Wildwood
Wonderful New Jersey
While the Jersey Shore is known for its crowded vacation spots, The Wildwoods stand out as a vibrant, must-visit resort, where the energy is part of the appeal.
Much of this classic beach community blossomed in the 1950s, fueled by new access from the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway. Today, that retro charm remains vividly alive. Dozens of hotels and motels still celebrate mid-century style, echoing an era of tail fins, big hair, and Elvis, making a trip here not just a beach getaway, but a nostalgic escape into Americana.
These aging beachfront hotels wear their years with a certain proud, unabashed tackiness, their neon signs flicker with a bygone charm, their lobbies might smell faintly of salt and decades-old carpet, and their decor is a glorious, unapologetic time capsule. Yet, this is precisely where they derive their fun and character, making them a delightful place to check out for a dose of nostalgic Americana. Just steps away, the bustling boardwalk unfurls as a two-mile sensory pilgrimage, a vibrant artery laced with a dizzying array of stores.
Here, the air grows thick with the sweet scent of melting sugar as shops endlessly pull saltwater taffy, while neighboring stalls overflow with souvenir t-shirts, gleaming trinkets, arcade games, and every form of irresistible junk food imaginable. For those who wish to soak in the scene without the stroll, iconic tram cars clatter along the planks, offering a breezy shuttle service to the far end or to any tempting point in between, ensuring the boardwalk’s delights are accessible to every visitor.
Soon, you will hear the familiar "watch the tram car" recording emanating from the cars and all you have to do is flag one down, hop on, and you're off. The beach is free, by the way. And, it is very wide particularly by NJ standards.
Most people familiar with the Jersey Shore know that many beaches are razor thin. This beach has sand added to it constantly and naturally by compliant tidal waters; it is at least 1/4 mile from boardwalk to surf [in low tide, that is]. Wildwood now boasts a convention center built on the beach and new rides jutting out from its piers.
Historic Cape May, home to more than 600 Victorian houses, is only four miles to the South and a great place to visit when you get tired of the boardwalk scene. Atlantic City is one hour to the north and is a frequent side trip destination, especially on rainy days.
We Are Helping 1000 Businesses Get Online
Alternatively, you can also escape to the county zoo for the day in the town of Cape May Court House. The best time to go to the Wildwoods is during July and August as the water temperatures can be too cold before that time. Still, most hotels have outdoor heated pools which you may prefer to salt water.
The resort is changing as many old buildings are being torn down and replaced by condos. Preservationists are attempting to maintain the family welcoming theme of the resort, so it remains to be seen what the resort's future will be. In the meantime, grab a beach towel and your sunblock and head over to wonderful, Wildwood, NJ!
Tweet
Follow @Charlesfrize
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave a comment in the box below.