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Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.
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Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.
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Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.
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Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.
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Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.
Summer in Wildwood means sun, surf, and savings if you know where to look. With a little planning and insider knowledge, you can secure amazing deals at quality accommodations without sacrificing your perfect beach vacation.
The golden rule of Wildwood hotel deals? Book between January and March for summer stays. Most hotels release their summer inventory during these months, offering early bird discounts of 15-25% off peak rates. At locally-owned properties like Coastal Collection Hotels, you’ll often find even better deals since we don’t have corporate pricing restrictions.
Our five hotels — Coastal Sands Inn, Paradise Inn, Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, and Sunrise Inn — typically offer their lowest summer rates during this winter booking window. Plus, we have private Airbnb rentals for families wanting more space or unique accommodations.
Local Tip: Call directly instead of booking online. Family-owned hotels often have unpublished rates and can throw in perks like free parking or late checkout that booking sites can’t offer.
Memorial Day weekend kicks off peak season, but the weeks before and after major holidays offer substantial savings. Consider arriving the Tuesday after Memorial Day or staying through the first week of September when kids return to school.
Mid-June before Father’s Day and late August before Labor Day typically see rates drop 20-30% compared to peak summer weeks. The beaches are still free and gorgeous, the boardwalk attractions are fully operational, and you’ll have more space to spread out.
Skip the generic “hotel + dinner” packages that barely save you anything. Instead, look for accommodations that include real value:
Remember, Wildwood’s beaches are completely free — no beach tags required — which already saves your family significant money compared to other Jersey Shore destinations.
Staying within walking distance of the boardwalk eliminates parking fees, taxi rides, and the hassle of driving to attractions. Most of our properties are just 1-2 blocks from the beach and famous Wildwood boardwalk.
Extend your weekend into Monday and Tuesday for dramatic rate reductions. Many hotels drop their prices by 40-50% for weeknight stays, even in peak July. A Tuesday-through-Thursday stay can cost less than a single weekend night during busy periods.
Local businesses also offer better deals midweek. Restaurant specials, boardwalk discounts, and attraction packages are more generous when tourism slows slightly.
Local Tip: Follow your favorite Wildwood hotels on social media. Family-owned properties often announce flash sales or last-minute deals exclusively to their followers, especially for gaps in their booking calendar.
Booking directly with hotels — especially locally-owned ones — unlocks perks that third-party sites simply cannot match. You’ll often get room upgrades, flexible cancellation policies, and personal service that makes your vacation smoother.
Our team knows Wildwood inside and out, from the best breakfast spots to which beach areas have the gentlest waves for kids. That local expertise comes free with your stay, making every dollar work harder for your family’s vacation memories.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.
Most people think Wildwood shuts down after Labor Day, but savvy travelers know that New Year’s Weekend offers something magical — a peaceful coastal retreat with crisp ocean air, cozy fireplaces, and the chance to start fresh by the sea.
Without the summer crowds, Wildwood transforms into an entirely different destination. The free beaches stretch endlessly without a single umbrella in sight, perfect for contemplative walks and dramatic sunrise photos. The famous boardwalk takes on a nostalgic charm, with iconic neon signs glowing against winter skies and the sound of waves replacing carnival music.
January 1st morning beach walks have become a local tradition — there’s something profoundly refreshing about breathing that salt air while setting intentions for the year ahead. Plus, you’ll have those Instagram-worthy shots all to yourself.
Local Tip: The sunrise on January 1st is spectacular from the beach around 7:15 AM. Bundle up and bring a thermos of coffee for the perfect New Year moment.
Contrary to popular belief, Wildwood doesn’t completely hibernate in winter. Several restaurants stay open year-round, including the Bolero Resort’s dining options and various pizza joints along New York Avenue. Many bars and taverns host special New Year’s Eve celebrations, creating intimate gatherings rather than massive tourist parties.
The Wildwood Convention Center often hosts events during the holiday weekend, and nearby Cape May offers additional dining and shopping options just a short drive away. Atlantic City’s casinos and entertainment venues are only 45 minutes north, perfect for a New Year’s Eve night out.
Many local establishments offer special winter hours and New Year’s Eve packages. Call ahead to confirm schedules, but don’t let fear of closures stop you — the open spots create a more authentic, local experience.
