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A Snob's Guide to the Jersey Shore

Before you book a place in The Hamptons, here's why you should consider New Jersey as your summer destination.

Close your eyes. Now, think of the Jersey Shore. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear those words? Maybe it's the fake tans and fist pumping made popular by the notorious MTV reality series of the same name. Perhaps it's slot machines and all-nighters in Atlantic City. Or is it loud, rowdy boardwalks lined with gaudy shops? As someone who has spent my summers on the shore my whole life, there's no denying its less-than-glamorous reputation, but there are many hidden gems along the coast that might make you think twice about boarding the swanky, new $275 Blade bus to The Hamptons this summer.

Just a short hour to an hour and a half or so outside of the city, the Jersey Shore has much to offer, including some of cleanest beaches you've ever laid eyes on, quaint boutique hotels with 5-star amenities, mom-and-pop shops filled with quirky items you could not find in Soho, and some of the most delicious restaurants around. (Sure, New Jersey eateries have yet to acquire a Michelin star, but your tastebuds will say otherwise.) Oh, and did I mention it has cellular service... that actually works?

The Jersey Shore is also rich in history and where many U.S. presidents vacationed before Martha's Vineyard became the summer destination of choice. Benjamin Harrison spent summers in Cape May, while Ulysses S. Grant had a cottage in Long Branch and James Garfield owned a home in Elberon. In fact, it's where he passed away after being shot. (Want to know more? A new historical drama about his assassination is in the works at Netflix ). Woodrow Wilson also famously spent the summer of 1916 in West Long Branch and Asbury Park as he campaigned for his re-election.

Ahead, a very T&C way of spending the summer on the Jersey Shore, along with the best places to stay, to eat, and things to do.

Asbury Park

Stone harbor, long branch, long beach island.

Hardcore rock 'n roll fans might recognize Asbury Park best for its vibrant music scene during the '70s—does Bruce Springsteen's debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., ring a bell? — but in recent years, the hip beach town has been on the up-and-up, with a new crop of upscale hotels, fine dining eateries, and recreational spots opening left and right.

Where to Stay

The Asbury Ocean Club offers a genuine 5-star hotel experience that will make you forget you're in Jersey in the first place. Located right off the boardwalk, the 5-year-old resort is a true slice of luxury with 54 laidback rooms each with a private garden or oceanfront terrace, a pool deck overlooking the sea where you can soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand (don't sleep on the piña coladas!), a state-of-the-art spa, elevated dining options, and a 24/7 fitness center with stellar views.

A couple of blocks over stands The St. Laurent Social Club , another newly-opened hotel and social club. Like the Surf Lodge of the Jersey Shore, the buzzy spot boasts 20 renovated guest rooms, a cocktail lounge, an outdoor pool, and the award winning Heirloom restaurant helmed by James Beard nominated Chef David Viana , formerly of Eleven Madison Park (more on that below).

Another hotel worth visiting is The James Bradley , just a short 10 minutes drive away from Asbury in the micro-neighborhood of Bradley Beach. The quaint spot, designed by NYC-based interior designer Sebastian Zuchowicki, is made up of a 16-key main house and three-bedroom bungalow with luxe amenities such as Flamingo Estate bath products, Parachute linens, and Business & Pleasure beach chairs and umbrellas. It also offers a bespoke wellness program, seasonal beach service, and a private dining garden for breakfast and snacks.

Where to Eat

Make sure you reserve a spot at Heirloom for its three-course prix fixe dinner; Chef Viana's signature dish is the jerk-spiced duck. Moonstruck is another can't-miss spot that is arguably Asbury's longest-standing fine dining restaurant. The fried artichokes, baked brie, and fettuccine salmon are amazing, but the sesame seared tuna over buckwheat noodle salad is to die for.

Of course, you can't pay a visit to Jersey without eating some Italian food, right? An old-school favorite among locals, Jimmy's makes Italian dishes that tastes like it came straight from your nona's kitchen. The sole almondine and sun-dried tomato pappardelle? Lick-the-plate-clean good. Paul McCartney has previously dined there, and rumor has it Joe Pesci is a frequent guest. For a second just-as-great option (in the case you can't get into Jimmy's), check out Nettie's House of Spaghetti , about a 15-minute drive away in Tinton Falls.

Other honorary mentions: Pascal & Sabine 's French cuisine will transport you to Paris, Taka 's selection of sushi is the freshest you'll taste in the area, and Cardinal Provisions is the place to be for brunch on Saturday.

Things to Do

While a visit to the beach is a non-negotiable (Note: Most Jersey Shore beach towns require paid badges or passes to access the sand, but some hotels offer free entrance and service. Otherwise, badges can be purchased on the boardwalk.), no trip to Asbury Park is truly complete without a visit to the legendary Stone Pony . Celebrating 50 years this year, the music venue is responsible for launching the careers of several icons, including Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. The club hosts performances year-round, as well as its Summer Stage outdoor concert series from May to October. Check the schedule here for upcoming performances.

I Don't Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony

Don't forget to walk the boardwalk. In addition to the usual grab-and-go bites and beach store fronts, the Asbury Park Convention Hall is another historic music venue on the boardwalk that has seen performances from The Rolling Stones to The Doors to Tina Turner. A short walk from there is Cookman Avenue, which is sprinkled with delicious cafes, art galleries, and adorable shopping destinations. Be sure to stop at Flux Modern for mid-century furniture shopping, and the Antique Emporium next door for one-of-a-kind thrifting. If you want to explore the area further, drive down 15 minutes to Spring Lake, the one-time Gilded Age resort spot for wealthy New Yorkers. From there, check out all the cute little clothing shops along 3rd Avenue.

Situated on the southern most tip of the Jersey Shore (approximately 160 miles from Manhattan), Cape May is one of the oldest summer resorts in the nation. Lined with heritage Victorian architecture, a charming shopping district, and a sprawling beach, the laidback seaside town offers a bit of everything for everyone.

Congress Hall has been the go-to destination for visitors since it first opened its doors in 1816. Housed in a historic Victorian building, the hotel features freshly decorated guest rooms and suites, and has a pool and beach access, five dining options, and ocean-inspired treatments at the Sea Spa.

For those craving a little bit of town and country, Beach Plum Farm offers six unique cottages and barns tucked away on 62 acres of farmland that grows more than 100 varieties of fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers for local Cape May restaurants. (The hotel is famous for its farm-to-table dinner series , but guests can also shop the fresh produce and meats at the Beach Plum Farm Market, located in the main Amish barn.) Just a stones throw away is the historic Virginia Hotel , dating back to 1879, which offers a unique stay melding history with modern day amenities, like a daily continental breakfast, weekly music performances, and seasonal beach service. And if you're looking to stay somewhere a bit more modern, look no further than Lokal Hotel , a newcomer resort with chicly designed rooms and a heated saltwater pool.

In addition to Beach Plum Farm, the family-owned Washington Inn is a must-visit for its elegant New American fare, as is Peter Shields Restaurant & Inn and Union Park Dining Room .

The Cape May beach is a can't-miss destination, but for those looking to get in some retail therapy, head over to the Washington Street Mall, a pedestrianized district with boutiques and eateries that span three blocks. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Cape May Lighthouse , built in 1859, and the Victorian house-turned museum, Emlen Physick Estate . The Cape May Point State Park is also worth checking out for nature lovers.

Famous for its affluent community and serene coastal atmosphere, the small strip of land that is known as Stone Harbor is a one-size-fits-all Jersey Shore town, with powdery beaches, a national park, and various aquatic activities. Taylor Swift spent her childhood summers there.

There's one place to stay in Stone Harbor and one place only: The Reeds at Shelter Haven . Situated on a bay just two short blocks from the beach, the boutique hotel offers an elevated experience for all guests with five dining options, a spa with exotic Turkish Bath treatments and Brine Light therapy, and soul-nurturing wellness programs. There's also door-to-shore shuttle service with complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and towels, as well as bay activities, boat docking, and sunset cruise charters.

You don't need to go far to find good food in Stone Harbor. The Reeds' Water Star Grille serves the freshest seafood in town with stellar views (make sure to order Maine Steamed Mussels and Grilled Bronzino). Another favorite is the upscale Sax Restaurant & Lounge , known for its top-notch oysters and braised short ribs. In Avalon, the next town over, Cafe Loren 's seafood dishes can't be missed, and neither can The Diving Horse 's. Finally, no visit is complete without a trip to Springer's Homemade Ice Cream —the perfect treat for a hot summer's day.

After a morning on the sand, head over to the Wetlands Institute to get to know the local wildlife. Then pop on into Ocean Galleries to see what's on display from local artists and the Stone Harbor Museum to see the new Taylor Swift exhibit running through September. For more adventure, paddle the bay with a kayak from Harbor Outfitters or bike around the island. ( Harbor Bike & Beach Shop is praised for its excellent costumer service.)

About 20 minutes north of Asbury Park, Long Branch is a mostly residential area that has seen a vacation boom recent years (likely because it's one of the closest beach towns to the city). Three presidents resided there and it continues to be an affluent summer resort for wealthy city dwellers. (Notably, the Kushner family own real estate, both residential and commercial, in the area.)

In a town full of summer homes and rentals, the 5-year-old Wave Resort & Spa is your best bet for a luxurious weekend in Long Branch. The Bungalow Hotel a few blocks north at Pier Village is a good second option.

The best food in the area is actually not in Long Branch. Head up north for about 15 minutes to Seabright for Anjelicas , the hottest ticket in town. Good luck trying to get a reservation, though: word around town is people pay hundreds of dollars to secure a table every weekend. At Pier Village, Long Branch's waterfront destination for retail, dining, and entertainment, there's Avenue for gourmet French cuisine with a good view or Sirena for Italian food. Or you can drive couple blocks south to Brighton Avenue for authentic Tuscan food at Trama's Trattoria . Craving something sweet? Strollo's Lighthouse is a local-favorite for Italian ice and soft serve ice cream. And for the freshest salads, smoothies, and fruit bowls around, Ouri's —the NYC gourmet grocery store that's being dubbed the "Erewhon of the East Coast"—also has a storefront in Deal, about 10 minutes away.

There's the beach, of course, but there's also tons of shopping in Pier Village. Make sure you drive down Ocean Avenue to see all the oceanfront McMansions (they're only summer residences!) and pull the car over to check out Church of the Presidents. It's currently closed to the public, but you can admire the architecture of the church where seven U.S. presidents worshiped. From there, check out The Great Hall at Monmouth University, where President Wilson lived briefly in the summer of 1916.

Long Beach Island is another popular destination for the rich and famous (Margaret Qualley married Jack Antanoff there last summer, and Jon Stewart has been known to visit). Spanning approximately 18 miles long, the small island off the Jersey Shore is mostly residential and pretty tight-knit, but there are certainly some places worth visiting for a weekend getaway to remember.

The best way to do LBI is by renting a house. One local recommends staying on the north part of the island (Harvey Cedars and Loveladies) and describes the area as a "not-your-typical-Jersey-Shore-experience." That's where you'll get the least amount of crowds and certain beaches in the area can only be accessed by homeowners. Should you want to get a hotel, the recently-opened Hotel LBI combines the charm of a summer home with modern accommodations and amenities. Key highlights include an indoor-outdoor pool and jacuzzis, five dining options, and a state-of-the-art spa and salon with luxury services.

Make a reservation at The Gables , a charming upscale eatery located in a Victorian house, or Yellowfin if you're craving some damn good seafood. You can't go wrong with Black Eyed Susans Tavern & Restaurant , either. For Italian food, Stefano's is another favorite.

If you're going to LBI, you're going for one reason: the beach. But if you can't resist the urge to explore, the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on the north part of the island is definitely worth visiting for the scenic views.

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more. 

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10 Best New Jersey Beach Towns, According to Local Experts

Top spots for sea, sand, and surf along the Garden State coast.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Abby Mercer/Travel + Leisure

New Jersey borders New York to the north, Delaware to the south, and Pennsylvania to the west. When it comes to fun in the sun, all eyes are on its eastern neighbor: the Atlantic Ocean. The Garden State supplies 130 miles of beachfront real estate, from the top of Sandy Hook to the top of Cape May. And while a certain MTV reality hit series may have depicted one particular — raucous — side of the Jersey Shore, that’s far from the whole picture. Just take it from the millions of families, couples, and relaxation-seeking groups of pals who catch rays on the sandy beaches and hit the boardwalks each summer.

Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic fun of Ocean City or the chill vibes of Avalon, there’s a seaside destination to suit every traveler. Can’t decide where to go? Read on for the best New Jersey beach towns, according to experts.

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

“One of the most beloved towns in New Jersey, Cape May has long been the gem of the Jersey Shore,” says Bob Haislip, area manager for Cape May. This storied coastal playground boasts an impressive concentration of Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches, and ample attractions that make it a multigenerational family destination. Besides building sandcastles and strolling along the seaside promenade, visitors can enjoy trolley tours of the historic downtown, shop around the pedestrian-friendly Washington Street Mall, and eat at the many excellent restaurants .

