What is Doo Wop? "Doo Wop" is the term used to describe the colorful, wacky, whimsical pop culture-inspired commercial architecture from the 1950s and 1960s that defines the Wildwoods resort district. It has been said that the Wildwoods are home to the largest such collection of '50s and '60s-era resort architecture left standing in the world today! A drive down Ocean Avenue in the "Doo Wop District" is like taking a step back in time... large neon signs, colorful and quirky facades, dramatic and unusual angles, futuristic space-age imagery (think Jetsons!) and exotic themes define this strip of fun and fantasy that harkens back to the care-free days of the classic American shore vacation!

The Caribbean Motel is widely regarded as the premiere "Doo Wop" icon in the Wildwoods... the most distinctive architectural landmark on the strip with its futuristic "levitating" ramp, dramatic overhang structure, large neon sign in classic '50s-style cursive script, canted glass walls, bright shades of yellow and green and a slew of other distinctly mid-century features. The motel has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, securing its past, present and future as a fixture of the Wildwoods' architectural and cultural landscape.

The Doo Wop Preservation League, with its headquarters right here in Wildwood, works to foster awareness and appreciation for the architecture, design and pop culture imagery of this period. Island-wide architectural tours are available in-season, showcasing the Wildwoods' fabulous collection of '50s and '60s-era motels, diners and other architectural wonders. Visit the DWPL's website at www.doowopusa.org to learn more!