MOREY’S PIERS

To say Morey’s Piers is an amusement park would be like calling the Empire State Building a tall office. Technically accurate for sure, but it misses the point at the same time. Morey’s is a multi-generational, multi-pier marvel. It’s where nostalgia, thrill, beach life, and boardwalk charm all collide. And for me—a lifelong New Yorker with a deep appreciation for multi-generation institutions that get it right—Morey’s is more than just a weekend getaway. It’s tradition. It’s memory. It’s summer.

A Jersey Shore Legend Since 1969, when brothers Jack and Will Morey set up a giant fiberglass slide on Surfside Pier, this family-run wonderland has been evolving.  

Today, it spans three massive piers—Surfside, Mariner’s, and Adventure—and includes two expansive water parks, dozens of rides, and some of the best shore-side eats you’ll ever find. 

And the wild thing? It still feels like home. Even as it grows and modernizes, there’s something comfortingly familiar about Morey’s. Maybe it’s the sound of the tram car on the boardwalk announcing, “Watch the Tram Car, please!” or the way the smell of Curley’s Fries drifts on the ocean breeze. It all works together to remind you that this isn’t just another boardwalk—it’s a living, breathing piece of Americana. And that unto itself is pure gold!  

Morey’s hasn’t just grown—it’s evolved. The design of each pier reflects a different mood. Surfside feels youthful and electric. Mariner’s is classic and family-focused. Adventure Pier, with its towering rides and urban artwork, caters to the wild hearts. That diversity in vibe is intentional. It’s like stepping into a different story depending on which pier you enter.

Ride the Waves, Then Ride the Coaster
I usually start my day in Wildwood with a long walk on the beach, letting the Atlantic do its thing on my stress levels. After all, writing and managing a magazine in New York is not exactly a walk in the park! 

Then it’s straight to Mariner’s Pier to ride the Giant Wheel. At 156 feet, it gives you the lay of the land—and the ocean. The views are pure magic and exactly what the doctor ordered. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Cape May. It’s the calm before the storm because from there, it’s time to turn up the volume.  

The Sea Serpent is a classic—a looping coaster that’s been giving thrill seekers their fix for decades. Then there’s the Great White, a wooden coaster with more rumble than a subway car during rush hour. For something newer, the Runaway Tram is a family-friendly ride that serves as a nod to Wildwood’s iconic tram cars. It’s a smooth ride but still enough to get the adrenaline going.

But it’s not just coasters. There’s something for every age and thrill level. From the swaying Samba Balloon ride for toddlers to the adrenaline-pumping SkyCoaster, it’s impossible not to find your flavor of fun. A common thematic at Morey’s Piers where there is always something for everyone, no matter their taste or want.

Water Parks in the Sky
From Florida to New York to New Jersey and beyond, I’ve been to plenty of water parks in my time. But there’s something surreal about floating down a lazy river or plunging down a water slide while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. That’s the Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters experience.

Ocean Oasis is more of a chill, adult vibe—with a swim-up bar and private cabanas that make you feel like you’re in a Caribbean resort. Raging Waters, on the other hand, is more about family fun. Body slides, tube rides, rope swings—the works. It’s the perfect way to cool off after you’ve baked on the beach or screamed your lungs out on a coaster.

One of my favorite spots is the Cliff Dive slide. Standing at the top, wind blowing, boardwalk buzzing below—it’s as close as I’ve come to feeling like I could fly. Then there’s the River Adventure, where you drift past waterfalls, under bridges, and into moments of absolute bliss.

Foodie Heaven
Anyone who knows me knows how much of a foodie I am. So when I tell say you know you’re at a legit boardwalk when the food is half the reason you came, you know I am being serious. At Morey’s, the culinary game is next-level. Yes, there are the staples — Curley’s Fries (worth the hype), funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, and jumbo slices of pizza bigger than your head. But then there are the surprises.

Stubborn Bros. Beach Bar & Grille serves up ahi tuna tacos and craft cocktails, while PigDog Beach Bar is your go-to for BBQ and frozen margaritas right on the sand. There’s something about eating with your feet in the sand that just makes everything taste better. Okay, maybe it’s just being at the beach and in awe of such natural beauty and summertime action. – nah, it’s eating in the sand for sure!

If you are looking for some killer seafood, Joe’s Fish Co has some of the freshest in the area, packed with deliciousness and is a perennial favorite. With live music throughout the summer and a killer ocean view from the upstairs deck and bar, this place has a great vibe that will make those signature drinks taste even greater than they already are!

Now, the grand-daddy of all culinary destinations at the piers has to be Founders Grub & Pub. This joint is a true celebration of those who chase their dreams and make the impossible, possible. And when they say they put the extra in extraordinary, they aren’t kidding, delivering some of the most vibrant, flavor packed fare in the region. Not to mention cocktails that set the tone for the culinary journey!

And for the grownups, the nightlife scene is low-key but solid. Live bands, cold drinks, and ocean breezes? Yes, please. More, please!

