The Wildwood Boardwalk

Wildwood Boardwalk is a vacation hot spot for all ages within a close drive of Philadelphia. The boardwalk offers two miles of beach shops, games, food, treats, and four piers of amusement rides and attractions.

Three Must-See Attractions at Wildwood Boardwalk
The amusement rides on Morey's Pier, Mariner's Pier, Adventure Pier, and Surfside Pier alone are reason enough to visit the boardwalk. Ed's Funcade is a great place to spend some time playing arcade games with the kids and kids at heart, and it's also home of the World Championship Skeeball $1,000 Tournament over Labor Day weekend. Whatever you decide to do, "Watch the Tram Car, please!"

Where to Stay Near Wildwood Boardwalk
You will find no shortage of accommodations within walking distance of the Wildwood beach and boardwalk. The trick is booking your stay far enough in advance to have a variety of choices. Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood are great places to find a beach house for rent.

Best and Worst Time to Go to Wildwood
The boardwalk gets busier as the summer progresses, especially into July and August. The entire area sees an influx of vacationers around the summer holidays, so be aware if you want to avoid traffic or crowds. The early summer, especially June before all the schools let out, tends to be a slower time for the boardwalk; just know that all of the ride piers may not be open during weekdays in those early days of operation.

Discounts at Wildwood Boardwalk
You can check the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce website for coupons and discounts at Wildwood businesses and attractions. When you purchase your ride tickets for the boardwalk, take note that the booklets typically include coupons to various boardwalk merchants and food stops as well.

Food at Wildwood Boardwalk
Be sure to grab a slice or two of Mack's Pizza and you will likely keep dreaming of it until your next visit. Ice cream never tastes as good as it does on the boardwalk, so get a soft-serve cone the size of your head at Mr. Softee or opt for frozen custard at Kohr Bros. A trip to the boardwalk wouldn't be complete without some candy, fudge, and saltwater taffy from one of the famous fudge shops along the strand--take your pick of Laura's Fudge, James Fudge, Douglass Fudge, and countless others.

Parking at Wildwood Boardwalk
The streets of Wildwood provide ample parking options, from metered parking to paid lots and free parking. You will pay for a shorter walk to and from the car, so park on the other side of New Jersey Avenue. If you do choose metered parking, keeping a roll of quarters in your car will serve you well.

Transportation Alternatives at Wildwood Boardwalk
Depending on where you stay, you may be able to walk to the boardwalk. Fun transportation options like the Victorian open-air trolley will give you a memorable ride to and from your destination. New Jersey Transit and traditional taxi cabs can also take you around the Wildwoods to your heart's content. Once you are on the boardwalk, take a ride on the Sightseers Tram Car as everyone should do this at least once.

Author's bio: Kathryn M. D'Imperio is a freelance writer and marketing specialist in Pennsylvania. She has vacationed in Wildwood since her early youth and now enjoys taking her own family to the beach and boardwalk.