IF THE BEACH AND BOARDWALK DEFINE SUMMER AT THE SHORE, the Wildwoods are where it happens.

Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest beaches are definitely the widest in the state. As other towns fight a losing battle against coastal erosion, all the state’s sand seems to collect here. That makes for plenty of room to spread out. Wildwood beaches are free. No annoying “tagger-naggers” coming around to inspect and sell beach tags.

Wildwood’s boardwalk is also the ultimate—at least from a kid’s perspective. Wildwood has more rides on its boardwalk than any other shore town in southern New Jersey. On boardwalk piers that extend out over the beach, daredevils will enjoy the variety of roller coasters, from the old-fashioned wooden “Great White” to the double-loop Sea Serpent. There are also plenty of kiddy rides, two water parks, and an assortment of carnival-style games with barkers goading mom and dad to loosen up on the wallet.

Biking is allowed on the boardwalk before 10:30 a.m. (11 a.m. on weekdays). If you get tired of walking the three-mile span in the evening, you have the option of hopping on one of the ubiquitous “tram cars.”

Boardwalk events includes: Doo Wop ’50s Nights on Monday, featuring parades, music, and classic cars; the Cape Atlantic Irish Piper Brigade, also every Monday night; Family Fun Night every Thursday, featuring parades, clowns, and music (including Philadelphia-style string bands); Movies on the Beach, Schellenger Avenue, every Friday night at 9 and 12; and Fireworks every Friday night at 11.

Young adults interested in the summer clubs have always found “Wildwood” appropriately named, as great music and a showcase of tanned bodies make for a lot of fun after sunset.

History buffs will enjoy a trip to the Wildwood Historical Museum, Holly Beach Station Mall, Pacific Avenue, which traces the history of Wildwood from its days as a summering spot for the Lenni Lenape to the present. Of course, any true understanding of Wildwood’s history is incomplete without a look at its heyday in the 1950s. For that, you’ll want to take the Doo Wop ’50s Trolley Tour on Tuesday or Thursday. This award-winning 45-minute guided tour showcases Wildwood’s unique collection of 1950s architecture.

Another point of historical interest is the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, First & Central Avenues, North Wildwood. Built in 1874, the structure’s Swiss Gothic architecture makes it one of the most unusual lighthouses in New Jersey.

You can get to Wildwood from exits 6 and 4B on the Garden State Parkway, or by bus to the station at Oak and New Jersey avenues.

According to the ’60s hit by Bobby Rydell, a trip to Wildwood will make you feel like “every day’s a holiday, and every night is Saturday night.”


Courtesy of the Press of Atlantic City