Getaway: Morey’s Piers

Nothing is like spending the summertime at the beach and Philadelphia it is only a drive to the Jersey Shore. This August we enjoyed a safe and welcoming experience in Wildwood, NJ to enjoy the largest seaside amusement park in the Western Hemisphere. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks is a classic seaside amusement park located on the Wildwood boardwalk with more than 100 rides and attractions along three action packed amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks.

Summer of 2020 marks many changes for the piers, but with safety guidelines in place guests are sure to embrace the fresh air and sunshine. We found employees and ride attendants to enforce the mask guidelines and hand sanitizer offered at every corner. The history for Morey’s Piers started back in 1968 when two brothers, Will and Bill Morey, spotted a 12 lane fiberglass slide in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They took a risk buying this slide and setting up on the Wildwood boardwalk in 1969. This began their journey into the world of amusement parks and boardwalk veterans were skeptical at first. The Morey brothers pushed ahead acquiring more land in the area by paying twice the going rate. In 1976 they acquired their second pier and continued to grow. By 1979 they had established a full waterslide complex that would later grow into two waterparks. In 1986 the family purchased their third amusement pier and the mid 80-90s brought roller coaster to Morey’s Piers.

Starlux Boutique Hotel

We were pleased to enjoys such a simple and safe check- in for the weekend at the retro Starlux Boutique Hotel, owned by Morey’s Piers. Only blocks from the boardwalk and Wildwood Convention Center, this hotel is very conveniently located and features classic Americana architecture you won’t often find at the Jersey Shore. The all-glass lobby and lounge area opens onto the pool promenade where there is a heated pool, hot tub (open year round), and barbecue grills. Guests are also provided with free parking (1 car per room), free wireless internet, guest laundry, complimentary beach cruiser bicycles and beach gear in addition to complimentary Continental Breakfast (May 1st to Oct. 15).

Hotels guests also receive a special discount next door at the Starlux Mini Golf Course, where the wild things par! This mini golf is a unique two level course with three themes (beach, ocean, and boardwalk) and a total of 27 holes! We couldn’t resist playing the course which is open late on the weekends and even has its own Kohr Brothers ice cream booth.

Just like their rides and attractions, Morey’s Piers offers the widest selection of food and beverages with over 20 food outlets and eateries where guests can indulge in their boardwalk favorites and more.  One of our favorite staples are the famous Curley’s Fries, introduced in 1974 and still remains a boardwalk staple today.  With the growth and evolution of the piers, so did their food and beverage offerings.

Jumbo’s Seafood restaurant at Mariner’s Pier was the first Morey’s Piers sit-down restaurant and eatery to open in 1999.  Today Jumbo’s offers extra large pizza pies and seafood options in a casual atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Executive Chef Walter “Wally” Jurusz joined the Morey’s Piers team in 2009 bringing his passion and culinary experience for elevated boardwalk food with a gourmet flair to the piers.

We started our Saturday morning with a visit to the Ocean Oasis Waterpark & Beach Club. Take a walk to the end of Surfside Pier, lies a tropical island getaway with an exciting collection of waterslides like the Cliff Dive slide where you’ll drop 5 stories in 3 seconds! The newest slide is the six-lane WipeOut where you can race family and friends. Bonsai Beach allows kids and parents to enjoy the interactive play area with water jets, climbing ropes and slides especially for the little ones. And of course you’re always welcome to lie back and relax as you float through the Lazy River or indulge in a cocktail at the swim up bar.

Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar & Grille

This year Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar & Grille was closed for the season, but stay tuned for Summer 2021. The restaurant is named for the two brothers who started it all, Will and Bill Morey. Sit back and enjoy something refreshing, they offer over 10 specialty cocktails featuring tropical ingredients and fresh fruit in original combinations- plus a variety of craft and local beers! In the past we’ve enjoyed the healthy options on the menu like the Quinoa Bowl loaded with shaved Brussels sprouts, arugula, candied walnuts, avocado and orange vinaigrette. You can also add a protein like salmon, grilled or crispy chicken. The menu also includes Steamed Pork Potstickers served with an Asian dipping sauce as an appetizer and the Crabby Cake Sandwich, a jumbo lump house-made crab cake with lemon Dijon mustard. This outdoor restaurant is open daily during season from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Joe’s Fish Co.

Opened in Summer 2010, Joe’s Fish Co. is the second full restaurant opened by Morey’s Piers. We enjoyed the outside seating at this casual, contemporary family restaurant amidst the action of the rides on the pier. With lots of outside seating this restaurant is a great choice for dinner with views of the amusements on the pier. We started off our meal with the delicious Crabby Pretzel, jumbo pretzel topped with our crab dip and melted cheddar baked bubbly! Their menu also offers a variety of fresh seafood options like local oysters, platters, fish and chips, grilled local fish, and whole steamed 1.5 lb. whole Maine lobster or 1 lb. snow crab legs.

In the past Morey’s Piers has offered “Breakfast in the Sky” where guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast while they ride the Giant Ferris Wheel.  This unique dining concept was the idea of Will Morey Sr. back in the late 90’s. A decade later Breakfast in the Sky was brought to life and has sold out many seasons so be sure to get your tickets at the start of the season! Guests could enjoy breakfast with views 150 feet above sea level complete with white linens, china, and a signature menu.

Pig Dog Beach Bar

Opened in Summer 2018, Pig Dog Beach Bar is located right off the pier and on the beach allowing for guests to bring their furry friends to join them at this new breed of beach bar is serving up tasty barbecue classics, cocktails and local beers. Stop by and enjoy all outdoor seating including social-distanced picnic tables, and beach games while you enjoy your sips and snacks. We loved the slow-cooked smokey goodness of summer barbecue like the Loaded BBQ Fries topped with pulled pork, Texas western sauce, cheddar sauce, chilis, and scallions. We loved the lighter option of the Grilled Summer Shrimp Salad with field greens, watercress, hearts of palm, cucumbers, grapefruit, red peppers and mango-pineapple vinaigrette.

Another favorite is The Pig Big, a sourdough loaf stuffed with smoked pulled pork, covered in Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with pickled jalapeños and scallions. We also enjoyed the variety of sandwich and platter options. We loved the Smoked 1/2 Half Chicken served with parkerhouse rolls and cole slaw. Rubbed and smoked this dark meat chicken is glazed with Texas western barbecue sauce. PigDog Beach Bar invites pooches and guests of all ages to kick-back and enjoy the laidback atmosphere accessible via Raging Waters Water Park, the beach, and the boardwalk. After Labor Day open, Friday – Sunday 11 am – 7 pm.