Wildwood, NJ

Address:Wildwood, New Jersey

Wildwood, New Jersey, or The Wildwoods, as the area is known, is a great summer getaway with retro 1950s-era architecture and a fun and elegant boardwalk with carnival rides, roller coasters and five amusement piers. The boardwalk extends two miles along the beach and offers plenty of food and fun, with an endless number of souvenir shops and eateries. Enjoy traditional boardwalk fare like pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream and cotton candy or fresh seafood, or indulge with fresh roasted nuts or fudge straight from the kettle. The Wildwoods' five miles of white sandy beaches are among the best in the country.

Wildwood is a veritable paradise for children, with two large beachfront water parks and close to 100 rides. Morey's Pier on the boardwalk offers a classic seaside amusement park experience without the long lines of typical theme parks. At Splash Zone Water Park, ride the Beast of the East, the biggest whitewater raft ride on the East Coast. The little ones are sure to enjoy Slippery Chutes and the Zoe Zone.

The Wildwoods' waters are also perfect for jet skiing, parasailing, wave running and surfing. Take a scenic boat cruise, go dolphin watching, or experience deep sea and surf fishing from the fishing pier. For a quiet afternoon, relax in a boat rental on one of The Wildwoods' quiet lakes, lagoons and back bays. There are several golf courses in the area. Public, private and semi-private nine, 18 and 27-hole championship golf courses will please players of every level.

Kids will love other outdoor activities like miniature golf, seashell collecting and Captain Ocean's educational environmental sessions. Biking is pleasant on the boardwalk, especially in the morning when there are less people. Another option is the Wildwood Crest Bike Path, a one-mile path from East Cresse Avenue to East Rambler Road.

After all of the outdoor excitement, take some time to notice The Wildwoods' unique architecture. The area is home to the country's largest collection of preserved and restored 1950s commercial architecture. The Doo Wop Trolley Tour is the perfect way to experience the Wildwoods' collection of mid-century "Doo Wop" architecture with its jig-saw angles, neon lights, dramatic overhangs, pagoda peaks and lava-rock sidings.

Also on the island, you'll find the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, a beautifully-restored 1874 "Carpenter Gothic" lighthouse and exquisite English Garden. Visit the George F. Boyer Museum and learn about the island's history. At the Naval Air Station learn how the region played a key role in training carrier-based airmen in World War II. See the large collection of historic aircraft and enjoy special events from the newly restored Hangar #1, among the nation's last remaining examples of WW II wooden aircraft hangar construction.

Wildwood is known for its nightlife, with everything from live music to rocking nightclubs and dance clubs. Drink up at one of several Irish pubs, traditional saloons or sports bars. The summer brings free beach concerts and Convention Center shows with top name performing artists.

Wildwood offers Chinese, Asian, Italian, French, Greek and Mexican food. Fast food is always available, or treat yourself to candlelit dinners served beside stunning ocean views, or enjoy fun, family meals at buffets or breakfast joints.

Spend the night at one of Wildwood's classic, "Doo-Wop" motels, with their funky 1950s personalities and colorful facades, or choose a bed–and-breakfast or luxury beachfront hotel. Many Wildwoods hotels, motels and inns are family-owned and operated, with friendly and hospitable proprietors ready to greet you with a warm welcome.

The Wildwoods are located on a barrier Island off New Jersey facing the Atlantic Ocean in Cape May County. The area is composed of five separate municipalities which together form "The Wildwoods" resort. It is approximately 3 1/2 hours from Manhattan, via the Garden State Parkway. The area is served by several airports, the Cape May County Airport, Atlantic City Airport and Philadelphia International Airport, and can also be reached by the Cape May Lewes Ferry, which crosses Delaware Bay several times a day, connecting the Cape May peninsula with the town of Lewes, Delaware. The ferry trip takes an hour and ten minutes each way.