Wildwood, NJ Weekend Guide: An Action-packed 2-day Wildwood Itinerary
New Jersey’s Coastline has it all. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, observe wildlife, wine and dine, dance to live music, and party, or spend the day on rides and playing games on the boardwalk, Wildwood is the spot for you!
Known for its iconic Morey’s Piers and Waterpark on the boardwalk, expansive beaches, endless food and drink options, and stunning coastal views. It’s the perfect summer and year-round vacation spot for people with any and all interests. Here’s your perfect Wildwood weekend guide (from a local)!
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Quick note! This Wildwood weekend itinerary was curated and written by Bree, a South Jersey local. This way, you can ensure you are reading the best and most accurate guide (from an actual human who has experienced it!) You can read more about Bree at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
2 Days in Wildwood (Quick Overview)
Before we get into all the details, here’s a quick snapshot of how I’d spend a weekend in Wildwood. If it sounds like your kind of trip, stick around for all the details and hidden gems below! This is a jam-packed 2-day itinerary, but it can be easily broken down into 3 days or more!
Day 1:
- Morning: Breakfast at Vinyl by Madison
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach, Lunch at La Isla, hop on the Coastal Cruiser to explore all of the best wineries, breweries, and distilleries in and around Cape May and Wildwood
- Evening: Dinner at Mud Hen and Ice Cream at Duffers
Day 2:
- Morning: Breakfast at Bagel Depot, Kayak Rental from Saltwater Outpost, Hereford Lighthouse, Surf Bike Surrey Rental
- Afternoon: Lunch at the Doo Wop Diner, Dragon’s Lair Black Light Mini Golf, Mariner’s Arcade
- Evening: Rides at Morey’s Piers, dinner at Sam’s Pizza, and Curley’s Fries for dinner, Kohr Bro’s Ice Cream, and an optional night out!
How to Get to Wildwood
Wildwood, located in Cape May County, at the southern tip of New Jersey’s Shore, is a 1.5-hour drive from the Philadelphia Airport and just 45 minutes from the Atlantic City Airport. Traffic heading toward the shore on Friday nights and Saturday mornings can be backed up. Traffic heading away from the shore on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons can also be tough. Going/Leaving very early or very late is always your safest bet to avoid traffic, so plan accordingly.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry also transports you between Cape May and Lewes, Delaware, making Wildwood a quick 45-minute ferry ride from Delaware and Maryland! There are also NJ Transit buses that run from all over the state and even from Philadelphia and NYC.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Jersey Shore (Wildwood)
You would assume that the best time to visit the Jersey Shore would be in the summer, but that’s not always the case. Fall and Spring are excellent times to visit, to avoid the summer crowds and heat.
There are festivals here year-round, but summer is the time of year when the boardwalk is completely open, lifeguards are on duty, and services are in full swing. Wildwood has a large convention center located right on the boardwalk that hosts a variety of expos, conventions, and other events throughout the year.
Popular annual events include their Kite Festival over MDW, the Barefoot Country Music Festival, cultural Italian and Irish festivals, Car Shows, and an Air Show, among others. Check out their yearly calendar for their full list of events.
Where to Stay in Wildwood
The island of Wildwood is actually broken down into multiple distinct towns, and that is why it’s technically The Wildwoods.
North Wildwood is more of a bar scene, with lively late-night bar hopping and partying. Wildwood encompasses most of the central part of the island, which is where the boardwalk is located, as well as the majority of the restaurants and other businesses. Then, at the southern end, we have Wildwood Crest and Diamond Beach, which are quieter and more luxurious. West Wildwood is not really talked about…
Wildwood is most known for its endless options of motels, all with fun, unique themes and decor. While they are all cool in their own ways, the Madison Resort – Ocean Tower – is my favorite accommodation on the island and my preferred hotel to stay at. It gives a retro yet modern, sleek vibe, with a luxurious pool and hot tub, beachfront views, firepits, and a rooftop lounge. They also offer complimentary shuttle service around the island, as well as beach service of chairs and umbrellas. I think this is the most bang for your buck!
