The Jersey Shore Girl Team Wildwood, another beach town, is located along the southern tip of the Jersey Shore. It is known for its 2.5-mile-long boardwalk, beach, iconic beach ball sign, arcades, amusement parks, and more. If you’re into the fast-paced entertainment scene, Wildwood is the perfect go-to destination. Read on for a guide to a complete itinerary of what to do in Wildwood, New Jersey.
Originally founded in 1912, The Wildwoods, initially named for the wildflowers found in the area, encompass four communities that include North Wildwood, the city of Wildwood, and the boroughs of Wildwood Crest and West Wildwood. Built as a resort town in the 1950s, many of the hotels that still stand today are reminiscent of the Doo Wop and Vegas-style architecture of that era. The building of new condos and townhouses in recent years has kept Wildwood on the map as a popular beach destination.
Where to Stay
The Sea Gypsy Bed and Breakfast Inn | 209 East Magnolia Avenue
A restored 1900 Queen Ann Victorian – complete with a princess-style turret in the front, this B&B features a number of guest rooms as well as “Arts & Crafts” suites ranging in size (modeled off the 1920s arts & crafts movement) as well as a newly renovated Carriage House with a full kitchen, just right for a family trip.
Condos | Throughout Wildwood
There are plenty of affordable and spacious condos available for vacation rentals on sites like VRBO and Trip Advisor, many within walking distance of the beach. Whether you have a party of two or a big group, condos work well for a week-long stay down the shore – check out the condos in North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest to get the best of the beach.
Read More: A Jersey Shore Getaway to Ocean Grove
Hotel Cabana | 423 East 23rd Avenue
Located right by the boardwalk and steps from the sand, Hotel Cabana is a recently restored beach hotel with an outdoor pool, Wi-Fi, parking, and easy access to Morey’s Piers, restaurants, and classic Wildwood attractions. Technically in North Wildwood, this is a convenient pick for anyone who wants to be close to the action without overthinking the logistics.
Pan American Hotel | 5901 Ocean Avenue
One of the more updated and modern hotels in Wildwood Crest, this beachfront hotel also offers a heated pool and proximity to Morey’s boardwalk piers (the hotel is also owned by the Morey family), but head to Wildwood proper or North Wildwood for your cocktails (Wildwood Crest is a dry town).
Port Royal Hotel | 6801 Ocean Avenue
Offering a large outdoor pool and balcony rooms at a slightly higher price point, this hotel is located close to the beach on Wildwood Crest – and for a larger group check out the Efficiency Apartment with a full kitchen.
Starlux Hotel | 305 Rio Grande Avenue
A retro-cool, Doo Wop-style boutique hotel that feels very Wildwood in the best way, Starlux has a heated pool, hot tub, glassy Astro Lounge, and uniquely designed rooms with a playful mid-century vibe. It’s also just over a block from the beach and boardwalk, making it a solid pick for travelers who want the full Wildwood experience without staying directly on the boardwalk.
Where to Eat
While there are tons of places to get your grub on in Wildwood, we’ve listed just a sampling of our favorites below — from budget-friendly options to fine dining.
Maui’s Dog House | 806 New Jersey Avenue
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Stop here for lunch to get any of the insane amounts of dressed-up hot dogs (check out the Cheesy Drunk Horse with mustard, beer-soaked sauerkraut, and Wisconsin cheese) as well as a variety of fries, chicken, burgers, and sides (try the salty balls- no really), Maui’s lends itself to a yummy, quick bite, and works for gluten-free or vegan eaters, too.
Cattle ‘n Clover | 3817 Pacific Avenue
If you’re looking for a traditional bar with Irish pub fare, this is the place to go. From the corned beef & cabbage egg rolls to the Shepherds pie, Cattle ‘n Clover is ideal for delightful eats and fresh takes on the familiar like tempura-fried pickles.
CrestWood Diner | 5308 New Jersey Avenue
A reimagining of the former Surfside West space, CrestWood Diner brings classic Jersey diner energy back to this corner of the Wildwoods. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, pancakes, Benedicts, and the kind of casual comfort food that just makes sense down the shore.
Hooked Up Seafood | 1044 W. Rio Grande Avenue
Featuring fresh-caught seafood with no frills, this joint on the edge of town has plenty of casual picnic tables for outdoor seating and lots of tempting seafood options like crabs, clams, cod, and much more– and check out the eatery’s Insta for the featured the catch of the day before you go.
Key West Café | 4701 Pacific Avenue
Excellent for a casual breakfast or lunch, the amazing number of omelet choices here are not to be missed including several savory varieties of eggs Benedict.