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

“The Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the most famous promenades in the state, with more than 100 years of history,” explains Diane Wieland, chairperson of Southern Shore Region DMO. Visitors flock to the wooden walkways for rides, mini golf, arcade games, classic crowd-pleasing eats — from hot dogs and burgers to fries and pizza — and sweet treats. Don’t leave without trying the soft serve. The town also offers sandy beaches and shops along Asbury Avenue. Head to Corson's Inlet State Park for hiking trails and wildlife.

Beach Haven

Joel Villanueva/Getty Images

Surfing, fishing, and boating are just a few of the favorite activities in Beach Haven, a borough of Long Beach Island . It’s also a great place to chow down on fresh seafood at the local restaurants. Families love the rides, games, and arcade at Fantasy Island Amusement Park , Of course, in a destination known for its chill atmosphere, there’s no rulebook saying you have to do a whole lot of anything, especially when miles of white-sand beaches are waiting.

Spring Lake

Christine Marie Plante/Getty Images

High society from New York and Philadelphia used to decamp to Spring Lake back in the day. (Think of it as the North Jersey equivalent of Newport, Rhode Island.) While this storied coastal resort is past its Gilded Age heyday, that sense of grandeur and exclusivity remains with million-dollar mansions, well-groomed beaches, and a lengthy boardwalk. Don’t leave without grabbing a scoop or two from Hoffman’s Ice Cream , an institution since 1976.

Stone Harbor

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Quiet and charming with a slower pace and nice family vibe, Stone Harbor, Avalon’s southern neighbor on Seven Mile Island, is very much a place to get away with the kids. However, that’s not to say couples won’t find plenty of appeal, too. The dune-backed beaches are rarely packed and quite relaxing.  Vacationers who crave activities can ride bikes and go paddleboarding on the bay. Instead of a nightcap, treat your sweet tooth to a cone from Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream or pick up some homemade fudge from Douglass Candies .

Asbury Park

Abby Mercer/Travel + Leisure

Back and better than ever, Asbury Park recently underwent a major revitalization that restored it to its former glory and even upped its cool factor. So, it’s a great time to roll out a towel on the sandy beach and hit the boardwalk snack stands. The live music venues are nothing short of legendary. Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi have rocked out at The Stone Pony. The Wonder Bar and The Saint also host awesome live shows. And you don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the array of games and pinball machines at Silverball Retro Arcade.

arlutz73/Getty Images

No list of the best beach towns in New Jersey would be complete without Avalon. Situated on Seven Mile Island, which it shares with Stone Harbor to the south, this Cape May County borough feels like an upscale Jersey Shore vacation option with a sandy shoreline and well-heeled atmosphere. The amusements are minimal, but that’s sort of the point. Who needs amusement parks and flashy nightclubs when you have pristine white sand and Atlantic waves? Don’t worry, there’s still mini golf and ice cream for a little after-dinner fun.

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Mostly residential with a mix of full-time residents and second-home owners who return each summer, Margate has a laid-back feel to it. “Everyone seems to know each other — people have been going for generations,” says ToursByLocals guide Maria Gorshin. The long, sandy beaches and relaxed, small-town atmosphere attract many families. “Picture dads pushing big-wheeled wagons loaded up with sand toys, chairs, umbrellas, and coolers full of snacks. Crews pack into Betty's Seafood Shack for the lobster rolls. The Margate Dairy Bar is the ultimate classic after-dinner gathering spot,” she adds.

Point Pleasant Beach

Families flock to Point Pleasant Beach in the summer for good old-fashioned fun in the sun. Jenkinson's Boardwalk boasts amusement rides, mini golf, arcade games, and an aquarium with sharks, penguins, and seals. The wide, sandy beaches are ideal for building castles and cooling off in the waves. When hunger hits, head to one of the laid-back restaurants for seafood, ocean views, and live music. The best way to end the day? A little something sweet from Hoffman's Ice Cream.

Ocean Grove

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Anyone looking for a little R&R will enjoy peaceful Ocean Grove, a pint-sized dry town and summer resort. Known for its Victorian houses, sandy beach, and booze ban, it’s a lovely place to bring the whole family. There’s a long boardwalk for strolling and biking, and it’s typically pretty quiet. The only sounds you’ll hear are crashing waves interspersed with tennis balls hitting rackets, and children giggling. Like so many beloved Jersey Shore destinations , it has a few ice cream parlors and souvenir shops, too.

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15 Unique & Fun Things to Do at the Jersey Shore

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The following list of things to do at the Jersey Shore is brought to you by New Yorker, Aurie Ceylon from  hey, it’s aurie ! Read on for some of her top Jersey Shore must-dos.

I am the quintessential Jersey Shore girl. As a kid, the Jersey shore was a MUST on the list of family getaways.

As an adult, I will always be excited to go back, even if it’s only for one day.

The food, the shoreline, the shops, the entertainment, the nightlife… There is something for everyone, which is what makes it the ideal hotspot. Whether you’re flying solo, traveling with friends, or roped into yet another trip with your overbearing parents, you’ll definitely find something to make your visit worthwhile.

As I gear up for my next trip to the shore, I am flooded with memories of my favorite eats, shops, and adventures. There is truly nothing like the Garden State coast (sigh).

Yes, yes, I get it. We all know the TV series Jersey Shore (I’m not ashamed to say I’ve watched it since high school), but trust me, there’s more to the shore than getting boozy on the boardwalk.

While it might seem like a small strip of beach, the Jersey shore encompasses about 141 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Ranging from North to South Jersey, visitors can choose from dozens of tourist attractions, including historical hamlets, bustling boardwalks, casino life, fresh seafood, and sleepy beaches. It’s impossible to fit it all into one trip (yes, I’ve tried), but there are plenty of things to add to your Jersey shore bucket list.

(If you don’t head home with an oversized bag of salt water taffy on your lap, you’re doing it wrong.)

Unsure where to start? No worries, I’ve got your back.

Read on for 15 unique and fun things to do at the Jersey shore.

Save this List of Things to Do on the Jersey Shore for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Wildwood Boardwalk

Prepare to be overstimulated in the best way possible. Think old world charm meets new age night club.

With all its sounds, colors and smells, the Wildwood Boardwalk is one of the most famous tourist attractions along the shoreline.

A 2.5-hour drive from NYC, Wildwood sits on the southern end of the Garden State. But don’t be fooled by its daytime appeal, the Wildwood boardwalk truly comes alive at night! So, spend the days tooling up and down the charmingly mid-century wooden planks, then head for the amusement park on the pier at sunset for jaw-dropping rides and neon classic arcade games.

Beyond that, you grab a bite on the boardwalk, bar hop through waterfront happy hours, ride the surprisingly speedy tram car or take a leisurely beachside stroll…. Or, maybe do it all. Summer days are long and the choice is all yours!

2. Atlantic City

Ready for some glitz and glam? Look no further than Atlantic City, the seaside gaming and resort capital of the East Coast. Located in South Jersey on Absecon Island, Atlantic City is a dream for the traveler in search of a night on the town.

Brief History Lesson: Originally constructed in 1870, the recently renovated Atlantic City boardwalk sparkles with world class casinos, resort hotels, museums, Michelin dining, and an endless array of entertainment. With nightlife and eats on one side of the boardwalk and stunning beachside views on the other, it’s easy to imagine getting lost in the beauty of this jam-packed gem.

P.S. – For some bonus ‘razzle dazzle’, wrap up the evening with dinner and a show at Caesar’s Palace ! Why? You can’t leave Atlantic City without hearing Caesar sing, can you?

3. Ocean City Boardwalk

Not looking to get boozy at the shore? Ocean City is the place to be.

Known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort”, you can spend your days and nights enjoying PG fun on the beach, boardwalk, and marina. With plenty of watersports including paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and windsurfing, the thrill-seeking wanderer will never run out of things to do. If you want something a bit more lively, walk the iconic 2.5 mile boardwalk, which is chock full of activities including a carousel, live entertainment, and a waterpark.

Wait, a waterpark on the boardwalk? You bet.

Fun Fact: Did I mention that Ocean City is an incorporated “dry” town? In 1879, four Methodist ministers established Ocean City with a strict ban on the manufacture and sale of alcohol. This ban remains intact to this day. (Much like the delights of this oceanside metropolis, some things never change.)

4. Historic Cape May

This Victorian coastal town is located 40 miles south of Atlantic City at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula. Pebbled shores border the perimeter, while the center of Cape May is home to a charming village.

For the traveling historian, it will be easy to get lost in this timeless delight. Spend your days wandering the tree lined streets, exploring endless sweet shops and dining on fresh faire. With a population of less than three thousand, you will truly feel like you have the whole town to yourself.

Looking for lodgings? Check out one of Cape May’s ornately decorated (and hauntingly beautiful) bed and breakfasts. Just a quick stroll from the water or the town center, each B&B has its own fascinating history. Curl up in a wraparound porch swing and take in the nautical charm of this mystical hamlet. I’d recommend the Inn at the Park , located in downtown Cape May!

5. Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Tours

While SeaWorld has its perks, there’s nothing like seeing ocean life in its natural habitat.

Whale and Dolphin sightings have become much more prominent at the Jersey Shore in the past few years, which means ample opportunity to catch a glimpse of the secrets of the deep blue sea.

While June through September are optimal months for whale and dolphin sightings, residents of the Jersey Shore sneak peeks year round! Whether you’re in Ocean City or down at Cape May Point, there are plenty of tours for whale and dolphin sightings.

You can even book a sunset dinner cruise!

6. Haunted Trolley Tour

Ready for a bonus spooky adventure? Another fun thing to do on the Jersey Shore is hop aboard the iconic Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour for a sightseeing paranormal night you won’t soon forget. Led by renowned author and psychic medium Craig McManus, you will find yourself quickly engrossed in tales from yesteryear.

Craig gives excellently detailed lore of paranormal activity throughout local businesses, as well as stories of the spirits that haunt Cape May to this day. A perfect activity for the endlessly curious traveler.

7. S.S. Atlantus

In the mood for more haunted history? Head to Sunset Beach at Cape May Point.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the S.S. Atlantus , one of 12 concrete ships built after World War I. Although these ships were later deemed impractical for their weight, they were instrumental for transporting American troops back from Europe at a time when steel was scarce.

Unfortunately for the S.S. Atlantus, a storm in 1926 broke her free of her moorings and drifted her out to sea. With every effort to recover her unsuccessful, she remains mostly underwater to this day.

Closely resembling a large shark fin, this bit of wreckage is now an important piece of Cape May’s history. Stick around after sunset and you might hear the sounds of an era gone by, lost to the sea.

8. Seaside Heights Boardwalk

Well, it wouldn’t be a post about the Jersey Shore without paying homage to the reality TV stars that brought the Garden State into the new millennium.

Grab your bump-it and your spray tan and head to Seaside Heights boardwalk , where you are guaranteed to have a day (or night) full of classic beach eats and endless happy hours.

Keep the nostalgia train running and end your night at Jenks , the original fist-bumping dance club from our favorite reality tv throwback. With a beach bar, oceanfront restaurant, and night club, Jenks has something for everyone.

9. Emlen Physick Estate

If you’re looking for historic oddities, you must stop by the Emlen Physick Estate.

Built in 1879 by Frank Furness, this bizarre 18-room mansion includes ‘oversized’ features like upside down chimneys, hooded dormers, and more!

Once home to Furness, his widowed mother, and unmarried aunt, the home fell to ruin and was almost demolished after Furness’ death.

Fortunately, the city of Cape May purchased the estate and worked with Cape May MAC (museum, arts, and culture nonprofit) to restore the home and grounds to their former glory. The Emlen Physick Estate is now a museum, carriage house, and tea room! Visitors are encouraged to explore the home and walk the grounds year-round.

Fun Fact: The Emlen Physick home was used as as a location for the 1981 horror film The Prowler !

Click to learn more about Emlen Physick Estate

10. Wildwood Crest Beach

For the wanderers seeking a quieter beach experience, this is for you.

Wildwood Crest Beach is – by far – the most resort-style oceanfront you’ll find along the Jersey Shore.

With pristine sandy shores, beautiful homes, and zero access to the neighboring boardwalk of Wildwood, you can leave the rowdiness behind and enjoy the silence of summertime stillness. Bonus – for the non-drinking travelers – unlike Wildwood, Wildwood Crest is an incorporated dry town !

Click to learn more about Wildwood Crest

11. Casino Pier Breakwater Beach Waterpark

Snooki not your speed? Not to worry, there’s more to Seaside Heights than partying.

From vintage arcade games to a sky coaster that soars over the boardwalk, Casino Pier Breakwater Beach Waterpark has everything you need to fill a day with adventures.

The waterpark has been named “the best in the state” and features thrillers like Salem’s Scream, a 50-foot slide with dropout flooring that will make you glad you skipped the margaritas.

12. Willow Creek Winery & Farm

If stunning views, tastings, and treats sound like your kind of thing, Willow Creek Winery is the only wintery located in Cape May, and – clearly – it’s the only one you’ll need.

Open year-round, this stunning 50-acre winery and farm is a dream. Whether it’s for large-scale events, tastings, tours, or a simple lunch with friends, Willow Creek has something for everyone. Stroll the seemingly endless grounds, then pop over to the restaurant for wine and nibbles on the patio. Did I mention there’s a charcuterie tasting?  

