Wildwood, New Jersey, is a family vacation spot along the state’s Atlantic shore. Incorporated in 1912 and a tourism hub for decades, today’s visitors can experience the area’s history, attractions and beaches.
Wildwood’s tourism boom came in the 1950’s when music venues opened in the vicinity. Popular acts of the day such as Chubby Checker and Bill Haley and the Comets drew people to the area. This resulted in the building of “Doo Wop” style hotels with large neon signs and distinctive detailing. Today, Wildwood has the largest number of preserved “Doo Wop” architectural style hotels in the country, according to Time.
Wildwood is a barrier island located in southern New Jersey. It is approximately 30 miles south of Atlantic City. The five-mile area consists of different municipalities, including Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, West Wildwood, Diamond Beach and North Wildwood, according to the City of Wildwood, New Jersey.
One of the main attractions in Wildwood is the two miles of boardwalk, an area estimated to have more rides than Disneyland. There is a tram service for those who prefer not to walk the whole length. Shops, amusement rides, arcades and an array of restaurants line the boardwalk. Other area activities include golf and water sports.
All of the beaches in Wildwood are free, which is rare for the state. Many of the beaches are guarded, and the water generally stays warm through October.
