Category: Things to Do

Wildwood is home to one of America’s most unique architectural styles — Doo Wop, the neon-lit, space-age motel designs of the 1950s and 60s that make the island look like a time capsule of mid-century cool.

What Is Doo Wop?

After World War II, Wildwood exploded as a vacation destination. Motel owners competed for attention with bold designs — angular rooflines, kidney-shaped pools, neon signs, and space-age themes. The result is a streetscape unlike anywhere else in America.

Where to See It

Drive or walk along Ocean Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. The remaining Doo Wop motels are concentrated here — many still operating, their original signs glowing at night just like they did 60 years ago.

Doo Wop Experience Museum

For the full history, visit the Doo Wop Experience Museum on the boardwalk. Interactive exhibits, neon sign collections, and the story of how Wildwood became America’s Doo Wop capital.

Stay in Wildwood’s History

Coastal Collection’s properties carry forward Wildwood’s tradition of locally-owned, character-driven accommodations — updated with modern amenities but rooted in the same spirit that made Wildwood famous. Five hotels and Airbnb rentals, all with personality.

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The Reef is Wildwood’s premier waterfront restaurant — a modern, curated menu featuring locally sourced seafood, seasonal ingredients, and views that make every meal feel special.

The Experience

This isn’t boardwalk food (though we love that too). The Reef is where you go for a real dinner — fresh catches prepared with technique, craft cocktails mixed with care, and a waterfront setting that turns a meal into a memory.

What to Order

The menu rotates seasonally, but the seafood is always the star. Trust the daily specials — they’re based on what came in fresh that day. The cocktail program is thoughtful, with seasonal creations alongside classics done right.

Perfect for Date Night

Traveling as a couple? The Reef is your evening. Drop the kids at Morey’s Piers (old enough) or hire a sitter, then enjoy a grown-up dinner on the water. You earned it.

And getting there from Coastal Collection Hotels? A short walk or quick ride. Stay close to the action, dine at the best spots, and walk home under the boardwalk lights.

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About 20 to 25 minutes’ drive south of Wildwood, Cape May Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay from 199 steps up. It’s one of the best day trips you can take from your Wildwood hotel.

What to Know

The lighthouse is located in Cape May Point State Park. Climb the 199 steps for views over the ocean, the bay and the Point. Climbing hours change with the season, so check the Cape May MAC schedule before you go. The state park around it has walking trails and a visitor center.

Combine It With

• Sunset Beach — About a mile west of the lighthouse, at the end of Sunset Boulevard. Known for its sunsets over the bay; the evening flag-lowering ceremony runs in the summer season.
• Cape May town — Victorian homes, the Washington Street Mall and restaurants; whale and dolphin watching boats run in season
• Cape May County Park & Zoo — Free admission (donations welcome) and good for kids. It is in Cape May Court House, north of Wildwood, so make it a separate stop rather than part of the lighthouse trip

Stay in Wildwood, Day Trip to Cape May

Staying in Wildwood keeps the beaches free and the Boardwalk close, and Cape May is a 20-minute drive whenever you want it. From mid-October through April, Coastal Sands Inn is the Coastal Collection hotel that is open; the other four reopen in April.

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The Wildwood boardwalk isn’t just rides and games — it’s one of the best food destinations on the Jersey Shore. Here’s what to eat when you’re walking the boards.

The Classics

• Boardwalk pizza — Grab a slice at Sam’s or Mack’s, the two most debated pizzerias in Wildwood history
• Funnel cake — Hot, crispy, loaded with powdered sugar. The line is always worth it.
• Curly fries & cheese fries — Wildwood’s boardwalk fries are their own food group
• Kohr Bros frozen custard — The orange-and-vanilla twist is a Jersey Shore tradition
• Boardwalk corn — Buttered, seasoned, roasted. Simple and perfect.

Beyond the Basics

• Crab fries — Old Bay seasoned fries with cheese sauce. Dangerously addictive.
• Fresh lemonade — Hand-squeezed stands are scattered along the boards
• Salt water taffy — You can’t leave Wildwood without a box. Shriver’s and Fralinger’s are the originals.
• Lobster rolls — Several boardwalk spots now serve New England-style lobster rolls

Pro Tip

Hit the boardwalk food stands between 4-5pm — right before the dinner rush. Lines are shorter and everything is fresh for the evening crowd.

And when you’re staying at Coastal Collection Hotels, the boardwalk is just steps away. Late-night funnel cake runs are very much encouraged.

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After a day on the beach, nothing hits like a cold drink at happy hour prices. Here are the best happy hours in Wildwood, NJ for summer 2026.

Top Happy Hour Spots

• Ship ‘N Shore Bar — Harbor views, daily happy hour prices on beer and cocktails. Hard to beat the sunset view with a cold one.
• Dogtooth Bar & Grill — Legendary margaritas, solid food, and happy hour deals that keep locals coming back.
• The Point — Craft cocktails with a view. One of Wildwood’s more polished happy hour spots.
• Fairview Social — Casual vibes, good prices, and a crowd that’s there to have a good time.
• West Side Saloon — Dive bar energy with prices to match. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
• Mulligans Shore Bar & Grill — Reliable happy hour with bar food that doesn’t disappoint.

Pro Tip

Most Wildwood happy hours run 3-6pm. Hit the beach in the morning, shower at the hotel, and walk to happy hour. That’s the Wildwood daily routine.

