Things to do | Lodging | Dining | Nightlife | Transportation | Travel Tips
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Games, music, neon lights and hot summer fun. If you're craving the excitement of Coney Island, but prefer pristine beaches and clean waters, then the Wildwoods offer a perfect mix of thrills and relaxation.

A five-mile island off the Jersey Shore, Wildwood is best known for its white sandy beaches and world-famous boardwalk. Built at the turn of the century, the boardwalk stretches along for 37 city blocks and is packed in the summer with families and beachgoers from all corners of the East Coast.

During the 1950s the region underwent some major architectural changes to reflect the spirit of the times, transforming this once quiet seaside village to the amusement thoroughfare it is today. The motels, diners, gas stations and other buildings in the center of the island present a varied, and sometimes kitschy, mixture of designs. Tropical themes and colors combine to form a fantasyland atmosphere, reminiscent of old honky-tonk towns. This brash style is now nostalgically referred to as "doo wop architecture."

The island spans north to south and is divided into three areas: North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. Walk a bit farther north and the landscape becomes more muted, with lovely quiet bays and the Hereford Lighthouse. Down south in the Crest, oceanfront resorts line the beaches and summer water sport activities abound on beautiful Sunset Lake.

THINGS TO DO

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The bus terminal is located on Rio Grande Avenue in the center of Wildwood, just a few blocks from the boardwalk. You won't have any problems orienting yourself—start walking east and you'll run into the beach, or else follow the music and bright lights. Everything and anything you might conceivably need is around here, so taxis aren't necessary (unless your lodging is located farther out in the Crest). The beach, amusement piers, several accommodations and wonderful restaurants are all located within a ten-minute walk of each other.

Boasting more rides than Disneyland, Wildwood's boardwalk leaves Coney Island in the dust. With over two miles of arcade games, carousels, incredible waterparks, saltwater taffy shops, restaurants, a renovated convention center and a movie theater, you'll never have to leave the boardwalk--unless, that is, you actually want to relax and catch some sun.

Visit the Wildwood Tourist Center on the boardwalk (at Schellenger Avenue, open from 9 am to 4:30 pm weekdays), and pick up a map complete with accommodations and services info, or simply follow any of the several maps posted along the boardwalk for directions.

Trams run along the boardwalk from sunup to sundown during the summer. Or tour the area on a trolley, a wonderful way to see the entire span of the island, from the parks and 1950's architecture on the North side to the picturesque seaside resorts near the southern Crest. The old-fashioned trolley runs year-round, but has increased service and routes during the summer. Also, consider a trolley ride to nearby Cape May, or a trip on the Doo Wop Trolley Tour.

Bike rentals are available from Casino Pier Bike Rental, located off the boardwalk on Oak Avenue. A bicycle path runs along the beach in Wildwood Crest, from Rambler Road to Cresse Avenue where it meets the Wildwood Boardwalk. You can also bike along the boardwalk till 11 am (10:30 am weekends).

Morey's Amusement Piers is great diversion for families or thrill seekers—but be warned, you might never make it out alive! Three amusement piers are all located at different points along the boardwalk: 25th Avenue, Schellenger Avenue and Spencer Avenue. They feature two beachfront water parks, seven rollercoasters (with names like The Tornado and Maelstrom!), the tallest Ferris wheel on the East Coast and several nausea-inducing rides. Open April through October.

Or you can putt around while dinosaurs watch at Jurassic Adventure Golf. This prehistoric-themed mini golf course is certainly out of the ordinary.

Wildwood isn't exactly a prime shopping destination so gear up for lots of candy and trinkets. If you're in the mood for something sweet, Laura's Fudge Shops is bound to tempt you. With hundreds of delicacies on offer from saltwater taffy, buttercreams, turtles and macaroons, how can you resist picking something up for the long ride home?

The inland waterways provide a variety of water sports, deep-sea fishing, boating, whale watching and all types of excursions. Fishing trips are available at most docks for half or full days, as well as scenic night fishing. Adventurer II, located at Wildwood Fishing Center on Rio Grande Avenue offers four-hour deep-sea fishing trips daily. Free bait and fishing instructions are provided for the novice fishermen.

There's also whale and dolphin watching on the Starlight Fleet in Wildwood Crest, on Park Boulevard. They guarantee sightings, but hey, if those shy whales refuse to play, you can always make do with sea birds, turtles, and other wildlife species along the way. Daily trips offered with complimentary breakfast and free admission for kids. Reservations are necessary in summer.

You can also rent private boats from Schooner Island Marina on Lake Road, as well as waverunners and fishing pontoons from Mocean Water Sports at Rio Grande. Kayak rentals are available from Morey's Piers on the Boardwalkby the 1/2 hour or hour.

To get a bird's eye view of the Atlantic Ocean, the adventurous may opt for what Atlantic Parasail has to offer. Boats leave from Wildwood Crest and launch parasailers high above the water. They claim customers from two to 96 years old, so there's no reason to be a chicken.

Sunset Lake, on the western side of the island, is also the playground for a variety of water sports in summer, including jet skiing, waterskiing and boating.

