The Best Day Ever in… is an Original Best of New Jersey video series that brings our audience along as we spend the day in popular and up-and-coming towns throughout the state. During each trip, we enjoy all the must-eats, must-sees, and must-dos that make the town memorable. It’s the ultimate day trip guide to New Jersey’s hidden gems, culinary hotspots, and most exciting destinations!
A Special Thank You to The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority For Letting Us Have The Best Day Ever! To Learn More:
| Visit Their Website | Win a Family Vacation | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 800-992-9732 |
The Best Day Ever in…
Wildwood
Even among the many incredible Jersey Shore towns, few places capture the electric, sun-soaked spirit of summer like Wildwood. Perhaps it’s the five-mile stretch of free beaches, the vibrant retro Doo Wop charm, or the seemingly endless neon-lit boardwalk. Whatever the case, we recently visited this popular summertime destination to have The Best Day Ever.
Below, you’ll learn exactly how we spent the day in Wildwood. Our ultimate Wildwood itinerary seamlessly blends boutique shopping, boardwalk entertainment, and standout local dining. From beachside BBQ and local surf shops to waterfront fine dining and old-fashioned ice cream sundaes with mini-golf, Best of New Jersey’s action-packed guide ensures you too can experience The Best Day Ever in… Wildwood.
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Stop #1:
PigDog Beach Bar
Where: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
To help fuel up for the fun day ahead, our first stop was PigDog Beach Bar. With a beachy vibe and tons of outdoor seating in the sand, plus a spacious covered deck, PigDog is the perfect spot for an early meal or casual evening dinner after a day at the beach. The menu features plenty of causal eats and BBQ options, plus a selection of drinks and cocktails. We recommend the pulled pork sandwich or their signature Hog Master Platter for three, paired with their PigPen frozen cocktail. PigDog is located at the end of Morey’s Mariner’s Landing Pier, next to Raging Waters Waterpark.
| Visit Their Website | Make A Reservation | Follow @pigdogbeachbar on Instagram | Call 609-729-3700 |
Stop #2:
Kona Surf Company
Where: 103 Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood
Our next stop was to Kona Surf Co, Wildwood’s go-to destination for surf boards and beach apparel. Open since 1969, nobody knows how to catch a wave quite like Kona. Their expansive shop curates athletic wear for men, women, and kids alongside skateboards and surfboards. They ever offer custom CNC-shaped surfboards, hand-finished at their Board House about a block away from the shop. No matter what you’re looking for to prepare for a day at the beach, Kona has you covered. This includes hats, towels and blankets, candles, drinkware, souvenirs, and more.
| Visit Their Website | Shop Apparel | Follow @konasurfcompany on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 866-858-5864 |
Stop #3:
Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grill
Where: 500 W Hand Ave, Wildwood
For sunset meals or moonlit cocktails, Beach Creek Oyster Bar offers scenic indoor and outdoor dining. Their waterfront deck feels like a tropical getaway, boasting palm trees and tropical flowers, a full service bar, and a stage for live entertainment. A fresh raw bar headlines the menu, offering a selection of shrimp, clams, oysters, and colossal lump crab. Late-lunch (the restaurant opens at 4pm) favorites include flatbreads and burgers, but its their dinner entrees that really shine. Signature dishes include the Seafood a la Vodka pasta and the Vitello a la Parmigiano veal chop.
| Visit Their Website | Follow @BeachCreek on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 609-522-1062 |
Stop #4:
Morey’s Piers
Where: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Of course, no trip to Wildwood is complete without a stop at Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks. Morey’s attractions span much of the boardwalk, featuring two distinct water parks and their famous amusement park. The amusement park offers families a classic mix of coasters, rides, and games for all ages. From the high-octane Runaway Tram and Sea Serpent to the easygoing Rockin’ Tug, there are plenty of exciting attractions. Morey’s also features classic boardwalk games, so you just know we had to win one and take home a giant-sized prize.
| Visit Their Website | Get Tickets | Follow @moreyspiers on Instagram | Call 609-729-3700 |
Stop #5:
MudHen Brewing Company
Where: 127 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood
One of the biggest surprises of the trip was MudHen Brewing Co. MudHen is much more than a brewery, it’s a lively and expansive craft beer destination. They have 9 separate locations on the grounds where guests can sit, drink, or eat. This includes The Garage Room, Garage Bar, Station House, Lounge, Patio, and their Biergarten. There’s even a more private upstairs bar with table games and a fireplace. In short, they are plenty of ways to relax and unwind at MudHen. The brewery keeps about a dozen of their made on-site craft beers on tap, with additional canned options available.
| Visit Their Website | Order Online | Follow @mudhenbrew on Instagram | Call 609-846-7918 |
Stop #6:
The Swine Bar
Where: 231 W 10th Ave Rear, North Wildwood
When it came time to sit down for an upscale dinner, we headed to The Swine Bar. This fine dining restaurant is the sister business that occupies the second story above The Surfing Pig. (Which is a more casual spot for BBQ, burgers, seafood, and cocktails.) The Swine Bar offers waterfront views overlooking Ottens Basin with a menu that specializes in premium seafood. Standout entrees include the Everything Spice Crusted Yellowfin Tuna, Pan Roasted Sakura Pork Loin, and Espresso Spice Crusted Wagyu Coulotte. Pair any entree with a smokey Old Fashioned for the perfect sunset meal.
| Visit Their Website | Make A Reservation | Follow @theswinebar on Instagram | Call 609-297-5238 |
Stop #7:
5 Mile Marketplace
Where: 3500 Boardwalk, Wildwood
5 Mile Marketplace is what happens when you distill Wildwood down to its very essence. From trendy merchandise and summer outfits to everything you might need or probably forgot to pack, they have it all. We’re talking footwear, swim wear, jewelry, and more; they even have hermit crabs. Of course, their popular selection of classic boardwalk souvenirs is also a must-browse during your visit. This includes an impressive collection of Wildwood-themed magnets. Their friendly staff and close proximity to Morey’s Pier makes 5 Mile Marketplace an easy stop when hitting the boardwalk.
| Follow on Facebook | Call 609-770-7545 |
Stop #8:
Duffer’s Restaurant & Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor
Where: 5210 Pacific Ave, Wildwood
Before heading home, we absolutely could not leave Wildwood without a trip to Duffer’s. This old fashioned ice cream parlor is a time machine back to the golden age of service with a smile. Duffer’s serves homemade ice cream in over 30 flavors, from classics like Strawberry to favorites like Marble Caramel. Other dessert highlights include milkshakes, ice cream sodas, and massive sundaes. Open daily from 8am-11pm, this family-friendly spot serves every meal of the day. Besides their incredible dessert options, Duffer’s also has a modern arcade room and outdoor mini golf course.
| Visit Their Website | Order Online | Follow @dufferswildwoods on Instagram | Call 609-729-1817 |
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Top Photo: © BestofNJ.com | Photo by Justin DiPietro
