Wildwood is the quintessential summer resort on the Jersey Shore. Everything under the sun--from free white sand beaches, a boardwalk and boating to amusement piers, water parks and picnics--makes for an action-packed vacation. But even when the sun doesn't shine, there are historical and recreational activities to enjoy indoors. The Wildwoods have you covered.
The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was constructed in 1874, when the now-popular summer resort town of Wildwood was an uninhabited barrier island. Today the working lighthouse, which is surrounded by a beautiful Victorian style garden, houses a museum and gift shop. Open to the public year-round, the Swiss Carpenter Gothic style building is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. It is furnished with period antiques, original woodwork including beautiful oak mantels, educational exhibits, nautical displays and lighthouse artifacts. The lighthouse is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer, and guided or self-guided tours are priced at $4 for adults and $1 for children 11 years and younger. There is no fee to visit the gardens and gift shop.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
111 North Central Ave.
North Wildwood, NJ 08260
609-522-4520
herefordlighthouse.org/
Hours of fun can be had, rain or shine, at Mariners Arcade, located at the center of the Wildwood Boardwalk. Equipped with the latest video games, the arcade also offers an air hockey table, merchandise cranes, skeeball, Dance Revolution, Hammer Head, Strike Fighter, Racing Rage and a large selection of Webkinz for the kids. Boasting "the biggest and easiest progressive jackpots in South Jersey," the arcade also has slots, progressive wheel poker, progressive skeeball, Monopoly Pusher and Price is Right Pusher. The wall of redemption prizes is huge and includes electronics, video games, CDs, DVDs, toys and beach items.
Mariners Arcade
Mariner's Landing Pier
Schellenger and the Boardwalk
Wildwood, NJ 08260
609-522-5563
marinersarcade.com/MarinersArcade.asp?psz=2
Open daily year-round, 3 J's Wildwood Bowl is the perfect place to play on a rainy afternoon or evening. Known for its "Pizza, Pins & Coke" special, formerly called "Family Bowl," a party of five can bowl for two hours for $50 a lane with shoe rentals, a large cheese pizza pie and a pitcher of soda included. Additionally, five people can bowl for $20 hourly per lane during "Open Bowl." Shoe rental is just $3. Automated scoring machines, an arcade room with pinball, air hockey and video games, billiards and a bar lounge are also on the smoke-free premises.
3 J's Wildwood Bowl
3401 New Jersey Ave.
Wildwood, NJ 08260
609-729-0111
3jwildwoodbowl.com/
