The world-famous Wildwood Boardwalk is home to a dazzling display of lights, colors, sounds and smells that awe the senses and offer an unsurpassed level of excitement and energy. As it has for over 100 years, the boardwalk stands as a living, thriving, pulsating celebration of the American imagination - it's authentic, it's real, and it's a whole lot of fun!

Each summer evening, the American dream is lived out along the boardwalk's more than 70,000 wooden planks. Classic rides and old-fashioned amusements stand toe-to-toe with 21st-century innovation and excitement. Five amusement piers boast more rides than Disneyland, complete with world-class rollercoasters, beachfront waterparks, family-friendly attractions and cutting-edge thrill rides. In addition, a seemingly endless array of restaurants and shops offer everything from classic boardwalk fare like funnel cakes and homemade fudge to seafood specials, gourmet pizza, and contemporary casual beach fare.

Did you know...
Wildwood's boardwalk was called "America's last really great honky-tonk boardwalk at the shore" by the late architect and pop-culture historian Steve Izenour, who studied and wrote about the Wildwoods' uniquely American heritage.

The idea of a boardwalk originated when a railroad conductor, Alexander Boardman, got tired of cleaning beach sand from his trains. He suggested constructing a wooden walkway for seaside strolls. Atlantic City dedicated the first boardwalk in 1870. Thirty years later the City of Wildwood laid its first boardwalk directly on the sand along Atlantic Avenue, from Oak Avenue to Maple Avenue, just 150 yards long.

Over the years, amusement centers sprang up all along the boards, such as Fun Chase Pier, the Starlight Ballroom, and Blaker's Pavillion at Cedar Avenue. Baby Boomers recall times spent at Casino, Marine, and Fun Piers, and Sportland Pier and Pool.

Perhaps the most fondly remembered ride was the indoor carousel at Cedar Avenue. This grand old merry-go-round with its proud ponies and lively music was a favorite of children and adults alike. The carousel and the popular, but decaying, Jack Rabbit roller coaster were removed in the 1970s to make way for Nickel's Midway Pier.

Hunt's Pier, built on the site of Fun Chase Pier, was a favorite of the 1960s and early '70s, with the Flyer roller coaster, Golden Nugget Mine Ride, and Pirate Ship haunted house. Hunt's closed in the 1980s, re-opening briefly as Dinosaur Beach Theme Park.

Will and Bill Morey began their amusement empire in 1969 with the construction of a giant slide at 26th Avenue, called the Wipe Out. The Wipe Out still stands, and it was soon joined by a heart-stopping haunted house, the Kong airplane ride, and the Jumbo Jet steel coaster. In 1976, the Morey's bought the failing Marine Pier at Schellenger Avenue, developing it into Mariner's Landing. Later, they added hugely popular water parks at the end of each pier. The Morey's also acquired Fun Pier, popular in the 1960s, renamed it Wild Wheels, and added the wood and steel Great White coaster, and the DooWopper a family style coaster with a '50s twist.

The Wildwoods Boardwalk remains our island's preferred place for quiet strolls, morning bicycling, calorie consuming, games of skill, and thrills galore. Perhaps the last of America's great boardwalks, it survives as an authentic American shared experience. It changes with the times, but remains a timeless attraction for all ages.