The One Small Town In New Jersey With More Historic Motels Than Any Other

For most New Jerseyans, time spent down the shore is nostalgic. Memories of childhood days on the beach and boardwalk come flooding back whenever we visit the shore towns that were our vacation destinations for decades. One town in particular truly embraces the past, and if you haven't visited Wildwood's Doo-Wop district yet, you'll love experiencing a trip back in time.

Wildwood is one of New Jersey's southernmost shore towns, and it became a big, busy resort town in the 1950s.

If you drive around the town, you'll notice that everything seems to be retro-themed, even the Wawa! So, why does a trip to Wildwood feel like a step back in time?

Wildwood Island and its towns (Wildwood Crest, Wildwood, North Wildwood, and West Wildwood) became a big destination in the Doo-Wop era of the 1950s and 1960s, and much of the architecture around town still reflects Wildwood's heyday.

Wildwood was such an iconic town in the 50s that Bill Haley & His Comets first played "Rock Around the Clock" here, and Cubby Checker's "Twist" made its debut at the Rainbow Club, too. American Bandstand was filmed here every once in a while, and the town claims to be the "birthplace" of rock and roll.

Wildwood's Doo-Wop District is home to more retro hotels than any other place in the state.

There are over 200 motels and hotels built in the 50s and 60s here, and to this day, they maintain the historic mid-century styles that became so iconic in that era.

The Doo-Wop District is on the National Register of Historic Places!

When you come to visit, be sure to hop on the boardwalk and enjoy a meal at the Doo-Wop Diner.

Aside from staying in a retro motel, a meal at the diner is the closest you can get to time traveling. The food is fantastic and the decor will have you reminiscing!

Revisit The Glory Days At This 50s-Themed Restaurant In New Jersey and then spend your time strolling the Doo-Wop District -- I'm not so shore there's a better way to spend the day!