One of the most popular places to vacation in New Jersey is the renowned Jersey Shore. On the eastern side of the Jersey Shore, there are a series of beach towns along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and some are situated on barrier islands with fresh water on one side and the ocean on the other. From party towns to family-friendly destinations, these coastal communities boast something for everyone. Wildwood is a popular coastal town on the Jersey Shore with condos on the beach and family homes lining the blocks leading to the beach. Book a stay at a Wildwood vacation rental today. Here are the most notable attractions in and around Wildwood.
1. Wildwood
Wildwood offers something for everyone in your family to enjoy from walking on the beach to playing games of chance for stuffed animals on the boardwalk. One of the biggest draws to Wildwood is the wooden boardwalk with amusement park rides, carnival games, snack bars, restaurants, and clubs. Take the kids to Splash Zone Water Park for a day of water slides and a lazy river. On the north side of town, you can view a historic lighthouse, the Hereford Inlet Light.
2. West Wildwood
If you want to spend your evenings playing on the boardwalk and then retreat to a quiet neighborhood, then look for a vacation rental in West Wildwood. Hop on your bike and ride the short distance to all the great attractions that Wildwood offers or spend a day reading on the deck while the kids play in the yard. Enjoy some of the local shopping and grab a bite to eat at one of the local mom and pop restaurants.
3. Wildwood Crest
Just down the beach from the main section of Wildwood sits Wildwood Crest, a small upscale residential area of Wildwood. Escape the throngs of visitors to Wildwood and still be close enough to all the attractions to walk to them. Spend your day’s biking, playing on the beach, and boating.
4. Diamond Beach
On the same barrier island as Wildwood and its neighborhoods is the town of Diamond Beach. Avoid the crowds in Wildwood or hop in the car and drive the short distance for an evening on the boardwalk. In Diamond Beach, spend time with your family, bike around town, and explore the local boutiques. For some fun for the entire family, visit Harbor Light Golf, where you can play 18-holes of mini golf, and afterward, enjoy some ice cream.
5. Cape May
Drive west along the tip of New Jersey to get to the popular town of Cape May. This town is the location of one of the Coast Guard’s training bases so the town offers all the things you’ll ever need for a vacation. At the Cape May County Park & Zoo, your kids will get to see all their favorite animals. If the weather turns rainy, take the family to the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. Its interactive exhibits that teach your kids more about the history of airplanes.
6. Cape May Point
On the far west side of Cape May, you can find a vacation rental on one of the quiet streets of Cape May Point. One of the most popular attractions on this side of town is Sunset Beach. Located 150 feet off the beach of Sunset is the remains of the SS Atlantus. During World War I, it was one of 10 concrete ships that the United States used. At low tide, you can clearly see two pieces sticking out of the water.
7. Stone Harbor
Travel north up the coast to the next barrier island and the upscale beach community of Stone Harbor with its quiet residential streets and luxury vacation rentals. Visit the Cape May Wetlands Wildlife for some hiking and fishing. Keep a pair of binoculars on hand to get a better look at the local wildlife and bird habitats. Carry a handy guide to bird species so you can identify the unique birds in this ecosystem.
8. Avalon
Along the same barrier island as Stone Harbor is the luxury beach community of Avalon. Stay in one of the massive beach homes with multiple levels and unique amenities. For some fun, take the kids to Greyhound Poker Palace to spend the afternoon playing arcade games, or visit the Avalon History Center to learn more about this area.
9. Sea Isle City
Located on another barrier island, Sea Isle City offers a slower pace of life than Wildwood but still has a boardwalk that runs along the beach. However, this boardwalk features a paved construction instead of wooden, making an early morning bike ride along the boardwalk smoother. For a fun afternoon, take the family to Pirate Island Miniature Golf for a few rounds of putt golf, or ride out to the see the Ludlam’s Beach Lighthouse.
10. Strathmere
While away the days on the beach or the sound in the laid back beach community of Strathmere. Grab an outside table at Twisties Tavern on the Bay, for live music, good times, and stunning views as the sun sets over the bay. For a day out on the water, rent a boat from Whale Creek Marina.
11. Ocean City
Ocean City bustles with family fun and activities. This coast community dedicates itself to being known as a family vacation location and doesn’t sell alcohol within the city limits. After a day of sunning on the beach and splashing in the surf, hit the boardwalk to ride on the rides, grab an Italian water ice, check out the unique stores, and grab a slice of pizza from one of the local pie shops.