• Wildwood Historical Society Museum: early May - October 1, 9 am - 2 pm
  • Closed Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day
  • Museum tours
  • Gift counter
  • Museum is free

Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District

Ocean Avenue, Wildwood, NJ Wildwood

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The Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District was home to over 300 motels from the 1950s and 1960s. Today, there are about 50 motels in the historic district. The motels’ architecture is very stylized, often incorporating large neon signs and plastic palm trees. Each motel has its own fantasy theme, vivid color palette and kitschy ornamentation.

The boom in construction coincided with the “glory days” of musical entertainment at the resort, including Bill Haley, Johnny Mathis, Della Reese, Tony Bennett and Joey Bishop. Chubby Checker even twisted at the Surf Club. Today, the Doo-wop Preservation League and the Wildwoods Historical Society offer tours, programs and exhibits interpreting this unique assembly of mid-century commercial architecture in the nation.


WHAT TO SEE AND DO

  • Take a self-guided walking tour and evening bus tours of motels presented by the Doo-Wop Preservation League.
  • Stop in at the George F. Boyer Museum at the Wildwood Historical Society
  • Walk the legendary 2 ½ mile boardwalk with over 100 rides and attractions including world-class roller coasters and three beachfront waterparks.

Journey through Jersey strives to have the most up-to-date information, but always check with the site itself before planning a visit.