Wildwood Beach
Wildwood Beach
4.5
About
This beach has clean, expansive shores that stretch for five miles across the shores of Wildwood. Here, you can go surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, and even dolphin or whale watching when the season is right. Get on a dolphin or whale-watching tour of Cape May for the best chance of spotting them. The best part? The beach is completely free to enter, unlike many other New Jersey beaches. You can also check out Wildwood's award-winning boardwalk, enjoy the thrilling amusement parks at Morey’s Piers, or get drenched at the high-octane Splash Zone Water Park. – Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Wildwood Beach and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
237 within 3 miles
Attractions
62 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Souixs65 contributionsGreat clean free beachOk so we have been coming to the Wildwood beaches for over 40 years. Have seen many changes in the area but the beaches are always the same. Clean free and beautiful. The beach in the center of wildwood is very large and takes a bit to get to the water from the start of the sand. North Wildwood has a much shorter walk and Wildwood Crest is just a bit shorter walk then from the senter. Beautiful place to sit or stroll or just lay out and catch some raysVisited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 15, 2024
- Ashley WPemberville, Ohio129 contributionsNice beachVery large beach! This isn't Florida. You will walk a bit to get to the water. The water is colder too, so give yourself time to adjust. We saw a horseshoe crab in the water too. There is a beach chair and umbrella rental available. Sandy is soft and is light grey.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 18, 2024
- RafaelFort Lee, New Jersey166 contributionsOne of the best in NJThe wildwood beach has been a family favorite vacation spot for almost 25 years now. The beach here is much better than many other beaches I have been to. There is a distance to get to the water from the hotel/street, but it is absolutely worth it. If you would like to rent an umbrella, there are rental booths all across the beach. The beach itself is walkable and you can walk 4-5 miles from end to end. It can make for for a great beach run, something my family usually does. If you like quieter areas with hotels, you can stay in the Wildwood Crest area. If you like being by the boardwalk, then Wildwood is a better choice. Both areas have a nice, and clean beach. If you like waves, then people can go jumping in the waves or surfing. This is truly a great beach and I will continue to come here for years to come.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 18, 2024
- Sally T1 contributionWonderful Wildwood, NJThis is a big, beautiful sandy beach. We set up 2 cool cabanas and did not disturb anyone around us, as there was plenty of room. We brought a cooler with food, but the kids ended up wanting to eat on the boardwalk, and they ended up spending less than $10 for lunch for the 2 kids. They explored the boardwalk, and we ended up going back that night. It is a great place to take a family, and you can determine how much you want to spend. It was one of our most memorable vacations, and one of the least expensive! We are going back next year!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,929 reviews
Excellent
1,232
Very good
467
Average
156
Poor
40
Terrible
34
Henry L
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Apparently all the restaurants in the area have bucked the normal business trend to allow point of sale payment transactions by credit card by charging a fee of typically 3.5% added to the restaurant total bill. Cash is accepted and it is unknown if a check is accepted. The consumer reaction appears to be to use the credit card and pay the fee, although I heard some grousing to the effect that the fee would be deducted from the tip, again bucking the normal American custom for the restaurant customer to pay the restaurant service worker’s compensation. Not all business owners are charged a merchant service fee of 3.5% so this will be a bonus to some as merchant service fees are negotiable and few approach 3.5%. The argument in favor is the restaurant is accepting this form of payment as a convenience to the consumer with the cost to be born by the customer. On the other hand most businesses price all their overhead expenses into cost of goods sold. Restaurant pricing is not transparent so it is unknown if the price reflects a reduction in the meal price due to the added fee directly charged to the customer. Most businesses accept credit card payment without a fee, unless it is a high price transaction, so this seemed worthy of comment. So bring cash or perhaps a check? Or be prepared to pay 3.5% extra for your meal in the Wildwoods. What do you think?
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harleysville_Bill
PA128 contributions
Jul 2020
There’s really nothing like the Wildwood beach and it’s probably my favorite in NJ. It’s a free beach so nobody will be nagging you to buy beach tags like all the other NJ shore points. It is HUGE, so yes it’s a long long walk to the water, but the plus side is that there’s plenty of room for everyone. There’s a taxi service on the beach that can transport you if you or members or your group have difficulty with the long walk (sorry, don’t know the pricing). There’s good lifeguard coverage at the water. There’s plenty of places on the beach to rent umbrellas, chairs, boogie boards, etc. If you keep your eyes out, you’ll also see the ice cream sales people occasionally coming by to serve ice cream right on the beach. I believe there are a number of restaurants that you can order from and will deliver to the beach, but I have never used any of them yet.
The only downside is that one some crowded days the beach can get a little littered. This is no fault of the city - there’s plenty of trash receptacles and they clean the beach daily. It’s more a reflection on some of the visitors. The upside is that you can always go a few blocks North or South on the beach if you don’t like what you see. And week days seem better in this regard than the weekends.
The only downside is that one some crowded days the beach can get a little littered. This is no fault of the city - there’s plenty of trash receptacles and they clean the beach daily. It’s more a reflection on some of the visitors. The upside is that you can always go a few blocks North or South on the beach if you don’t like what you see. And week days seem better in this regard than the weekends.
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annemarch123
Carteret, NJ10 contributions
Jul 2021
This beach is beautiful. The sand is fine and the layout is flat. all the way into the water.
There are walkways that take you almost all the way out the ocean, and the sand it not so soft that you can't easily pull a beach buggy over it without too much effort.