Click to book a wine tasting at Willow Creek Winery & Farm

13. Climb the Cape May Lighthouse

Ready for some movement? Grab your sneakers and climb to the top of Cape May Lighthouse for a panoramic view of Cape May Point.

Originally constructed in 1857 for $40,000, the lighthouse sits at the tip of southern New Jersey and offers visitors stunning views of both the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean.

Since the lighthouse opened to the public in 1988, over 2.5 million visitors have made the trek up the 199 steps to the very top. Perfect for the thrill-seeking wanderers!

Click to learn more about Cape May Lighthouse

14. Ocean City Fishing Pier

And if you want more Ocean City, whatever you do, don’t skip the panoramic views at the Ocean City fishing pier .

Built in 1916 by the Ocean City Fishing Club, this historic boardwalk extension is an integral part of Ocean City tourism.

It’s also the only on-ocean fishing pier in the city!

Whether you’re fishing, taking selfies, or just enjoying the breeze, this pier is a must-see.

15. Laura’s Fudge

Before you head home from a Jersey Shore getaway, this is a MUST!

For the sweet tooth wanderer, don’t forget to stop by Laura’s Fudge ! Known by locals as the “original fudge shoppe on the shore”, their rocky road will make you never want to leave. Located on the Wildwood boardwalk, it’s hard to pass by this neon-clad hot pink fudge shop without stopping in for a square.

There’s also an online store!

Did I miss any of your favorite Jersey Shore things to do?

Let me know in the comments!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

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💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

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Best Things to Do at the Jersey Shore

We've put together the ultimate jersey shore bucket list, filled with destinations, day trips and activities you absolutely must check out..

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It’s time for another amazing season at the Jersey Shore.

Wondering how to spend those summer days? You’re in luck! We’ve put together the ultimate Jersey Shore bucket list, filled with destinations, day trips and activities you absolutely must check out .

Why should you trust this guide? Simply put, New Jersey Monthly knows New Jersey and the Shore like nobody else. Our editors and writers brings their years of Shore experience to you each summer—and we have a lot of fun doing it. We have spent countless hours exploring places old and new, from beaches to downtowns to restaurants to activities, to give you everything you need for an amazing summer down the Shore.

Climb the Cape May Lighthouse

Embark on a Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse climb this summer.  Photo courtesy of Cape May MAC

Feeling energetic? It’s a mere 199 steps up a winding iron staircase to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse , a majestic, 157-foot-tall tower. Windows at six landing platforms provide a breather and admit natural light. At the top, you can step outside and stroll around the encaged catwalk for a 360-degree view. This season’s full-moon climbs are scheduled for June 21 and July 21. Stairway to the Stars climbs are being offered June 6, July 5 and August 4—new-moon nights when the sky is darkest and stars are most visible. —Ken Schlager 215 Lighthouse Avenue, Cape May Point • 609-884-5404

Rock Out at the Stone Pony 

The Stone Pony is one of New Jersey’s most historic music clubs, known for helping to launch the careers of two of the state’s most famous music icons: Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. This summer, it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary . When the weather warms up, the Pony opens its outdoor Summer Stage. There’s no shortage of talent and variety in Asbury Park this summer, with a lineup that includes Bleachers, Bouncing Souls, Gary Clark Jr. and Umphrey’s McGee. —Gary Phillips 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park • 732-502-0600

See (or Build) Amazing Sandcastles

The Bikini Boys of Seaside Heights sculpt a Finding Nemo- inspired design at the annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest.  Patti Sapone/NJ Advance Media

Gather your sand-digging gear for the 37th annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest on July 17 in Belmar. From 8 am until noon, contestants can sculpt by the sea to compete for first-, second- and third-place prizes in a variety of categories, as well as a Best on Beach award. Judging is based on originality, creativity and use of accessories. Multiple times, the Bikini Boys of Seaside Heights have won with elaborate and very impressive designs depicting Finding Nemo (pictured above) and SpongeBob SquarePants . Here, it is just as fun to watch as it is to build. The contest takes place on the beach between 17th and 19th avenues; participants should enter on 18th Avenue. Building starts at 8 am and judging starts at noon. —Falyn Stempler 18th Avenue Beach, Belmar  

Buy our June 2024 issue here . Cover photo: Ann Coen

Hide Out at a Hidden Beach

Want to spend a weekend at the Shore but avoid the crowds? Check out one of our favorite hidden beaches—some of the area’s most out-of-the-way, secluded spots that offer a break from the summer hustle and bustle. Nature lovers and families will adore the birding opportunities and calm waters at Cape May County’s Higbee Beach—a gem hidden behind woodend dunes—while Ocean County’s Holgate (pictured above) is the most off-the-beaten-path spot on Long Beach Island. Popamora Point in Monmouth County is tiny, rarely draws a crowd, and even offers a distant look at Manhattan on a clear day. Cape May County’s Strathmere offers relaxing seclusion—and free entrance. Brigantine is the opposite of Atlantic City, which you have to drive through to get there. Although the Wildwoods are known for their upbeat energy and lively attractions, North Wildwood offers up a quieter beach experience. Speaking of calmer cousins, Seaside Park has a markedly more laid-back vibe than nearby Seaside Heights (which, yes, is where Jersey Shore was filmed).

Click here to read our full guide to New Jersey’s hidden beaches.

Get Your Fortune Read at Madam Marie’s

Asbury Park boardwalk fortune-teller Madam Marie was immortalized through another Jersey Shore icon: Bruce Springsteen. The Boss used to stop by her booth and have his fortune read when he was in town. Rumor has it she told him that he’d someday be a huge success—though he later said she told all the musicians that. (In this case, she was right!) Springsteen mentions Madam Marie in his song “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy),” singing: “Did you hear the cops finally busted Madam Marie for tellin’ fortunes better than they do?” Madam Marie—whose real name was Marie Castello—died in 2008, but her family continues to give readings from her famed boardwalk booth. —Jacqueline Mroz

Climb Lucy the Elephant

The iconic Lucy the Elephant in Margate is six stories tall. Photo courtesy of Save Lucy Committee Inc.

Everyone’s favorite Jersey Shore icon, Lucy , the six-story pachyderm, recently underwent a $2 million restoration that included total replacement of her outer skin and any rotted wood underneath. “The big issue is rust,” Lucy’s executive director, Richard Helfant, explained during renovations. Tours are available. —KS 200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate • 609-823-6473

Click here to read more on Lucy the Elephant’s restoration.

Explore Island Beach State Park 

Island Beach State Park is a little-known barrier-island preserve located near Seaside Heights that contains close to 10 miles of pristine sandy beach, an extensive shoreline along Barnegat Bay, dense maritime forests, rolling sand dunes and tidal marshes. There’s a vehicle entry fee of $6-$20, and when all the parking spaces are full, the park is closed to new visitors arriving by car. The most popular activities are swimming and surf fishing, but you can also ride your bicycle, surf, go for a hike, have a picnic, kayak, or even bring your horse. However, it may be most famous as the site of former Governor Chris Christie’s 2017 family beach jaunt, which they enjoyed —even though he’d closed all the state parks and beaches during the July 4th holiday weekend that year due to a state-government shutdown. —JM 2401 Central Avenue, Seaside Park

Hunt for Cape May Diamonds 

Members of the Andersen family search for Cape May diamonds in the sand. Photo by Jessica Orlowicz

Cape May diamonds, as they’ve come to be known, have been tumbling toward Cape May from the headwaters of the Delaware River for thousands of years. They’re not real diamonds, but rather quartz stones that were swept out of pockets of the mineral upstream and carried downriver. Many wash ashore at Sunset Beach in Cape May Point, where they are treasured finds for scores of beachcombers. Cape May diamonds shine when they’re wet, so they’re easiest to spot if you hunt for them down by the water. The pebbles are generally small (a quarter-inch or so in size), clear or opaque, and rounded from their rocky ride down the river. A plastic sifter is helpful to have when you search. First-time diamond hunters can start their quest at the Sunset Beach Gift Shop. —Lynn Martensein

Click here to read more on Cape May diamonds.

See a Free Movie on the Beach 

No need to “Netflix and chill” or take a pricey trip to the theater. Catch free outdoor movie screenings all summer long at several spots down the Shore. The typically family-friendly selections range from classics to popular new movies like Encanto . Make sure to pack your own chairs or blanket, plus snacks. Some spots with regular showings include Avalon’s Surfside Park, Belmar’s 7th Avenue beach, Long Branch’s Pier Village Festival Plaza, Margate’s Martin Bloom Pavilion, Sea Isle City’s Excursion Park and Wildwood’s Byrne Plaza.  —FS

Embrace Doo Wop in the Wildwoods 

Take a Doo Wop tour in the Wildwoods to experience unique architecture.  Courtesy of Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority

The 1950s and 1960s were the heyday for the Wildwoods, home to the largest collection of midcentury resort architecture in the country. For a stroll back in time, the Doo Wop Experience Museum —which landed a spot on our list of must-visit New Jersey museums—leads tours of classic Wildwood motels and landmarks (check online for schedule). See the best of these Doo Wop-style landmarks with a knowledgeable guide smartly dressed in 1950s attire. The tour leaves from the front of the Doo Wop Experience Museum at 8 pm on each of those nights. Admission is $13 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Reservations should be made in advance either online or by calling the museum. —JM 4500 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood • 609-551-2289

Go Birding in Cape May 

Cape May offers one-of-a-kind birding opportunities. Photo by Jessica Orlowicz

Few places in the country—some say, even the world—offer a better perch for viewing migrating birds’ fly-in than Cape May in fall. Like many wingless folks, avians make their way to the southern tip of the state to rest and refuel. From late August to early November, more than a million birds touch down in a few square miles of beaches, forests and marshlands at the south end of the state. New Jersey Audubon offers highly popular weekly tours at three of Cape May’s top bird-watching spots: Higbee Beach, the Cape May Bird Observatory and Cape May Point State Park. It also offers birding tours in   Cape May’s back bay. —LM

Click here to read more on Cape May birding.

Take to the Boardwalk on a Surrey  

Surreys seat two to six people and can be rented on boardwalks all over the Shore. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Brocreative

If you want to experience the boardwalk from a completely different vantage point, rent a surrey: a four-wheeled quadricycle that seats two, four or six people. The old-timey-looking vehicle has open bench seats and a canopy on top, and is powered by humans rather than a motor; most Shore boardwalks have them to rent. They are perfect for families with young children. Seaside Heights Bike and Surrey Rental has them available for $35 an hour (2-3 people) or $45 an hour (4-6 people). —JM

Hit the Races at Monmouth Park 

Visit one of the country’s top 10 racetracks as the thoroughbreds run Fridays to Sundays through September. With 8,000 seats in the grandstand and hundreds of shaded tables in the family picnic area, Monmouth Park offers plenty of room to spread out. For as little as $2, place a bet on a horse to win a race. Horse-racing fans can watch and bet on simulcast races and professional sporting events seven days a week. —R.C. Staab 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport • 732-222-5100

Scuba Dive Down to a Shipwreck 

Looking for an underwater adventure this summer? There are thousands of shipwrecks off the coast waiting to be explored by certified divers . The R.P. Resor , located 120 feet below the surface and 32 miles off Long Beach Island, and the Gulf Trade , which split into two dive sites at Barnegat Inlet, are two examples . Both oil tankers were torpedoed by World War II-era German U-boats. The USS Algol , meanwhile, remains intact beyond Point Pleasant, where it now serves as an artificial reef after sinking in 1991. —GP  

Watch for Whales 

Some of the world’s largest mammals make Jersey waters home during the summer, including humpback whales, fin whales and northern right whales. The humpback is the most common, particularly juveniles. New Jerseyans can take whale-watching tours , including in Cape May ( Cape May Whale Watcher ), Belmar ( Jersey Shore Whale Watch ) and Highlands ( Seastreak ). —GP  

Check Out Sea Life on the Boardwalk 

Now in its 31st year, Jenkinson’s Aquarium is ideal for ducking out of a gray day—or a sunny one, for that matter. The African penguins are a favorite at this boardwalk attraction, but you’ll also see sharks, seals, sea turtles and all manner of fish in a variety of creatively composed habitat exhibits. The touch tank is another major attraction. —KS 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach • 732-892-0600

Explore Ocean Grove’s Unique Tent Community

The striped awnings may be the same but the interiors of Ocean Grove’s tents are unique. Photo by James J. Connolly

Ocean Grove comes alive each May, when the canvas tents are erected and striped awnings sprout on the paths and narrow roads around the towering Great Auditorium. While the colorful awnings create a uniform look, inside the similarities end. “They’re all the same, but they are all different, like a New York City studio,” says tenter Donna Scudder. For non-residents interested in seeing the tent community, the tents are located along public streets and public walkways, so the exterior can be viewed and enjoyed any time. However, the canvas tenting and awnings are only up when the tents are occupied between mid-May and mid-September. The tents are not open for tours. —RCS

Click here to read more about life in Ocean Grove’s tent community.

