Jersey Shore Travel Guide

Discover what to do, where to stay, and when to visit the Jersey Shore with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Jersey Shore

Located in the state of New Jersey, Jersey Shore is a popular destination for tourists seeking a mix of history, culture, and beach vacations. The area is known for its boardwalks and vibrant nightlife, making it a top choice for groups of friends and families alike.

Jersey Shore stretches all the way from Monmouth County in the north to Cape May County in the south, with numerous towns and attractions to explore along the way. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the places you won’t want to miss during your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Jersey Shore

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Sandy Hook Lighthouse - Located in Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook, this lighthouse is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States.
  • The Silverball Museum Arcade - A museum and arcade featuring vintage and modern pinball machines, video games, and more.
  • The Tuckerton Seaport - A maritime museum located in Tuckerton that offers exhibits and programs relating to the area’s rich seafaring history.
  • The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum - A museum located in Rio Grande that showcases military and aviation history.

Natural Attractions of Jersey Shore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Cape May County Park and Zoo - Home to over 550 animals and set on more than 200 acres, this free zoo is a great spot for families.
  • The Pine Barrens - A vast area covering one million acres that encompasses forests, wetlands, and historic villages.
  • Island Beach State Park - A state park that offers beach activities, swimming, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.
  • The Whale Watching Experience - Take a boat tour to spot humpback and minke whales in the waters around Cape May.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jersey Shore

For hikers and bikers, Jersey Shore has several scenic trails to explore.

  • Allaire State Park - Offers over 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking.
  • Cape May Bird Observatory - Has several trails set amidst prime birding habitat.
  • Manasquan Reservoir - Offers hiking, biking, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Best Things to Do in Jersey Shore: Activities and Tours

  • Atlantic City Boardwalk - A 5-mile boardwalk that is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and casinos.
  • Cape May Winery and Vineyard - Offers wine tastings and tours of the vineyard.
  • Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary - A sanctuary with walking trails for birding and nature observation.
  • Sunset Beach - Known for its beautiful sunsets, this beach is also the site of a flag-lowering ceremony each day, which honors veterans.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jersey Shore

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Sandy Hook and tour the lighthouse.
Day 2 Spend the day on Island Beach State Park.
Day 3 Take a birding tour at Cape May Observatory.
Day 4 Explore the Pine Barrens.
Day 5 Visit the Cape May County Zoo.
Day 6 Enjoy wine tasting at Cape May Winery.
Day 7 Walk the Atlantic City boardwalk and visit casinos.

Food and Drink Scene of Jersey Shore

Must-Try Dishes

  • Saltwater Taffy - A Jersey Shore staple, saltwater taffy was first created in Atlantic City in the late 1800s.
  • Pork Roll - A type of processed pork that is commonly served as a breakfast meat in New Jersey.
  • Clams - Jersey Shore is known for its fresh clams and numerous seafood restaurants.
  • Taylor Ham Sandwich - Another popular breakfast item, the Taylor Ham Sandwich is made with pork roll, egg, and cheese on a bagel or roll.

Local Beverages

  • Jersey Brewed Craft Beers - Several breweries along the Jersey Shore offer locally brewed craft beers.
  • Tommy’s Folly Coffee - A small-batch coffee roaster located in Cape May that offers a variety of roasts.

Where to Stay in Jersey Shore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Chateau Inn & Suites, Spring Lake - A luxury hotel that is within walking distance to the beach.
  • The Beacon House, Sea Girt - A bed and breakfast located in a historic Victorian mansion.
  • Casa Del Mar, Cape May - A oceanfront resort with a pool and direct beach access.
  • The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Stone Harbor - A luxury resort with a rooftop bar and spa.

What to Buy in Jersey Shore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Saltwater Taffy - Jersey Shore’s most iconic candy.
  • Jersey Shore Boardwalk T-Shirt - A classic souvenir item.
  • Cape May Diamonds - Smooth quartz pebbles that are found on the beaches of Cape May.
  • Handmade Ceramics - The area is home to several talented ceramic artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Jersey Shore

  • Boardwalk Etiquette - The boardwalk can get crowded during peak season, so it’s important to be courteous to other visitors.
  • Tip Your Servers - As in most places, it’s customary to tip servers and bartenders.
  • Respect the Beach - When visiting the beaches, make sure to follow the rules and regulations regarding litter and oil and gas use.

Best Time to Visit Jersey Shore

The best time to visit Jersey Shore is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the beaches are bustling. However, this is also peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices. Spring and fall can be good alternatives, as the weather is still pleasant and the area is less crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jersey Shore

Do:

  • Visit the beaches and take advantage of the outdoor activities.
  • Try the local cuisine and craft beers.
  • Explore the cultural attractions and historical sites.

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beaches or boardwalk.
  • Dictate your speed on the boardwalk - allow others to pass you.
  • Be disrespectful to locals or other visitors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore is generally a safe place for visitors, but it’s still important to take precautions. Some tips include:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Secure your valuables and keep them out of sight.
  • Be cautious when swimming or participating in water activities, as rip currents can be dangerous.

Health in Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore has several hospitals and medical facilities, but it’s still important to take care of your health during your stay. Be sure to:

  • Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated while participating in outdoor activities.
  • Check for ticks and take measures to avoid tick bites if traveling to wooded areas.
  • Stay up to date on necessary vaccinations and carry any necessary medications with you.

Getting to Jersey Shore: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Jersey Shore

  • Atlantic City International Airport
  • Philadelphia International Airport
  • Newark Liberty International Airport

Bus Stations Near Jersey Shore

  • Greyhound Bus Lines
  • NJ Transit

Other Options

  • Use the NJ Transit Rail
  • Rent a car
  • Take a taxi

How to Get Around in Jersey Shore

Depending on where you are staying, walking or biking may be a convenient option. For longer distances, renting a car may be the best choice.

Local Transportation Options

  • Jitney Service - Shuttle service for various locations along the coast.
  • Trolley Tours - Guided trolley tours of the area.
  • Bike Rentals - Rent bikes to travel around the area.

Where to Go Next from Jersey Shore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - A vibrant city with numerous museums, restaurants, and historic sites.
  • New York City, New York - The city that never sleeps is a must-see for those who haven’t been.
  • Washington, D.C. - The U.S. capital is a great destination for history buffs.

Conclusion

Jersey Shore is a unique and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. From the beaches and outdoor activities to the cultural attractions and delicious food and drink, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience. So start planning your trip now and get ready to head down the shore!

Spring Lake Spring Lake The Cape May Lewes Ferry The Cape May Lewes Ferry Walk along the boardwalk in Seaside Heights Walk along the boardwalk in Seaside Heights Sandy Hook Lighthouse Sandy Hook Lighthouse Greetings from Asbury Park Greetings from Asbury Park Lucy the Elephant in Margate City Lucy the Elephant in Margate City Victorian style homes in Cape May Victorian style homes in Cape May Morey's Pier in Wildwood Morey's Pier in Wildwood Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson


    Atlantic County
    Cape May County
    Monmouth County
    Ocean County