Month: May 2026

Step back in time to the era of poodle skirts, classic cars, and rock ‘n’ roll at Wildwood’s annual Fabulous 50s Weekend, one of the Jersey Shore’s most beloved vintage celebrations that transforms the boardwalk into a nostalgic wonderland.

Classic Car Show Spectacle

The heart of Fabulous 50s Weekend is the incredible classic car show that lines the Wildwood boardwalk with hundreds of meticulously restored vehicles. From gleaming Chevrolet Bel Airs to pristine Ford Thunderbirds, car enthusiasts display their prized possessions while visitors can walk among these automotive treasures completely free. The show typically runs from Friday through Sunday, with Saturday being the biggest day for attendance and variety.

What makes this event special is the accessibility – you can stroll right up to these magnificent machines, chat with their passionate owners, and learn the stories behind each restoration. Many owners dress in period costume, adding to the authentic 1950s atmosphere that makes Wildwood’s version stand out from other car shows.

Sock Hops and Live Entertainment

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Evening sock hops bring the boardwalk alive with live doo-wop groups, tribute bands, and DJs spinning authentic 50s hits. The Wildwood Convention Center often hosts the main indoor sock hop, while smaller venues along the boardwalk offer more intimate dance floors where couples can swing dance under the stars.

Live entertainment includes tribute acts honoring Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and other rock ‘n’ roll legends. Street performers in vintage costumes add spontaneous entertainment throughout the weekend, creating photo opportunities and sing-along moments that capture the carefree spirit of the decade.

Vintage Shopping and Dining

Local shops embrace the theme with special 50s merchandise, from reproduction saddle shoes to vintage-inspired sundresses. The boardwalk’s classic amusement piers – Morey’s Surfside, Mariner’s Landing, and Adventure Pier – often offer special pricing during the event weekend, making it perfect for families wanting to experience both vintage charm and modern thrills.

Perfect Weekend Base

Staying at one of Coastal Collection’s five locally-owned hotels puts you within easy walking distance of all the 50s Weekend action. Our properties – Coastal Sands Inn, Paradise Inn, Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, and Sunrise Inn – offer the convenience you need for a full weekend of vintage fun, plus private Airbnb rentals for larger groups.

After dancing the night away at a sock hop, you can stroll back to your comfortable room without worrying about parking or transportation. During the day, you’ll have instant access to Wildwood’s free beaches for a refreshing break between classic car viewings, and our front desk staff knows all the best viewing spots and hidden gems.

Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast, a fan of 1950s culture, or simply looking for a unique family weekend, Fabulous 50s Weekend offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and boardwalk fun that makes Wildwood special year after year.

Stay Steps from the Action.

Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.

Book Your Wildwood Stay →

Just a 20-minute scenic drive north from Wildwood lies Avalon, one of New Jersey’s most charming beach towns. This upscale shore community offers pristine beaches, boutique shopping, and exceptional dining — making it the perfect day trip when you’re staying at one of our five locally-owned hotels at Coastal Collection.

Getting to Avalon from Wildwood

The drive from Wildwood to Avalon takes you along scenic Ocean Drive (Route 109), offering beautiful bay views along the way. You’ll cross the Townsends Inlet Bridge with stunning vistas of marshlands and waterways. Parking in Avalon costs around $20-25 for the day during peak season, with meters accepting credit cards and the ParkMobile app.

Avalon’s Beautiful Beaches

Avalon’s beaches are notably wider and less crowded than many other Jersey Shore destinations. Beach tags are required and cost $8 per day or $35 for the season. The best family-friendly beaches are around 21st to 30th Street, offering clean sand, lifeguards during summer months, and well-maintained facilities.

The beaches here feel more refined than typical shore towns, with manicured dunes and less commercial development visible from the sand. It’s a nice contrast to Wildwood’s bustling boardwalk scene — though both have their charm!

Shopping Along Dune Drive

Avalon’s main shopping district runs along Dune Drive from roughly 21st to 30th Street. This isn’t your typical boardwalk souvenir shopping — you’ll find upscale boutiques, home decor stores, and specialty shops.

The shopping here tends to be pricier than Wildwood, but the quality and unique selections make it worth browsing. You’ll find everything from designer swimwear to coastal home decor that captures that sophisticated shore aesthetic.

Dining Destinations

Avalon’s restaurant scene focuses on fresh seafood and upscale casual dining. The Windrift Restaurant is a local institution, offering oceanfront dining with fantastic sunset views. Expect to pay $25-35 for dinner entrees, but the location and quality justify the price.

For lunch, Café Loren serves excellent sandwiches and salads in a cozy setting, while Water Star Grille offers creative American cuisine with bay views. Many restaurants don’t take reservations, so plan for potential waits during peak summer hours.

Why Stay in Wildwood for Your Avalon Adventure

While Avalon is beautiful, staying at Coastal Collection Hotels in Wildwood gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy Wildwood’s free beaches and walking distance to our iconic boardwalk, plus easy access to explore upscale towns like Avalon when you want a change of pace.

Our five locally-owned hotels — from Coastal Sands Inn to Sunset Beach Hotel — offer comfortable accommodations at better value than Avalon’s premium pricing. After a day exploring Avalon’s shops and restaurants, you’ll appreciate returning to Wildwood’s relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and all the evening entertainment our boardwalk provides.