Walk the Country’s First Boardwalk in Atlantic City

The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the first in the U.S.  Photo: Shutterstock/Mia2you

These days, a handful of Shore beach towns have popular boardwalks, but Atlantic City’s is the original—and in some opinions, remains the best . Constructed in 1870 for Victorian strolling sans the sand, the six-mile-long stretch of wood planks have had their share of storm strife. The Boardwalk has been rebuilt in portions at least six times, including a 2021 initiative. Nowadays, strolling the iconic walkway gives access to casinos, bandstands for music venues, and restaurants (including Margaritaville, which protrudes from the Boardwalk over the sand), shops and more. —Deborah P. Carter

Give a Sunset Salute to Veterans 

The family of Charles F. Coyle honors his service to his country at a flag-lowering ceremony in Cape May Point in August 2021. Photo by Jessica Orlowicz

Almost every day in summer is Veterans Day at Sunset Beach in Cape May Point. Throughout the summer, family and friends gather to honor a U.S. veteran at a stirring beachfront flag-lowering ceremony. It’s a moving tribute that often pulls beachgoers off the sand, many of whom end up singing along to the national anthem or pledging allegiance to the flag with their hands over their hearts. Fittingly, it was a veteran who began the tradition. The late Marvin Hume, an aviation machinist’s mate in the U.S. Navy durng WWII, started the ceremony in 1973, the same year he bought the property, to honor his three best friends who were killed at Pearl Harbor. The ceremony is free. —LM

Click here to read more on the Sunset Beach flag-lowering ceremony.

Enjoy Tuckerton’s Waterfront and History 

Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum , a 40-acre waterfront village on the mainland side of Barnegat Bay west of Long Beach Island, comprises 15 buildings with displays of coastal culture, plus a self-service café for breakfast and lunch. Folk-life demonstrations include decoy carving and blacksmithing. One-hour Tuckerton Creek boat tours are offered 10 am-4 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays ($10). Starting July 4, the ferry from Beach Haven operates 8 am-7 pm Saturday-Monday ($12.50 roundtrip). —KS 120 W. Main Street, Tuckerton • 609-296-8868

Explore Viking Village 

Founded as a lobster co-op at the northern tip of Long Beach Island in the 1920s, today’s Viking Village continues as a commercial fishing port, with the added attraction of clothing, crafts and collectibles shops , and food vendors—all housed in repurposed fishing shacks. You can take a free dock tour (10 am Fridays, starting July 5 and running through August 30) or just stroll around the docks to admire the colorful fishing fleet. There are also craft shows. —KS 1801 Bayview Avenue, Barnegat Light • 609-494-0113

Indulge in Luxe Relaxation at Salt Spa 

In addition to salted margaritas at the happening bayfront Water Star Grille, the Reeds at Shelter Haven also boasts the Salt Spa , a luxury experience not typically found this far south on the Parkway. Choose from signature HydraFacials and massages, a mud ritual or salt scrub in the Turkish bath, cutting-edge Soft Pack Floats, raindrop therapy—or simply pop in for a quick blowout to tame those beach waves before heading out for the night. —Molly Gregor 9601 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor • 609-961-3009

Go Gaga at Ocean City’s Baby Parade 

Children under 10 years old take center stage at the annual Baby Parade in Ocean City.  Photo by Jessica Orlowicz

For more than a century, on the second Thursday each August, the tangled waves of runners and   beachgoers on the Ocean City boardwalk part like menhaden fish for humpback whales—to make way for babies in buggies and toddlers on trikes. Although it’s older than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Miss America Pageant , the Ocean City Baby Parade is less about fancy floats and more about families staying up until 3 am with spray paint, fabric, cotton balls and glue. People come to applaud the show choir and marching bands or wave at Queen Infanta, but they save their oohs and aahs for the dozens of children under 10 years old dressed in elaborate swaddling or last year’s Halloween costumes. Registration opens in June at ocnj.us/babyparade . —RCS

Click here to read more about Ocean City’s Baby Parade.

Get Your Fill at Highlands Clam Fest   

The 27th Highlands Clam Fest is being held from August 5-7 at Huddy Park. Photo by James J. Connolly

Two days before the annual Highlands Clam Fest , clammer Bill Mount takes his boat out into Raritan Bay, rakes up more than 2,000 hard clams, and drops them off at the depuration plant in Highlands for cleansing. The day of the festival, he takes the hard clams two blocks west to Huddy Park, where he and his family steam, season and sell them. The clams and other seafood sold by Mount and local restaurants come from nearby bay and ocean waters and are as fresh and tasty as anywhere on the East Coast. Beyond the clams, the reason people return year after year to the Highlands Clam Fest is the welcoming nature of this hardworking Jersey Shore bayside town. People take turns dunking the dummy to support the volunteer first aid squad, contribute to the 50/50 raffle for the volunteer fire department, and enjoy socializing on the Highlands picnic grounds. “Folks are really happy,” says Mayor Carolyn Broullon, who owns the Feed & Seed pet and general store. “They love to tell you how much they like the town.” The 27th annual Highlands Clam Fest is being held in Huddy Park from August 4-5. Admission is free. —RCS

Hear the Biggest Instrument in the World 

Take a break from the beach and listen to the circa-1930 pipe organ at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City—it’s the largest instrument in the world! On weekdays in the summer, visitors are invited to hear an organist play at noon and then take a tour to see the pipes, which are hidden inside the walls. It’s free, but donations are welcome. “For years this organ was sitting in disrepair. We’ve changed that,” says Scott D. Banks, membership and events coordinator at the Historic Organ Restoration Committee. Fifty-three percent of the organ—which is made up of more than 33,000 pipes—is fully functioning; in 2014, that number was 10 percent. The instrument is also known as sonic Mount Rushmore. — Georgia Kral 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City • 609-348-7000

Experience an 8-Mile Wildlife Drive  

For a modest fee of $4 per car, the 8-mile Wildlife Drive at the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge is guaranteed to showcase shorebirds such as herons, ospreys, egrets, and hawks. In the summer, walk, bike or drive and then climb a watch tower to observe baby ospreys learning to fly or herons stalking lunch—with views of Atlantic City and Brigantine in the distance. —RS 723 Great Creek Road, Galloway  

Celebrate the Coast at the Bayshore Center 

Home to the 115-foot schooner AJ Meerwald —New Jersey’s official tall ship—the Bayshore Center is also a museum where young and old can learn the history of New Jersey’s local oyster industry. The Bayshore Center’s expanded Second Friday events (4-8:30 pm every second Friday of the summer months) feature live music, wine and beer (from nearby Glasstown Brewing Co.), locally sourced raw oysters, food trucks, craft vendors, speakers and free museum entry. The fun continues on Saturday After (the second Saturday of summer months), with family-oriented events from noon-5 pm. Alas, the Meerwald underwent a major restoration project this winter in Maine and likely won’t be ready to sail again until late summer. —KS 2800 High Street, Bivalve, Port Norris

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Best Jersey Shore Beach Towns to Visit this Summer

Best Places at the Jersey Shore Recommended by a NJ Local:

As a Jersey girl, there is no better feeling than when a summer weekend arrives. For over 30-something years, I’ve followed the same summer routine of packing up my car (or, when I was a kid, my parent’s car), stopping at a Dunkin Donuts and hitting the Garden State Parkway South to enjoy the best Jersey Shore beach towns from Lavallette to Point Pleasant Beach.

Unless you grew up in New Jersey and know how special going “down the shore” is during the summer months, most people sleep on a New Jersey Shore getaway. The Garden State has beautiful beaches with powdery soft sand, sapphire blue waters, picturesque dunes, quintessential downtowns, idyllic cedar wood homes, fun boardwalks and water parks, as well as great restaurants and ice cream parlors.

You can find New Jersey’s best beaches in Monmouth County, which is in Central Jersey; along the Barnegat Inlet in Ocean County; on Long Beach Island in Ocean County; and in Atlantic County and Cape May County in South Jersey. In this article, discover the best Jersey Shore beach towns to visit this summer.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.

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Getting Around the New Jersey Coast:

When visiting the Jersey Shore. The best airports to fly into are Newark Liberty International Airport , Atlantic City International Airport , Trenton-Mercer Airport and Philadelphia International Airport . You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner .

The easiest way to get around the Jersey Shore is by having your own vehicle. If you’re flying into New Jersey for a summer vacation , you can easily rent a car at one of the airports.

For those who don’t drive and rely on public transportation, the New Jersey Transit is the main rail and bus network in the Garden State. You can also learn more about New Jersey’s public transit by clicking here .

You can easily get around by walking or biking at many of these Jersey Shore points.

Click here  if you are planning to road trip around the  United States  and want to rent an RV.

Weather at the Jersey Shore during Summer:

One of the prime reasons why New Jersey makes for a great summer escape is because the weather is perfect! Summers are warm with mild humidity, especially on the Jersey Shore.

Overall, July is the hottest and rainiest month in NJ. However, the ocean tides are calm and low, making it ideal for swimming! August is the start of hurricane season when the ocean tends to be rougher with rip tides. Thankfully, the Jersey Shore beach towns I discuss below have lifeguards during the summer beach season.

Below are the average temperatures for the Jersey Shore during summertime:

June: Average highs in the lower 80s°F with average lows in the lower 60s°F and around seven days of precipitation.

July: Average highs in the upper 80s°F with average lows in the upper 60s°F and around eight days of precipitation.

August: Average highs in the mid 80s°F with average lows in the mid 60s°F and around seven days of precipitation.

10 New Jersey Beach Towns for the Best Jersey Shore Vacations:

As I mentioned above, New Jersey has beautiful beaches! They are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, boogie boarding, skim boarding, and playing games like paddle boarding and seashell hunting.

With 130 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean of the East Coast of the United States, you can’t go wrong with a Jersey Shore vacation. Here are the leading beach towns with the best sandy beaches to check out at the Jersey Shore this summer:

Point Pleasant Beach:

Point Pleasant Beach is one of the most popular shore towns along New Jersey’s coastline. It’s a family-friendly beach town with a boardwalk , amusement rides, arcade games, fun nightlife and a charming downtown area.

Point Pleasant Beach is the northernmost coastal town in Ocean County. It’s the gateway town to the Barnegat Peninsula near the beautiful towns of Bay Head, Mantoloking, Brielle and Manasquan.

A great place to stay in Point Pleasant Beach is The White Sands Oceanfront Resort & Spa . The best restaurants in Point Pleasant Beach are B2 Bistro + Bar , Point Lobster Bar & Grill and Red’s Lobster Pot . The best spots to get ice cream are Kohr’s Frozen Custard on the boardwalk and Hoffman’s on Route 35 South.

While in Point Pleasant Beach, enjoying the beach, walking Jenkinson’s Boardwalk , going on the rides and playing a few arcade games is a must. What makes Jenkinson’s Boardwalk different from the nearby Casino Pier in Seaside Heights is its aquarium and one of the best fun houses . You can also choose from two mini golf courses to play at – Jenkinson’s Miniature Golf and Castaway Cove Mini Golf .

For those 21 and older, you can make memories at Martell’s Tiki Bar , an oceanfront bar with a live music venue, and Jenks Club , a day and night club. Other great places to have fun in Point Pleasant Beach are The Wharfside Seafood & Patio Bar and Last Wave Brewing Company .

If you want to escape the crowds, I recommend walking through Point Pleasant Beach’s downtown area. The town is filled with antique shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Mueller’s Bakery in Bay Head is one of the best bakeries to visit nearby.

Unique activities to enjoy in Point Pleasant Beach during summer are parasailing through Point Pleasant Parasail , enjoying a dinner cruise along the Barnegat Pay, Manasquan River and Point Pleasant Canal with The River Queen and seeing a show at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club .

Located at the Southernmost point of New Jersey, Cape May is “America’s Oldest Seaside Resort” town. It’s famous for having the second-largest collection of Victorian homes after San Francisco . What makes Cape May one of the best Jersey Shore beach towns to visit in summer is its quintessential charm.

One of the best places to stay in Cape May, New Jersey is Congress Hall . It’s the main attraction in Cape May and is also renowned for being the first seafront resort in America. The top places to eat in Cape May are Peter Shield’s Inn & Restaurant , Washington Inn & Wine Bar and The Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar .

During your time in Cape May, enjoy the stunning white sand beaches, treat yourself to retail therapy at the Washington Street Mall , watch the sunset at the Cape May Lighthouse , go wine tasting at Cape May Winery , take a historic trolley tour through the Cape May MAC and walk around Beach Plum Farms . You will be amazed by all the beauty of Cape May County.

Taking the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from Cape May, New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware is essential during a summer vacation. The ferry ride is around an hour and a half long. While onboard, you can admire the beautiful views of Delaware Bay, enjoy a refreshing beverage and relax.

In Lewes, Delaware, stroll through the charming downtown area. It’s filled with local shops, restaurants, museums and churches. I suggest checking out Zwaanendael Museum and Park, seeing the Lightship Overfalls , touring the Cannonball House and exploring Cape Henlopen State Park.

The best spots to eat and drink in the Lewes area are Kindle , a lovely French restaurant, Beach Time Distilling and Notting Hill Coffee Roastery .

