North Wildwood on a Budget
Free beaches + affordable fun
North Wildwood is one of the most budget-friendly destinations on the Jersey Shore. With free beaches (no badge required!), affordable motels, and plenty of free activities, you can enjoy a great shore vacation without breaking the bank.
Beach Badge: FREE
No beach badges needed - ever! This is a huge money saver.
Money-Saving Tips for North Wildwood
Free Beach Access
North Wildwood beaches are completely free - no badge required ever!
Save $10-15/person/dayPark Smart
Arrive before 9 AM for free street parking a few blocks from the beach
Save $15-25/dayPack a Cooler
Bring your own food and drinks instead of buying on the boardwalk
Save $30-50/dayVisit Midweek
Hotels are 30-50% cheaper Monday-Thursday vs weekends
Save $50-150/nightGo in September
Warm water, empty beaches, and lower prices after Labor Day
Save 30-40% overallBudget-Friendly Places to Stay
Average budget rate in North Wildwood: $80-150/night
Lollipop Motel
$70-160/night
North Wildwood is calmer than Wildwood proper. Walk or bike to the main boardwalk in 15 minutes.
Free Things to Do in North Wildwood
Beach & Swimming
Enjoy North Wildwood's beaches - the main attraction is free (or nearly free)
Boardwalk Walking
Stroll the boardwalk for people watching and ocean views
Sunrise & Sunset
Watch spectacular sunrises over the ocean and sunsets over the bay
Doo-Wop Architecture
Walk through the Doo-Wop Preservation District to see retro motels
Sample Daily Budget
What a budget day in North Wildwood really costs:
Cheap Eats Tips
- •Pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks
- •Hit the local Wawa for affordable breakfast
- •Share boardwalk portions - they're huge
- •Look for early bird dinner specials
Bringing your own food saves $30-50/day per person vs eating out.
Parking in North Wildwood
Typical Cost: Free-$10/day
Arrive before 9 AM for free street parking a few blocks back from the beach.
North Wildwood Budget Travel FAQ
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more