Stay Steps from the Action.

Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.

Book Your Wildwood Stay →

With three action-packed piers stretching across six blocks of Wildwood’s famous boardwalk, Morey’s Piers offers more than 100 rides and attractions. But which ones deserve your precious vacation time?

Adventure Pier: The Thrill Seeker’s Paradise

Located at Spencer Avenue and the Boardwalk, Adventure Pier packs the biggest punch for adrenaline junkies. The crown jewel here is The Great Nor’Easter, a suspended roller coaster that swings riders through loops and corkscrews high above the beach.

Don’t miss The “it” ride — a 90-foot tower swing that spins riders in thrilling circles while offering breathtaking ocean views. The Runaway Tram, inspired by Wildwood’s historic Tramcar, delivers family-friendly thrills with twists, turns, and surprising drops that keep everyone entertained.

Surfside Pier: Classic Boardwalk Fun

The iconic Giant Wheel dominates the skyline at Surfside Pier, offering stunning panoramic views of Wildwood’s coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. This 156-foot Ferris wheel is worth the wait, especially at sunset when the sky paints everything golden.

Families with younger kids will love The Sea Serpent roller coaster — thrilling enough for older siblings but not too intense for the little ones. The Sky Ships provide a gentler nautical adventure, perfect for kids who want to feel like they’re soaring above the pier.

Mariner’s Pier: Something for Everyone

The middle pier strikes the perfect balance with attractions spanning all thrill levels. The Flitzer offers a wild mouse-style coaster experience with hairpin turns and sudden drops, while the spinning tea cups and carousel provide timeless boardwalk charm.

Skip These Common Wait Traps

While most rides deliver great experiences, some consistently have longer lines than they’re worth. The smaller kiddie rides often have surprisingly long waits relative to their brief duration. Instead, focus on the signature attractions that define each pier’s personality.

• ✓Hit major coasters early morning or late evening
• ✓Save the Giant Wheel for sunset views
• ✓Use meal times for popular family rides

Your Perfect Pier Base

Staying with Coastal Collection Hotels puts you within walking distance of all three piers, so you can easily pop back to your room for breaks or switch between different pier experiences throughout your visit. Our five locally-owned properties — from the Coastal Sands Inn to Sunset Beach Hotel, plus private Airbnb rentals — mean you’re never more than a few blocks from the boardwalk action.

Stay Steps from the Action.

Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.

Book Your Wildwood Stay →

With three action-packed piers stretching across six blocks of the Wildwood Boardwalk, Morey’s Piers offers over 100 rides and attractions that can easily overwhelm first-time visitors. Knowing which rides deliver the biggest thrills for your wait time makes all the difference in maximizing your fun.

Adventure Pier: The Thrill Seeker’s Paradise

Located at Spencer Avenue and the Boardwalk, Adventure Pier houses the most heart-pounding attractions. The Great Nor’Easter suspended roller coaster consistently ranks as a must-ride, with shorter lines mid-week and in the evening. This inverted coaster sends you soaring feet-first through loops and corkscrews with stunning ocean views.

The pier’s newest addition, The “it” ride, offers breathtaking panoramic views from its 90-foot tower swing. While the wait can stretch during peak hours, the spinning circles and elevated vantage point make it worth every minute, especially at sunset.

Surfside Pier: Family-Friendly Favorites

The iconic Giant Wheel dominates Surfside Pier’s skyline and provides stunning 360-degree views of Wildwood’s coastline. This classic Ferris wheel moves steadily with minimal wait times, making it perfect for families with younger children or anyone wanting Instagram-worthy shots of the free Wildwood beaches stretching for miles.

The Runaway Tram roller coaster pays homage to Wildwood’s historic Tramcar with family-friendly thrills. Inspired by the beach town’s transportation heritage, this coaster offers just enough excitement without the extreme intensity that might scare younger riders.

Mariner’s Pier: The Sweet Spot

Mariner’s Pier strikes the perfect balance between thrills and accessibility. The Sea Serpent roller coaster delivers serious excitement with two loops but typically has shorter wait times than Adventure Pier’s flagship rides. The Sky Ships offer a gentler aerial adventure perfect for young ones, with nautical theming that captures Wildwood’s seaside spirit.

Timing Your Visit Like a Pro

Weekday visits offer significantly shorter wait times across all three piers. Friday and Saturday evenings see peak crowds, while Sunday through Thursday provides the best ride-to-wait ratio. Late evening visits often feature walk-on experiences for popular attractions as day-trippers head home.

• ✓Longest waits: Great Nor’Easter, Zip Line, Giant Wheel (peak times)
• ✓Best value rides: Sea Serpent, Runaway Tram, “it” ride
• ✓Hidden gems: Dante’s Dungeon dark ride, Spring Shot

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or seeking family-friendly fun, Morey’s Piers delivers unforgettable experiences. With strategic planning and insider knowledge, you’ll spend more time riding and less time waiting, making the most of your Wildwood adventure.

Stay Steps from the Action.

Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.

Book Your Wildwood Stay →