Lavallette:

A leading shore town to visit in New Jersey is Lavallette. It’s located on the Barnegat Peninsula, a barrier island less than 100 miles outside New York City. This small town is located between Point Pleasant Beach and Seaside Heights.

The best place to stay in Lavallette, New Jersey is the Lamplight Motel . Great dining options in this quaint town are Lobster Dock , Ohana Grill , Sand Dollar Pancake House and Hoshino Sushi . Two excellent spots to enjoy a fun evening in Lavallette are the Crabs Claw Inn and Castaway’s Pub .

It’s no secret that the best thing to do in Lavallette during summer is to spend a day at the beach! I also love that Lavallette has a boardwalk to help you stay active during your getaway. It runs 2.5 miles (round trip) and is perfect for walking, running, bike riding and beach house viewing. (The homes on the Lavallette Boardwalk are beautiful!)

Lavallette’s downtown area features incredible clothing boutiques, home décor shops, beach stores, cafés and ice cream parlors. You must visit Hazel Boutique & Café for coffee and great shopping, Iceberg Ice Cream for homemade ice cream and Salted Gems for crystals. Don’t forget to visit Lava Golf for a fun mini-golf game.

Another of the best things to do in Lavallette, New Jersey is enjoy a leisure bike ride to the bay in time for sunset! During certain evenings, the Lavallette Gazebo will host free concerts, live music and movies on the bay. There’s nothing like being on the Barnegat Bay during this time of the day!

(You can rent bikes in Lavallette from Beach Authority .)

Other memorable outdoor activities and water sports at the Lavallette Bay include pickleball, tennis and basketball. You can also go kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, boating, fishing, crabbing and more.

Learning to surf is one of the most fun activities during a Lavallette vacation! Through Coastline Adventures Surfing School in Normandy Beach, which is accredited by the National Surf School and Instructor Association , you can take a private, semi-private and group surfing lesson. There are lessons for all levels.

Brigantine Beach:

Brigantine is one of the best Jersey Shore beach towns to visit this summer! It’s located just north of Atlantic City and offers a peaceful escape from all the action.

The best hotel on Brigantine Beach is Legacy Vacation Resort . Great restaurants to visit are LaScala’s Beach House , a fun oceanfront seafood restaurant with live music and corn hole; Mystic Lobster Roll Co. for delicious lobster rolls and the Pirates Den for breakfast.

Based on my experiences, Brigantine Beach has one of the most beautiful beaches along the Jersey Shore coastline. It’s perfect for taking a nap, reading a book, building sandcastles and swimming!

Other great things to do in this underrated beach town in Atlantic County are to see the Brigantine Lighthouse and the Absecon Lighthouse . You must also visit the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and have fun at Brigantine Mini Golf .

A getaway to Brigantine Beach should include spending time in Atlantic City. Have fun parasailing during the day with Atlantic City Parasail . Also, attend a pool party at Ocean Casino Resort , visit one of the many casinos, like Harrah’s , make memories at Steel Pier amusement park, as well as see a show.

Seaside Park:

Another one of the best NJ shore towns on the Barnegat Inlet is Seaside Park! This Jersey Shore location is perfect because it sits right below Seaside Heights, which has a thriving boardwalk and borders the beautiful Island Beach State Park for adventure enthusiasts.

Island Beach Motor Lodge is the top accommodation in Seaside Park. It’s on one of the last streets in town, right next to the Island Beach State Park entrance. Another reason why this hotel is ideal is because it’s on the same block as the oceanfront Chef Mike’s Atlantic Bar & Grill .

Other great dining options in Seaside Park are Bum Rogers Crab House & Tavern for seafood and Island Beach Fish Company for casual beach food and drinks. Additionally, head over to Park Bakery for amazing baked goods and White Oak Market for fresh deli sandwiches.

If you’re wondering what to do in Seaside Park during summer, you must go to the beach and head to Casino Pier in Seaside Heights. You can ride the roller coasters and Ferris wheel here! Additionally, cool off at the Breakwater Beach water park, visit Heavy Reel Brewing Co. and go jet skiing at The Dock Outfitters .

A beach getaway to Seaside Park is incomplete without exploring Island Beach State Park. It’s located at the southern tip of the barrier island in Ocean County and is a nature lover’s paradise.

Overall, Island Beach State Park has over 10 miles and 3,000 acres of coastal dunes and fascinating biodiversity. While here, you can enjoy easy-to-moderate hiking and walking trails over dunes and salt marshes. This incredible State Park is also perfect for bird watching, fishing and kayaking.

Beach Haven:

Long Beach Island (LBI) in southern Ocean County is another beautiful barrier island with great beaches. One of the best Jersey Shore beach towns in LBI is Beach Haven.

The Hideaway is the finest hotel in Beach Haven, New Jersey. Great restaurants are The Chicken or the Egg for breakfast, Dock & Claw Clam Bar for seafood, Pearl Street Market for lobster rolls and deli sandwiches and Skipper Dipper for ice cream.

In addition to enjoying the beach in Beach Haven, other fun activities are learning how to surf through Sandy Avocado Surf , enjoying the rides and arcade games at Fantasy Island Amusement Park , having a thrilling water park day at Thundering Surf Adventure Park and fishing on Manahawkin Bay.

Another epic thing to do here is to go boating and enjoy fun water sports. Wakeboarding, tubing, water skiing, etc., through LBI Aquasports in Beach Haven will give you lasting memories.  

Long Branch:

Long Branch offers one of the best beaches in New Jersey, especially in Monmouth County. Located just north of the famous Asbury Park, Long Branch boasts Pier Village , renowned for its shops, high-end restaurants and bars, as well as its beautiful beach!

Wave Resort is the best accommodation in Long Branch, New Jersey. McLoone’s Pier House and Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant are the top seafood dining spots, followed by Trama’s Trattoria for Italian cuisine and Mar Belo for Portuguese food.

Great things to do during a summer getaway to Long Branch are to enjoy the beach, stroll around Pier Village and have refreshing cocktails with a view at Avenue ’s beach bar. You must also rent bikes and visit Asbury Park.

(You can rent bikes in Long Branch at The Peddler .)

Famous for being the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen , a visit to Asbury Park must be included in your Jersey Shore summer weekend itinerary.

While in Asbury Park, walk the boardwalk and visit Silverball Retro Arcade and see the Paramount Theater . A fun ice cream parlor to cool off at is Coney Waffle . In the evening, catch a live performance at the Stone Pony .

Avalon & Stone Harbor:

Two lovely Jersey Shore beach towns to add to your East Coast summer vacation bucket list are Avalon and Stone Harbor. They are located on an island in Cape May County, in South Jersey. Just north of this area is Sea Isle City and south are The Wildwoods.

The best hotel on this beautiful island is The Reeds at Shelter Haven , which is in Stone Harbor. The top restaurants in Avalon and Stone Harbor are Princeton Bar & Grill for American dining, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House for breakfast, Water Star Grille for waterfront dining and seafood and Springer’s for homemade ice cream.

Wonderful summer activities in Avalon and Stone Harbor, New Jersey, include relaxing at the beach, visiting The Wetlands Institute to learn about the biodiversity in the nearby wetlands, bird-watching at the Bird Sanctuary of Stone Harbor , playing mini golf at Pirate Island Golf , shopping along 96th Street, enjoying watersports at Avalon’s Kayak Park and taking in the natural beauty on the Avalon Boardwalk.

Since The Wildwoods are located south of these two beautiful towns, driving there and enjoying New Jersey’s most extensive beaches is a must. Also located in The Wildwoods are Morey’s Piers . It’s one of the Garden State’s most famous boardwalks with three waterparks and hundreds of arcade games.

Sandy Hook:

The beautiful Sandy Hook is located at the northernmost tip of the Jersey Shore line in Monmouth County. It’s situated outside Atlantic Highlands and north of Sea Bright.

What’s cool about visiting Sandy Hook, NJ, is that it has a National Park , and on a clear day, you can see the New York City skyline. You can easily visit Sandy Hook from the city through the Seastreak Ferry .

The best accommodation for a summer beach escape to Sandy Hook is Beachwalk at Sea Bright . Mule Barn Tavern , at the tip of Sandy Hook, 2nd Jetty Seafood in Seabright, Navesink Fishery and Christine’s in Atlantic Highlands are good restaurants to visit.

One of the best ways to explore Sandy Hook is by renting a bike and riding along the five-mile trail. In addition to enjoying the beaches, check out the Gateway National Recreation Area and Fort Hancock, which date back to the Revolutionary War.

(You can rent bikes in Sandy Hook at SAHO Bike Rentals .)

Suppose you’re looking for the best views in Sandy Hook. In that case, I suggest climbing to the top of the Gunnison Battery , located at Gunnison Beach. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby NYC.

A fun summer activity near Sandy Hook is catching one of the horse races at Monmouth Park . Nearby is Blu Grotto , a live music venue and an Italian restaurant to enjoy afterward.

Spring Lake:

Spring Lake is also located in Monmouth County. It’s one of the most charming Jersey Shore beach towns in the Garden State.

Situated between Belmar and Sea Girt, Spring Lake is a family-friendly shore town famous for its boutique shopping, idyllic Cape Cod-style homes, historic inns and renowned dining. It is considered the “Jewel of the Jersey Shore.”

The best place to stay in Spring Lake, New Jersey, is The Hewitt Wellington . I suggest visiting Amelia’s By The Sea for fine dining, Spring Lake Seafood and Rella’s Italian Tavern in Brielle for great food. A popular spot to have fun at night in the Spring Lake area is Parker House in Sea Girt.

While you’re in Spring Lake, relax at the beautiful beach, stroll through the historic downtown and shop at boutiques like Waterlily , cool off to delicious ice cream at Belle’s Ice Cream Shop and also enjoy the attractions at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at the nearby Point Pleasant Beach.

Here are other great beach towns to discover in New Jersey:

Ocean City: Located in Cape May County, Ocean City, NJ is a charming beach town with a pristine beach, 2.5 miles of boardwalk, fun rides and attractions and excellent dining options.

Wildwood Crest: Located in Cape May County, Wildwood Crest is a family-friendly beach destination. It has one of the biggest beaches on the East Coast and a renowned amusement park called Morey’s Pier .

Bay Head: Located in Ocean County, on the Barnegat Inlet, Bay Head is a charming shore town. In fact, it will transport you to Nantucket! Bay Head is a quiet haven below Point Pleasant Beach with a beautiful coast to enjoy. It also has Cape Code-style homes, a few boutiques and some of the best restaurants on the barrier island, like Theresa’s South .

Ocean Grove: Located in Monmouth County, Ocean Grove is a quiet town famous for its lovely Victorian houses. It has a boardwalk, a beautiful white-sand beach, ice cream parlors and more. Since it’s Christain-based, Ocean Grove is a dry town, so you won’t find bars here. However, you can always go to the venues in the surrounding towns – Asbury Park, Bradley Beach and Neptune.

Ortley Beach: Located in Ocean County, on the Barnegat Inlet, Ortley Beach is nestled between Lavallette and Seaside Heights. Ortley boasts many great restaurants, a lovely beach and a fun mini-golf and arcade called Barnacle Bill’s Amusements .

Ship Bottom and Surf City: Located in Ocean County, Ship Bottom and Surf City are also great Jersey Shore beach towns to visit. Both shore towns are on Long Beach Island. They boast great restaurants and shops, a boutique hotel called Hotel LBI and fun watersports to enjoy.

Love New Jersey? Check out these other awesome articles:

An Amazing New Jersey Summer Road Trip

Short Stay Hotels in New Jersey for Your Bucket List

12 Amazing Things to Do in NJ for Free this Summer

I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best Jersey Shore beach towns to check out during the summer. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected].

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This was a great read on all the stunning New Jersey beach towns. Best places to be on the weekends in NJ. Loved all the great recommendations. I have been to a lot of these beaches but there still are a few I will need to experience. Of course my favorite is Lavallette ~ great guide on the gorgeous NJ beach towns. Love you, 👩🏻 mom xoxo 💖

Thank you mom! They all are the best for a summer destination in their own ways. <3 Love you too!

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The Jersey Shore: A Trip for All Seasons Login or Register to save this to your Favorites.

Sand and surf lure millions of people to the Jersey Shore every summer, but some of the region's most entertaining activities take place off season.

The revived Asbury Park Boardwalk draws crowds with new restaurants, boutique shopping and live music all year long. Bruce Springsteen made the The Stone Pony famous (and it continues to bring in big acts), but music lovers shouldn't stop there. Convention Hall and the Paramount Theatre also host rising and established artists of all genres.

Folks who prefer scenery to sounds should try the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey . Held in October, it challenges all to visit 11 lighthouses stretching from Cape May to Sandy Hook . Kids will love the year-round arcade, aquarium and sweet shop at Jenkinson's Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach . Arcades also remain open throughout the year on the Seaside Heights boardwalk.

