Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel & a Meal at this Vintage Diner in New Jersey

One of the things I love the most about the Jersey Shore is it's the one place in New Jersey where some things never seem to change. When I set foot on that boardwalk again, it feels like no time has passed and I'm a kid again. There are some attractions here that have been standing for a century or more and are no less charming now. That's the case in Wildwood, one of the most over-the-top and bustling towns on the shore. This town located between Atlantic City and Cape May is home to some fantastic seasonal amusement parks and water parks, but some attractions stay open year-round. And it just so happens that two of them are among the best retro attractions on the Jersey Shore. Read on to discover how a unique retro diner and motel are your ticket to a truly one-of-a-kind shore getaway.

One of the most iconic sights in Wildwood is the Caribbean Motel, a 1957-built doo-wop-style motel that makes you feel like you've just been swept away to a tropical escape. This budget motel features elaborate Caribbean theming both inside and out, with the pool covered in technicolor lights every night. A very popular spot for families, it's only minutes away by foot from the most popular attractions, like Morey's Piers, nearby. A themed resort like this is pretty rare to find these days, especially at this price.

You can keep the retro fun going when it comes time for lunch with a visit to Duffer's, one of my favorite family restaurants in New Jersey. This old-school diner and ice cream shop serves an extensive menu of family-friendly items, ensuring there is something for everyone. The fried broccoli might even convert picky eaters. But this isn't just a restaurant and dessert shop. It's an elaborate entertainment complex, home to an arcade and an intricately-themed mini-golf course outside that might just be one of the best hidden-gem attractions on the shore.

Have you experienced either of these retro attractions on the Jersey Shore? If not, tell a friend and find out why they're Jersey institutions for yourself! Wildwood is particularly rich in doo-wop culture as a whole, so if you're in town when it's in season, make sure to check out the Doo-Wop Experience. And if you're interested in discovering the Caribbean Motel's unique vibes for yourself, you can book your own stay on Booking.com.