Sun on your face. Sand between your toes. Sounds of laughter from the boardwalk. It’s a trifecta of happiness. You must be at the Jersey Shore.
The Jersey Shore is our state's coastal region with amazing destinations from exit 109 thru 0 off the Garden State Parkway. Many people live in these coastal areas year round, but it is our summer season that brings in hundreds of thousands of tourists. While there is year round entertainment in most locations, you'll find the best time of year to be from late June through early September.
What not to miss:
- The Beach: NJ has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Choose from serene island-like settings on Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook and Long Beach Island. Or have easy access to the boardwalk by visiting beaches in Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, Seaside, Ocean City and Wildwood.
- The Boardwalk: From Asbury to Cape May, you can explore the different style boardwalks that make the Jersey Shore what it is. Some are literally just boards to walk on, others have full blown amusement parks on them. Our favorites are Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Atlantic City and Wildwood. Play games, eat pizza and funnel cake, and ride the rides! Great family fun!
- The Water: Spend a few hours out at sea fishing for the big one! Go cruising for dolphins and whales. Take your sweetie out for a sunset dinner cruise. Spend a few hours playing at Pedals and Paddles - they’ve got a giant water trampoline, water bikes and more!
- The Restaurants: Grab a slice of pizza bigger than your head or a sausage, pepper and onion sandwich from the boardwalk. But save your seafood sweet spot for some of the best seashore restaurants around. Dock’s Oyster House in Atlantic City, Mud City Crabhouse in Manahawkin, The Shrimp Box in Point Pleasant, Chef Mike ABG’s in Seaside Heights and Lobster House in Cape May are big fan favorites. We’ll never run into an ice cream shortage at the shore either! On the boardwalk, you have to try Kohr’s for the best frozen custard....around town check out the Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe in Lavallette, Duffers Ice Cream in Wildwood, Coney Waffle in Belmar and Do Me a Flavor in Beach Haven.
- Family Fun: Besides everything above, check out water parks in Seaside, LBI and Wildwood. Mini Golf courses are also in abundance around the shore. If you’ve got an adventurous family, explore some of NJ’s 11 Lighthouses!
Tips From a Local
- Not to Miss: Not to be forgotten, carve out some time to visit the Popcorn Park Zoo or Cape May County Zoo. Go on a voyage with a real Pirate Ship! Shop and dine in the quaint little village at Smithville. Change the pace and spend the day at Six Flags Great Adventure!
- Best Hidden Gem: Lucy the Elephant, who resides in Margate City, is the only elephant “you can walk through and come out alive!”
- Rainy Day Fun: Even the best summer vacations can have a rainy day. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Hop in the car and head to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Insectropolis, The Atlantic City Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Novins Planetarium, Silverball Pinball Museum, one of the many boardwalk arcades or head into town to go bowling, watch a movie and hang out at a mall...it is Jersey, remember? Plenty of malls around!
The Best Secret of the Jersey Shore
Okay, so the morning isn’t exactly a secret, but what you do with it can be. The most beautiful time at the Jersey Shore is right around sunrise. Grab a cup of your mojo and head out to the beach. The sunrise will be gorgeous, the crowds will be scarce, the seaglass will be aplenty and you may even spot a pod of dolphins passing by. It’s a wonderful, calming start to the day. I guarantee this will be your favorite part of your visit to the Jersey Shore.
