May 22, 2018
Jon Tuleya/PhillyVoice
A lifeguard stand is seen on the beach between Wisteria and Sweetbriar roads in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey.
Just a stone’s throw from the bustling Wildwood boardwalk is the quieter shore town of Wildwood Crest, similar to Ocean City, New Jersey, for its family-friendly appeal and status as a dry town.
To make the distinction from its Wildwoods neighbors particularly clear, the Crest went to work rebranding itself just two years ago, championing the slogan “It’s better in the Crest” and incorporating a new logo to further differentiate itself.
Together Wildwood and Wildwood Crest comprise the country’s largest collection of “Doo Wop” style architecture making the town look like a postcard straight from the mid-20th Century, offering a highly kitschy appeal when viewed in 2018. The style of building, also called "Googie architecture," is known for its futuristic features usually incorporating drastic slopes and starburst emblems.
None required! All beaches in Wildwood Crest – as well as in North Wildwood and Wildwood – are free.
The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol will have CPR-certified lifeguard coverage between 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach patrol will have 28 lifeguard chairs at the water’s edge during the season and Wildwood Crest beaches will be protected with 56 lifeguards, six supervising lieutenants, and two medical personnel.
The beaches are closed for all use from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Surfing is permitted at Rambler Road and Aster Road beaches. Swimming and surfing is permitted during off-duty lifeguard hours, but not encouraged.
Boogie boards, wakeboards, and other flotation devices are permitted in posted areas during lifeguard hours. Surfboards, paddleboard, and kayaks are permitted on all beaches after 5:30 p.m. Fishing is prohibited during lifeguard hours but permitted during off-duty hours as long as bathers aren’t nearby.
Kite flying and ball playing are restricted to the back areas of the beach.
Animals, alcohol, fires, barbecues, and picnics are all prohibited.
Meters in Wildwood Crest operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the season at $1.50 an hour (or 10 minutes for a quarter). Wildwood Crest meters also take Parkmobile. Maximum meter time is five hours. Seasonal parking passes are $250. The fine for parking at an expired meter is $35. Get more parking meter info here.
Wildwood Crest is a prime family-friendly town, so the summer is filled with all-ages (and often free) outdoor concerts, fitness classes, and festivals. There is live music every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at some of the shore’s public places, plus plenty of activity-based events, such as the Second Annual Wildwood Crest Health & Wellness Expo on June 19 and the Cape May County Lifeguard Championships on July 6.
You can try your hand at sand sculpting come July 7 at the Wildwood Crest Amateur Sand Sculpting festival, or race in the 5k beach run Aug. 4.
As for food, mark your calendar for Food Truck Night on July 29, and be sure to carve out time to try the barbecue and seafood at Jamaica Me Hungry and the Royal Grille Cafe for something more upscale. Some Wildwood Crest restaurants, along with others in Wildwood and North Wildwood, will participate in two restaurant weeks this summer. The first takes place June 17-21 and the second happen Aug. 26-30. And If you’re craving a beach hoagie, there is a Primo’s not far at all.
Check out a list of more Wildwood Crest dining options here.
Visit Wildwood Crest | Wildwood Crest Historical Society | Wildwood Insider | Wildwood Crest 2018 Calendar of Events Brochure | Wildwood 2018 Crest Municipal Calendar | Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol | Wildwoods Tourism site
