The Wild, Wild East: Wildwood, New Jersey

Welcome to our island! No, you did not just land in Hawaii, nor did you just get your first whiff of Caribbean air in Aruba. You just drove onto one of New Jersey’s barrier islands that contains the nostalgic summer getaway: Wildwood.

Wildwood, New Jersey has been a bustling vacation spot since the 1950’s when the Morey brothers began building motels throughout the town. With the Garden State Parkway being completed around the same time, it quickly became a seaside resort for many. According to nj.com, Bill Haley & His Comets performed what is said to be the first rock and roll record at the HafBrau Hotel in 1954. This historic performance of “Rock Around the Clock” has given rise to the city’s claim to be “the birthplace of rock and roll.” The buzzing 1950-esque atmosphere remains eminent in all the seaside location has to offer.

When visiting Wildwood, it is necessary that one stays in a hotel within the Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District. Throughout this area, one can find adorably named roads such as Forget Me Not Road in the midst of vacation buzz. Themed hotels such as the Gondolier, the Caribbean Motel, and the Astronaut are listed as historic establishments with their Vegas-like neon signs and unique architectures. It is recommended that visitors stay at these resorts because they offer superior accommodations in comparison to other housing options, such as larger pools that pop-up condominiums cannot offer. In addition, many of these hotels are located directly on the beach, like the Astronaut for example. The Astronaut Motel is connected to the beach by just a few stairs on the pool deck, and the beach is certainly a landmark one should desire to be as close to as possible during their stay.

Wildwood is famous for having a “mile-long” walk on the beach from the street to the actual ocean. However, each step of the way is as enjoyable as the last. Mery Steckly, 49, has visited Wildwood every summer since she was a young girl. She enjoys the beach the most as the sand is “nice, thin, and soft which makes it easy to walk on.” The beaches are also well known for being exceptionally clean, adding to an all-around remarkable experience. The ocean itself is unique as there is a sand bar a few feet into the shore; this allows young daredevils to go further into the ocean than normal without the risk. When facing the beautiful green body of water, though, turning your head to the left will give you a glimpse of an attraction designed for visitors of all ages.

Morey’s Piers boardwalk offers stores, concessions, games, and rides. Marissa Laterza describes the boardwalk as, “Family oriented, happy, fun—you just feel much safer than other places.” Whether it’s a weekend getaway with the girls or a family reunion, be sure to check out the boardwalk.

At the head of the piers, the Wildwood Convention Center is a sight to see at any time of day. The large building hosts multiple events throughout the season such as concerts, car shows, craft fairs, and sports events. Just past this structure and a few shore stores along the way, one can find themselves at the Adventure Pier, perfect for thrill seekers. You can find rides such as the Skyscraper, a 160-foot rotating arm that moves at a full 70 MPH, or the Great White, a classic wooden roller coaster with a 105-foot drop. This first pier is also home to the Art Box, a variety of stacked shipping containers that hold art museums, studios, and galleries within. Adventure Pier is not the only one that will send you home with an adrenaline rush, though; its classic neighbor, Mariner’s Pier, has a plethora of exciting attractions as well.

According to moreyspiers.com, Mariner’s Pier carries the “atmosphere of a traditional seaside amusement park.” Here you can find Tea Cups, Bumper Cars, and the Big Wheel that lights up in different patterns depending on the occasion. This landing is also home to two exhilarating attractions: the Sea Serpent and the Ghost Ship. The Sea Serpent will send riders at speeds of 55 MPH through three loops forwards, but before you know it, you’re repeating your journey backwards! Just a few steps beyond the roller coaster is the Ghost Ship, Ignis Fatuus. Terror lurks around every corner of the shipwrecked cargo carrier; it is open for anyone to enter, if they dare!

The last colorful section is Surfside Pier that is guaranteed to make a splash! With a classic log flume that takes you “Under the Boardwalk” in the center surrounded by a variety of rides, boredom is never an option. To one side, you have the choice of a scare in Dante’s Dungeon, a chance to test your ability to handle IT, or an adrenaline rush on the intense roller coaster Fly!-The Great Nor’Easter. To the other side, more classic carnival rides are available such as a small “Crazy Mouse” based roller coaster and carousel.

A frequent vacationer in Wildwood, Sabrina Micciche’s favorite ride on Surfside Pier is Atmosfear, a 140-foot free fall at 50 MPH. “When it starts to go up you regret going on the entire time, but when you drop it’s just three seconds and you’re glad you went on,” Micciche says. The Wildwood boardwalk has a plethora of activity to offer with food, games, and rides galore, but there is a ton of fun just next-door.

Splash Zone Waterpark is great amusement for all ages! A variety of accessible activities make a day long trip to the park necessary. Lazy rivers, tube rides, body flumes, and play structures guarantee a good time for the entire family. When hungry, be sure to stop by the Zone Grill for a bite to eat, but if you’re done for the day and want to go out for a nice meal, be sure to check out other popular restaurants around town.

If you’re seeking a delicious meal in a nostalgic atmosphere, visit one of Wildwood’s many doo-wop diners! Stop by Doo Wop Diner or Route 66 on the boardwalk, or if you’re looking for a different location you can try out Pink Cadillac Diner on Atlantic Avenue. You could also visit five-in-one restaurant, gift shop, arcade, ice cream parlor, and mini golf attraction, Duffer’s, for family fun! For those with a more elegant taste, visit Little Italy with a piazza-inspired ambiance and delicious eatery. The options truly are convenient and endless, all being located in the same general area.

Wildwood, New Jersey has more to offer than what may come to mind for many. It is not just any shore spot on the Jersey coast; it is the shore spot to be at. The fun, family oriented location is bound to be a source of extravagant joy for the entire group! A boring moment will never pass by as there is always so much to do or someone new to talk to. If you’re looking for a different vacation getaway, choose Wildwood and Betty Boop your way down to exit 4B on the Garden State Parkway!