Month: April 2026

Dogtooth Bar & Grill sits right in the heart of Wildwood and draws both tourists and locals with its cocktails, cold beers, and a menu that covers everything from burgers to seafood to pasta.

Why Locals Love It

Dogtooth isn’t just for tourists — it’s where Wildwood locals actually go. The cocktails are well-made (their margaritas are legendary), the food is solid, and the vibe is relaxed enough for a casual lunch or lively enough for a Saturday night out.

Great for Families & Groups

The menu is broad enough that everyone in your group will find something. Kids, adults, picky eaters — Dogtooth handles it. Pair it with a walk on the boardwalk afterward and you’ve got a complete evening.

Steps from Coastal Collection

Staying at Coastal Collection Hotels means Dogtooth — and dozens of other Wildwood favorites — are all within walking distance. That’s the beauty of being right in the center of the action.

Book Your Wildwood Stay

Wildwood’s first country bar, Honky Tonk Saloon, has quickly become one of the hottest nightlife spots on the Jersey Shore. Located at 3800 Boardwalk — right at the corner of Atlantic and Schellenger — it’s impossible to miss and even harder to leave.

What to Expect

Think massive center bar, space for line dancing, live country music daily, plus an arcade section for when you need a break from two-stepping. Whether you’re a country fan or just looking for a fun night out, Honky Tonk delivers an energy that’s uniquely Wildwood.

The Perfect Night Out in Wildwood

Start with dinner on the boardwalk, catch a sunset on the beach, then head to Honky Tonk for live music and dancing. That’s a Wildwood summer night done right.

Stay Close to the Action

Coastal Collection Hotels — five hotels and Airbnb rentals in Wildwood, all walking distance to the boardwalk and Honky Tonk. No driving, no Uber, just walk back to your room when the music stops.

Book Your Wildwood Stay

If you’re visiting Wildwood and love craft beer, MudHen Brewing Company is a must-stop. Located on the main strip heading onto the island, MudHen has been one of the most popular spots in the Wildwoods since opening in 2018 — and for good reason.

What Makes MudHen Special

MudHen isn’t just a bar — it’s a full brewpub experience. They brew 8-12 rotating beers on-site, so there’s always something new on tap. The food menu goes well beyond typical bar fare, and they host live music year-round, making it a destination whether you’re visiting in July or October.

Perfect Before or After the Boardwalk

MudHen’s location makes it an easy stop on your way to or from the beach. Grab lunch before hitting the boardwalk, or wind down with craft beers after a day of sun and rides at Morey’s Piers.

Where to Stay Near MudHen

Coastal Collection Hotels puts you within easy reach of MudHen and everything else Wildwood has to offer. Five locally-owned hotels plus private Airbnb rentals — all walking distance to the beach and boardwalk, with modern rooms and family-friendly amenities.

Book Your Wildwood Stay

Searching for the best family hotels in Wildwood, NJ? With dozens of options on the island, it’s hard to know what you’re getting until you’re there. Here’s why families keep coming back to Coastal Collection Hotels.

Five Properties, One Standard

Coastal Collection isn’t one hotel — it’s five hotels plus Airbnb rentals, each with its own character but all sharing the same commitment to clean rooms, modern amenities, and genuine hospitality:

• Coastal Sands Inn — Pool, modern rooms, and a prime location
• Beachside Resort — Spacious family rooms with easy beach access
• Paradise Inn — Affordable comfort with everything you need
• Sunset Beach Hotel — Unbeatable sunset views
• Sunrise Inn — Ocean breezes and a peaceful start to every morning

What Families Love About Us

• Location, location, location — Every property is walking distance to the beach and boardwalk. No driving, no parking hassles.
• Free WiFi, fridge & microwave — Pack snacks, store leftovers, keep the kids connected
• Pool access — When the ocean waves are too much for little ones
• Clean & updated rooms — Read our reviews — cleanliness is mentioned in almost every one
• Free beaches — Wildwood doesn’t charge for beach access. That’s money back in your vacation budget.

What Guests Are Saying

Our five-star reviews speak for themselves — guests consistently highlight the cleanliness, friendly staff, unbeatable location, and value at Coastal Collection properties. We’re not the biggest hotel group in Wildwood, but we might be the most personal.

