As midcentury motels get razed and historic bars get sold, prices in Wildwood are soaring on new construction, renovated old homes, and properties on the water — and also your basic beach houses.

Among the most popular stretches of sand are The Cove, a lively spot with wide shores and calm waters; Poverty Beach, known ...

The north end of Long Beach Island and Island Beach State Park rank up there too. However, not counting the dunes, Wildwood still reigns supreme ( not that everyone’s a fan). Why so wide ...