For sports fanatics, the popular Boardwalk Basketball Classic Tournament , the largest co-ed high school basketball tournament in the country, is a slam dunk in late December at the Wildwood Convention Center . The holiday season at the Shore should not be missed. In early December, you can take a free horse and carriage ride between noon and 3 pm starting from City Hall in Ocean City . Farther south, Cape May transforms into a Dickens village from mid-November through early January. Visitors can take a trolley ride past the decorated Victorian inns and peek inside some that offer guided tours. Wrap up the holiday season on New Year's Day with a dip in the Atlantic as part of the Make-A-Wish Polar Bear Plunge on the beach at the Tropicana Casino Resort in Atlantic City . If the thought makes you shiver, head to the casinos or take the kids to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum on the boardwalk to see some of the area's more bizarre exhibits. Car aficionados can see vintage automobiles on display at the Atlantic City Classic Car Show in February at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Shopping remains a viable option even in the dead of winter. More than 60 shops and boutiques draw visitors to Spring Lake alone. When Spring finally comes, runners can get a nice tour of the area racing in the annual Spring Lake Five Mile Run in late May. The extremely popular  Cape May Music Festival , also in late May, is another great way to get ready for the upcoming summer season.

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Unveiling New Jersey’s Best-Kept Summer Secrets at the Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore of NJ embracing the counties of Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May, Features fantastic beaches, boardwalks, amusement parks, night clubs, scenic dining restaurants, and more.

This stretch of 127 miles along the northern and southern Atlantic coastlines-- known by the local as the Jersey Shore ---is a vacation hotspot for New Jerseyans, New Yorkers, Pennsylvanians, and other Northeasterners, attracting beach lovers from as far north as Québec and Ontario.

The popularity of the Jersey Shore stems from its welcoming beaches, broad range of lodging options, great eats, night clubs, summer festivals, and a myriad of activities.

The towns hosting large commercial boardwalks teeming with amusement parks, water parks, restaurants, and shops include Asbury Park, Keansburg, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Atlantic City, Ocean City, and the Wildwoods.

Enjoy kids, adults, & corporate events, rides, and attractions at Central Jersey’s largest indoor themed park!

The Best Monmouth County Jersey Shore Weekend Getaway Destinations

Long Branch, NJ Long Branch is a popular destination for fun, relaxation, recreation, restaurants, boutique shopping, and excellent overnight accommodations. The focal point of activity is Pier Village, an upscale, trendy community along the beach front that encompasses the boardwalk, boutique shops, restaurants, and multistory luxury residences overlooking the ocean. Long Branch is a popular vacation or weekend getaway destination for visitors from Northern New Jersey, New York City, and Northeast Pennsylvania Long Branch is about an hour away by train from New York City via New Jersey Transit trains on the North Jersey Coast Line spur. More Info

Asbury Park, NJ This Jersey shore community has now become a top year round destination for music, entertainment, eclectic restaurants, and a variety of overnight accommodations. It's famed musical heritage goes back to Asbury Park being the birthplace of Jersey Shore music with performers like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, and many more performing at the famed Stone Pony. Adding to it's musical heritage, performances at Paramount Theater and Convention Hall included the Rolling Stones, the Dave Clark Five, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, the Doors, and of course Bruce Springsteen. The centers of activity are downtown along Cookman Avenue with many excellent restaurants, shops and art galleries, and along the boardwalk lined with restaurants and the crown jewel of Asbury Park, the restored Paramount Theater and Convention Hall. Asbury Park is a popular vacation or weekend getaway destination for visitors from Northern New Jersey, New York City, and Northeast Pennsylvania It's about an hour away by train from New York City via New Jersey Transit trains on the North Jersey Coast Line spur. More info

Ocean Grove, NJ Ocean Grove is a charming New Jersey Shore town where recreation, history, and religion all prosper in "God's square mile." Ocean Grove is a popular vacation or weekend getaway destination for visitors from Northern New Jersey, New York City, and Northeast Pennsylvania. This Jersey Shore town is unique with its charming tree lined village, Victorian bed and breakfast inns, a beach with a rustic boardwalk, and a large, attractive historic wooden auditorium that provides an atmosphere and friendliness from a past era. The town is steep in religious tradition and welcomes visitors who seek to stay in lovely cottages and enjoy quiet summer evenings and peaceful strolls along the boardwalk without the commercial, honky-tonk, noisy attractions found in other beach destinations. Located next to neighboring Asbury Park, overnight guests at one of the many charming B & B's in Ocean Grove can hop over to Asbury Park to enjoy it's night life, and many fine restaurants. More info...

Spring Lake, NJ Spring Lake, affectionately referred to as the "Irish Riviera", is a small beach resort town with huge Victorian houses, excellent variety of B&B's, a charming village with upscale boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants , a Theatre /Playhouse, and a well managed beach that's never been corrupted by honky-tonk. In the mid 1800's, Spring Lake was a summer getaway for well healed leaders of industry, and up until today, this small community has retained much of the exclusive atmosphere of that era. It is possible to wander around this beach front community, even in peak summer season, and see very few people and almost no traffic. In the fall, the town reverts to its year-round population of less than 4,000 people and becomes even more tranquil. Spring Lake is a popular vacation or weekend getaway destination for visitors from Northern New Jersey, New York City, and Northeast Pennsylvania. Spring Lake is about an hour and 15 minutes, away by train from New York City via New Jersey Transit trains on the North Jersey Coast Line spur. More info...

The Best Ocean County Jersey Shore Weekend Getaway Destinations

Point Pleasant Beach, NJ Point Pleasant Beach is the ultimate Jersey Shore destination for families and young adults enjoying late night dance clubs. who come for a day trip, a week end getaway, or for summer vacation destination. Only a one-and a half hour drive from New York City, or an hour and a half ride on New Jersey Transit, with a 15 minute walk to the boardwalk, this small town on the Jersey shore is a popular vacation spot for North New Jersey and NYC tourists, or “benny’s” as the locals call them. For overnight guests there is a good variety of B&B's and motels, and restaurants to accommodate all budgets and tastes. The Boardwalk is packed with many attractions for all ages including an amusement park, night clubs, restaurants, shops, and a bathhouse. with showers and lockers, The Downtown area boasts a shopping district with many unique shops and antique establishments. And if shopping builds up an appetite, the many fine restaurants, coffee shops and cafes are there to satisfy whatever your taste is. More Info...

Long Beach Island (LBI), NJ LBI is a barrier island and a popular summer Jersey Shore beach community with many majestic summer vacation homes with a few charming B & B's and moderately priced motels. People come to LBI for it's excellent 18 miles of beaches, ocean, and bay attractions with fishing, boating, para sailing, and a good variety of restaurants. LBI is also the home of the the Barnegat Light House "Old Barney", a very popular attraction located on the northern tip of LBI. Long Beach Island is a popular vacation or weekend getaway destination for visitors from New Jersey, New York City, and the Philadelphia area. While it does have a small amusement park, unlike some of the other popular Jersey Shore destinations, LBI does not have a board walk and honky tonk attractions The length of the island is approximately 20 miles long. In the summer it can take as long as 40 minutes to drive from one end to the other and in the off season this can drop off to 20 minutes. More info...

The Best Atlantic County Jersey Shore Weekend Getaway Destinations

Atlantic City, NJ Atlantic City is a fun filled destination, with ritzy casinos. world class entertainment, a world class boardwalk, a good variety of activities, excellent hotels & restaurants, shopping, relaxing on the beach, and more. While casino gambling continues to be the main Atlantic City attraction, this Jersey Shore resort destination is becoming increasingly popular as multi-night getaway for visitors looking for a weekend getaway, or a vacation. Atlantic City is a popular vacation or weekend getaway destination for visitors from New Jersey, New York City, and the Philadelphia area. While there is year round activity, with the summer being the peak season, the more budget minded visitors might consider coming in the winter from January – April, when almost all hotel casinos offer outstanding deals and the facilities are less crowded. For overnight visitors, there is a wide variety of accommodations from the pricey glitzy, high end casinos on the boardwalk, to the less pricey B&B's and motels scattered blocks from the beach and as far as twenty minutes away. More info...

The Best Cape May County County Jersey Shore Weekend Getaway Destinations

Ocean City, NJ Ocean City is a Jersey Shore beach resort that sets itself apart from other beach front towns in going all out to insure that its reputation as “ America’s Greatest Family Resort” is true to its motto. It's heritage is deep rooted in Christian values. Alcohol sales are prohibited and there are no bars or nightclubs. The attractions along the boardwalk are controlled by the city to insure they are safe, secure, and provide wholesome family fun. Located 65 miles from Philadelphia, and 125 miles from New York City, it attracts family vacationers from the tri-state area looking for a family destination with lots of wholesome fun, at a modest cost. This family resort destination has many attractions and accommodations that are family oriented and reasonably priced. Being a family destination, it is not surprising that there is a wide variety of moderately priced family restaurants that are child friendly. More info...

Wildwood, NJ Wildwood is a popular south Jersey beach destination for families looking for a reasonably priced summer vacation with plenty to do. The Wildwood's are a Jersey Shore treasure with free, wide, white, powdery sandy beaches, a world class boardwalk with amusement piers, restaurants , and an excellent variety of moderately priced hotels and motels, most of which are located on the beach. The Wildwood's are popular with visitors mostly from the Philadelphia area, as well as New Jersey and New York City. Wildwood also draws on it's "Doo Wop", 50's and 60's themed architecture, music and history of that era. The beaches cannot be topped! This shore destination has one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. The sand is amazingly soft, powdery-white, and very wide with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy. It is also free --- a rarity with New Jersey beaches. The warm water lasts longer than the northern stretch of the Jersey Shore and offers an extended summer season that thrives until the end of September and begins to wind down in October. During the spring, summer, and fall, The Wildwood's are host to a number of events including championship volleyball tournaments, monster truck races, concerts, movies on the beach, ethnic festivals, fireworks displays, crafts, and antique car shows. The boardwalk, two miles or 38 blocks long, along the North Wildwood and Wildwood stretch of shore line, claims to have more rides than Disneyland. The Wildwood's Encompass Three Popular Tourist Municipalities: North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest North Wildwood Features a quarter mile wide beach, motels, restaurants, and beds & breakfasts. This northern most municipality of the Wildwoods is a popular destination for family fun and entertainment with ten blocks of the northern end of the Boardwalk filled with roller coaster rides, food and ice cream stands, and saltwater taffy. It has a tram which transports vacationers throughout the length of the boardwalk. It is also host to many ethnic festivals including the Italian and Irish festivals. Wildwood Located in between North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, this is the center of activity with the Convention Center, the business district, and 28 blocks or 1 1/2 miles of the two mile of the Boardwalk running through it. Wildwood Crest More of a residential area than either of it's two northern neighbors but still shares the Doo Wop motel architecture. The setting of this town is more natural, especially with the town’s beach conservation efforts to protect sand dunes and dune grass. More info...

Cape May, NJ Cape May is more than a charming summer beach resort destination. It is not the type of resort that you visit just once. There is a charm and special warmth about the town that pulls you back again an again. Cape May is not just a summer resort, the fall season is very popular with many theme weekends and the water is still warm enough to visit the beach. Not a beach enthusiast? There are many activities that are in full swing right up until New Years Day. It's charm lies in it's tree-lined, gas lamp streets, it's quaint shops, excellent restaurants, authentic Victorian homes and it's large variety of charming Victorian Bed and Breakfasts. One of it's claims is that it possesses the largest collection of authentic Victorian homes in the nation. Cape May is the oldest seaside resort town in the United States, located below the Mason-Dixon line at the southern most point of NJ. You can park your car and bike or walk around town. In fact, If you're coming to Cape May for the first time, make a stop at the Welcome Area of the Transportation Center (where the buses go) off Lafayette Street across from the Acme shopping center and pick up a guide map on a "Car Free/Care Free" vacation. Cape May is also the home of one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the United States, and as a result you will find a good variety of seafood restaurants that serve up locally caught fresh sea food. If relaxing on the beach is not your thing, there are plenty of other activities that can occupy your day time leisure hours. More info...

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10 Best Jersey Shore Beaches to Visit

When people think about the best beaches to visit in the United States, they may start with Florida or California; places known for sunshine and sandy shores. You might not expect that one of the best states for a beach trip is the Garden State.

If you’re used to speeding along the 1-95 turnpike or Garden State Parkway, it may be a surprise to discover all that New Jersey has to offer. There are 141 miles of Jersey Shore beaches to enjoy, a diverse culture, a wide range of leisure activities, fantastic restaurants, historical sites, and incredible landscapes.

Plus, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a family vacation. The Jersey Shore is a paradise for beach lovers and there are many fantastic accommodation options to choose from.

If you want a lively atmosphere, Seaside Heights and Wildwood offer plenty of resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals close to the action. Or if you prefer a more relaxed and upscale experience, there are charming bed and breakfasts and elegant boutique hotels overlooking the ocean in quaint towns like Cape May.

Best Jersey Shore beaches

Winter or summer, the Jersey Shore easily ranks as one of the best vacation destinations in the Northeast. It’s so popular that there are entire travel guides dedicated to the area. (Our favorite title is 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore Before You Die . )

The Shore is where it all started for Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi. It’s perfect for those who are looking to kick back and relax or for those who want to get into some action. Visitors can enjoy everything from the family-friendly boardwalk to more extreme sports like surfing in the Atlantic Ocean waves and skateboarding.

