I went to the beach for the first time on Saturday and I was shocked how cold the water was! The sand was so hot, we had to run to the water, and once we got there, we were shocked how cold it was. Turns out, this isn’t new! It’s been freezing all Summer and it’s putting a damper on people who like to swim in the ocean.
Here are the details about what’s going on, and if it will ever warm up!
The ocean temperature in Atlantic City on Friday, during the last week of July, was just about 58 degrees! (I still went in for a dip though). Ha!
The reason: an unusually long stretch of upwelling. That happens when winds push warmer surface water offshore and deeper, colder water rises up to replace it.
“This is kind of an anomaly,” said Dave Werner, a marine sciences teacher at Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science in Ocean County and an adjunct professor at Stockton University.
“We typically have upwelling in short segments, maybe two to three days where we get the southwesterly flow,” he said.
The average ocean water temperature for this time of year is about 70 degrees. Experts say parts of the Jersey Shore might finally get to that point again by the end of the weekend.
“What will really bring it back is a stiff northeast wind,” said Eberwine.
Over a Dozen Ways to Vacation Like a Local in the Wildwoods
Vacation like a local in the Wildwoods, NJ and experience all the activities, flavors, and charm that the locals know about and love!
Discover local hot spots and activities that Wildwoods residents say are “must-dos” for any visitor. Take a stroll on the free and spacious Wildwoods beaches at sunset; experience the beauty of the shore with the Wildwoods convenient ‘Bikeability’ opportunities; dine at local hidden gems; explore the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk; learn about Wildwoods history; and enjoy all the natural surroundings that the Wildwoods have to offer, including prime opportunities for surf fishing, flying kites, marine life encounters, and relaxing with friends and family.
Beach Like a Local
The Wildwoods’ five-mile island is clean, safe, and offers free beaches with plenty of room to spread out that have been voted ‘Best Beaches in New Jersey’ and ‘Top 10 Beaches in the US’. Take a walk and experience an early morning sunrise, fly a kite, enjoy surf fishing, relaxing on the beach, watching the waves, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Bike Like a Local
Hop on your bike and enjoy a leisurely 12-mile round-trip route with plenty of fresh air and breathtaking views starting at the far southern end of the island along the Dunes Bike Path in Wildwood Crest. Travel along the path up onto the Wildwoods’ 2.5-mile Boardwalk, and through North Wildwood’s Mulberry Bike Path to the North Wildwood Sea Wall. You can also ride your bike along the Wildwoods streets and downtown, with special “bikes only” lanes available around the entire island.
Dine Like a Local
Branch out from chain restaurants and try a variety of local favorite dining options throughout the Wildwoods. Enjoy local dishes unique to the resort destination at waterside, allowing local flavors to meet the natural beauty of the Wildwoods. The Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille, George’s Place, The Boathouse, The Dock, Santorini’s, The Surfing Pig, The Swine Bar, Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant, The Waterfront, and The Wharf are a few local favorites with waterfront outdoor dining overlooking the bay or the inland waterway.
The restaurant renaissance that started years ago in nearby Cape May has spilled over into the Wildwoods, and a growing number of gourmet restaurants are located throughout the five-mile island, each of them garnering superb reviews from critics and patrons alike. The Wildwoods’ upscale restaurants offer memorable surroundings, remarkable cuisine and attentive service for a perfect evening touched with romance, candlelight and delectable food. Outdoor dining overlooking the ocean, the bay or the inland waterway is the perfect way to enjoy dining in the Wildwoods. With amazing food and signature drinks, cool breezes, a phenomenal view and great live music to top it off, there’s nothing like it. The backdrop is the evening sunset on the bay while boats slowly glide past the vibrant streaks of color in the evening sky.
Most restaurants throughout the island offer a full selection of cocktails, craft beers and wines. Wine connoisseurs will find wine lists that reflect a wide selection of vineyards and vintages – including some excellent New Jersey-grown choices from area vineyards. A few restaurants even permit guests to bring their own choice of wines to enjoy with dinner.
