Wildwoods is another one of those popular spots along the Jersey Shore. Family-friendly with a whole host of fun events throughout the summer. Located next to Cape May, it’s close to the bottom of the state. It’s what I would consider the second to last big boardwalk.
It’s like stepping back in a time when “doo-wop” culture was the rage with its retro hotels, diners and lit up signs.
History
Prior to the area being developed the island where Wildwoods is today was wild and overgrown and mostly forested. The Ketchemeche Tribe called the area “5 miles of health and happiness.”
Once it became settled and boat traffic increased a lighthouse was built to bring more people to Wildwoods. By 1899, construction of Wildwood’s famous boardwalk began, just 29 years after the construction of the Atlantic City boardwalk.
Things to Do
Depending on when you arrive, will depend on your options. Throughout the year there are marathons, triathlons, concerts, jeep rallies, and more. But in general, most of your time will be spent on the boardwalk. Regardless, make sure to check out the Wildwood’s website before going to see what events might be happening while you’re there.
There isn’t a lot else to do otherwise, unless you want to drive outside the city proper and visit some of the nearby towns and wildlife refuges.
There is a huge stretch of beach available to lounge on for the day, for a fee, or you can wander up and down the boardwalk eating funnel cake, playing boardwalk games, and maybe even a round of mini-golf.
Where to Stay
On either end of the boardwalk there are tons of retro-style hotels. This almost comical style gives Wildwoods its own feel, like stepping back in time. At first, I wondered why none of these hotels had been updated since forever. Then I realized that’s their shtick.
No matter which one you choose, the prices can be pretty high and most of the hotels are booked up throughout the summer. So, be prepared to pay a surprisingly high price for a less luxury hotel and make sure to book well ahead of time.
Where to Eat
Honestly, we found it a bit of a challenge to find places to eat here. One thing to keep in mind is that the majority of the area surrounding the boardwalk as well as on the boardwalk is dry. As in no alcohol. So, if you want wine for dinner, forget it.
I feel like we didn’t try hard enough at the time, because there are plenty of options depending on your palette.
New Jersey is the diner capitol of the country. Everywhere you look in this state you will find a diner. It’s like Tim Horton’s in Canada, there’s one on every corner. So, if you want to go diner style, check out the Doo-wop Diner and keep with the style of the area.
There is plenty of fresh seafood around as well. New Jersey has an amazing array of fresh seafood and coming from a fishing village in Nova Scotia that’s saying something. The oysters are some of the best I have ever had.
If you want something more “date-night” and fancy, Duffinetti’s Restaurant and Lounge is a good choice.
Why you should visit
Wildwoods is fun, quirky and, well, wild. If you want a boardwalk that makes you feel like you have stepped back in time, is a bit disorienting with its craziness and unapologetically New Jersey this is the boardwalk for you.
If you prefer a boardwalk that is clean, quiet and place where you can sit with a beer and watch a live band play head over to Jenkinson’s boardwalk in Point Pleasant. But if you want the real, raw Jersey Shore boardwalk experience make sure to check out Wildwoods.
