Wildwood Beach — Wildwood, NJ: Best Beaches in the Mid-Atlantic
The area commonly referred to as “The Wildwoods” in New Jersey includes Wildwood proper, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest. All three of these communities have beaches, but it is Wildwood proper that most people think of when they think of Wildwood Beach. It’s a best beach for singles, young couples, and families.
Wildwood Beach Rating
Beach Personality: Campy And Fun
Wildwood Beach New Jersey
Wildwood Beach was chosen as the #1 New Jersey Beach of 2012 (06/2012, http://www.njtoptenbeaches.org/) because of the quality of the beach itself and the numerous activities available at the beach or within walking distance. The beach is exceptionally wide from boardwalk to ocean as well as long from north to south. It is also one of the few New Jersey beaches that are free since most NJ beaches require you to buy a daily or seasonal “tag” to access the sand and water.
One reason people keep coming back to Wildwood year after year is the number of things to do there. Directly along the beach is the boardwalk with its multitude of shops, restaurants, and arcades. There is even a tram that traverses the boardwalk’s entire length if you are too tired to walk. Additionally, you will find 3 amusement piers, 2 waterparks, a convention center, and numerous events at Wildwood Beach. For a complete calendar of events see http://www.wildwoodsnj.com/.
As I was exploring Wildwood I felt as if I had traveled back in time to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida’s spring break heyday of the 1960s and 70s because Wildwood’s architecture harks back to that time. In fact, Wildwood has a name for its architecture. It’s Doo Wop! Doo Wop architecture is all about fun and can be characterized by glass walls, pointed building parts, “tiki” style, iconic shapes like stars and palm trees, and lots of color including neon. (07/02/2012, http://www.doowopusa.org/whatisdoowop.html)
Beach Activities:
- Swimming
- Boogie boarding
- Volleyball
- Surfing (when lifeguards aren’t on duty)
- Surf fishing (when lifeguards aren’t on duty)
- Lounging
- Walking or riding the boardwalk
Beach Amenities:
- Public bathrooms – Yes.
- Showers – Yes.
- Parking – Yes, for a fee.
- Food – Yes, along the boardwalk.
- Lifeguard – Yes, seasonally.
- Dogs allowed on the beach – No.
Additional amenities – 2-mile boardwalk, playground, beach wheelchairs (at the lifeguard headquarters on Lincoln Ave).
Beach Rentals:
Islands Best Rentals (609-816-1073) in Wildwood Crest rents beach chairs, umbrellas, and other beach gear by the day or week. You must pick the equipment up and drop it off at their store.
Wildwood Rental Supply (609-522-2724) also rents beach chairs, umbrellas, and other assorted beach gear and they will deliver and pick up the items.
Directions:
Wildwood Beach is located just east of Ocean Ave./Surf Ave. between 16th Ave. on the north and Cresse Ave. at the south. To reach Wildwood (from everywhere except Cape May, NJ), take the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 6 (Whiteboro/N Wildwood/Burleigh). Turn right onto NJ-147 E/ N. Wildwood Blvd. Continue on NJ-147 E for approximately 4 miles even though the street name changes. Turn left on E. 16th St. Turn left again on Surf Ave. Look for parking.
To many joyful beach experiences!
— Lisa Dworkin
Photos courtesy of Lisa Dworkin. More photos on Flickr.
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