As a bonus, it’s also perfectly located between two of America’s best World Heritage Sites.

In this article, we’re going to focus on 10 of the best beaches on the Jersey Shore, from Sandy Hook to Cape May. There are dozens more, but we think these are the best beaches to visit in the state.

1. Sandy Hook

If you’re looking for diversity, then Sandy Hook would be an excellent beach destination for your vacation . Sandy Hook is a 7-mile stretch of beach and a national park all in one. 

The beaches here are family-friendly, and you will get to enjoy a vast range of activities like kayaking, swimming, biking, fishing, hiking, or lazing in the sun, all while enjoying a view of the New York City skyline.

Also, don’t forget to visit the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse. It’s the oldest working lighthouse in the United States.

Visit from March to September, since the temperatures are much warmer.

2. Asbury Park

For a long time, Asbury Park was a quiet, secret getaway for to people familiar with the area. However, it has recently become a popular vacation destination. The town has undergone some exciting transformations, ranging from beachfront restaurants and shops to an improved boardwalk.

Covered by beautiful white sands, Asbury Park Beach tempts everyone, from families to solo adventurers to run, play, and dive into the waves. You can enjoy many other activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking, and you can get to enjoy music across the local venues. It’s also a favorite with dog owners, so don’t leave your pup behind.

3. Ocean Grove

Some people avoid the beach due to fear of sharks in the deep blue ocean. If you’re a bit water-phobic and prefer shallow waters, then Ocean Grove is an ideal place for you and your family to visit.

The boardwalk is equally kid-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about them strolling around. You will also get to enjoy a variety of activities like surfing, beach tennis, paddle boarding, and swimming.

Visit from June to September.

Surf City is a year-round destination. While a summer trip to enjoy the beach is fun, you can also enjoy the town during the winter, when the temperatures are much cooler.

4. Bradley Beach

Bradley Beach is slowly rising in popularity, so it sure will be worth the visit. There’s a beautiful boardwalk that you can walk along as you enjoy the breeze by the beach with your friends and family. Also, if you love reading, you can pick a book from the free libraries and enjoy it along the boardwalk.

You also can enjoy bike riding along the trails, well-prepared food from top-notch restaurants, and local music from the many concerts in the area.

For a very long time, Belmar has been known to be one of the best party destinations due to its wide range of festivals, fairs, and attractions. Beyond the party atmosphere, it also has clean, family-friendly beaches and an incredible boardwalk with games and activities for kids of all ages.

You can also enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, sunbathing, and surfing along the beach. Or else, you can also go shopping, go to arcades, or go mini-golfing. You sure have a variety of activities to do in Belmar without getting bored.

If you’re here in summer, don’t miss the NJ Sandcastle Contest in Belmar. It takes place in early July.

6. Manasquan

Manasquan has been a summer spot for many years. This Jersey Shore beach is an ideal place to take your family, whether during the day or night. Plus, the beach is dog-friendly, so you can tag them along if you so wish.

Manasquan Beach is clean, quiet, well-maintained, and safe. You’ll also get to enjoy a couple of activities such as biking, fishing, boardwalks, and birdwatching, and you can also enjoy some quiet time comfortably with your book as you enjoy the sound of the waves.

Visit from May to September for warmer temperatures.

7. Island Beach State Park

If you find yourself in Seaside Park, please don’t leave before making your way to Island Beach State Park. It’s mostly known for its natural look, with an outstanding variety of activities at reasonable prices.

Despite the fees, there are many other free activities to enjoy like swimming, bike riding, surfing, and canoeing. It also offers an excellent spot for bird watching and beach picnics since it’s large enough for many families.

The beach is mainly crowded during summer and holidays, so it would be ideal to plan your visit during the off times.

8. Surf City

Most people haven’t heard of Surf City, but that’s why we like it. This is the place to go for a relaxing getaway. It’s one of the best beaches to visit for peace and quiet.

Plus, due to its small size, almost everything is within walking distance. You can explore the city on foot, get intimately familiar with the area, and save on gas money. It also has beach houses, playgrounds to enjoy the seaside air, and you can walk to the grocery stores and local restaurants. You can also go for mini-golfing, shopping in the boutiques and recreational classes if you wish.

9. Atlantic City

Known for its fantastic casinos and hotels, a weekend away in Atlantic City may just be the glitzy and glamorous vacation you’ve been waiting for.

Established in the 1800s as a health resort, this Jersey Shore beach city has morphed into a family-, solo-, and couples-friendly destination. Along with swanky high-rise hotels and nightclubs, you can also enjoy sun and sand, an exciting boardwalk, and more concert venues and comedy clubs than you can shake a stick at.

You can even visit Lucy the Elephant, the oldest surviving roadside tourist attraction in the United States. (She is currently undergoing some repairs but is projected to reopen on Memorial Day 2022!)

Whether you’re coming as a family to enjoy the Steel Pier amusement park or adults looking for a fun happy hour experience, Atlantic City is an incredible place to spend your summer vacation.

10. Cape May

Visitors agree that Cape May deserves its reputation as one of the best Jersey Shore beach towns. It has maintained its charm because of its cleanliness, quick access to accommodation, and most of all, because it’s both family- and solo-friendly.

Cape May is graced with beautiful old homes lining the streets, making it even more exciting to explore. It also has a variety of beaches to choose from, so you won’t be all overcrowded in one place.

There are also popular activities, like:

• Relaxing in the spas
• Swimming and surfing along The Cove (though with a lifeguard!)
• Playing volleyball and bike riding along the beach
• Holding beachfront picnics
• Taking a boat tour to enjoy ocean life like whales and dolphins
• Enjoying parks like County May County Parks or Fireman’s Museum

ⓘ TIP: Cape May is also a favorite spot for dolphin watching!

When to visit the Jersey Shore

Summer is the most popular time to visit the Jersey Shore. If you are planning to visit during the tourist season, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The heat can be scorching so dress accordingly.
• Be prepared for crowds and high prices.
• And don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water!

Ready to visit the Jersey Shore?

Well, as you can see, New Jersey is filled with splendor and beauty, and you can never get tired of it. Once you go, all you will want to do is visit more and more.

So why don’t you visit one of these fantastic beaches for your next getaway? We promise that you’ll have a great time!

Inspired? Pin this post and share it with your friends!

Share this story with others

Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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2 thoughts on “10 best jersey shore beaches to visit”.

You left out THE BEST one – Ocean City, NJ!

Could you share what makes Ocean City a great vacation destination? I’d love to get tips from an insider.

Comments are closed.

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19 secret Jersey Shore spots we bet you've never visited

• Published: Jul. 25, 2017, 2:07 p.m.

Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Ed Murray I The Star-Ledger

By Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Every summer, it seems half of New Jersey heads to the Shore, braving endless traffic on the Parkway, pumping quarters into meters, and paying for overpriced boardwalk food, among other indignities.

Why do we put up with it all?

Because the Shore is in our DNA, that's why. We all have our special places down the Shore — the towns, beaches and restaurants we hit every summer, and that bring with them a flood of wonderful summertime memories. We also have our secret spots — the ones we don't always want to share with others for fear that they will spoil our tiny slice of paradise.

What are my secret spots? After much cajoling from editors, I'm finally ready to spill the beans. These are places that fly well under the tourist radar; places that distinguish a true Shore denizen from all those other daytrippers.

What are your secret spots? Let us know in the comments section.

Peter Genovese I The Star-Ledger

Strawberry Avenue, Commercial Township

It looks like the end of the earth. Drive to the end of Strawberry Avenue, Commercial Township, part of the other, overlooked Jersey Shore, the towns along Delaware Bay. The Strawberry Avenue boardwalk, shown here, takes you past a stark, surreal landscape with stunted trees, a fitful creek, a limitless sea of grass, and Delaware Bay in the shimmering distance. It's a scene guaranteed not to be on any welcome-to-New Jersey postcard.

Motts Creek Inn, Galloway

Minutes from the glitter and glitz of Atlantic City is the rustic, rambling Motts Creek Inn,  a happy haven for locals, fishermen, bikers and folks just aiming to get away from it all. The view is of grass, water and sky, the kind of beautiful, spare emptiness typical of bayfront towns from New Gretna south. Minutes away is the Oyster Creek Inn  in Leeds Point, another scenic waterfront retreat with good seafood.

Tim Farrell I The Star-Ledger

Harvey Cedars Clam Bar, Beach Haven

That something with "Harvey Cedars'' in its name is actually located in Beach Heaven is one of many surprises as this delightfully oddball seafood joint, nestled in what looks like just another house on the street. At the Harvey Cedars Shellfish Co. Clam Bar, they'll put your beer or wine or ice as you wait outside for a spot inside. Oh, and cell phones are prohibited.

View this post on Instagram Yippeee! I'm 3 years old today, and I have me new ship, the 1928 oyster schooner AJ MEERWALD, out of Bivalve, NJ. Can't wait to sail! #rubberduck #tallship #woodenship #woodenboat #oysterboat #schooner #AJMeerwald #newjersey A post shared by Nanner the Sea Duck (@nanner_duck) on Apr 5, 2017 at 6:26pm PDT

Bivalve, named for the once-prosperous oystering industry, looks like a lonely speck on the map, but this tiny town is home to a Rutgers shellfish research laboratory, the Bayshore Center at Bivalve,  the Oyster Cracker Cafe,  the Delaware Bay Museum, and New Jersey's official tall ship, the  A.J. Meerwald.  Bivalve's boomtown days are long gone, but this is an almost-off-the-map town well worth exploring.

Andy Mills I The Star-Ledger

Great Bay Boulevard, Little Egg Harbor

Little Egg Harbor - not to be confused with Egg Harbor City or Egg Harbor Township - is in southernmost Ocean County. It manages to be both a Shore town and piney town, with deep  pockets of woods in its Warren Grove and other sections. Just past Tuckerton Seaport and the Wawa in Tuckerton, head down Great Bay Boulevard, a long stretch of moody lonesome once you get past the scattering of homes. There's marsh and bay and birds, LBI and Atlantic City in the distance, and an overwhelming sense you're not in New Jersey anymore.

View this post on Instagram Happy 4th of July from the staff at Island Heights ❤️🇺🇸💙 #gobowlsdeep #merica #summer #fourthofjuly #tyedye A post shared by PlayaBowlsIslandHeights (@playabowlsislandheights) on Jul 4, 2017 at 12:08pm PDT

Island Heights

A town lost in Shore time, a Brigadoon amidst commercially cluttered Route 37 and girls-and-boys-gone-wild Seaside Heights, Island Heights is perched sleepily along the Toms River. Formed, like Ocean Grove, as a religious camp meeting/summer resort, the town is now best defined by what it doesn't have - no public beach, no commercial boardwalk, no rides. It is home to the Corner Deli Cafe and Playa Bowls  (crew shown here). A visit to the Cottage Museum , open Saturdays, is a must.

South Cape May Meadows Preserve

New Jersey is birder paradise - the World Series of Birding is held here every year - and one of the prime viewing spots is South Cape May Meadows  in West Cape May and Lower Township,  200 acres  of dunes, wetlands, meadows, and a mile of protected beach (beach use is restricted to nature viewing from March 15-August 31. There are marked trails, but the best way to experience the preserve is on one of the guided walks  conducted by New Jersey Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory. If you're lucky, you'll get one led by renowned birder/author Pete Dunne (shown above).

Sedge Island

A litttle-known slice of Jersey Shore heaven in the middle of boat-choked Barnegat Bay, Sedge Island constitutes the state's first marine conservation zone. Teachers and students can partake of the three-day program, which includes kayak tours, marsh walks, fishing, crabbing and clamming. Alcohol is prohibited, and you're responsible for your own food. No noise, no crowds, no traffic; it's the anti-Jersey Shore. I spent a weekend there for my book The Jersey Shore Uncovered: A Revealing Season on the Beach.  I didn't want to leave.

View this post on Instagram 📷: by @makrosephoto A post shared by New Jersey Beaches (@njbeaches) on Apr 13, 2016 at 3:57am PDT

Mantoloking Bridge County Park

County parks are one of Jersey's underrated treasures, and there's something extra special about a county park with awesome waterfront views. The two-and-a-half acre Mantoloking Bridge County Park  is a bit off the beaten track  - it's on the Brick side of the Mantoloking Road bridge over Barnegat Bay leading into Mantoloking - but it's great spot for fishing, crabbing, or just avoiding the summertime Shore crush. There's a 70-foot-long pier, boardwalk, picnic area, and gazebo.

Ocean View Bakery, Long Branch

They sure don't make them like this anymore. The Ocean View Bakery is where savvy locals - çops, public works guys, residents - pick up their carefully-stuffed sandwiches, made by Giovanna Avagliano, well into her 80s and still a force behind the counter. There are photos of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and the Monmouth University football team on the walls, along with an autographed photo of James Gandolfini; a scene from "The Sopranos'' was shot here. Giovanna's husband, Ciro, passed away in February, but Giovanna, and the Ocean View, continue on.