Indulge in Locally Made Sweets
From delicious creamy milkshakes to the signature lime soda drink, the Lime Rickey, the Wildwoods are a must-visit destination for delectable, sweet enjoyments. Candy stores, homemade fudge shops, dessert destinations, pastry shops, bakeries, and more adorn the streets and the Boardwalk of the Wildwoods making it a paradise for the sweet tooth.
Enjoy Local Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries
Located in the heart of Wildwood, MudHen Brewing Company is the ideal location for locals and vacationers alike to sip craft artisan brews only found on the five-mile island. If you have a love for the distilling process, or for the products the distilleries produce, then hop over to the Lazy Eye Distillery right on Spicer Avenue in Wildwood. Try a regionally produced vodka, gin or rum that you won’t find anywhere else other than the Jersey shore. Plus, the area’s finest wineries are located just minutes from the famous five-mile island.
Local Shopping
Retail shops in the Wildwoods are plentiful and unique. The resort’s surf shops stock everything you need to enjoy the beach and ocean; sweet shops tempt your tastebuds with saltwater taffy and fudge; t-shirt shops offer trendy shirts and Wildwoods souvenir sweatshirts. The Wildwoods souvenir shops offer a selection tchotchkes and memorabilia to remember your Wildwoods visit and there are plenty of shops with men’s and women’s shoes, sportswear, beachwear and apparel, jewelry and so much more.
Meet Local Wildwoods Celebrities
Gigi, a local celebrity that has been driving the iconic Wildwoods Boardwalk Sightseer Tram Cars for nearly 30 years and is recognized by his personalized Tramcar the “Gig”, Gigi has become a local celebrity while driving Tramcars at the destination. If he’s not too busy, say “hi” and snap a selfie with him before he moves on to his next stop! Tramcars can be spotted on the Wildwoods Boardwalk, but you will more likely hear these cars before you see them as they bellow the iconic phrase, “Watch the Tramcar Please!” while enroute along the Boardwalk. A trip to the Wildwoods is not complete without a photo on of one of these iconic trams and a photo with local celebrity, Gigi, sets your status as a true Wildwoods native.
The Wildwoods’ Icon Wall Murals
Tributes to iconic musical artists are displayed throughout the Wildwoods in a series of ‘Icon Wall Murals.’ The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) developed the Icon Wall Mural project to enhance public spaces while heightening appreciation of the music evolution of the Wildwoods throughout the decades. Subjects of the Icon Wall Murals include key music legends whose mark was first made in the Wildwoods: Bobby Rydell, whose hit song ‘Wildwood Days’ has become the official anthem of the Wildwoods; Bill Haley & The Comets, who introduced the country’s first Rock ‘n Roll hit song ‘Rock Around The Clock’ at the Hof Brau Hotel in Wildwood; and Chubby Checker, who first introduced a new dance craze, ‘The Twist’, at the Wildwoods’ Rainbow Club, that swept the nation in the ‘60s. Each of these musical icons has significantly contributed to Wildwoods’ colorful history and unique culture that has drawn people of all ages to this shore resort destination for generations.
Learn About Local History & Doo Wop Architecture
The Wildwoods offer the largest collection of mid-20th century architecture in the country. This iconic building style unique to the mid 20th century is known as ‘Doo Wop Architecture’. Take a self-guided tour on foot or by car or hop on the Back to the Fifties Neon Bus Tour every Tuesday and Thursday night throughout the summer to witness the islands unique aesthetic up close and personal. Learn what makes this local form of architecture unique as the bright neon signs, vibrant architecture and colorful motel names make up the Doo Wop ambiance for which the Wildwoods are famous.