Morey’s even puts on food festivals. Their annual Curley’s Fry Eating Contest is a fan favorite. And for those who lean gourmet, seasonal tastings and local chef spotlights have turned the piers into an under-the-radar culinary hot spot.

Where to Stay
Morey’s Piers has some incredible accommodations for your family excursion as well. And, like the rest of the piers’ operations, has something for everyone! Whether it’s the retro-chic Starlux, luxurious mid-century elegant Pan American, the nautical-inspired Port Royal, classic Jersey-style Blue Palm or a premier-oceanfront condominium at Seapointe, accommodations at Morey’s Piers resorts are packed with fun, family and great memories!

I usually stay at the Starlux, where the 1950s-esque Doo Wop feeling mixes with a Rat Pack vibe and modern comfort. That’s my kind of jam, but then I have had friends who have stayed at the Pan American, and the Port Royal who have raved.

Built on Family
Since 1776, this country has been built on families that pass their businesses on from generation to generation. And then there are those brands that multiple generations of a family will use. In the case of Morey’s Piers, both are true. Morey’s is deeply rooted in family. Not just the Morey family, who still own and operate the place, but the generational magic that happens on the piers. Parents bring their kids because their parents brought them. It’s a cycle of joy that keeps spinning.

They’ve created a culture where everyone feels like they belong. Staff wear smiles that don’t feel forced. Ride operators dance to the music. Even the mascots—like Sunny the Seagull—seem to have a personality all their own. In other words, it’s what the Catskill resorts were to New York families in the ‘50s and ‘60s, just without Johnny Castle teaching dance classes.

Morey’s is not just about rides. It isn’t just about the food. It’s about the history, the culture and the overall approach of a stunning multi-generation business that loves its guests.

As a matter of fact, Morey’s hosts all kinds of events that bring people together. From dog-friendly days and car shows to Oktoberfest celebrations and holiday weekends with fireworks, it’s always more than just what’s on the ticket.

They also run annual themed weekends and experiential happenings like “Breakfast in the Sky,” where you dine on a Ferris wheel at sunrise with gourmet plates and the Atlantic in full view. It’s intimate, unexpected, and unforgettable—the kind of experience that turns casual visitors into loyal fans.

Wildwood Vibes
Beyond the piers, the town of Wildwood deserves its own shoutout. It’s got that retro-motel look that’s equal parts kitschy and cool. Think neon signs, boomerang architecture, and pastel everything. It’s like stepping into a vintage postcard—but with a modern soundtrack.

While there, I often take early morning bike rides along the boardwalk, grabbing coffee at a nearby beachside cafe and watching vendors set up for the day. The sunrise over the water is something to behold, a visual treat that never gets old.

The town’s weekly fireworks displays, arts festivals, and sidewalk chalk competitions make it more than just a place to crash between rides. It’s a full-on community, one that embraces you with open arms and sandy feet.

Staff, Smiles, and Service
Another part of the Morey’s experience that stands out is the staff. You can tell the team is trained not just to operate rides or serve food, but to deliver joy. They’re friendly, helpful, and more than willing to take your photo or guide you to your next snack.

A good park lives and dies by its customer service. At Morey’s, that service has heart. From lifeguards in the water parks to ticket booth attendants, everyone wears that Wildwood pride on their sleeve. During my last trip, a lifeguard noticed a kid too scared to go down a water slide. He didn’t rush the child. He crouched beside him, walked him through the slide, even waited at the bottom to catch him. That’s not policy—that’s passion. 

They’re also always innovating. Plans to expand, reimagine rides, and roll out interactive technology mean Morey’s is building for the next generation without losing its soul. It’s forward-thinking with a foot firmly planted in classic boardwalk tradition.

They’ve even begun experimenting with ride queue management systems that let you enjoy the boardwalk while you wait—no more standing in long lines under the sun. It’s these small conveniences that make the experience stand out. 

A Place to Feel Like a Kid Again
I think what keeps me coming back to Morey’s—year after year, season after season—is that it makes me feel young. Not in the superficial, try-too-hard way that some places push. But in the sense that joy is accessible. That you can lose track of time, eat too much sugar, scream on a coaster, and remember what fun actually feels like. Basically, you feel like your child-self again!

It’s hard to find that these days. Life, especially in New York, is fast, intense, and often too serious. But Morey’s? Morey’s is pure. It’s a reminder that you can still be amazed. Still be moved. Still be thrilled. And still scream for fun!  

So, this summer, when the heat rises and the city feels like a pressure cooker, you know where to find me. I’ll be on the Giant Wheel, watching the sun dip into the Atlantic, Curley’s Fries in hand, grinning like the kid I used to be. 

Because Morey’s Piers isn’t just a summer destination. It’s a state of mind. And once you’ve been, you get it. See you on the boardwalk.  

To learn more, or book a stay and tickets, please visit moreyspiers.com