Wildwood Boardwalk is a two-mile wooden promenade with rides, arcades, restaurants, and beach access in Wildwood, New Jersey

Wildwood Boardwalk stretches along the Atlantic Ocean in Cape May County, New Jersey, and is one of the longest boardwalks on the East Coast. The boardwalk itself is free to walk on, though individual attractions — amusement rides, games, food vendors, and shops — charge their own prices. You can spend an afternoon walking the full length, or stay for several hours using rides and games.

The boardwalk runs from Cresse Avenue in the north to Burleigh Street in the south. Most of the major attractions cluster in the central section, particularly around the Wildwood Amusement Park area and the Morey's Piers (three separate pier-based amusement parks). The northern and southern ends have fewer rides but quieter beach access and some local shops and restaurants.

Key Takeaways

  • Wildwood Boardwalk is free to walk on, but rides, games, and food purchases cost money separately.
  • Morey's Piers operates three amusement parks on the boardwalk, each with different rides and price structures.
  • The boardwalk is open year-round, but most rides and attractions operate only from late May through September.
  • Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though prices vary by season and location.
  • The boardwalk is busiest on weekends and during summer school breaks, and quieter on weekday mornings in shoulder seasons.

Amusement rides and piers on the boardwalk

Three separate amusement parks operate on Morey's Piers along Wildwood Boardwalk: Morey's Piers North, Morey's Piers Central, and Morey's Piers South. Each pier is a separate structure extending into the ocean, and each charges its own admission or uses a pay-per-ride system. You do not need to pay to walk on the boardwalk itself or to walk onto the piers — you only pay when you board a ride.

Morey's Piers North includes the Jet Star roller coaster and the Flyer, a wooden coaster. Morey's Piers Central has the Great White roller coaster and the Tilt-A-Whirl. Morey's Piers South features the Raging Bull roller coaster and the Typhoon. Each pier also has smaller rides for younger children, games, and food stands. You can buy individual ride tickets, a wristband for unlimited rides at one pier, or a wristband that covers all three piers for the day.

Wildwood Amusement Park, separate from Morey's Piers, sits on the boardwalk near the central area and operates on a pay-per-ride basis. It includes bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and games. Hours vary by season — most rides operate daily from late May through Labor Day, then weekends only through September, and close for the winter.

Arcades, games, and food on the boardwalk

The boardwalk has dozens of arcades with video games, skee-ball, and prize-redemption games. Most are open during the same season as the rides (late May through September), though some remain open year-round. Prices for individual games typically range from 25 cents to a few dollars per play.

Food vendors and restaurants line the boardwalk. You can find traditional boardwalk food — saltwater taffy, funnel cakes, corn dogs, pizza, and ice cream — at individual stands, or sit-down restaurants with table service. Prices are higher than inland restaurants; expect to pay $8 to $15 for a single entree at a casual stand, and $15 to $30 at a sit-down restaurant. Many places accept both cash and cards.

Beach access and swimming

The beach runs directly alongside the boardwalk, and you can access it from multiple points. Swimming is permitted in the ocean during the summer season, typically from late May through September. Lifeguards are on duty during these months, usually from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. A beach tag (also called a beach badge) is required to use the beach; you can buy daily, weekly, or seasonal tags at booths near the beach entrances or at some hotels and shops.

Beach tag prices vary by age and length of stay. As of 2024, a daily tag for an adult costs around $8 to $10, and children under 12 are often free or cost $3 to $5. Weekly and seasonal tags are available at lower per-day rates. The beach is free to walk on without a tag, but you cannot sit or swim without one.

Parking and getting there

Wildwood is located in Cape May County, New Jersey, about 160 miles south of New York City and 40 miles south of Atlantic City. If you drive, parking lots and garages are located throughout Wildwood near the boardwalk. Parking prices vary by location and season: in summer, expect to pay $5 to $15 per day in public lots, and $10 to $20 per day in private garages. Some hotels offer free parking to guests.

If you take public transit, NJ Transit bus routes serve Wildwood, though service is limited compared to northern New Jersey. The closest major airport is Atlantic City International Airport, about 45 minutes away by car. There is no train station in Wildwood itself.

When to visit and what to expect by season

The boardwalk is open year-round for walking, shopping, and dining, but most rides, arcades, and attractions operate only from late May through September. Summer (June through August) is the busiest season, with all attractions open daily and crowds heaviest on weekends and during school breaks. Expect long lines for popular rides and higher prices for food and parking during this period.

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are shoulder seasons. Rides and attractions begin opening in late May and close gradually in September. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends. Winter (November through March) is the quietest time — the boardwalk is still walkable, but most rides and many restaurants close. Some shops and restaurants remain open year-round, particularly near the central boardwalk area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to walk on Wildwood Boardwalk?

No, walking on the boardwalk itself is free. You only pay when you use rides, play games, buy food, or purchase a beach tag to swim. You can walk the entire two-mile length without spending money.

What is the best time to visit if I want shorter lines?

Weekday mornings in June or early September have shorter lines than summer weekends. If you visit on a weekday in late May or early September, most attractions are open but crowds are lighter. Winter is the quietest, but many rides and restaurants are closed.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onto the boardwalk?

You can bring food and drinks onto the boardwalk itself, but individual attractions (piers, arcades, restaurants) may have their own policies. Check with each venue before bringing outside food into a specific ride or game area.

How much does it cost to go on the rides?

Morey's Piers offers both pay-per-ride tickets and all-day wristbands. Individual ride tickets typically cost $3 to $8 each. An all-day wristband for one pier costs around $40 to $60 depending on the day and season, and a wristband covering all three piers costs $70 to $100. Prices change by season and day of the week.

Is Wildwood Boardwalk crowded in the summer?

Yes, summer weekends and school breaks are very busy, with long lines for popular rides and crowded beaches. If you prefer fewer crowds, visit on a weekday or during shoulder seasons (late May or September). Early morning hours are quieter than afternoon and evening.