According to the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, about 8 million people visit the Wildwood beaches yearly. Wildwood beaches cover 5 miles. Time Magazine's July 13, 2009 "50 Authentic American Experiences 2009" article voted Wildwood the 30th best place to visit. Beach goers can enjoy hours of wind surfing, jetskiing or kayaking. Lifeguards and Wildwood Beach Patrol members ensure that beach visitors are safe while in the water and on the shore. Lifeguards staff above-ground stands while beach patrol members ride in four-wheel vehicles to watch the beaches.
Surf fishing is permitted October through April, but a permit is required. Shops, food stands and amusement rides line the 2-mile boardwalk. After enjoying a day in the water, beach-goers can ride roller coasters and ferris wheels or play carnival games. Funnel cakes, pizzas, ice cream and cotton candy are available at boardwalk restaurants. The boardwalk runs along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is generally open from April through October. It is free to enter the beaches. Wildwood is about 87 miles from Philadelphia and 150 miles from New York.
White sand covers Cape May on New Jersey's southern shore. Cape May beaches stretch 30 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. Beach patrol members generally guard the beaches from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Fishing is not allowed from the boardwalk. Surf fishing is allowed along parts of the shore that are not crowded with people and license is not required. Kayaking, wind surfing, bird-watching and bicycling is allowed in the area.
Dining is available at restaurants and food stands along the boardwalk. Children and adults can play arcade games at the Surfside Arcade Games store. Late spring horseshoe crabs make their annual migratory trek to the beaches. Late fall hawks can be seen at the beaches before they make their flight south. Cape May beaches are open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visitors must purchase a beach badge to access the beaches.
Avalon beaches are in a small shore community between the Wildwoods and Atlantic City. Nearly 2,000 people live in Avalon. The town's motto is "Cooler by the Mile" because the shore goes a mile farther out into the ocean than do New Jersey's other shore towns. Avalon beaches are covered with white sand and the beaches are handicapped accessible. The short boardwalk is populated with shops and restaurants. Avalon is 30 minutes from Atlantic City and more than three hours from Washington, D.C. Visitors must purchase a beach tag before they can access the beaches.