Duffer’s Restaurant & Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor | 5210 Pacific Avenue
Good for a casual dinner (think burgers, wraps, and steak entrees) or a tasty breakfast, the main attraction at Duffer’s are the ah-mazing ice cream sundaes. Top that off with mini-golf and an arcade on-site and you’ve got a meal, dessert, and an activity.
Duffinetti’s Restaurant + Lounge | 4600 Pacific Avenue
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This Italian staple dates back to 1965 and has plenty of delectable options to get your fix, including a four-cheese gnocchi casserole, lobster ravioli Fresca sautéed in white wine and butter, and Duffinetti’s famous lasagna.
Johnnie’s By The Sea | 3001 Pacific Avenue
Located at the former One Fish Two Fish address, Johnnie’s By The Sea is a newer Italian spot from the Franco family, whose recipes trace back to South Philly and Wildwood. The restaurant is BYOB, cash-only, and dinner-focused, making it a good pick for a low-key but hearty Italian meal before or after a night out.
Jersey Girl Bar + Restaurant | 3601 Wildwood Avenue
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With a beautiful location by the water and outdoor seating, this place has plenty of fun meal options including fire-grilled lollipop lamb chops, lobster mac + cheese, and, of course, the Jersey Girl burger, made with a short rib brisket blend.
La Cantina Wildwood | 218 East Schellenger Avenue
From the owners behind Santorini and Venezia, La Cantina is a newer Tex-Mex spot bringing tacos, fajitas, margaritas, and casual cantina vibes to Wildwood. It’s the kind of place to hit when everyone wants something fun, easy, and cocktail-adjacent after a beach day.
The Rook Wildwood | 2708 Pacific Avenue
Now in the former Goodnight Irene’s space, The Rook brings a little Philly-meets-the-shore energy to Pacific Avenue with craft cocktails, beer, and a scratch-kitchen menu made for a casual night out. Expect sandwiches, elevated bar bites, and a buzzy downtown Wildwood vibe — AKA a solid swap-in for anyone who had Goodnight Irene’s on their old go-to list.
Sabbia D’Oro Italiano | 3401 Pacific Avenue
For a new Italian dinner spot in the heart of Wildwood, Sabbia D’Oro Italiano brings coastal Mediterranean charm, classic Italian flavors, and a more polished night-out feel to Pacific Avenue. The name translates to “golden sand,” so yes, it is very much leaning into that beach-town-but-make-it-dinner energy.
Sandy Boots Saloon | 219 East Lincoln Avenue
A country-style bar and beer garden in the works at the former Harbor Inn site, Sandy Boots Saloon brings live music, food trucks, and a honky-tonk feel to Wildwood. Think boots, beers, and post-beach-night-out energy — no mechanical bull required, but honestly, we wouldn’t be shocked.
Taqueria El Azteca — Ocean Avenue Location | 4020 Ocean Avenue
Taqueria El Azteca’s Ocean Avenue location brings authentic Mexican food closer to the boardwalk, with tacos, quesabirria, burritos, enchiladas, and homemade-style drinks. It’s a no-frills, flavor-forward stop for anyone craving something quick, casual, and definitely not another slice of boardwalk pizza.
Timmy’s Ale House | 3623 Ocean Avenue
Timmy’s Ale House is a newer casual bar and restaurant in Wildwood with beer, cocktails, and laid-back pub fare. It’s an easygoing spot for a bite and a drink with friends, especially if the group is looking for something more relaxed than a full sit-down dinner.
What to Do
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Doo Wop Experience Museum | 4500 Ocean Avenue
Located in the Wildwoods Convention Center, the Doo Wop Museum features lots of artifacts from the origins of Wildwood’s tourism boom, including a neon sign garden, a collection of vintage furniture, and salvaged signs from defunct Wildwood landmarks.
Hooked on Books | 3405 Pacific Avenue
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What better place to look for more beach reading than a giant bookstore? Featuring tons of titles both new and old (and lots of second-hand books for cheap), this is the perfect place to browse around for your next page-turner.
See More: This Jersey Shore Town Was Once Known as “Chinatown by the Sea”
Morey’s Piers | 3501 Boardwalk
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Wildwood’s three large piers are the main reason why everyone comes to the boardwalk- the rides. Featuring water rides, bumper cars, kiddie rides, a carousel, and a giant Ferris wheel, the boardwalk in Wildwood has a little something for everyone to enjoy – and don’t forget your Kohr’s ice cream for dessert.
Venture Out
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Close proximity to the towns of Rio Grande and Cape May means plenty of other activities are just a 15-20 minute car ride away.
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