Planning a Wildwood family vacation? The right packing list can make the difference between smooth sailing and scrambling to buy forgotten essentials at boardwalk prices.
Beach Day Essentials
Wildwood’s free beaches stretch for miles, giving your family plenty of room to spread out. Pack a large beach umbrella or pop-up tent — the Jersey shore sun can be intense, especially during midday hours. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), beach towels for everyone, and a mesh bag for collecting shells.
Water shoes are a game-changer here. Wildwood’s sandy beaches are generally smooth, but the occasional shell fragment can surprise little feet. Pack a small cooler with plenty of water and snacks — staying hydrated is crucial during long beach days.
Local Tip: Pack a wagon or beach cart. The walk from our Coastal Collection hotels to the beach is short, but hauling gear with kids in tow is much easier with wheels.
Boardwalk Adventures
The Wildwood Boardwalk demands comfortable walking shoes — flip-flops will leave feet sore after hours of exploring. Pack a small backpack or crossbody bag for each adult to carry water bottles, snacks, and prizes from the arcade games.
Bring cash for boardwalk activities. While many vendors accept cards, having bills makes transactions quicker, especially at smaller game booths. A portable phone charger is essential — you’ll be taking countless photos of the kids on rides and capturing those perfect sunset moments.
Evening temperatures can drop 10-15 degrees from daytime highs. Pack light sweaters or hoodies for everyone, even during summer visits. The ocean breeze feels refreshing after hot beach days but can catch families off guard after dark.
What NOT to Overpack
Skip the bulky beach chairs — most of our Coastal Collection properties offer beach chair rentals or loans. Leave the hair dryer at home too; all our rooms come equipped with them. Beach toys? Bring a few favorites, but don’t go overboard. Kids often prefer building sandcastles with simple buckets and shovels rather than elaborate gadgets.
- ✓Beach umbrella and tent
- ✓Water shoes for the whole family
- ✓Reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes for boardwalk
- ✓Light layers for evening temperatures
Smart Packing for Pool Time
Many of our five locally-owned hotels feature pools, so pack accordingly. Bring pool floats for little ones and consider packing a separate set of swim clothes for pool versus beach use. Pool chlorine and salt water affect fabric differently, so having dedicated suits extends their life.
Pack flip-flops specifically for pool areas — they’re easier to slip on and off than water shoes and dry quickly between pool and room visits.
Local Tip: Our properties are within walking distance of the boardwalk, so you can easily pop back to your room for forgotten items or midday breaks. This proximity means you can pack lighter and make multiple trips if needed.
The beauty of staying with Coastal Collection Hotels — whether at our traditional properties or private Airbnb rentals — is the flexibility to return to your room throughout the day. Forgot the camera? Need to grab a sweatshirt? Our convenient location near both beach and boardwalk means nothing is ever more than a short walk away.
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.