Just a 20-minute drive north from Wildwood lies Avalon, one of New Jersey’s most elegant beach towns. This upscale Seven Mile Island destination offers a perfect contrast to the bustling boardwalk energy — think pristine beaches, boutique shopping, and sophisticated dining that makes for an unforgettable day trip.
Getting to Avalon from Wildwood
The journey from your comfortable home base at any of our five locally-owned Coastal Collection properties takes you north on Ocean Drive through Stone Harbor. The scenic coastal route offers glimpses of Hereford Inlet and back bay marshlands before arriving in Avalon. Pro tip: Leave by 9 AM to secure prime beach parking and have the full day to explore.
Local Tip: Download the ParkAvalon app before you go. It shows real-time parking availability and lets you pay for meters from your phone — a game-changer during busy summer days.
Avalon’s Beautiful Beaches
While Wildwood’s beaches are completely free and stretch for miles, Avalon offers a different beach experience with wide, pristine stretches of sand and a more refined atmosphere. Beach tags are required from Memorial Day through Labor Day, costing around $10 for the day or $25 for the season. The beaches are impeccably maintained, and you’ll find fewer crowds than the bustling Wildwood shoreline.
30th Street Beach is particularly family-friendly with convenient restrooms and a snack bar nearby. For a quieter experience, head to the beaches around 78th Street where you’ll find more space to spread out and enjoy the pristine Atlantic coastline.
Shopping on Dune Drive
Avalon’s charming downtown centers around Dune Drive, where boutique shops line the tree-shaded streets. Unlike the souvenir shops near Wildwood’s boardwalk, Avalon’s retail scene focuses on upscale beachwear, home décor, and unique gifts.
Must-visit shops include Avalon Clothing Company for designer beachwear, Blue Pig Tavern’s gift shop for locally-made items, and the Avalon Bakery for fresh-baked treats to fuel your shopping adventure.
The compact downtown area makes it easy to browse multiple stores in an afternoon. Many shops feature items you won’t find in typical beach towns — think artisanal jewelry, high-end beach accessories, and sophisticated home goods perfect for bringing a piece of the shore back home.
Dining with a View
Avalon’s restaurant scene elevates typical shore dining with waterfront locations and refined menus. The Windrift Hotel’s beachfront restaurant offers stunning ocean views with their famous Sunday brunch, while Blue Pig Tavern serves farm-to-table cuisine in a cozy atmosphere just steps from the beach.
For a more casual lunch, grab fish tacos at Sea Grill or enjoy brick-oven pizza at Avalon Brew Pub. The portions are generous, and most restaurants offer outdoor seating where you can enjoy the sea breeze while dining.
Local Tip: Make dinner reservations before leaving Wildwood, especially for waterfront restaurants. Summer evenings book up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on watching the sunset over the bay.
Why Stay in Wildwood for Your Avalon Adventure
After a day of Avalon’s refined pleasures, you’ll appreciate returning to Wildwood’s vibrant energy and unbeatable value. Our Coastal Collection properties put you within walking distance of the famous boardwalk and free beaches, while still being perfectly positioned for day trips up and down the coast. Whether you choose the Coastal Sands Inn, Paradise Inn, Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, Sunrise Inn, or one of our private Airbnb rentals, you’ll have comfortable accommodations at a fraction of Avalon’s premium hotel rates.
The 20-minute drive back gives you time to decompress from your elegant Avalon day before diving back into Wildwood’s classic boardwalk atmosphere — the best of both worlds for your Jersey Shore vacation.
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.