Stop by the Doo Wop Experience Museum, located on Ocean Avenue directly across from the Wildwoods Convention Center, to discover the local, musical, and architectural influence of Doo Wop on the island. The front entrance to the Doo Wop Experience Museum is adorned with vintage neon signs from around the Wildwoods as well as 50’s style bicycles, making it an essential location for photos. The museum celebrates the mid-century architecture, culture and music known as Doo Wop, including The Jukebox Café; a 50s-style malt shop complete with period furniture; some of the best-known local resort signs; historic photos; and the Neon Garden, a showcase of the famous neon signs from the era.
Explore the Hereford Inlet Light House
Start your morning with a leisurely stroll to enjoy the sunrise over the ocean on the North Wildwood Sea Wall and make a stop at the Hereford’s Inlet Lighthouse a 19th century Gothic architectural landmark that’s open to the public to experience the fascinating maritime history of the Wildwoods. Built in 1874, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is the most important historic structure on the island and continues to function as an active navigational aid maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Visitors to the lighthouse will learn about the history of the building and the local area. Relax on the Lighthouse grounds as you take in the ocean air and stroll through the beautiful English Gardens to enjoy the beauty of the seashore.
Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
Located on the corner of Ocean and Burk Avenues, the Wildwoods’ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is an exact half-size replica of the official Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This attraction offers ample opportunity for individuals to reflect and pay respect to the heroes of the Vietnam War. The memorial also offers an important educational opportunity for people of all ages.
Experience Local Wildwoods Nature
The Wildwoods are home to some of the most distinct wildlife and plant life, only found on the winding dunes and salty shores of southern New Jersey. An assortment of ecological wonders, especially in local wildlife management areas, call the Wildwoods home and provide the perfect outing for visitors looking to explore and learn more about the shore’s one-of-a-kind ecosystem. Visitors can explore and discover the wonderful world of nature including waterfowl, fish and other sea creatures. Keep your ears open for wild bird calls, dolphins splashing or the echo of sea birds in the nearby marshland – you just might catch a glimpse!
Discover Local Marine Life
Charter and party boat captains in the Wildwoods offer excursions, ranging from night fishing trips for bluefish or drum-fish; full-day excursions in search of tuna, marlin and swordfish; or a Mississippi River-style paddleboat journey for those who prefer to take in the serene sights rather than catching “the big one.” Whether it’s a parent- and-child outing, a day out with friends, or a full family event, fishing in the Wildwoods’ waters will grant you some of the largest catches off the coast and back bays along the Jersey Shore. Fishing boats typically offer four, six or eight-hour trips. Those who find themselves in need of fishing equipment are gladly outfitted with the necessary rigs and bait on all the charters.
In addition to fishing charters, there are several sightseeing boats in the Wildwoods, each with a captain well-versed in the local marine environment and all with a near-perfect record for finding schools of bottle-nosed dolphins and often whales that make the local waters their home in the summer.
The Local’s Spot for One-of-a-Kind Sunsets and Watersports
Tucked away on the bayside of Wildwood Crest, Sunset Lake is aptly named for its picturesque sunsets. Nature lovers can choose from a variety of water sports including boating, jet skiing, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking and many other water-related activities. Locals also choose sunset Lake for strolls in its beautiful parks and to view the spectacular sunsets.
Local Fishing and Crabbing Hot Spots
Fishing and crabbing is another favored seashore pastime, and is a great way to have some outdoor fun and enjoy the island environment. A fishing pier on the Intracoastal Waterway – known locally as “the back bay” – at Sweetbriar Road in Wildwood Crest is a popular fishing spot for island natives and visitors alike; and there are plenty of beaches along Hereford Inlet in North Wildwood where fishing enthusiasts gather to surf fish. Crabbing is also prevalent along the marshlands and waterways on the west side of the island where you can catch a bushel of Blue Crabs for your evening meal.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Providing year-round free admission, the Cape May County Park & Zoo features a collection of more than 550 animals, representing 250 species. Located in Cape May Courthouse New Jersey, the Zoo offers 85-acres of free exhibits and experiences for individuals of all ages.