Skip the expensive, overcrowded city celebrations. Wildwood offers something better:
January temperatures typically range from 30-45°F, so pack layers, a warm coat, and waterproof boots. The good news? Winter storms often clear quickly, leaving behind incredibly clear skies perfect for stargazing. Indoor heated pools at some hotels provide year-round swimming, and many rooms feature fireplaces or enhanced heating systems.
Local Tip: Book a room with a kitchenette or refrigerator. Stock up on supplies from the local Acme or ShopRite, and you’ll have everything needed for a perfect in-room celebration or beach picnic.
Coastal Collection’s locally-owned properties offer something chain hotels can’t — genuine hospitality and insider knowledge from hosts who live here year-round. Our five hotels and private Airbnb rentals are all within walking distance to the boardwalk, so you can easily slip back to your warm room between beach walks and local adventures.
Plus, off-season rates mean you can afford that oceanview room or suite upgrade, turning your New Year’s weekend into a true retreat rather than just another expensive night out.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.
The Great White roller coaster towers over Wildwood’s famous boardwalk like a wooden monument to pure adrenaline, and after riding it countless times over the years, I can tell you it absolutely lives up to the hype — especially if you know what you’re getting into.
Located at Morey’s Piers, The Great White isn’t just any roller coaster — it’s a wooden coaster that delivers the classic, bone-rattling experience you can’t get from modern steel rides. At 110 feet tall with speeds reaching 50 mph, this beast has been thrilling riders since 1996 and remains one of the most popular attractions on the entire boardwalk.
The ride features a massive 3,000-foot track with steep drops, sharp turns, and enough airtime to make your stomach flip. What sets it apart is that authentic wooden coaster feel — you’ll hear every creak and groan of the track, adding to the excitement and nostalgia.
Local Tip: The best time to ride is during weekday afternoons when lines are shorter, or grab a Fast Lane pass during busy summer weekends to skip the wait.
Morey’s Piers operates on a pay-per-ride system with individual tickets or all-day wristbands. The Great White typically costs around 8-10 tickets for a single ride, while a full-day wristband runs about $65-75 during peak season. If you’re planning to hit multiple rides, the wristband is definitely the way to go.
Pro tip: Check Morey’s website for discount coupons and special pricing. They often offer early bird specials and group rates that can save you significant money, especially for families.
The Great White starts with a slow, anticipation-building climb to the top, giving you spectacular views of Wildwood’s coastline and those gorgeous free beaches stretching for miles. Then comes the drop — a heart-stopping plunge that sets the tone for the entire 2-minute ride.
The coaster features several key elements that make it memorable:
One of the biggest advantages of staying with Coastal Collection Hotels is our walking distance location to the boardwalk and all the piers. Whether you’re at our Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, or any of our five locally-owned properties, you can easily stroll over for a ride on The Great White, then head back to your room to rest up before the evening festivities.
The Great White operates from late morning through late evening during summer months, so you have plenty of flexibility to work it into your Wildwood itinerary. Many guests tell us they love being able to ride it multiple times throughout their stay without worrying about parking or long walks back to distant hotels.
Local Tip: Ride The Great White just before sunset for an absolutely magical experience — the ocean views from the top are breathtaking as the sky changes colors.
So is The Great White worth the hype? Absolutely. It’s a classic wooden coaster experience that perfectly captures the spirit of Wildwood’s boardwalk. The combination of thrills, nostalgia, and those incredible ocean views makes it a must-ride attraction that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.
Just a short drive from Wildwood’s bustling boardwalk lies one of South Jersey’s best-kept secrets — Historic Cold Spring Village, where you can literally step back in time and experience life as it was in the 1800s.
Located in Cape May Point, this living history museum features over 25 restored historic buildings spread across 30 acres. Unlike static museums, Cold Spring Village comes alive with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts like blacksmithing, pottery, and weaving. Kids absolutely love watching the blacksmith forge horseshoes while parents appreciate the authentic glimpse into 19th-century rural life.
Local Tip: Visit on weekends during summer for the most interactive experiences. That’s when all the craft demonstrations are running and the village feels most authentic.
Start your visit at the Welcome Center to grab a map and timeline of events. The highlight buildings include the 1820s farmhouse, complete with period furniture and cooking demonstrations, and the working gristmill where you can watch corn being ground into meal. The one-room schoolhouse is perfect for families — kids can sit at the old wooden desks and imagine learning their lessons by candlelight.
