10 Things to Do in North Wildwood This Summer

North Wildwood is one of the Jersey Shore's best-kept secrets — a laid-back beach town with incredible food, free beaches, and a boardwalk that comes alive every summer. Whether you're planning your first trip or your tenth, here are ten things you absolutely can't miss.

1. Hit the Beach (It's Free)

Unlike many Jersey Shore towns, North Wildwood's beaches are completely free — no tags, no passes. The wide, sandy beaches stretch for blocks and are never as crowded as you'd expect. Grab a chair, set up camp, and stay all day. The Shore House provides complimentary beach gear including chairs, umbrellas, and towels to make it effortless.

2. Walk the Wildwoods Boardwalk

The famous Wildwoods Boardwalk stretches over two miles and is packed with amusement rides, water parks, arcades, and some of the best boardwalk food on the East Coast. It's classic Jersey Shore at its finest — think funnel cake, salt water taffy, and neon lights.

3. Explore Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

Built in 1874, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is a beautifully preserved Victorian lighthouse right in North Wildwood. The surrounding gardens are stunning and free to visit. The lighthouse itself offers tours and a glimpse into the area's maritime history.

4. Rent a Bike and Cruise the Streets

North Wildwood is flat, compact, and incredibly bikeable. The Shore House provides complimentary cruiser bikes for guests — perfect for exploring the quiet residential streets, grabbing coffee, or riding along the ocean. It's the best way to get around.

5. Catch a Sunset at Sunset Lake

While the ocean-side sunrise is beautiful, the sunsets over Sunset Lake on the bay side are the real show. The sky turns every shade of pink and orange, and it's usually uncrowded. Bring a drink and a chair — you won't regret it.

6. Eat Your Way Through the Local Restaurants

North Wildwood punches way above its weight in the food department. Start with breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House, grab lunch at Menz FrieZ on the boardwalk, and treat yourself to dinner at Crab House Café for fresh seafood. For a more upscale vibe, Claude's in the Reeds is a short drive away and worth every penny.

7. Try the Water Sports

The calm bay side is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Several outfitters offer rentals right on the water. The ocean side has great waves for boogie boarding and surfing too — especially in the late summer swells.

8. Visit Cape May

Just a 20-minute drive south, Cape May is a charming Victorian town with world-class restaurants, boutique shopping, wine tasting, and beautiful architecture. It makes a perfect day trip when you want a change of pace from the beach.

9. Pool Day at The Shore House

Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all. Our heated pool area — with the iconic pink-striped umbrellas, lounge chairs, and cabanas — is designed for exactly that. Grab a drink, float around, and soak up the Shore House vibe without leaving the property.

10. Catch the Friday Night Fireworks

Every Friday night in the summer, the Wildwoods put on a fireworks show over the boardwalk. You can watch from the beach, the boardwalk, or if you're lucky — from the Shore House pool deck. It's the perfect way to cap off a week at the shore.

---

Ready to experience North Wildwood for yourself? Book your stay at The Shore House and make this summer one to remember.