel, and a beach umbrella to shade you from the sun. 

Another huge perk? Unlike many of the popular beaches along the Jersey Shore, Wildwood’s beaches are free all year – no beach tags necessary. 

MOREY’S PIERS AND BEACHFRONT WATER PARK

Looking for more of a thrill during your vacation? Head to Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Park for rides and water park fun. With multiple amusement piers and water parks, there is no shortage of fun to be had in the area. 

Home to one of the largest ferris wheels on the East Coast, a truly unique experience is offered here: Breakfast in the Sky. Dine on your favorite breakfast foods (with fine china and linens, no less) far above ground while enjoying what is certain to be the most memorable ferris wheel ride of your life.  

Take a break from the sand and saltwater and head into the splash zone at Ocean Oasis or Raging Waters Water Parks. With pools, lazy rivers, water slides, and more, there is plenty of fun to be had in the sun at these water parks when you are ready for a break from the beach. 

Read More: WATER PARKS NEW JERSEY: 21 DESTINATIONS FOR FAMILY FUN

SEAPORT AQUARIUM

Get up close and personal with the sea life at the Seaport Aquarium, located along the Wildwood Boardwalk. Families can see the sea come to life before their eyes at this favorite attraction, with hands-on exhibits and a variety of sea creatures who call the aquarium home. 

This is a perfect activity if you face an unfortunate rainy day during your beach vacation. While the aquarium is not large, it is worth a visit, especially if you are traveling with animal lovers.

Details: 3400 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260 | Website

SIGHTSEER TRAMS

See The Wildwoods from a new perspective by hopping aboard the historic Sightseer Tramcars. This tram has been transporting visitors up and down the Wildwood Boardwalk since 1949, and the iconic yellow and blue tram cars have become a fixture of The Wildwoods. 

The tramcars run a two mile route, with multiple stops along the half hour one way trip. Hop on and off at stops along the route, making this a great way to get from point A to point B while saving plenty of energy for hitting the waves. 

Details: 5300 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260 | Website

DOO WOP PRESERVATION LEAGUE MUSEUM

Wildwood grew in popularity during the 1950s and 60s, and the Doo Wop Experience and Neon Sign Garden is dedicated to celebrating the unique culture that made this area popular. Envisioned as a cultural centerpiece for the area, the museum is still in progress, including an outdoor collection of historic neon signs from the area.

Enjoy fun memories of childhood at the amusement parks, cool off with a drink from the malt shop, and soak up the history of the area at the Doo Wop Experience. 

Details: 4500 Ocean Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260 | Website

WILDWOOD BEACH BALL SIGN

What’s a vacation without a perfect family photo op for social media (or the annual Christmas card)? The Wildwood Beach Ball Sign is your family’s perfect photo spot to remember your Jersey Shore vacation. Located roughly in the middle of Wildwood Beach, it would be hard to miss this iconic site. 

After you have snapped the perfect photo, enjoy a round of miniature golf and scream on the roller coasters located on the boardwalk nearby, and be sure to reward everyone for smiling nicely for the photo with an ice cream treat. 

Details: 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260

DOWNTOWN WILDWOOD FARMERS MARKET

If you are anywhere near The Wildwoods on a warm Saturday morning, you will not want to miss this bustling farmers market at Byrne Plaza. Come out before it gets hot and explore what the vendors have for sale. 

Grab what you need for a picnic on the beach later, or fill a vase with fresh flowers for your vacation rental. Shop for gifts by checking out what the craft vendors and jewelers brought to sell. 

With dozens of vendors who set up to sell their goods between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can find everything from locally grown produce, baked goods, fresh flowers, craft beverages, and other specialty items. 

Details: Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260 | Website

GEORGE F BOYER HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Named for Wildwood’s first historian, this museum is dedicated to preserving the area’s past as it moves into the future. Stop by to explore remnants of Wildwood’s history, carefully preserved over the decades thanks to residents like George F. Boyer, who have been dedicated to continuing to tell Wildwood’s stories. 

Step back in time with exhibits going all the way back to The Wildwoods’ beginnings in the 1800s. If you grew up coming to Wildwood, this museum is sure to bring back the memories of life on the Jersey Shore in years past. 

Details: 3907 Pacific Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260 | Website

WILDWOOD CREST DUNES BIKE PATH

Explore the Shore on two wheels, with bike paths running almost the entire five miles. Start at the Wildwood Crest Dunes Bike Path and ride all the way to the North Wildwood Sea Wall. With stretches of dedicated bike lanes along the way, and bikers allowed on the boardwalk during the morning, biking in The Wildwoods is a great way to start the day. 