The village typically operates from late spring through early fall, with extended hours during summer months. Admission is quite reasonable — usually around $12 for adults and $8 for children, making it an affordable family outing. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours to fully explore all the buildings and watch the demonstrations.
The village is only about 15 minutes from Wildwood, making it the perfect afternoon escape when you want a break from the beach and boardwalk scene.
When you’re staying at any of our five locally-owned hotels — from the family-friendly Coastal Sands Inn to the oceanfront Sunset Beach Hotel — you’re perfectly positioned to explore both Wildwood’s famous free beaches and hidden gems like Cold Spring Village. After a morning on our boardwalk (just walking distance away), you can easily drive to the village for an afternoon of history and education.
Local Tip: Combine your Cold Spring Village visit with a stop at nearby Cape May Point State Park and the historic Cape May Lighthouse for a full day of South Jersey history and natural beauty.
Our front desk team knows all the best times to visit and can provide directions and current admission information. Plus, after a day of exploring 19th-century life, you’ll appreciate returning to modern comforts and being just steps from Wildwood’s dining and entertainment options.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.
Ready to capture those perfect beach vacation memories? Wildwood offers stunning backdrops around every corner, from iconic boardwalk scenes to golden hour beach shots that’ll make your followers double-tap instantly.
The Wildwood Boardwalk is Instagram gold, especially the vintage neon signs that light up after sunset. Head to Morey’s Piers for that classic carnival aesthetic — the Great White roller coaster creates dramatic silhouettes against colorful evening skies. The iconic Wildwood Sign near the convention center is another must-have shot, particularly stunning when lit up at night.
For the best boardwalk photography, visit during golden hour (about an hour before sunset) when the warm light makes everything glow. The crowds thin out slightly, giving you cleaner shots of the vintage architecture and neon signs.
Local Tip: The best boardwalk entrance shots are at Schellenger Avenue — fewer crowds and the classic “Wildwood” archway makes for perfect framing.
Wildwood’s free beaches stretch for miles, offering endless photo opportunities. The beach is widest near Cresse Avenue, perfect for those expansive shoreline shots. Early morning brings fewer crowds and softer light — ideal for solo shots or couple portraits.
For dramatic wave action, head to the north end near Two Mile Landing where the jetties create interesting water patterns. The dune walkways provide elevated angles for capturing the beach’s full scope, while the colorful beach patrol stations add pops of red and yellow to your shots.
Sunset Lake offers a completely different vibe from the beach scenes. The calm water creates perfect reflections, especially during sunrise when mist often rises from the surface. The walking path around the lake provides multiple angles, and the resident swans make for elegant wildlife shots.
The Wildwood Crest Pier extends into the ocean, creating leading lines that draw viewers into your photos. It’s less crowded than the main boardwalk but equally photogenic, especially for silhouette shots during sunset.
Don’t miss the colorful lifeguard stands scattered along the beach — each one is painted differently and makes for perfect Instagram story content. They’re most vibrant in direct sunlight around midday.
The magic hours in Wildwood are truly spectacular. Sunrise (around 6:30 AM in summer) brings soft pastels and empty beaches — perfect for those dreamy, peaceful shots. Sunset (around 8 PM) transforms the boardwalk into a neon wonderland, while the beach becomes a canvas of gold and pink reflections.
Midday might seem harsh for photography, but it’s actually perfect for capturing the vibrant colors of beach umbrellas, lifeguard stands, and the crystal-clear water. Use the boardwalk’s buildings to create interesting shadows and patterns.
Local Tip: Wednesday evenings often feature fireworks during summer months — position yourself on the beach facing the boardwalk for shots that capture both the fireworks and the neon-lit pier below.
Staying at one of our five locally-owned properties — Coastal Sands Inn, Paradise Inn, Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, or Sunrise Inn — puts you within walking distance of every photo opportunity. No need to drive and hunt for parking; you can easily return to your room to charge cameras, change outfits, or grab different lenses.
Our properties also offer unique architectural details perfect for that “staying somewhere special” content. Plus, being locally owned means our staff knows exactly when and where to catch the best light for those must-have shots.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.