The adorable 1950s-style beach town of Wildwood has been one of New Jersey|Jersey’s hottest holiday destinations for decades. This unrepentive resort town proudly promotes its Doo-Wop flavor, evident in its kitsch motels, diners, and classic boardwalk. During the summer pandemonium, Wildwood’s population jumps from 6,000 to 250,000, proving that this funky town remains a popular travel spot.
Wildwood is a town defined by its frivolous seaside scene and unabashed 1950s environment. This particular era in American cultural history has been completely preserved in this beach town so that visitors can get their full dose of waitresses wearing poodle skirts, men with ducktail haircuts and vintage cars cruising the streets. Most of the entertainment can be found along its 2.5-mile long boardwalk, which is the highlight of Wildwood.
Well-preserved, wide and friendly, the boardwalk is home to amusement and water parks, and a vintage trolley car that runs the length of the strip. The neighboring beach is another big attraction with its white sand and relatively clean water. In town, visitors will find an endless row of 1950s-style motels, drive-ins, diners and drinking holes, all with a distinctive neon hue. If you want a hefty dose of Americana, Wildwood serves it up in huge portions.
Highlights
Wildwood Boardwalk: neon, tasty snacks, arcade games and carnival rides await visitors to one of America’s greatest boardwalks. Running for 38 blocks, this strip is one long blast of entertainment.
Wildwood Beach: powdery-white sand and miles of coastline provide the perfect beachside environment for everything from water sports to snoozing between chapters of your latest book.
Doo Wop Trolley Tour: the best way to absorb Wildwood’s vast display of 1950s Doo Wop architecture is on this popular trolley tour which hits all the highlights of this quirky, fun-loving town.
Wildwood amusement parks: the boardwalk is home to several top amusement parks such as the Splash Zone Water Park, Raging Waters and Morey’s Piers.
Doo Wop diners: one of the unmistakable facets of Wildwood is the 1950s-style diners with authentic menus, atmosphere and waitresses wearing poodle skirts. Check out the Wildwood Diner, Pink Cadillac, and the Doo Wop Diner.
Cold Spring Village: this 19th century living museum offers an alternative for those looking to learn more about the history of this region. Staff dress in period costume and work their trades every day just like they did 200 years ago.