Wildwood beach is part of the Wildwoods’ five-mile stretch of free beaches in Wildwood, New Jersey, and you do not need a beach tag or entry fee. Plan around seasonal lifeguard hours and beach rules, and use the local tram or shuttle if you want to get around without a car.
- Beach entry: Free; no beach tag is required.
- Lifeguards: Daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Overnight access: Restricted from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from May through September.
- Hotel location: Wildwood beach is about 0.4 miles from Calypso Boutique near the beach.
Finding beach access in Wildwood
Wildwood beach has free public access, while certain activities and access times are governed by local rules. You can head to the shore without buying an entry pass; plan your visit around the seasonal access restriction, which runs from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from May through September. For a day planned around walking, consider how to spend one day in Wildwood.
Surfing is allowed at Burk Avenue. If you are heading out with beach gear, beach taxis carry equipment for a fee, and some beach locations rent chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, and boogie boards.
Seasonal rules and beach facilities
Wildwood’s beach rules cover alcohol, glass, barbecues, dogs, and accessibility. The Wildwoods tourism site gives lifeguard hours as 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; check its official site before you go for current seasonal details.
Glass containers and barbecues are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed, possessed, or displayed anywhere on the city beach, except at a city-permitted special event.
Dogs are allowed on Wildwood and Wildwood Crest beaches from October through May. Keep your dog leashed and pick up and dispose of droppings. For beach accessibility information, contact the city lifeguard headquarters at Lincoln Avenue and the beach at 609-522-8258. Wildwood Beach Taxi lists handicapped beach transport at 609-846-2012.
Beach days and the boardwalk
The Wildwood boardwalk runs alongside the beach, and the seasonal tram provides a way to travel along part of it. In season, it operates for two miles between 16th Street in North Wildwood and Cresse Avenue at the Wildwood–Wildwood Crest border.
For a change of pace from the sand, you can include Morey’s Piers in Wildwood in a day around the boardwalk. Keep your plans flexible if your route depends on the boardwalk: sections can have changing access conditions, so check the City of Wildwood’s official site before you go.
Getting to the shore without a car
Wildwood has seasonal local transport options, including a shuttle between Diamond Beach and Olde NJ Avenue. It runs from May through September and starts at 5:00 p.m., making it a later-day option for getting around town. For other ways to travel around town, see how to get around Wildwood without a car.
If you are travelling by bus from Philadelphia, NJ TRANSIT’s shore service has boarding stops at JFK Boulevard and 30th Street Station; Market Street and 30th Street; Market Street and South 20th Street; Market Street and South 16th Street; Market Street and 10th Street; and Market Street and 7th Street. Check NJ TRANSIT for current service details when planning your trip.
FAQs
Do you need a beach tag in Wildwood?
No. Wildwood’s beaches are part of the Wildwoods’ free five-mile beach stretch, and no beach tag or beach-entry fee is required.
Where can you surf in Wildwood?
Surfing is allowed at Burk Avenue.
Can you bring a dog to Wildwood beach?
Dogs are allowed from October through May on Wildwood and Wildwood Crest beaches. They must be leashed, and owners must pick up and dispose of droppings.