View this post on Instagram Neon on the Ferris wheel. #wildwoodnj #jerseyshore #ferriswheel #roadtrip #summer #family #goodthingmycarknowsthewayroadtrip2015 A post shared by Cindy Marvel (@seelifemarvels) on Jul 30, 2015 at 6:57pm PDT

The Giant Wheel, Wildwood

It's as obvious as rainbow-colored cotton candy, or a mountainous powdered-sugared funnel cake, but the 15-story high Giant Wheel on Mariner's Pier in Wildwood (not technically a Ferris wheel since it wasn't made by Ferris) is one of those Shore attractions that fall into the "let other people do it'' category. The best time to ride it is at night, when you float above the neon-lit magnificence of New Jersey's greatest boardwalk, far above the madding crowd.

The Intelligent Whale, Sea Girt

It looks like a giant concrete egg, or mouse, or antique rocket ship. The Intelligent Whale (in photo at left), a 28-foot-long hand-cranked submarine, was supposed to be a secret Civil War weapon but was not tested until 1887 because of legal disputes. It's most certainly the state's oddest vessel,  and you can find it at the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey,  a criminally overlooked attraction. In the museum's military vehicles storage area, you'll also find a dune buggy-like vehicle used in the Persian Gulf conflict, a guided-missile transporter from the Vietnam War and a Ford amphibious seagoing Jeep vehicle, the only automobile to have circumnavigated the globe. Admission is free.

Cold Spring Brewery, Lower

Cape May County is an overlooked craft beer destination, with Cape May Brewing ,  7 Mile Brewery , Ludlam Island Brewery  and  Slack Tide Brewing   all calling the county home. One more: Cold Spring Brewery in Lower,  housed in a renovated 1804 barn on the grounds of Cold Spring Village, a Jersey attraction that seems to fly perpetually under the tourist radar.

View this post on Instagram If it's not Tuesday go to Twisties! #momsfavoriteplace #strathmere A post shared by Iestyn K (@no_or_iestyn) on Jul 27, 2017 at 9:48am PDT

Strathmere, Upper Township

Being one of just five free Jersey Shore beaches should get you on any list, but Strathmere,  part of Upper Township, is another Shore town notable for what it doesn't have: no boardwalk, no amusement parks or water slides, no parking meters, not even a pizzeria. But there's The Deauville Inn  (whose website asks "Where the hell is Strathmere?''), Uncle Bill's Pancake House, Mildred's Strathmere Restaurant  and The Old Shack, a sandwich spot. And don't forget Twisties,  a red-shingled neighborhood bar with a great bayfront setting. The post office is on the ground floor of a faded white house.

James Garfield Died Here, Long Branch

It's not every day you find a marker that says a president died on what is now practically someone's front lawn, but that's where you'll find the stone marking the place where James Garfield died. The 20th President was shot by drifter Charles Guiteau in 1881, and he was moved by train to a cottage in Long Branch in hopes the Jersey Shore would be the best medicine. The cottage has long since been torn down, but the marker remains , at Garfield Road and Ocean Avenue.

Patti Sapone I The Star-Ledger

Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City

When it comes to Jersey lighthouses, Old Barney ( Barnegat Lighthouse  on LBI), Twin Lights in Highlands, and Cape May Lighthouse  seem to get all the attention, but my favorite is Absecon Lighthouse  in Atlantic City, maybe the casino city's least-heralded attraction. It's the state'a tallest lighthouse; climb the 228 steps to the top and you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of beach, ocean and city.

Grassy Sound, Wildwood

The state's most determinedly isolated community, Grassy Sound is a smattering of homes and shacks minutes from Wildwood and in a world of its own. There are no streets, and to get to your house you walk along a boardwalk that zig-zags across the marsh (residents bring in food and supplies in wagons). In the 1880s the Anglesea Land Co. envisioned Grassy Sound as a Shore resort, even building a railroad connecting Grassy Sound to nearby Burleigh. The resort never went much beyond a hotel, and today Grassy Sound remains isolated and unique, if not downright peculiar.

Gunnison Beach, Gateway National Recreation Area

"Get naked or get lost'' is the unofficial slogan at the state's only legal nude beach . Most Jerseyans would be surprised to hear there is such a thing; since it's part of the federal Gateway National Recreation Area,  it's not subject to local ordinances or pesky state shutdowns. Gunnison is tucked at the north end of Sandy Hook; parking lot G is 4.5 miles from the park entrance. If you're expecting Brazilian supermodels or rock-hard abs, you're in the wrong place; it's mostly the average American body on display, with lots of flab and sag.

View this post on Instagram #PorchLife A post shared by The Irish Pub AC (@theirishpubatlanticcity) on Jun 4, 2017 at 5:34pm PDT

The Inn at the Irish Pub, Atlantic City

The Irish Pub on St. James Place in Atlantic City is a well-known landmark, but how many people know there's a hotel upstairs, with neatly-kept and inexpensive rooms? A single room weekdays will set you back $25; the most expensive room is a double occupancy with shower for $90 on weekends. A travel guide once called the inn "a setting out of a Henry James or James Joyce novel,'' which sounds about right.

What's your favorite secret spot Down the Shore?

So what are your favorite secret spots Down the Shore, the attractions and beaches and restaurants you really don't want everyone else to know about? But ones you're about to tell us all about, in the comments section.

Russ DeSantis I For NJ Advance Media

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A Jersey Shore Tour of Hotspots from the Show We Love to Hate

Arguably the worst reality show ever to grace the silver screen, thanks to MTV , the Jersey Shore got some welcome (or unwelcome) publicity as a tourist destination when eight Guidos and Guidettes were sent to live seaside for a few drama-filled summers. Whether you love or hate the folks that gave us amazing pop culture references like “GTL (Gym, Tan, Laundry),” “Grenades” and the “Smush Room,” if you’d like to live out your own Jersey Shore experience like the cast did, here are a few of their most memorable hangouts.

The Official MTV House is Taking Reservations

Yes, the Jersey Shore house in Seaside Heights is officially available to rent. Since the show ended, the six bedroom, three bath house (not sure how that worked), has hosted everything from Sweet 16s to 50 th birthday parties for raucous revelers looking to recreate their own drama on the Boardwalk for the low, low price of $1200 per night.

T-Shirt Time: Shore Store

The cast’s place of employment during summers on the shore, The Shore Store has since cashed in on the show’s popularity by offering exclusive lines made by each of the cast mates branded with their signature quotes. From Deena’s “Blast in a Glass” shot glasses to “We’ve Got a Situation” tees, you can relive every “did they really say that?” moment, forever emblazed in a nice cotton blend. Stop by at the right time and you may just catch Danny, their boss, who made guest appearances every now and again (and owned the house they lived at).

Club Karma: Where Most of the Drama Went Down

The regular destination for a wild night of fist pumping, the cast of Jersey Shore easily made Club Karma the most popular club on the Boardwalk. DJ Pauly D has even been quoted saying, “Eva Longoria would benefit from a night out at Karma with me,” and with lofty claims like that, shouldn’t everyone check out Jersey’s swankiest (cough cough) after-hours spot?

Where Snookie Got Punched in the Face

One of Snookie’s regular hangouts, the Beachcomber Bar is actually where she stole the show with the punch heard around the world. A casual, fun day drinking spot, it’s a great place to grab lunch and people watch the big hair and even bigger personalities.

Where the Guys Beefed Up

GTL was their mantra, and where else did they get ripped but KS Fitness in Toms River. Unique for their Gravity Systems, this small family owned gym offers full body conditioning through resistance training and Pilates, so if you’re looking to get rock hard abs like the Situation, you know where to head.

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September is the Best Month of the Year to Dine Outdoors at the Jersey Shore, Here’s Where

September at the Jersey Shore is pure magic. The crowds have thinned, the weather is that perfect blend of lingering summer warmth with a hint of autumn’s crispness, and it’s the ideal time to enjoy a meal al fresco. Whether you’re craving seafood with a side of ocean views or a laid-back vibe by the river, there are plenty of fantastic outdoor dining spots along the Shore to soak up that early fall goodness.

In Bay Head, Charlie’s of Bay Head offers an elegant dining experience with stunning views of Twilight Lake. This upscale American eatery is perfect for a romantic evening or a celebratory dinner, where you can pair the picturesque setting with a fun drink menu and delicious food.

Point Pleasant Beach is home to The Shrimp Box & Outside The Box Patio Bar, a seafood haven with a beautiful patio right on the water. The fresh ocean breeze perfectly complements their clam chowder and fried shrimp, making it the kind of place where you can relax with a cold drink in hand and watch the boats drift by.

Over in Brick Township, River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar offers a unique experience with an outdoor area covered in sand. Located along the river, this spot gives you all the beachy vibes without the hassle of actually going to the beach. Their casual American fare is just the cherry on top.

Back in Point Pleasant Beach, The Wharfside Seafood & Patio Bar is the place to be for seafood and sunsets. With both indoor and outdoor seating right on the water, you can enjoy a lobster roll while gazing out at the shimmering bay. It’s a quintessential Jersey Shore experience that never disappoints.

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In Manasquan, Harpoon Willy’s is a local favorite for its friendly atmosphere and stellar outdoor seating overlooking the Glimmer Glass Harbor. This grill serves up everything from burgers to seafood, all while you bask in the sun, making it the perfect spot for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner with friends.

Head over to Brielle, where The Pig and Parrot Sandbar delivers tropical vibes and chill drinks. Their outdoor tables offer stunning views of the river and boats, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal or happy hour with a side of beautiful scenery.

For fine dining in Point Pleasant Beach, The Poached Pear offers a high-end experience that’s worth every penny. While their elegant indoor seating is tempting, the sidewalk tables provide a charming outdoor alternative, where you can enjoy meticulously crafted dishes in the cool September air.

In Point Pleasant, Shore House Tavern is the go-to for good food and cold beer. Their outdoor area is casually lit, creating a warm and inviting space to unwind after a day at the beach. It’s simple, cozy, and has everything you need for a relaxed evening out.

Theresa’s South in Bay Head serves up top-notch Italian cuisine in a chic, beachy atmosphere. Located right by the beach, their outdoor dining area is intimate and perfectly suited for enjoying a bottle of wine as you listen to the waves crash in the distance.

For a classic Jersey Shore experience in Point Pleasant Beach, Martell’s Tiki Bar is a must-visit. With a fun, lively atmosphere and outdoor seating that puts you steps from the ocean, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a frozen cocktail and soak in the last rays of summer.

Half Moon Point, also in Point Pleasant, offers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere with an outdoor area that’s perfect for soaking up some sun. Whether you’re grabbing brunch or dinner, the outdoor seating adds an extra layer of charm to their already impressive American menu.

Lastly, in Brielle, Shipwreck Grill provides an experience where everything just feels right. From the attentive service to the excellent seafood, dining here is always a treat. Their outdoor seating, paired with a view of the Manasquan River, makes it an ideal spot for a serene dining experience.

September is the sweet spot at the Jersey Shore, so why not make the most of it? These outdoor dining spots across Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach, Brick Township, Manasquan, and Brielle offer everything from stunning views and chill vibes to incredible food and drinks. Now, all you need to do is pick your favorite and enjoy the perfect blend of summer and fall by the water.

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — A Michigan traveler hit it big while visiting friends in Maryland, winning a $150,000 top prize on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket. The man, who frequently buys multiple scratch-offs, purchased the $150,000 Extreme instant ticket at Xtra Fuels on Marlboro Pike in Prince George’s County.

The lucky winner, who has been playing Lottery games for 20 years, was in shock when he revealed the $150,000 prize. Unsure of what to do next, he immediately called his wife to share the life-changing news. He claimed his prize at the Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, with plans to use the winnings to pay off part of his mortgage and college loans.

The $10 scratch-off game, which launched in March, still has three $150,000 top prizes remaining, along with several other significant cash prizes.

Xtra Fuels, the retailer where the winning ticket was sold, will also celebrate with a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the top-prize ticket.

SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — A New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) employee has been arrested for allegedly submitting 12 forged doctor’s notes to avoid reporting to work, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.

Alan Anderson, 55, of Oakdale, was arrested on August 29 following a joint investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Department of Investigation. Anderson is accused of submitting the fraudulent notes between February 13 and May 7 of this year.

“These forged doctor’s notes excused him from working in person at his assigned site in Manhattan,” said DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber in a statement. She emphasized that such conduct reflects "a lack of integrity" unacceptable for city employees.

The investigation revealed that Anderson was scheduled to work at the office three days a week and remotely on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All the fraudulent notes excused him from in-person work on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays.

Anderson was arraigned before District Court Judge Evan Tannenbaum on multiple charges, including criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree and falsifying business records in the first degree. He was released on his own recognizance.

NEW YORK — An off-duty New York City police officer was arrested early Wednesday morning in Brooklyn’s 63rd Precinct, according to authorities.

Darleen Barbier, 37, was taken into custody at approximately 3 a.m. on September 4. Barbier, an NYPD officer, faces charges of assault in the third degree and criminal mischief.

Details surrounding the incident leading to the arrest have not been released. No further information regarding the circumstances of the charges has been provided.

The NYPD has not issued a statement on the arrest, and the investigation is ongoing.

5 Things You Absolutely Have to Do in New Jersey This September

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