We are so lucky to live so close to such amazing beach destinations. Wildwood beaches in New Jersey are some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States! 5 miles of unspoiled, salty paradise are just a few hours drive from the Hudson Valley. Along with relaxing on the beach your family can walk the fun-filled boardwalk, ride on the 100's of oceanfront amusement rides, splash in the many waterparks or spend an afternoon touching and learning about native sea life! Your family will find plenty to do whether you spend a long weekend or you plan a week long summer vacation.
Let's start with the reason that thousands flock to Wildwoods during the summer months, the beach! There is no shortage of ocean front paradise, with 5 miles of beaches including North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and Cape May. The wide beach front with soft sand is carefully taken care of by the State and the dunes are strictly protected, so you are sure to find pristine, sandy fun no matter which beach you pick. The best part of the beaches here is that they are absolutely free, even if you are not a local! So pack a lunch and spend a whole day not shelling out a nickel for hours and hours of fun in the sun!
Once you have had your fill of sand and waves, you won't have to go far for other entertainment. Wildwood boasts a 2 mile stretch of boardwalk that is filed with restaurants, waterparks, amusement rides, mini golf and the famous tram car that will take you from end to end! You can also rent a bicycle or roller blades and cruise the boardwalk everyday till noon, which is a great way to take it all in while getting some exercise.
Located at the end of the boardwalk is the famous
Morey's Piers! This 6 block amusement park and waterpark is filled with over 100 rides, shows and attractions. You can ride a Ferris wheel that looks out over the ocean from the top or if you dare, ride the oceanfront roller coaster for a real thrill. The park is a real treat at night, where all the rides are lit up just like a Christmas tree!
Another way to enjoy the ocean and beaches is to take a stroll along the
North Wildwood Seawall trail. This 1.5 mile trail is a popular way to get some exercise and enjoy the waves and sun. The seawall is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk and enjoy some quiet, relaxing views. This flat walking trail is appropriate for young walkers and strollers.
Our last stop in Wildwood is one of my most favorite places to visit, the
Wetland Institute in Stone Harbor, just a short drive away. This not-for-profit education center is situated on 6,000 acres of protected wetlands. There is so much to see and do here that you should plan to spend a whole day. There is a small aquarium with native sea life, a touch tank with horseshoe crabs, sea stars and other live animals, hands on exhibits and lots of daily events. The staff lead daily excursions out to the wetlands to net and educate about sea creatures that you catch, to teach about crabbing, to lead salt marsh safaris and a daily creature feature that gives a hands-on learning experience about the day's native animal.
There are so many fabulous places to eat, explore and discover in this amazing ocean paradise, you will have no trouble planning a great family vacation. A short 3-4 hour drive from the Hudson Valley Wildwood is the perfect getaway destination!
There are plenty of other activities to add to your vacation, here are some suggestions of things nearby:
- Doo Wop Experience: a museum known as the "neon garden" which houses a collection of artifacts from the 50's and 60's during Wildwood's heyday. Also a retro style malt shop known for old fashion milkshakes and snacks.
- Starlight Fleet: fishing, cruising, whale watching tours, dolphin tours and pirate ship excursions.
- Washington Street Mall: A pedestrian, outdoor shopping mall with specialty stores and restaurants.
- Cape May County Zoo: Year-round zoo with over 550 types of animals.
Other articles by Katie's Hudson Valley Travel Journal