While Wildwood's hardly a mecca for history buffs, it's not a city without a sense of past. For local lore and memorabilia, visit the George F. Boyer Historical Museum located at Pacific and Spicer Avenue (pictured left). They also house the National Marbles Hall of Fame. The Wildwood Crest Historical Museum offers pictures of the island's history. Or take a jaunt through the island and visit the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, located at the tip in North Wildwood. They operate a nautical museum. The Doo Wop Preservation League has a museum and promotes local architecture. Don't miss their retro trolley tour!

LODGING

Looking for accommodations is just as easy as spotting a fudge shop on every corner in town. Wildwood gets the most traffic since the beach and boardwalk are located here, so this area is littered with motels and hotels—so much so, in fact, you'll be astounded at the bevy of choices facing you.

The Sea Gypsy B&B provides old Victorian charm, jacuzzis, a video library and bicycle rentals just two blocks from the beach and boardwalk.

Conveniently located near the beach, piers and restaurants are the Calypso and Quebec Resort by the Sea. Both units are run by the same management, but the Calypso Hotel is generally more luxurious with parking and pool facilities.

Aqua Beach Resort, Reges Oceanfront Resort, and Acropolis Oceanfront Resort are a few of the larger family resorts located directly on the beach with rooms offering oceanfront views.

If what you seek is a quiet, romantic getaway at a cozy B&B by the shore, then North Wildwood is your best bet. Try the lovely Candlelight Inn, just ten blocks from Wildwood, open year-round.

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DINING

Depending on where you're staying on the island, either north or south, you might need to take a taxi, as all these restaurants are located in central Wildwood.

As with all Jersey Cape resorts, Wildwood is especially known for its seafood restaurants. For lovely waterfront views and upscale dining, The Boathouse, at the foot of the George Reading Bridge, specializes in fresh seafood and steak. Diners can choose from their dockside marina deck or dining room. Right next door is Urie's, another popular waterfront establishment with terrific seafood and steak. Reserve a table in the nautical dining room and feel like you've stepped back in time with Ginger and the Skipper.

If you're looking for something closer after a long day at the beach, hop over to Schellenger's for some of the best steamed lobster in town. Locals also recommend Luigi's and La Piazza Cucina for modestly priced, homestyle Italian. Also check out Chiarella's for their yummy gourmet pizzas.

For breakfast or a quick snack after a night out, try the Hot Spot 2000 Diner, guaranteed to be open even in the wee hours of the morning.

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NIGHTLIFE

Wildwood is just as active at night as it is during the day, so it's unlikely you'll be stuck in your motel room for any stretch of time. When the amusement parks shut down for the night, the strip along Pacific Avenue between Garfield and Schellenger is hopping with clubs, bars and cafes. For a night of dancing, there are several places to choose from, depending on the night and your preference of music.

Club Shakers offers live bands, DJs and dancing during the summer weekends. And right across the street, H2O Club has electronica, techno and hip-hop nights. Cover charges vary nightly. The converted old church which is now The Nile, is a local favorite.

Pop into the Shamrock Bar & Lounge on Schellenger Avenue for a beer or game of pool. During holidays and special events they have live entertainment. Casba Comedy Club showcases comedy nightly during the summer season.

The Strand is the town's summertime movie theater located directly on the boardwalk and featuring five movie screens.

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TRANSPORTATION

BUS:

New Jersey Transit runs to the Wildwoods, but the journey is accomplished in two legs. Catch bus #319 to Atlantic City from Port Authority and then transfer to express bus #552 to Wildwood.

Schedule: Times vary depending on season and day of the week. It's advised to call ahead before making plans.

Travel Time: Between 4 and 4-1/2 hours, depending on layover time.

For more information call: 973-762-5100.

CAR:

Take the Garden State Parkway. Take Exit 6 for North Wildwood or 4B for Wildwood and Wildwood Crest.

Travel Time: Wildwood is approximately 150 miles from NYC. With traffic in mind, expect a 3 to 3-1/2 hour drive.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

TROLLEY:

Great American Trolley Co. operates three main trolley routes. A downtown route that cuts through the middle of the island from north to south, year-round, 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. One from central Wildwood to Wildwood Crest in season (May through October) from 8:30 am to midnight, daily. And one from North Wildwood to Cape May, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Sightseeing tours are also available. Call 800-4-TROLLY for more information.

TRAM:

Wildwood: Tram car service is available the length of the boardwalk. Seasonal hours are 9am to approximately 1 am daily. Off-season schedules are available by calling 609-523-TRAM.

North Wildwood: The tram operates between the hours of 10am and 5pm daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

CAR RENTAL:

Hertz Rent-a-Car 609-522-0049 at 429 W. Rio Grand Avenue.

TAXI:

Taxis are accessible everywhere on the island. Yellow Cab: 609-522-0555.

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TRAVEL TIPS

* During the high summer, motels are an excellent safety net for visitors who need last-minute accommodations near the beach and boardwalk. And they are everywhere. Most provide standard services, but make sure to look for Triple A ratings and use common sense to avoid lesser-quality motels.

*Quite a few lodgings have age restrictions (many are 21 and over, and one was as high as 27), so younger travelers should check ahead before showing up at a hotel.

LINKS

New Jersey Tourism

MAP

For a detailed map of Wildwood, please click here.