Wildwood Crest
Wildwood Crest is the southernmost of the three main Wildwoods.
Cape May County·Official site ↗
141 Miles verified June 8, 2026. Some details may be out of date.
Wildwood Crest is the southernmost of the three main Wildwoods.
Cape May County·Official site ↗
141 Miles verified June 8, 2026. Some details may be out of date.
How Wildwood Crest ranks across the 141 Miles editorial indexes.
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Wildwood Crest is the southernmost of the three main Wildwoods. Like its neighbors, it has free, wide beaches with no badge required, and it shares the area's mid-century motel look. What sets it apart is the calm: the Crest has no boardwalk, and it draws families wanting a quieter base than Wildwood proper. Residential blocks, low-rise motels, parks, and bayside sunset views give it a relaxed, vacation feel.
History Wildwood Crest incorporated as a borough in the early 1900s, the last of the island's towns to form. It grew as a beach destination, but its character came with the postwar boom, when families driving to the Shore filled new motels in the colorful, space-age style now called Doo Wop. Wildwood Crest kept more of those motels and stayed more residential, while the boardwalk and amusements stayed to the north in Wildwood.
What makes it unique The Crest's appeal is what it lacks. There is no boardwalk and no big amusement scene, so it stays calmer than Wildwood, though it shares the same free, wide beaches. It also holds a dense run of restored Doo Wop motels, part of one of the country's largest collections of mid-century resort architecture. Unlike its neighbor, it is a dry town, which reinforces its low-key, family reputation.
Interesting facts
Summary Wildwood Crest suits families and anyone who wants the Wildwoods' free, wide beaches without the boardwalk crowds and noise. Stay here for a calmer, motel-and-beach vacation, with Wildwood's amusements a short walk north when you want them.
Coastal Flood Warning
Coastal Flood Warning issued September 23 at 3:00PM EDT until September 26 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued September 23 at 3:00PM EDT until September 26 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued September 23 at 2:34PM EDT until September 24 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
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Route 317 bus; south end of Wildwood island
Quieter end of the island — walkable but far from bus hub
NJ Transit 317 — Wildwood Crest
69°
Free — no beach badge required
This Afternoon
70°
Mostly Cloudy
Tonight
62°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Dogs restricted during summer
Tents and canopies allowed — no restrictions
Smoking banned on all NJ public beaches (state law since 2019). Fines $250–$1,000
Glass containers prohibited on beach
Alcohol prohibited on beach (local ordinance)
Wildwood Crest Beaches
Street meters
Virtual parking meters
Thursday
69°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
Thursday Night
58°
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Friday
69°
Chance Rain Showers
Friday Night
60°
Chance Rain Showers