The Spring Kustom Hot Rod and Muscle Car Show is one of the most popular car events on the East Coast, and it runs right on the Wildwood boardwalk. If you’re coming in for the show and need a hotel near Wildwood NJ, Sea Chest Motel is one block from the beach in Wildwood Crest — about 10–15 minutes by foot from the show floor.
About the Show
The Spring Kustom Nationals takes over the Wildwood beachblock and boardwalk area for a weekend each spring, typically in May. The event draws hundreds of custom cars, hot rods, vintage vehicles, and muscle cars from across the region and beyond. The Wildwood boardwalk and the wide beach blocks provide a dramatic backdrop — cars parked against the ocean with the classic Wildwood skyline behind them.
What to Expect
The show is a mix of judged classes and spectator-friendly open display. Custom and kustom (the traditional alternate spelling in the hot rod world) vehicles dominate, alongside street rods, lead sleds, and period muscle cars. There’s no charge for spectators to walk the show — just show up and wander. Vendors line the boardwalk area, and the full Wildwood food and entertainment options are open.
2026 Dates
The 2026 show is scheduled for spring — check the official Wildwood Boardwalk events calendar or the promoter’s website for confirmed dates and entry information. The event has run consistently in the Wildwood area for years and typically takes place on a May weekend before Memorial Day.
Where to Stay
Wildwood Crest is the quietest part of the island and fills up fast during car show weekends. Sea Chest Motel is a classic 1955-era property — one block from the beach, large pool, easy walk to the boardwalk show. If you want to be close to the action without being in the middle of it, Wildwood Crest is the right call. Book early — car show weekends sell out across all of Wildwood well in advance.
Looking for a Wildwood hotel near the beach for the car show weekend? Sea Chest Motel has been welcoming car enthusiasts and families to Wildwood Crest since 1956.
