Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to pass the time during a rainstorm, South Jersey has several interesting museums worth exploring during your next visit to ICONA Resorts. Many of our oceanfront cities, including Cape May, NJ, played a crucial role in World War II. All three of our oceanfront Jersey Shore hotels are minutes from a historic naval air station, a WWII lookout tower, and timeless lighthouses. South Jersey is also home to preserved 140-year-old estates and even one of the world’s only doo-wop museums. So, take a trip down memory lane this spring during your stay at one of our deluxe hotels in New Jersey.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum in nearby Rio Grande, NJ, is hands down the best historical stop in South Jersey, only minutes from ICONA Cape May, one of the highest-rated Jersey Shore hotels. This non-profit museum is located inside historic Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. This air station served as a dive-bomber squadron training facility during WWII. It has been restored into a 92,000-square-foot regional aviation museum. Stroll past dozens of beautiful 1940s air crafts and learn about the unique role this timeless station played in our country’s history.
Emlen Physick Estate
Another engrossing stop is the Emlen Physick Estate, less than a mile from ICONA Cape May, one of the newest oceanfront Cape May hotels. Interestingly enough, the Emlen Physick Estate is New Jersey’s only Victorian house museum. Turn back the clocks by embarking on a private tour through this 140-year-old estate. Well-known Philadelphia architect Frank Furness built the house. It was saved from demolition in 1970 by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities and also appeared in The Prowler, a 1981 cult classic slasher flick. The estate is believed by many to be haunted, not unlike many other 140-year-old homes. Tours can be combined with trolley rides by visiting their website.
WWII Lookout Tower
Whether you’re staying in the Wildwoods, Cape May, or Avalon, NJ, we highly recommend visiting Cape May Point State Park, Sunset Beach, the South Cape May Meadows, and the WWII Lookout Tower. “Fire Control Tower No. 23” was one of 15 lookout towers built around 1940 to help aim batteries of coastal artillery during the war. Tower No. 23 is the last remaining of these WWII relics. The tower is only a short stroll from beautiful Sunset Beach and the remains of the SS Atlantus.
Oceanfront Jersey Shore Hotels
If you’re still looking for an interesting page in South Jersey history, visit the Doo Wop Experience in the Wildwoods. The doo-wop museum is only 2.5 miles from ICONA Diamond Beach, one of the premier Wildwood Crest hotels. To learn more about our beautiful four-season slice of South Jersey, give us a call today at 1-609-454-6484.
