Just a 20-minute scenic drive north from Wildwood lies Avalon, one of New Jersey’s most charming beach towns. This upscale shore community offers pristine beaches, boutique shopping, and exceptional dining — making it the perfect day trip when you’re staying at one of our five locally-owned hotels at Coastal Collection.
Getting to Avalon from Wildwood
The drive from Wildwood to Avalon takes you along scenic Ocean Drive (Route 109), offering beautiful bay views along the way. You’ll cross the Townsends Inlet Bridge with stunning vistas of marshlands and waterways. Parking in Avalon costs around $20-25 for the day during peak season, with meters accepting credit cards and the ParkMobile app.
Local Tip: Leave early morning to snag the best parking spots near the beach. The municipal lots at 30th and 21st Street fill up quickly during summer weekends.
Avalon’s Beautiful Beaches
Avalon’s beaches are notably wider and less crowded than many other Jersey Shore destinations. Beach tags are required and cost $8 per day or $35 for the season. The best family-friendly beaches are around 21st to 30th Street, offering clean sand, lifeguards during summer months, and well-maintained facilities.
The beaches here feel more refined than typical shore towns, with manicured dunes and less commercial development visible from the sand. It’s a nice contrast to Wildwood’s bustling boardwalk scene — though both have their charm!
Shopping Along Dune Drive
Avalon’s main shopping district runs along Dune Drive from roughly 21st to 30th Street. This isn’t your typical boardwalk souvenir shopping — you’ll find upscale boutiques, home decor stores, and specialty shops.
Must-Visit Shops: Avalon Clothing Company for resort wear, Irish Eyes for gifts and home goods, and Princeton Sports for beach gear and activewear. Many shops offer free parking validation for nearby lots.
The shopping here tends to be pricier than Wildwood, but the quality and unique selections make it worth browsing. You’ll find everything from designer swimwear to coastal home decor that captures that sophisticated shore aesthetic.
Dining Destinations
Avalon’s restaurant scene focuses on fresh seafood and upscale casual dining. The Windrift Restaurant is a local institution, offering oceanfront dining with fantastic sunset views. Expect to pay $25-35 for dinner entrees, but the location and quality justify the price.
For lunch, Café Loren serves excellent sandwiches and salads in a cozy setting, while Water Star Grille offers creative American cuisine with bay views. Many restaurants don’t take reservations, so plan for potential waits during peak summer hours.
Local Tip: Many Avalon restaurants have early bird specials before 6 PM, offering the same great food at lower prices. Perfect timing after a day at the beach!
Why Stay in Wildwood for Your Avalon Adventure
While Avalon is beautiful, staying at Coastal Collection Hotels in Wildwood gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy Wildwood’s free beaches and walking distance to our iconic boardwalk, plus easy access to explore upscale towns like Avalon when you want a change of pace.
Our five locally-owned hotels — from Coastal Sands Inn to Sunset Beach Hotel — offer comfortable accommodations at better value than Avalon’s premium pricing. After a day exploring Avalon’s shops and restaurants, you’ll appreciate returning to Wildwood’s relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and all the evening entertainment our boardwalk provides.
Stay Steps from the Action.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.