Book for Summer 2026

The best rooms go first — especially for July 4th week and August weekends. Lock in your family’s Wildwood vacation now.

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Planning a Jersey Shore family vacation and can’t decide between Wildwood and Cape May? Both are iconic, both are beautiful — but they offer very different experiences. Here’s how to choose.

The Vibe

Wildwood is energy — boardwalk rides, water parks, free beaches, neon lights, and non-stop summer fun. It’s the classic American beach town turned up to eleven.

Cape May is charm — Victorian homes, quiet beaches, whale watching, farm-to-table dining, and a slower pace. It’s refined and relaxed.

The Beaches

Wildwood wins on price — beaches are 100% free, no beach tags needed. Cape May requires beach tags ($8-10/day). Wildwood’s beaches are also exceptionally wide, giving families plenty of space.

For Kids

Wildwood is hard to beat for families with kids. Morey’s Piers has over 100 rides and attractions. Splash Zone Waterpark is perfect for younger children. The boardwalk has games, food, and entertainment that keeps kids busy for days.

Cape May offers nature-focused activities — the zoo, lighthouse, birding, and calmer beaches. Great for families who prefer a quieter pace.

Dining

Cape May has the edge on fine dining. Wildwood has the edge on fun dining — boardwalk pizza, funnel cake, and casual seafood spots that don’t require reservations or dress codes.

Budget

Wildwood is significantly more affordable. Free beaches, lower hotel rates, and casual dining add up to a family vacation that doesn’t break the bank. Cape May’s charm comes with Cape May prices.

The Best of Both

Here’s a secret: stay in Wildwood, day-trip to Cape May. It’s only 20 minutes away. You get Wildwood’s free beaches and affordable accommodations with a Cape May day trip whenever you want the change of pace.

And the best place to stay? Coastal Collection Hotels — five locally-owned hotels plus private Airbnb rentals in Wildwood, walking distance to the beach and boardwalk, with modern rooms at family-friendly prices.

Book Your Stay in Wildwood

Planning a Wildwood, NJ vacation this summer? Whether you’re a first-timer or a shore regular, Wildwood packs more fun per square mile than almost anywhere on the Jersey Shore. Here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Wildwood in 2026.

1. Hit the Boardwalk

Wildwood’s boardwalk stretches over two miles and features three amusement piers — Morey’s Piers — with over 100 rides, waterparks, and attractions. From roller coasters to the classic Ferris wheel, it’s the heart of Wildwood summers.

2. Enjoy Free Beaches

Unlike most Jersey Shore towns, Wildwood’s beaches are completely free — no beach tags needed. The wide, sandy beaches give you plenty of room to spread out, play volleyball, or just relax.

3. Splash Zone Waterpark

Perfect for families with younger kids. Water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads make this an all-day destination when you need a break from the ocean.

4. Explore the Doo Wop Architecture

Wildwood is famous for its preserved mid-century modern “Doo Wop” motels and architecture — a neon-lit trip back to the 1950s and 60s. Check out the Doo Wop Experience Museum for the full history.

5. Fishing & Watersports

Deep sea fishing charters, jet ski rentals, parasailing, and kayaking are all available from the Wildwood marina. Book early for peak summer weekends.

6. Live Music & Nightlife

From beach bars to live concert venues, Wildwood’s nightlife scene has something for every vibe. The boardwalk comes alive after dark with entertainment for all ages.

7. Sunset at Sunset Beach

Head to nearby Sunset Beach in Cape May Point for one of the most spectacular sunsets on the East Coast. The nightly flag ceremony is a moving tradition.

8. Cape May Day Trip

Historic Cape May is just 20 minutes south — perfect for a day trip. Victorian homes, whale watching tours, fine dining, and the Cape May Lighthouse are all must-sees.

9. Wildwood Events & Festivals

From the International Kite Festival to fireworks nights and car shows, Wildwood hosts events all summer long. Check the local calendar before your trip to catch something special.

10. Stay at Coastal Collection

Make Coastal Collection Hotels your home base for all of it. Five hotels plus Airbnb rentals in Wildwood — all walking distance to the beach and boardwalk, with modern rooms, pools, and the personal touch of a locally-owned hotel group.

Book Your Wildwood Vacation