If you are looking for a more upscale option, check out the Icona at Diamond Beach. This is the quietest, most private section of the island. If you’re searching for more budget-friendly options, there are many campgrounds with cabins, tent sites, Airbnbs, and other lodging located off the island throughout the Cape May peninsula.
My Personal Wildwood Hotel Recommendations!
Here are some of the best places to stay in Wildwood for every budget!
- Budget-friendly Option: Beach Comber Campground Cabins– Campsites, RV sites, and some glamping sites available.
- Mid-range Option: Paradise Ocean Resort– Oceanfront hotel with direct beach access, a beautiful pool and centrally located.
- Luxury Option: The Icona This luxurious option comes with a hefty price tag, but you’ll find 2 restaurants, a private beach club with beach service, and an outdoor heated pool.
- Unique Option (my TOP pick): The Madison Resort– The retro yet modern decor is so refreshing and welcoming. This beachfront property has ocean views, a large pool and hot tub, outdoor fire pits, cabanas for rent, and a complimentary shuttle and beach service.
Wildwood 2-Day Weekend Itinerary
This Jersey Shore weekend guide is perfect for anyone looking for jam-packed fun! You’ll check out some of the best places to wine and dine, adventurous activities to do, and unique sightseeing options.
Day 1: Beach & Coast Cruiser – Brewery & Winery Tour
Morning:
Start your day with breakfast at Vinyl by Madison. Located directly at the Madison resort.
After breakfast, take advantage of the Madison’s complimentary beach service, where they will set up chairs and umbrellas for you on the beach.
After you relax on the beach to start your morning, shower off back in the room, and get ready for a long day of eating and drinking around the Cape. Take The Madison’s complimentary shuttle to the island’s newest Puerto Rican-inspired restaurant, La Isla, for a delicious, authentic Puerto Rican-style meal!
Afternoon:
From La Isla you can walk a few blocks to either Cedar Ave and the boardwalk, or to MudHen and hop on The Coastal Cruiser. You’ll want to have booked tickets ahead of time!
For just $40, the Coastal Cruiser provides endless shuttle service to all of the best wineries, breweries, and distilleries throughout the southern Cape, even bringing you into downtown Cape May and to the ferry terminal! Check out their website for the full list of stops and see some of my favorites below!
Evening:
End your day back in Wildwood and grab a delicious dinner and final round of drinks from Mud Hen. An ice cream sundae or milkshake from Duffers is a must!
Day 2: Ultimate Adventure: Kayaking, Biking, Boardwalk Games, Rides and Food Galore!
Morning:
Start your day with breakfast at Bagel Depot. I highly recommend ordering ahead for a quick pick-up.
Drive to Hereford Marina to rent kayaks from Saltwater Outpost. This bait and tackle shop offers kayak, boat, and fishing gear rentals, and caters to all of your fishing and boating needs.
Call ahead to book your kayak rental, starting at $30/hour. You will immerse yourself in the wondrous sights and sounds of the Hereford Inlet and Wildwood’s back bay marshes, full of shorebirds flying around and calling out.
Once you are done with your kayak rental, stop by the Hereford Lighthouse for a quick tour and walk of the seawall.
Then make your way to the boardwalk to Surf Bike Rentals. You can rent a normal bike, but I recommend the Surrey, a boardwalk classic, perfect for a fun ride with groups of 2-6.
Afternoon:
At this point, I know you’ve worked up an appetite again, so grab lunch at the iconic Doo Wop Diner located right on the boardwalk. Dig into a delicious burger and a mouthwatering milkshake!
Walk the boardwalk, browse the endless shops, and make your way to Dragon’s Lair Black Light Mini Golf for a quick round. Spend some time in Mariner’s Arcade, embracing your competitive side.
