Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in Wildwood, and there’s no better place to kick off the season than on our famous FREE beaches with the iconic boardwalk just steps away.
What Makes Memorial Day Weekend Special in Wildwood
Memorial Day Weekend transforms Wildwood from its peaceful spring atmosphere into a vibrant beach destination. The Wildwood Boardwalk comes alive with all the classic amusements operating at full capacity, and the beach patrol begins their summer season. Most importantly, you’ll find perfect weather for beach activities without the peak summer crowds.
The weekend typically brings temperatures in the comfortable 70s, making it ideal for beach walks, boardwalk strolls, and outdoor dining. Plus, many seasonal restaurants and attractions open specifically for Memorial Day Weekend, giving you a preview of everything summer in Wildwood has to offer.
Local Tip: Memorial Day Weekend is when we locals know summer has truly arrived. The beach patrol sets up their stands, and you’ll see the first beach tag sales of the season — though remember, Wildwood beaches are completely FREE year-round!
Beach Activities and Boardwalk Fun
Memorial Day Weekend is perfect for enjoying Wildwood’s expansive beaches. The sand is clean and ready for the season, and the lifeguards begin their summer watch. Pack your beach chairs, umbrellas, and sunscreen for a classic Jersey shore experience.
On the boardwalk, Morey’s Piers typically opens for weekend operation, featuring thrilling rides like the Great White roller coaster and the Giant Wheel. The classic boardwalk games, from skee-ball to ring toss, welcome visitors back for another season of family fun.
Don’t miss the traditional Memorial Day Weekend fireworks display over the ocean — typically held Saturday evening around 9 PM from the beach near Morey’s Piers.
Dining and Entertainment Options
Memorial Day Weekend sees many seasonal restaurants reopening their doors. Duffer’s Restaurant on the boardwalk serves up classic shore favorites, while The Penalty Box offers great sports bar atmosphere with ocean views.
For families, the weekend often features special entertainment on the boardwalk, including live music performances and street entertainers. Many shops extend their hours, and you’ll find the famous Curley’s Fries and Johnson’s Popcorn stands ready to serve up boardwalk classics.
- ✓Boardwalk cafes and ice cream shops reopen for the season
- ✓Extended hours at most attractions and restaurants
- ✓Live entertainment and special events throughout the weekend
Planning Your Stay with Coastal Collection
Staying with Coastal Collection Hotels puts you in the perfect position to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend without the hassle. Our five locally-owned properties — Coastal Sands Inn, Paradise Inn, Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, and Sunrise Inn — plus our private Airbnb rentals are all within walking distance of both the beach and boardwalk.
This means you can easily return to your room to refresh between beach and boardwalk activities, store your beach gear safely, and avoid the parking challenges that come with the weekend crowds. Our local expertise helps ensure you don’t miss any of the special Memorial Day events happening around town.
Local Tip: Book early for Memorial Day Weekend — it’s one of our busiest weekends as both families and college groups celebrate the start of summer. Our locally-owned hotels fill up quickly, but the personal service and prime location make it worth planning ahead.
Memorial Day Weekend in Wildwood offers the perfect combination of summer excitement and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time to experience everything our barrier island has to offer.
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.