Walk to Happy Hour from Coastal Collection

Every one of these spots is within walking distance of Coastal Collection Hotels. No driving, no Uber surge pricing. Just a short walk from your room to a cold drink.

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Update, October 2026: Splash Zone Waterpark, at Schellenger Avenue and the Wildwood Boardwalk, closed permanently after the 2025 season. When the ocean waves are too rough for the little ones or you just want a change of pace, Wildwood’s water parks are now Morey’s Piers’ two Boardwalk parks: Raging Waters at Mariner’s Pier and Ocean Oasis at Surfside Pier. Our Wildwood water parks guide compares them.

Where to Go Instead

Raging Waters has the River Adventure lazy river, the Sky Pond Journey tube ride and two kids’ play areas, Camp Kidtastrophe and Shipwreck Shoals. Ocean Oasis has the Cliff Dive and Riptide Rapids, the Endless River lazy river and a swim-up bar for the adults. Both are part of Morey’s Piers, so you can combine water park time with Boardwalk rides. Both parks are summer-only; check moreyspiers.com for current days, hours and rates.

Tips for Parents

Arrive when gates open to get the best lounge chairs. Bring waterproof sunscreen and reapply often. Both parks have dedicated kids’ areas, so even the youngest family members have a blast.

The Perfect Family Setup

Stay at Coastal Collection Hotels — walk to the Morey’s water parks in the morning, head to the beach in the afternoon, grab boardwalk dinner at night. All within walking distance, all without moving the car.

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Ask any local where to eat in Wildwood and Jersey Girl Kitchen and Bar is one of the first names you’ll hear. It’s one of those spots that feels like a secret even though everyone knows about it.

The Vibe

Jersey Girl combines craft cocktails, creative dishes, and a laid-back Jersey Shore atmosphere. It’s upscale enough for a date night but casual enough to walk in with sandy flip-flops. That balance is exactly why it works.

What to Order

Their cocktail menu rotates with seasonal specials — trust the bartender’s recommendation. The food menu mixes comfort classics with chef-driven twists. Come hungry.

Walking Distance from Coastal Collection

One of the best things about staying at Coastal Collection Hotels is that spots like Jersey Girl are just a short walk away. No designated driver needed — just stroll back to your room after a great meal.

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Here’s something most Jersey Shore towns don’t offer: Wildwood’s beaches are completely free. No beach tags, no daily fees, no seasonal passes. Just show up with your towel and enjoy.

Why Free Beaches Matter

Most Jersey Shore towns sell beach tags by the day, week or season, and every adult in the family needs one. In Wildwood? Zero. That money goes toward boardwalk rides, seafood dinners, and actually enjoying your vacation.

The Widest Beaches on the Shore

Wildwood’s beaches aren’t just free — they’re enormous. The sand stretches hundreds of yards from the boardwalk to the water, giving you more space than you’ll know what to do with. No fighting for a spot, no towels touching strangers.

Stay a Few Blocks from the Sand

Every Coastal Collection property is walking distance to Wildwood’s free beaches. Coastal Sands Inn, Beachside Resort, Paradise Inn, Sunset Beach Hotel, and Sunrise Inn — each a short walk from the sand.

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Morey’s Piers is the heartbeat of Wildwood — three waterfront amusement piers packed with over 100 rides, two waterparks, and enough boardwalk energy to keep your family busy for days.

The Three Piers

• Adventure Pier — Home to The Great White roller coaster and thrill rides for adrenaline seekers
• Surfside Pier — The Great Nor’easter coaster plus family rides and the iconic Giant Wheel
• Mariner’s Landing — The Sea Serpent coaster, plus kid-friendly rides and Raging Waters waterpark

Tips for Families

Buy your wristbands online for discounts. Go in the morning or after 5pm to beat the longest lines. Bring water — the boardwalk gets hot in July and August. And don’t skip the waterparks — they’re the best way to cool down between rides.

Where to Stay for Morey’s Piers

Coastal Collection Hotels are all within walking distance of Morey’s Piers. Wake up, walk to the boardwalk, ride all day, walk back. No parking fees, no traffic, no hassle. Five hotels and Airbnb rentals with pools, clean rooms, and family-friendly vibes.

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You can’t visit the Jersey Shore without eating seafood — and Wildwood has some of the best. From casual boardwalk spots to waterfront dining, here’s where to get the freshest catches in the Wildwoods.

Top Seafood Spots

• The Reef — Waterfront dining with a modern menu featuring locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. This is the upscale option.
• Ship ‘N Shore Bar — Overlooking Ottens Harbor Inlet, great for casual fish and chips with a cold beer and a view.
• Coastal Blue — Seaside-chic ambiance near Diamond Beach. Consistently rated one of the best restaurants in the area.
• Boardwalk Classics — Don’t sleep on the boardwalk’s own seafood stands. Fresh crab fries, fried clam strips, and lobster rolls are summer staples.

Insider Tips

Go early for dinner (5-6pm) to avoid the summer rush. Most waterfront spots don’t take reservations, so timing matters. And check daily specials — the freshest catches rotate based on what came in that morning.

Stay & Eat in Wildwood

Coastal Collection Hotels puts you walking distance from all of these spots. Book your room, leave the car parked, and eat your way through Wildwood’s seafood scene on foot.

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