Evening:
My favorite time to go on the rides at Morey’s Piers is golden hour, as the sun begins to set. The midday heat is gone, and the cool breeze rolls in, and the sun casts its rays across the rides, lighting them up and throwing beautiful colors through the sky, making for the most perfect photo opportunities.
After you’ve gotten your share of rides in, it’s time for your last food of the day! A night at the boardwalk isn’t complete without a slice of Pizza from Sam’s Pizza Palace, fries from Curley’s, and frozen custard from Kohr Bro’s.
If you still have energy, check out live music at Honky Tonk or Seaport Pier and then head over to North Wildwood to hop around their lively bars with bands and DJs to dance to.
More Wildwood Ideas (If you have longer than a weekend)
You can spend FAR more than one weekend exploring The Jersey Shore. If you do have some extra time, here are some more of my favorite places to eat and things to do around Wildwood
Restaurants:
- La Isla
- Two Mile Landing
- George’s Place
- Urie’s Waterfront
- Santorini
Breweries:
- Mud Hen
- Cold Spring Brewery
- Behr Brewery
- Gusto Brewing Co.
- Cape May Brewing Co.
- Whale Tale Brewing Co.
Wineries & Distillaries:
Night Life/Bars:
Hiking/Nature/Science/Wildlife/Boating
- Salt Water Outpost – Fishing/Boating/Kayak Rentals
- The Wetlands Institute
- Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
- Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch and Speed Boat
- Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
- Salt Marsh Safari Skimmer Boat Tour
- Cape May Whale Watch
- Kick Back Tiki Cruises
- Cape May County Zoo
- Tree to Tree
- Historic Cold Spring Village
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Wildwood
While dogs are not allowed on the Wildwoods boardwalk, all of the beaches in the Wildwoods welcome dogs to splash and play from October to May.
From May to October, there is a designated beach area just for them! The Wildwoods Dog Park & Beach on Glenwood Avenue and the Boardwalk holds the title of the largest dog park in the world. All dogs must be licensed and leashed, and owners must responsibly clean up after their pets.
This park has been named #1 most dog-friendly beach in the nation by PetRadar, and one of the top 10 ‘Best Dog-Friendly Beaches’ in the 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest sponsored by USA TODAY. There are plenty of Dog Friendly Accommodations and Dining options throughout the island!
Other Tips to Know Before Visiting Wildwood:
- Summertime traffic is not fun! “Local’s Summer” (May, September and early October) is the best time to visit. The beaches are also free and do not require a beach tag before Memorial Day or after Labor Day! Weekend traffic during the summer can be unbearable, so plan ahead accordingly.
- Parking can be tough. The streets and parking lots closest to the beach and boardwalk require payment through the park mobile app. It’s usually worth driving off the beaten path a few blocks to find free parking, rather than paying. Finding parking anywhere on Friday and Saturday nights can be tough, so once you’re parked, try to not have to move your car anywhere.
- The beaches in Wildwood are LONG. I’m talking like a REALLY far walk to get from the boardwalk/road to the ocean. If you aren’t physically fit enough to walk a long distance in the sand, then coming to Wildwood for their beach is not the best idea.
- Boardwalk Curfew. Unsupervised minors cannot be on the boardwalk after 10pm or before 6am. The boardwalk is closed to everyone between 1am to 5am. Backpacks are prohibited on the boardwalk after 8pm.
- The Jersey Shore is expensive. “Budget-friendly” doesn’t really exist here, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. There are still free and cheap things to be enjoyed!
About the Author!
Hi! I’m Bree! I was born and raised in the heart of South Jersey. I’ve spent every summer of my childhood and adulthood exploring just about every inch of every southern New Jersey shore town. I love good eats and drinks, as well as outdoorsy adventures and wildlife. Basically, I am your go-to guide for any inland and shore towns south of LBI! Come follow along on Instagram!
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