Weekend Getaway to Wildwood
1hr 25min from Philly • 2hr 50min from NYC
Wildwood has free beaches, three amusement piers and 1950s doo-wop motels. Skipping beach badges leaves more of the budget for rides and food.
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Choose a place in Wildwood, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
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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
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Your Wildwood Weekend Itinerary
Friday Evening
Arrive in Wildwood
Check into your hotel and freshen up
Dinner
Dinner close to where you are staying
Evening stroll
Walk the boardwalk or downtown to get oriented
Saturday
Breakfast
Start with a local breakfast spot or hotel dining
Beach time
The beach is quietest before late morning
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
Check out and head home
Tip: Leave by noon to beat traffic
Where to Stay in Wildwood
Sterling Harbor Motel & Marina
$$hotel
Motel-and-marina combo on West Rio Grande Ave.
Best for: budget travelers
Starlux Hotel
$$hotel
Boutique hotel on East Rio Grande Ave near the beach.
Best for: budget travelers
Stardust Motel
$$hotel
Beachfront budget motel on Ocean Ave.
Best for: budget travelers
Choose your stay
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
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Where to Eat in Wildwood
Stephen's Restaurant
$$american
Must try: Sit-down American meals at this Wildwood restaurant.
Star Beach Bar
$$american
Must try: Beach bar slinging drinks near the sand.
South Dock Cafe & Marina
$$cafe
Must try: Dockside cafe attached to a marina.
Sophia's Ice Cream
$$ice-cream
Must try: Scoop shop dishing cones and sundaes.
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Wildwood Weekend Getaway FAQ
How long does it take to drive to Wildwood from NYC?
About 2hr 50min from New York City without traffic.
How long does it take to drive to Wildwood from Philadelphia?
About 1hr 25min from Philadelphia without traffic.
Do I need a beach badge in Wildwood?
The beaches in Wildwood, NJ are free — no beach badge is required.
Choose your nights before comparing stays
A useful shortlist starts with your arrival time, departure plans, and the places you want to visit.
- Decide whether you need one night or two; check minimum stays and check-in times.
- Compare walking distance, transit, parking charges, and travel time to your main outing.
- Check the full price for all travelers and rooms, including required fees and cancellation deadlines.
Choose your Wildwood stay
Before you book: the stay-cost checklist.
Check Wildwood stays for your dates
Set dates and travelers, then check the complete price.
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Compare two complete stay quotes →More Weekend Getaways
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Wildwood, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more