The Wildwoods Boardwalk has been called "two miles of smiles" for a good reason. Spectacular amusement piers, world-class roller coasters, interactive water parks, family atmosphere, carnival-style games of chance, shops and irresistible food make the Wildwoods Boardwalk a summer "must" for nearly 9 million visitors every year.
Since its birth as a mere 150-yard stretch of boards in the 1890s, the Wildwoods Boardwalk has always been the center of activity. Throughout the years, the Boardwalk has gone through many transformations, growing and evolving with the mood of the country and, in its 100-year history, was twice moved closer to the ocean due to the changing shoreline. Today, the Boardwalk is one of the country's last great seaside promenades. Its rich history and world-famous ambiance have led to the very concept of the Wildwoods Boardwalk being replicated both in Disneyland and Hershey Park in Pennsylvania.
Visiting guests will find an array of exciting amusements, including three of the best seaside roller coasters in the country at Morey's Piers: the Sea Serpent, the Great Nor'easter — an inverted looping coaster and the Great White — one of the tallest and fastest wooden coasters on the East Coast. Also, giant monster trucks offer a high-speed, bumpy ride along the beach. The Wildwoods' three large beachfront water parks provide cool relief on a hot summer day — with plunging waterfalls, cool cabanas, spas, hydrochutes, speed slides, raft rides, tube floats, lazy rivers, waterslides, rope swings, water guns for soaking and a 1,000-gallon dumping bucket.
The Wildwoods Boardwalk also hosts a number of events throughout the year including the Wildwoods Baby Parade, Classic Car Shows, crafts shows, Family Entertainment Nights and spectacular free weekly fireworks and laser light shows. Another of the Wildwoods Boardwalk's most popular attractions is the Sightseers Tram Cars, which are the source of one of the most familiar quotes to any visitor to the Jersey Shore and the Wildwoods Boardwalk: "Watch the Tram Car, Please," transporting visitors from one end of the famous wooden way to the other.
The Sightseer Tram Cars were originally built for the 1939 World's Fair in New York City. In 1949, Gilbert Ramagosa purchased five of the electric powered cars and put them into service on the Wildwoods Boardwalk. For 60 continuous years, the Tram Cars have ferried tens of millions of visitors and locals alike along the Boardwalk. The Tram Cars were way ahead of their time in being environmentally friendly, as they can operate for up to 12 hours at a time on the power of a single 2,000-pound electric battery. Today, eight Tram Cars traverse the Boardwalk and carry approximately 500,000 people annually. A nominal $2.50 fare provides seating and transports visitors to their desired destinations.
The Boardwalk is also perfect for a calming stroll on a cool night or a scenic morning bike ride amidst all of the amusements, arcades, shops and attractions during the early hours of the day. Stretching for two and a half miles, the Boardwalk offers pure sensory overload and is the perfect way to spend a fun-filled day or night at the Jersey Shore.
