Long before the bright lights of the boardwalk and the summer crowds, Wildwood was a quiet barrier island where local fishermen cast their nets and families farmed the sandy soil. Today’s bustling resort town has a fascinating story that spans over 150 years.
The Early Days: A Farming and Fishing Community
In the 1870s, what we now call Wildwood was actually three separate communities: Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and North Wildwood. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, who called it “Anglesea” after the abundance of fish in the surrounding waters. Early settlers like the Youngs and the Bakers established small farms and fishing operations, taking advantage of the island’s natural resources.
The turning point came in 1884 when the West Jersey Railroad extended its line to the island. Suddenly, this remote coastal community was connected to Philadelphia and other major cities, setting the stage for Wildwood’s transformation into a premier beach destination.
The Birth of the Boardwalk Era
The first Wildwood boardwalk was built in 1895, though it was much more modest than today’s two-mile stretch of entertainment. Early hotels like the Pan American and the Admiral began welcoming visitors who came for the fresh sea air and wide, sandy beaches. By the 1920s, Wildwood had earned its reputation as a family-friendly resort destination.
Local Tip: Many of the original Victorian hotels were built on stilts to protect against flooding – a design feature you can still see in some of our historic downtown buildings today.
The 1950s and 60s brought Wildwood’s golden age of Doo-Wop architecture. Motels with names like the Satellite, the Starlux, and the Caribbean sprouted up along the beachfront, featuring futuristic designs, neon signs, and kidney-shaped pools. This unique architectural style now defines much of Wildwood’s visual character and has earned the area recognition as a historic preservation district.
The Morey Family Legacy
No discussion of Wildwood’s history is complete without mentioning the Morey family. Will Morey Sr. opened his first business on the boardwalk in 1969, and the family has been central to the area’s development ever since. Their three amusement piers – Morey’s Piers – have become synonymous with Wildwood’s boardwalk experience, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Preserving the Past While Embracing the Future
Today’s Wildwood balances its rich history with modern amenities. The Doo Wop Experience museum downtown showcases the area’s unique architectural heritage, while new developments continue to attract visitors from around the world. The famous wide beaches remain completely free to enjoy – a tradition that dates back to the early resort days when accessibility was key to the town’s success.
At Coastal Collection Hotels, we’re part of this continuing story. Our five locally-owned properties – Coastal Sands Inn, Paradise Inn, Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, and Sunrise Inn, plus private Airbnb rentals – are all within walking distance of the historic boardwalk where Wildwood’s transformation began over a century ago.
Experience History in the Making
When you stay with us, you’re not just visiting Wildwood – you’re becoming part of its ongoing story. Walk the same boardwalk where Victorian families once promenaded, enjoy the same free beaches that have welcomed generations of visitors, and create your own memories in a place where history and hospitality have always gone hand in hand.
Local Tip: Take an evening stroll down Ocean Avenue to see some of the best-preserved Doo-Wop motels, many of which still operate today and showcase the colorful neon signs that made Wildwood famous.
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.