Spend Some Time Down the Jersey Shore

Nothing else says summer and brings to mind iconic images more than saying you’re heading down the Shore. From Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May at the southern end, you will find 130 miles of beautiful coastline and 11 lighthouses on your trip to the Jersey Shore. The shore is far more than just the beach, boardwalk, or casinos. There is so much to include that I’ll just be hitting highlights in towns along the way.

Sandy Hook

You can catch a ferry from Manhattan or veer off at the first few exits and head to the Atlantic Highlands. The Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area is a protected barrier spit filled with beaches, campgrounds, coves to fish in, biking and hiking trails and a lighthouse to tour.

Asbury Park

Know for it’s music scene, with iconic The Stone Pony where Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi both launched their careers, Asbury Park has live music all year long with numerous music venues in addition to the bars and restaurants. The restored Asbury Park Boardwalk is also a nostalgic promenade along the Jersey Shore.

Spring Lake

You can step back in time with the Victorian homes and pristine lawns of Spring Lake. This stretch of beach has the longest non-commercial boardwalk and the only beachside hotel in town - the historic Breakers.

Point Pleasant Beach

This beach town is home of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium and is known for family fun. Rainy days can easily be spent at the Aquarium. More fun includes the weekly free fireworks show on the beach on Thursday nights.

Long Beach Island

LBI is an 18-mile-long playground for surfers and hosts the original Ron Jon Surf Shop. The break at Holyoke Avenue in Beach Haven is popular, but the southern tip can be less crowded. Barnegat Lighthouse, at the northern tip of the island, is only a bike ride away and will provide fantastic views of the island and bays.

Atlantic City

Known for it’s casinos of course, Atlantic City has even more to offer. You can stroll along the famous boardwalk or take in a show at the famous Boardwalk Hall. You can also walk the real street of the famous Monopoly game which was in part based upon the streets of Atlantic City and it’s Ventnor and Margate to the south.

Margate

Home to Lucy the 65-foot tall elephant, Margate is a quieter beach town compared to it’s neighbor to the north. Lucy was built in 1882 and has been a hotel, a bar, and a summer home and now is an attraction you can tour.

Ocean City

Declared by the Travel Channel as the #1 family beach community in the country, Ocean City is a great choice for families since there is plenty to do in the two theme parks along the boardwalk, 8 miles of well-maintained beaches, no alcohol sold in the city limits, and free entertainment every Thursday Family Night.

Wildwood

This beach town is a great stop for fans who like kitschy architecture and are amusement park buffs. Wildwood boasts the Doo Wop Motel District that was established during the 1950s. It’s bright colors and vibrant neon signs makes this town stand out.

Cape May

Starting back in the mid 18th century, our country's oldest seaside resort town is a wonderful step back in time. Cape May started hosting vacationers beating the city heat from Philadelphia and continues to attract tourists with its charming Victorian style homes and quaint atmosphere. In 1976, the entire city was designated as a National Historic Landmark and when you stroll the streets you can see why.

New Jersey is a great vacation destination and you can easily spend a weekend or a week relaxing down the Shore.