Wave of new development continues in the Wildwoods in 2026

Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood – collectively known as the Wildwoods – will continue a redevelopment surge in 2026 featuring distinctive new hotels, attractions, events, businesses and improvements to the Boardwalk.

Following is a rundown of what is coming up this year, according to the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.

The Wild Resort:
Scheduled to open in the summer, The Wild Resort will feature a five-story boutique hotel with 75 luxury rooms at Glenwood Avenue and the Boardwalk in Wildwood. Guest accommodations will range from hotel rooms to luxury suites, many offering private balconies with ocean views. Additional amenities will include a fitness center and a gift shop showcasing Wildwood memorabilia, as well as a second-floor restaurant and outdoor pool. The Boardwalk frontage stores will include a Starbucks, an It’s Sugar candy store, and a family-owned pizzeria.

Boardwalk Revitalization:
Revitalization of the iconic Wildwoods’ Boardwalk is continuing in 2026, with upgrades and expansions. This winter, the Boardwalk is undergoing significant reconstruction, with major sections in North Wildwood, from 24th to 26th avenues, aiming for completion by April. The Wildwood section of the Boardwalk continues its multi-phase projects, replacing old boards and tram car tracks with new sections also targeting spring-summer 2026 openings to minimize seasonal disruptions and modernize the infrastructure. Boardwalk updates include a complete reconstruction of the base support, along with new timber decking, signage, railings, lighting, and ADA-accessible ramps. These enhancements are funded by a mix of local, state and federal contributions.

    The Boardwalk is being upgraded this year with a series of major improvements. (Courtesy of the Wildwoods)
  

Wildwood Crest Fishing Pier Expansion:
A once-favorite spot for fishing in the Wildwoods, the Wildwood Crest Fishing Pier, located on Heather Avenue on the beach, will undergo a significant expansion in 2026. The pier is one of the Wildwoods’ many family-friendly fishing spots. Construction will improve the existing pier, extending it 1,250 feet into the ocean.

New Restaurant to Replace Exit 6ix:
Construction has begun on a modern two-story new restaurant and bar concept at the location of the Exit 6ix restaurant at 100 West Walnut Avenue in North Wildwood. The restaurant will be completely overhauled, featuring multiple dining spaces, multi-level renovations, a large outdoor courtyard and rooftop dining deck. This new restaurant continues the Wildwoods’ restaurant renaissance, with new establishments opening each year.

Doo Wop-themed Super Wawa:
A new Super Wawa will be coming to the Wildwoods, with construction already underway. The new location will pay tribute to the Wildwoods’ renowned Doo Wop mid-century architectural history. The Wawa, which will be built on Schellenger and New Jersey Avenue in Wildwood, with a gas station, is replacing a Rite Aid store. It will feature stylistic elements to further reinforce the resort’s retro theme. This will mark the second Doo Wop-themed Wawa celebrating the history of the Wildwoods, following the original Doo Wop Wawa located on Rio Grande Avenue at the entrance of the island.

Morey’s Piers Giant Wheel Refurbishment:
The iconic Morey’s Piers Giant Wheel is getting a facelift ahead of the 2026 summer season. All 40 gondolas will be refreshed, ensuring a smoother ride from top to bottom. At 156 feet in height, the Ferris wheel provides some of the best views of the island and is one of the largest on the East Coast.

    The Wildwoods will offer an array of new attractions and events for 2026.
  

New Culinary and Business Expansions:
The Wildwoods’ dining scene has expanded significantly in recent years, offering a diverse array of options for every taste. Visitors can enjoy freshly caught seafood, Italian cuisine, Continental fare, ethnic restaurants, and other favorites served al fresco or indoors, with a number of restaurants featuring waterfront seating. Adding to the culinary landscape are several exciting new dining establishments. The growing list of recent additions in the Wildwoods includes the following businesses:

New Dining Restaurants, Bars, Quick Bites & Takeout Establishments:

• Antney’s Grub (New Location): 120 West Walnut Avenue, North Wildwood
• Baypoint Marina & Tiki Bar: Montgomery Avenue & The Bay, Wildwood
• Cavu BYOB: 5901 Ocean Avenue Wildwood Crest
• Crest Coffee Company: 6101 New Jersey Ave, Wildwood Crest
• CrestWood Diner: 5308 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood
• DeAngelis Culinary: 100 E. Walnut Avenue, North Wildwood
• Effie’s Buttercup Cafe: 5501 Ocean Ave., Wildwood Crest (at Aqua Beach)
• John’s Water Ice: 20th Street and the Boardwalk, North Wildwood
• Johnnie’s By The Sea: 3001 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Johnny Longhots: 3115 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Kimberly’s Eatery & Mini Golf: 2410 Atlantic Avenue, North Wildwood
• La Cantina Wildwood: 218 East Schellenger Avenue, Wildwood
• La ISLA Restaurant: 4100 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood
• Rommadill Pickling Store: 3109 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Sabbia D’oro Italiano: 3401 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Sandy Boots Saloon: 219 East Lincoln Avenue, Wildwood
• Shawn’s Cheesesteaks & Paninis: 3421 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• Taqueria El Azteca: 2nd Location at 4020 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood
• The Boards Cafe: 3800 Boardwalk, Wildwood
• The Reef Restaurant: 5401 Ocean Ave., Wildwood Crest (inside Adventurer)
• The Rook Wildwood: 2708 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
• The Salty Mermaid: 2507 Delaware Avenue, North Wildwood
• Tim’s Ale House: Ocean and Lincoln Avenues, Wildwood

New Businesses:
Mayhem Zone: 3800 Boardwalk (inside the Boardwalk Mall), Wildwood
Ricciardi Brothers: 2508 Delaware Avenue, North Wildwood

Additional New Locations:
East Coast Surf Shop: 3810 Boardwalk, Wildwood
The Tram Car Store: 5314 Boardwalk, Wildwood

    Country music star Eric Church will be one of the headliners at the Barefoot Country Music Fest in 2026. (Courtesy of Eric Church Facebook page)
  

Major 2026 Events:
The Wildwoods, touted as the “Event Capital of the East Coast,” host over 160 festivals and events annually, offering a variety of activities for all ages and interests. For the latest 2026 events schedule, visit: https://wildwoodsnj.com/events-calendar/.

The Wildwoods are home to signature events, including the Barefoot Country Music Festival, which returns on June 18-21 and will feature more than 40 of country music’s hottest headliners.

Another major event is the Thunder Over the Waves Airshow, themed this year around “Honoring America’s Heroes.” The airshow is scheduled for September 11 (practice day) and September 12 (main event).

Visitors will also be able to enjoy events such as The Race of Gentleman Vintage Car and Motorcycle Beach Drag Races, Bulls On The Beach Rodeo, two Boardwalk Classic Car Shows, 5K runs, weekly summer Friday Night fireworks, and much more.

The Wildwoods’ annual calendar of events also provides additional activities and entertainment outlets to those already visiting for vacation or business. From sporting events to fishing tournaments, free outdoor concerts four nights each week, food, and music festivals, and even a national marbles championship, the Wildwoods have developed a lineup of special attractions.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.