The Wildwoods contain America's largest number of preserved and restored 1950s and 1960's motels, nicknamed "doo wop." Officially called the Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District, the Doo Wop Motel District is located in Wildwood Crest municipality, with each of the 50 hotels that still stand possessing its own unique features, such as vivid colors, themes and signs.
Almost 100 motels stood within this district practically untouched since their original construction until 2000. Since then, real estate development has led to the demolishing of some motels and significant renovation of others. The Doo Wop Preservation League cooperates with local business and property owners, government officials and New Jersey's historic preservation office to help keep the remaining structures around for future generations to enjoy.
Visitors can go on a self guided tour (by foot or car) or book a bus or trolley tour to see what's been preserved of the Doo Wop Motel District.
Commissioned in April of 1943, the Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) at Cape May Airport was used as a dive bomber training facility during the last two years of World War II. In June of 1997, the NASW Foundation bought Hangar #1 at the airport and renovated the decaying 92,000 square-foot wooden structure, which is now listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places at the National Significance Level. The hangar also has the distinction of being among the last remaining wooden aircraft hangar constructions from World War II in the nation.
NASW eventually formed the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum where visitors can see 26 aircraft displays and exhibits of engines and other military memorabilia; discover the science behind flight; and attend fly-in activities, festivals, dances and concerts, tours and lectures.
This open-air history museum brings everyday activities of late 18th to mid-19th century villagers in south New Jersey to modern-day Americans. Visitors experience the past by touring 26 restored antique buildings with guides, dressed in period clothing, who teach about the trades, crafts, issues and lifestyles of the time.
