The Wildwoods are a very much loved family vacation destination for families not just from New Jersey but from the tri-state area. There’s so much to do in Wildwood, New Jersey and we have blog posts about so many of those activities. We’ll link to them below. But right now we want to tell you about the fabulous Wildwood beach and answer the questions you want to know!
Whether your visit to Wildwood beach will be your first or your 20th or somewhere in between, we know you’ll love it. The views, the attractions, the family atmosphere (and that boardwalk food!) – it’s all so memorable. The Wildwood beaches are open! Take a look.
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About the Wildwood Beach
When we talk about the Wildwood beach, we are referring to the Wildwood NJ beaches which include Wildwood Crest Beach, North Wildwood Beach, and Wildwood Beaches.
Wildwood Beaches will be open this summer
This information is accurate as of Sunday, August 6, 2023. If you are looking for updates after this date, please check with the beach directly.
Wildwood beaches will open Memorial Day weekend for full use.
Beach Tags & Admission Fees
Admission on the Wildwood beaches is free. It’s our other favorite free beach in New Jersey. Beach badges are not required.
Beach Webcams
Check the status and crowds on the following Wildwood Beach webcam.
Click to watch What Families Need to Know about Wildwood Beaches
What is allowed on the Wildwood beaches this summer?
- Swimming is allowed after Memorial Day weekend.
- Sitting or sunbathing on the beach is allowed.
- Surfing is allowed in the following locations.
- North Wildwood: Permitted on 2nd Avenue.
- Wildwood: Permitted at Andrews Avenue.
- Wildwood Crest: Permitted from Rambler Road to Primrose Road & Aster Road to Cardinal Road.
Will lifeguards be on duty?
Wildwoods Beaches are officially open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend and lifeguards will be on duty from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Wildwood Beach bathrooms
Wildwood Beach bathrooms are located at the following spots:
- North Wildwood: Located at 7th Avenue & Kennedy Drive, Lifeguard Headquarters at 15th Avenue & Beach, 25th Avenue & Boardwalk, Olde New Jersey Avenue & Seawall. Portable bathrooms are on the beach every 3-4 blocks during the season.
- Wildwood: Located on the boardwalk at Glenwood, Schellenger, Roberts and Bennett Avenues.
- Wildwood Crest: Located at Rambler Road and the Beach.
Wildwood Boardwalk
The length of the promenade is open to the public for walking, running, and biking from 16th Avenue to Cresse Avenue. Biking is only allowed on the boardwalk until noon each day.
Will tram cars be running in Wildwood?
Tram cars will be running in Wildwood. They start running on weekends in May and then full time towards the end of June.
Where can I park for Wildwood beaches?
Parking is available on the street with meters, further from the beach on street parking is free, and there are lots available as well. Parking meters are in effect from mid-May until September or October.
Does the Wildwood Beach have a playground?
Wildwood does not have any playgrounds on the beach. However, off beach they have several.
- Wildwood Crest Playground is a few steps off the boardwalk on East Heather Avenue behind Crest Bike Rentals.
- The Fox Park playground is a must visit playground, located across from the Wildwood Convenion Center and behind the Doo Wop Museum.
- Away from the boardwalk and other Wildwood family attractions is the Albert J. Allen Memorial Park playground in North Wildwood.
- Bill Henfey Park is another North Wildwood park with a playground.
- Sunrise Park is in Wildwood Crest.
Is the Wildwood beach handicap accessible?
Handicap access is available by contacting the beach patrol for the corresponding area.
Wildwood: 609-522-8258
Wildwood Crest: 609-522-3825
North Wildwood: 609-522-7500
Wheel chairs are not available for rent directly at the beach. Contact Wildwood Rental Supply ay 609-522-2724 to learn more about what is available. For more information on NJ beaches with handicap-accessible ramps or beach wheelchairs click here.
Is there anything that makes this beach special?
There’s so much that makes Wildwood beaches special. First, Wildwood beaches do not charge admission. They are always free!
The Wildwood beach is very long, approximately 5 miles. There should always be plenty of space to distance yourself from others. Keep in mind if you want to be close to the water, you will have a longer walk. Come prepared with a beach wagon with heavy duty wheels (Get one with our Amazon affiliate link) or have everyone help if you have a lot of gear to bring down on the beach.
For those who do not wish to cart their own beach equipment, there are beach taxis that will cart everything for a small nominal fee.
Some Wildwood beaches are dog friendly (from October – May) but dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk at any time. From October to May dogs are allowed on Wildwood and Wildwood Crest beaches. Dogs are allowed on North Wildwood beach year round except when lifeguards are present. At Glenwood Avenue in Wildwood there is a dog friendly park and beach that is marked with a large fire hydrant sculpture. It is open from 6:00 AM until dusk and a permit ($10) is required for use. Dogs can enjoy the area adjacent to the dog park as a dog beach. The Wildwood Dog Beach is one of the top dog beaches in the world!
What are the rules for Wildwood beaches?
- It is prohibited to refuse orders from the lifeguards and to tamper with any lifeguard equipment. One must not swim beyond a safe depth or distance as determined by the lifeguards.
- One may not throw items or participate in games that pose a danger to others.
- Visitors must use trash receptacles.
- Visitors must respect the wildlife and refrain from interacting with and feeding them.
- Smoking, fire, open flames, and grilling are prohibited on the beach.
- Nudity is prohibited.
- Use of the following is prohibited unless done at times or in areas designated by the lifeguards: drones, aircrafts, kites, motorized vehicles, launching and landing watercrafts
- The following is prohibited: display or consumption of alcoholic beverages, possession or use of firearms and weapons.
- No one may visit the beach from May 1 – Sept 30 between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
- One may not fish or surf in undesignated areas May 1st – Sept 30th from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Visitors may not disrupt the peace of others around them.
- Visitors may not hawk or peddle items.
- Animals are not permitted on the beach (with the exception of the dog beach).
- Smoking is prohibited at all times.
Where can I learn more about this beach?
For more information about the Wildwoods beaches, call (609) 849-9422 or visit this website.
Nearby Activities
What is there to do near Wildwood beaches?
There is so much to do in Wildwood, we couldn’t possibly list it all here. Check out these blog posts.
- The Ultimate List of Fun Things to do in Wildwood With Kids
- What’s the Difference Between the Morey’s Piers Piers?
- Morey’s Piers Water Parks Raging Waters & Ocean Oasis
Where can I eat nearby?
The Wildwood boardwalk offers pizzerias, ice cream shops, and more. Almost all of them offer take out service. The locations below are ones we’ve experienced and do recommend.
- Doo Wop Diner at 4010 Boardwalk in Wildwood.
- Seaport Pier at 2201 Boardwalk in North Wildwood.
- The Surfing Pig at 231 West 10th Avenue in North Wildwood.
- Uncle Bill’s Pancake House at 4601 Pacific Avenue in Wildwood.
- Read our guide to The Best Places to Eat in Wildwood with Kids.
Want to find out about other New Jersey beaches?
Visit our New Jersey Beaches and Beach Tag Guide.
