Amenities & Activities

The Wildwoods, on the beautiful Jersey Cape,
have been a favorite family resort destination for nearly a century.

The Wildwood area has a variety of events, activities and attractions for the young and old.   Starting on our mammoth beach you can "work out" with beach volleyball, take quiet moonlit walks or just relax and listen to the surf gently lapping the sandy shore.  We offer Holly Beach Station Mall and Historic Cape May's Washington Street for the shopping enthusiast.  The night comes to life in the Wildwoods with over a hundred nightclubs including a Comedy Club to entertain you.  Arrangements can be made for a trip to Atlantic City casinos.  For families we offer the World Famous Boardwalk which has more rides than Disney world, plus a 128-acre Cape May County Park and Zoo.   History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, the George F. Boyer Historical Museum or experience 18th century Cape May County life in Historic Cold Spring Village.  For the naturalist in all of us we recommend the Wetland Institute, Leaming's Run Gardens and Cape May Bird Observatory.

There are so many things to see and do in and around the Wildwoods.  You will return year after year to experience the sun, surf, sand and all the fun that is "The Jersey Cape"!

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

The World Famous Wildwood Boardwalk

BOARDWALK
The world famous Wildwood Boardwalk is widely recognized as the finest in the country.  The two mile long Boardwalk has more rides than Disney World with five huge amusement piers, three world class roller coasters, entertainment for all ages, two of the country's finest water parks, stores, restaurants and much, much more.  Now featuring family theme nights and weekly fireworks.  Come and discover "America's Great Boardwalk Experience."

HEREFORD INLET LIGHTHOUSE
First & Central Aves.
North Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 522-4520 • 522-2030

Hereford Inlet Lifesaving Station No. 36 was constructed in 1871, serving the increasing numbers of mariners navigating the tricky Atlantic Coastline with its shifting sand bars and treacherous currents. On May 11, 1874, a "Notice to Mariners" formally announced the operation of the light, a 49½-foot tower with a beacon visible over 13 nautical miles. Open to the public.

GEORGE F. BOYER HISTORICAL MUSEUM
3907 Pacific Ave.
Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 523-0277

The first settlers of the area now known as the Wildwoods were Lenni Lenape Indians who summered on the Jersey Cape.  They were joined in the 18th century by fisherman, primarily of Scandinavian decent, and mainland farmers who grazed cattle and horses on the island.  The Wildwoods feature some of the world's most beautiful beaches and bays so it is difficult to understand why the island was settled so late in the region's history.  The Museum is also the Home of the Marbles Hall of Fame. The Marbles National Championship is held every year on the beaches of Wildwood, with special rinks built into the sand. Here you can see the 75 year history of the marbles tournament.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Victorian Cape May
Cape May provides a unique 19th century atmosphere including America's largest collection of authentically restored and preserved Victorian homes.  There are over 600 of these beautiful decorated "summer cottages" lining Cape May's gas lit streets.  An attractive pedestrian mall lined with eateries, pubs, and unique shops including several antique stores is a great place to stroll with loved ones or friends.

Historic Cold Spring Village
Experience the sight and sound of yesteryear at Historic Cold Spring Village, a 19th century living history museum located seven miles from Wildwoods. Come and spend a few hours or a day with our villagers.  They will enlighten you about the lifestyle of Cape May County's 18th century settlers.  The Village is dedicated to preserve the crafts, trades, lifestyles and architecture of a small South Jersey rural community of 150 years ago.

Atlantic City
The Atlantic City Casino hotels rise along the Boardwalk like the sand castles of old. Indeed, several of the earlier hotels have been incorporated into these new glass and steel structures which define Atlantic City's skyline today. The casino industry has assiduously nurtured Atlantic City's tradition as the east coast's entertainment Mecca -- making the resort a truly exciting venue for America's finest entertainers.  Atlantic City still rekindles cherished memories of days when the city was the "Playground of the Nation."

Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd.
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
(609) 368-1211

Founded in 1969 by conservationist Herbert H. Mills, the Wetlands Institute has evolved into one of the most complete facilities of its kind in the Northeast. The Institute is dedicated to public education and scientific research concerning intertidal salt marshes and other coastal ecosystems.

Cape May County Park & Zoo
Route 9 and Crest Haven Road
Cape May, NJ 08210 (609) 465-5271 • 465-9210

The 128-acre Cape May County Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including a variety of sports, fishing, hiking, bike riding, outdoor concerts, and more. But the best feature by far is the Zoo. The Cape May Zoo is home to over 100 species of wildlife. The relaxed park setting houses tigers and lions and bears, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, and most of the animals usually found in big city zoos.

Leaming's Run Gardens
1845 Route 9
North Swainton, NJ 08210
(609) 465-5871

With more than 30 acres of beautiful flowers, ferns, lawns and ponds, Leaming's Run is the largest annual garden in the United States. It has been featured in Architectural Digest and selected as one of the top twenty gardens in the East by Great Gardens of America. The gardens offer a special treat in August when hundreds of Hummingbirds are attracted to Leaming's Run by the colorful flowers. Such a concentration of these delicate birds is certainly a rare phenomenon.

Cape May Bird Observatory
PO Box 3
707 East Lake Dr.
Cape May Point, NJ 08212
(609) 884-2736

For two centuries Cape May has been the location for observing birds in North America, favored by celebrated naturalists such as John Audubon, Tory Peterson and others. More than 400 different species have been seen on the peninsula during the fall migration. Located in one of the most beautiful spots in the world, CMBO offers outstanding opportunities for birders and nature lovers to enjoy themselves and learn.