If you don’t have your own set of two wheels with you, fear not: you will have ample opportunities to rent what you need throughout town, with many shops opening bright and early for those looking to get a ride in before the crowds come out. 

Details: Website

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DARK STAR PIRATE CRUISES

You will not want to miss this highlight of any family’s trip to Wildwood: a ride on a pirate ship! Set sail for an adventure of a lifetime that is guaranteed to be enjoyed by mateys young and old alike, and is especially a favorite activity for families (fear not: this cruise is designed with youngsters in mind, and therefore is not scary). 

After coming aboard, you will be treated to pirate stories, head out on your very own treasure hunt (did someone say booty?), and plenty more piratey fun. Arrive early for face painting before the ship sets sail into Sunset Lake. Naturally, an eye patch is included for all passengers – the perfect memento for that time you went on a pirate cruise in New Jersey.  

Details: 6200 Park Blvd, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260 | Website

SILVER BULLET TOURS

If looking for wildlife is more your speed when it comes to getting out on the water, set sail with Silver Bullet Tours to catch a glimpse of dolphins in the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. These speed boats go fast – like, really fast –  and the only thing that can match the thrill of spotting frolicking dolphins is the thrill of speeding up and down the coastline. 

Come prepared to get wet (swimsuits and quick drying jackets are both welcome and encouraged) and explore the website to carefully select which of the daily tours sounds best for you. You will spend an hour and a half on the water, and be sure to bring plenty of (waterproof) sunscreen, a waterproof case for your electronics, and hang on tight to your sunglasses and hats as you speed through the water. 

Details: 508 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260 | Website

HAWK HAVEN VINEYARD

Relax with a glass (or two) of local wine after a long day soaking up the sun on the beach. Head just outside of Wildwood to Hawk Haven Vineyard for some of the area’s finest wine. Take a tour of the vineyard and winery, or enjoy a summer concert on the grounds. 

Find out what you like with a guided wine tasting with a pro, or dive right in with a glass or bottle you know you will love, or try several varieties with a wine flight. Snack on delicious charcuterie, cheese, and other snacks made to go perfectly with a great glass of wine. 

Once you have found your new favorite bottle, be sure to place an order to take a few bottles home with you to share with friends as you tell them about your trip (or to get through that post vacation slump). 

Details: 600 S Railroad Ave, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 | Website

NAS WILDWOOD AVIATION MUSEUM

Take a trip back in time at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. This museum calls an authentic World War II hangar home and families can learn a lot of great information about aviation and military history.  

With hands-on exhibits, and the building the museum is located in being an exhibit itself, there is plenty to explore and learn. The museum hosts a variety of historic aircraft in addition to other memorabilia and artifacts. 

Details: Cape May Airport, 500 Forrestal Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204 | Website

COLD SPRING VILLAGE

History comes to life at Cold Spring Village. Take a step back in time at New Jersey’s largest open air living history museum with 30 acres of buildings and farm land designed to mimic a historic New Jersey town. 

Visitors can explore a woodworking shop, railroad station, pottery shop, inn, bookbindery, and more. Purchase lunch at the Cold Spring Grange restaurant, enjoy a snack from the Village Bakery or ice cream parlor, or relax with a cold one at the Cold Spring Brewery – New Jersey’s first non-profit brewery. 

Details: 735 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204 | Website

DAY TRIP TO CAPE MAY

Located a 10 mile drive further down the shore from The Wildwoods, Cape May is another favorite Jersey Shore beach town. Located at the southern tip of the New Jersey coastline, this historic beach town is rich in beauty and has it’s very own culture. 

With idyllic beaches, a beautiful lighthouse, and gorgeous, brightly colored Victorian beach houses, there is plenty to see in Cape May. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, serving a wide array of cuisine options. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the multiple vineyards in the area and be sure not to miss having a beer at the favorite Cape May Brewing Co. tasting room. 

The best way to get around town is by foot or by bicycle. There is plenty to do in Cape May during the offseason as well. In fact, some people prefer to come to Cape May in the colder seasons so as not to have to deal with the crowds of warm weather seeking beachgoers.

Cape May’s convenient proximity to The Wildwoods makes it easy to explore both unique towns during one trip to the Jersey Shore. You won’t want to miss either one – both have plenty to offer.

Read More: 21 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO NEW JERSEY

• YOUR NEW JERSEY VACATION
• BEACHES: 19 Amazing New Jersey Beaches For Fun In The Sun
• ALL THINGS NEW JERSEY: 17 Fantastic Things To Do In New Jersey
• CAPE MAY: 21 Fantastic Things To Do In Cape May, New Jersey

WHERE TO STAY IN WILDWOOD NJ