There are garbage cans and recycling cans. Lifeguards seemed to be on point and the Fudgy Wudgy Ice Cream vendor walks the beach selling ice cold frozen treats!
And....the beach is FREE!
There are walkways that take you almost all the way out the ocean, and the sand it not so soft that you can't easily pull a beach buggy over it without too much effort.
There are garbage cans and recycling cans. Lifeguards seemed to be on point and the Fudgy Wudgy Ice Cream vendor walks the beach selling ice cold frozen treats!
And....the beach is FREE!
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wolf S
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Ocean swimming is horrible. The lifeguards harass all the time. No one is allowed beyond waist deep water and must be within about 30 meters of the tower. Fine if everyone is a non-swimmer (in that case you should not be at the beach), but anyone with solid open water swimming skills will hate this. The lifeguards are literally blowing their whistles every minute. If you are a swimmer wanting to enjoy the ocean do not go to Wildwood.
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsi P
Denver, CO388 contributions
Jun 2021
It was busy but not too busy. The water was a little cold but plenty of people were enjoying boating, boogie boarding, etc. Groups were able to spread out (it was a weekday). We stayed at a motel very close. There was some parking but it is best to walk if you can.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betsy M
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
July 14, 2022 the ocean smelled like a sewer and should have been closed to the public for swimming. A substandard experience for what used to be a superior beach. Reports earlier in July acknowledged a problem with Cape May dumping raw sewage to the ocean and washing down the coast. Seems like it happened again but health authorities failed to do their job.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dbuyer
Philadelphia, PA97 contributions
Jul 2020
Wildwood North down to Dog Beach, is just gross. Garbage is everywhere. People leave clothes, umbrellas, trash, and everything else you can think of. Hey Mayor Pete Byron, so you go the gig, now clean it up. Down in The Crest and Diamond Beach are still wonderful, clean, and people are a bit more respectful. Forget about social distancing up north or on the boardwalk. People still not doing the right thing, not wearing a mask at all or just keeping it on their chin. No wonder we can not get a hold of the virus. It really is a shame that the township has garbage collected on the hour in The Crest/Diamond but does not do the same up north. The dog beach has some nasty flies all day! I am scared to even think if people pick up after their dogs. The Boardwalk is not for the faint of heart, especially if you are doing the right thing wearing a mask and keeping apart. I pray we all get back to normal one day but Wildwood is dropping the ball.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine D
Clarence Center, NY116 contributions
Aug 2021
I have visited the Crest beach over a dozen times over the years with no complaints. This year we were in the heart of Wildwood and our first walk on the beach resulted in a condom washed up on my feet. I resolved not to visit the beach late in the day again. The beaches are very clean in the morning and we discovered that the North Wildwood beach was especially clean and quiet early in the morning. It was also an easier walking distance to the beach for my elderly mother than the Crest beach that is too far a walk for her.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin B
19 contributions
Jul 2020
Wildwood is a great beach. It’s nice, large, scenic, and family-friendly. It’s fun to watch the waves, dolphins, birds, boats, and everyone having fun. However, it is it a long walk to get to the water. (Note: you can get a beach taxi for a small fee.) The sand was kind of rough in some places and hurt my feel. But overall, it’s a great beach.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arlene D
New York City, NY73 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Stayed at a nearby motel with a great view of the boardwalk/ocean. I love Wildwood beach. It's clean, water is warm, and the waves are not to rough. One of my favorite childhood getaways and it continues to be one of my favorite places to visit after 20 years.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mars 2024
Bonjour!
Comment se sommes le service de navette (vtt, cote à-cote) qui nous amène sur la plage proche de l’eau avec nos articles? L’an passé, il nous a dit fallait reserver en appelant d’avance.. Très pénible se rendre avec notre chariot à pieds. Beaucoup de stock.
Nom du service et coordonnés si possible?
Nous sommes à droite completement au bout du boardwalk et où le train commence…. Ou termine c’est selon…..
Nous retournons en juillet prochain
Written March 19, 2024
Are there restrooms? If so, are they kept up/ clean?
Written August 16, 2023
Yes in our two times visit it was all clean.
Written October 18, 2023
How’s the beach second week of September? Is swimming allowed and If no lifeguard on duties are announcements about rip currents made by someone.
Written July 25, 2022
Christian
New York City, New York
A question . Can I make a bonfire on wildwood beach at night? either you need some permission or you just can't
Written July 15, 2021
Hi! My birthday is coming up (September 26) and we're planning on doing a day trip with the dogs to Wildwood. How's the beach crowd/boardwalk at the end of September, and are dogs allowed on both? The website says dogs are allowed from October to May, but the Dog Beach is open year round, so I'm just confused. Basically I just want to know if dogs will be allowed on the beach and boardwalk in late September.
Written September 14, 2020
There’s a specific section of the beach that is fenced in and looks like a big playground on the beach. That’s the dog beach and is open for you and your dog to use year round. As I understand it, the rest of the beach is for people only until after September. Hope you have a great birthday and enjoy Wildwood if you decide to go.
Written September 16, 2020
I believe there is in certain spots
Written July 21, 2020
Miriam M
Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Why would there be SO FEW RESTROOMS on boardwalk and NO porta potties...heaven help anyone with a bowel disease or kids..this is REDICULOUS. SHAME ON THE CITY!! ITS NOT OK! We wait and save all yr for our family trip and this has caused a real problem
Written June 14, 2020
…
Showing results 1-10 of 58
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing