For one day in Wildwood, NJ, start on the free beach, then walk the boardwalk and make time for Morey's Piers. The beach and boardwalk give you an easy way to spend the day outdoors, with seasonal hours and rules worth checking before you set out.
- Beach: The Wildwoods have 5 miles of free beaches.
- Boardwalk: Bicycles are permitted from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Morey's Piers: The amusement piers line the boardwalk.
Start with the Wildwood beach
Begin your day on Wildwood’s free beach, where you can spend the morning along the shoreline without paying a beach access fee. The Wildwoods have 5 miles of free beaches, so you can choose a stretch that suits your plans.
During the guarded season, lifeguards are on duty daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Beach access is restricted from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from May through September, so plan an evening beach visit around that limit.
Keep beach rules in mind as you pack: smoking, glass containers, barbecues and alcohol are prohibited. Dogs are allowed on Wildwood and Wildwood Crest beaches from October to May, but they must be leashed. Pets are not allowed on the Boardwalk at any time.
If you’re traveling with a dog, the dog-friendly beach and park are at Glenwood Avenue; the park is open from 6:00 a.m. until dusk. For more on beach access and rules, read this guide to Wildwood beach access and planning.
Walk the boardwalk and Morey's Piers
After the beach, head to the boardwalk for a stroll beside Morey's Piers. The piers bring rides and attractions to the oceanfront; set aside time to explore them as part of your boardwalk itinerary. For details on the piers and what to know before a visit, use this Morey's Piers guide.
If you want to cover ground on two wheels, bicycles are allowed on the Wildwoods Boardwalk daily from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Motorized skateboards, motorized bicycles, motorized scooters, mopeds, motorcycles and go-carts are prohibited. Pets are not allowed on the Boardwalk at any time, so plan a separate outing if you’re bringing a dog.
The Sightseer Tram Car has operated on the Wildwoods Boardwalk since 1949. Its route runs along the boardwalk between Cresse Avenue in Wildwood and 16th Avenue in North Wildwood.
Service generally begins on weekends at the end of May and becomes full-time around mid-June; the tram operator’s official site is the place to check before you go for its current schedule.
Take a break in central Wildwood
When you’re ready for a pause from the sand and rides, head into central Wildwood.
Keep the day flexible: spend the morning at the beach, make the boardwalk and piers the main afternoon outing, then take a breather in the centre before your evening plans. If you’re figuring out the day without a car, this guide to getting around Wildwood without relying on a car covers local transport options.
Plan your evening around seasonal hours
For an evening on the boardwalk, check the seasonal schedules for the attractions you plan to visit. The tram’s service pattern changes through the season: it generally starts with weekends at the end of May and becomes full-time around mid-June. Its route connects the boardwalk between Cresse Avenue in Wildwood and 16th Avenue in North Wildwood.
The beach has a separate overnight restriction: from May through September, access is restricted from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. If your plans include time on the sand after dark, make sure you’re back off the beach before the restriction begins. Check the tram operator’s official site before you go for its current schedule.
For a simple sequence, finish your afternoon break in central Wildwood, return to the boardwalk for the evening, and keep the beach’s access hours in mind if you plan to walk along the shore. Morey's Piers is about a five-minute walk from Calypso Boutique Hotel.
FAQs
Is Wildwood beach free?
Yes. The Wildwoods have 5 miles of beaches with no beach access fee.
When are Wildwood beaches guarded?
Beaches are guarded daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Are dogs allowed on the Wildwood Boardwalk?
No. Pets are not allowed on the Boardwalk at any time. Dogs are allowed on Wildwood and Wildwood Crest beaches from October to May if leashed.
When does the Sightseer Tram Car generally operate?
Service generally begins on weekends at the end of May and becomes full-time around mid-June. Its schedule varies, so check with the tram operator before your visit.