Weekend Getaway to Wildwood
1hr 25min from Philly • 2hr 50min from NYC
Wildwood's FREE beaches and retro boardwalk make it the ultimate family weekend destination. The amusement piers rival any theme park, the motels have authentic 1950s doo-wop architecture, and you'll save money on beach badges to spend on rides and food.
Why Wildwood for a Weekend Getaway?
FREE beaches—no badges required anywhere on the island
38 blocks of boardwalk with Morey's Piers amusement rides
Authentic doo-wop motels from the 1950s-60s (some now landmarks)
Widest beaches on the Jersey Shore—low tide reveals 1000+ feet of sand
Your Wildwood Weekend Itinerary
Friday Evening
Arrive in Wildwood
Check into your hotel and freshen up
Dinner
Kick off the weekend with a local favorite restaurant
Evening stroll
Walk the boardwalk or downtown to get oriented
Saturday
Breakfast
Start with a local breakfast spot or hotel dining
Beach time
Claim your spot and enjoy the morning sun
Lunch
Grab lunch at a casual beachside spot
Boardwalk rides
Hit Morey's Piers for roller coasters and water rides
Sunset
Watch the sunset from the beach or a scenic spot
Boardwalk dinner
Pizza, funnel cake, and classic boardwalk food
Sunday
Breakfast
Relaxed breakfast before checkout
Final beach time
One more dip or walk on the beach
Check out & depart
Head home with great memories
💡 Leave by noon to beat traffic
Where to Stay in Wildwood
Sterling Harbor Motel & Marina
$$hotel
Located in Wildwood.
Best for: budget travelers
Starlux Boutique Hotel
$$hotel
Located in Wildwood.
Best for: budget travelers
Stardust Motel
$$hotel
Located in Wildwood.
Best for: budget travelers
Things to Do in Wildwood
Book tours, activities, and experiences with free cancellation
Where to Eat in Wildwood
Stephen's Restaurant
$$american
Must try: Located in Wildwood.
Star Beach Bar
$$american
Must try: Located in Wildwood.
South Dock Cafe & Marina
$$cafe
Must try: Located in Wildwood.
Sophia's Ice Cream
$$ice-cream
Must try: Located in Wildwood.
Budget Estimate for a Wildwood Weekend
Budget
$300-400 total (motel, casual dining, beach)
Mid-Range
$500-700 total (boutique hotel, nice dinners)
Luxury
$900+ total (resort, fine dining, activities)
What to Pack for Wildwood
- ✓Sunscreen and beach towels (hotels often have limited supplies)
- ✓Layers for cool evenings—shore breezes pick up after sunset
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes for boardwalks and downtown
- ✓Cash for beach badges and parking meters
- ✓Reservation confirmations for popular restaurants
Wildwood Weekend Getaway FAQ
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