Category: Things to Do

When the ocean waves are too rough for the little ones or you just want a change of pace, Splash Zone Waterpark in Wildwood is the answer. Slides, lazy rivers, splash pads, and hours of water fun for kids of all ages.

What’s Inside

Splash Zone features multiple water slides (from toddler-friendly to thrilling), a lazy river for floating, interactive splash pads, and enough variety to keep kids busy all day. It’s part of the Morey’s Piers complex, so you can combo waterpark time with boardwalk rides.

Tips for Parents

Arrive when gates open to get the best lounge chairs. Bring waterproof sunscreen and reapply often. Kids under a certain height get access to dedicated splash areas, so even the youngest family members have a blast.

The Perfect Family Setup

Stay at Coastal Collection Hotels — walk to Splash Zone 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

At most Jersey Shore towns, a family of four pays $30-50/day just to sit on the sand. Over a week-long vacation, that’s $200-350 in beach tags alone. 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 Steps 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 — all designed for families who want beach access without the hassle.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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