Welcome to Sandy Toes Beach Cottage, a cozy coastal retreat tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood in North Wildwood. It's the kind of place built for sun-soaked days on the beach and peaceful evenings by the shore. Your host, Michelle, has deep roots in the Wildwoods, living the quintessential island life surrounded by family, friends, and all the joys of coastal living. From beach days to boardwalk nights, and everything in between.
On the property: made to kick-up your feet and relax
This is a two-bedroom cottage in a quiet residential pocket of North Wildwood. If you feel like staying close to home, there are plenty of things to do at the house or nearby. Here are some of Michelle’s suggestions:
Friday night fireworks from the porch. The covered front porch is the spot to watch — no need to fight the boardwalk crowds.
A yard and rear deck. Room for outdoor seating, plus a basic charcoal grill if you want to cook in.
Walkable to the beach, boardwalk, and local restaurants. Everything else on this list is close enough not to need the car.
Off the property
Walk the beach and the seawall (2.5 miles)
North Wildwood’s beaches are free and wide; from the lighthouse grounds you can step right onto the North Wildwood Seawall for an oceanfront walk — locals say it’s best late at night when it’s foggy and the lighthouse beam sweeps overhead.
Built in 1874 and still an active navigational aid, it’s open for touring with a small museum inside and award-winning gardens open dawn to dusk — a quieter counterpoint to the boardwalk.
Get up early and rent bikes for the boardwalk, or spend an evening on the Wildwoods Boardwalk
Biking is allowed during early morning hours before the crowds show up — one of the better, quieter ways to see the whole stretch. Amusement piers, rides, mini golf, and the Seaport Aquarium are all a short trip away — the classic Jersey Shore boardwalk night out.
Check out NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum
Located inside an old World War II hangar, the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum lets you explore aviation and military history. In 1943, NAS Wildwood was commissioned as a training facility for dive bomber squadrons that would go on to fight in the Pacific. Between 1943 and 1945, activities included night flying and target practice over the Delaware Bay.
Explore NJ’s largest open-air living history museum, Cold Spring Village, providing opportunities for historic education, preservation, and heritage tourism. Walk the village and see historically clothed interpreters who demonstrate blacksmithing, printing, woodworking, basket weaving, bookbinding and more. Historic Cold Spring Village is home to the state’s first non-profit brewery, Cold Spring Brewery. In keeping with the mission of the Historic Cold Spring Village, an 1804 barn from Upper Township was purchased.
Free movies on the plaza: A local tradition. Pack a blanket and watch a film under the stars.
Try crabbing or fishing: Sunset Lake and the bay side are the local go-tos if you want to spend an afternoon on the water without a boat.
Where to eat
Secondo Panicos: Michelle’s own new favorite; she recommends the cozy back room with harbor views or the rear patio with a fireplace.
Duffer’s Restaurant & Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor: family-friendly, with a mini put-put course and arcade for kids; Michelle suggests parking from the Wildwood Crest side (129 locals recommend).
Sweet stops: Quinn’s Original Fudge Island and Cool Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, both on the boardwalk — good for an evening stroll.
Russo’s Market: Some call them the best hoagies on the shore. You’ll just have to go and find out for yourself.
Parks and Nature
Cape May County Park & Zoo — free admission; Michelle calls it “great for a beach break day” (614 locals recommend).
Wildwood Dog Park & Beach — about 0.7 miles from the cottage, per Michelle. If you’re bringing a pre-approved pup, this is the spot — just make sure they’re clean and dry before heading back inside.
Plan around what’s happening
Wildwood Events Calendar — worth a look before you book activities, since Wildwood runs festivals, concerts, and boardwalk events all summer.