On the Jersey Shore, fun in the sun reaches a peak at raucous Wildwood, a trio of interconnected towns housing dozens of nightclubs and New Jersey’s biggest beachfront amusement parks. The largest of all, Mariners Landing on the pier at Schellenger Avenue, has 35 rides including the largest Ferris wheel on the East Coast. At 25th Street is Morey’s Pier, which has a miniature golf course that takes you through the history of the New Jersey shore. A little farther south is Morey’s Adventure Pier, which has the Unites States’ only wooden roller coaster built on a pier. All three of these are jointly owned by the Morey family, prime movers behind Wildwood’s retro-rediscovery, and an all-ride, all-pier pass (around $40; 609/522-3900) is available for a full day’s fun.
Away from the sands in the low-key downtown district at 3907 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood’s local history museum (free; 609/523-0277) is worth a look for its one unique feature: the National Marbles Hall of Fame, featuring thousands of glass balls and more marble-shooting paraphernalia than you’ve ever seen. The museum, which hosts the National Marbles Championship every June, also has a fascinating and informative display of postcards, documenting the region’s recent past.
For many visitors, the best reason to spend time in Wildwood is that the area boasts an extensive collection of 1950s roadside architecture—mainly motel after motel, all sporting exuberant Las Vegas–style neon signs. You can stay the night in one of these classic “Doo Wop” motels—like the Mango Motel (609/522-2067) at 209 E. Spicer Avenue, or the renovated Lollipop Motel (609/729-2800) at 2300 Atlantic Avenue—or stop for a meal at the chrome-and-glass Big Ernie’s Diner (609/522-8288), a block south of the main pier at 3801 Atlantic Avenue.
For more details of places to stay and things to do—like October’s massive Thunder on the Beach monster truck rally—contact the Wildwood visitors center (800/992-9732), 3601 Boardwalk.
