15 Little-Known Facts About the NJ Shore

Even the most seasoned beachgoers may be surprised to learn some of these interesting truths about the beaches and towns that make up New Jersey’s 130 miles of captivating coastline. Did you know. . .

  1. In 1943 the New York Yankees held their spring baseball training in the trendy New Jersey shore town of Asbury Park, at a newly constructed field at Asbury Park High School instead of Florida.
     
  2. You may know that Margate is home to Lucy the Elephant, but did you know that this sunny beach town is officially Margate City and was originally known as South Atlantic City?
     
  3. Legend has it that pirate Captain William Kidd left treasure buried somewhere in the sands of Cape May. In fact, the Victorian-inspired seaside town hosts a Captain Kidd Treasure Hunt every year.
     
  4. In 2005, Fox briefly aired a television show called Point Pleasant, based on the small coastal New Jersey town and a series of supernatural events that began after the arrival of a mysterious teenage girl.
     
  5. Avalon, regarded as “Cooler by a Mile” because it juts out into the Atlantic Ocean about a mile farther than other barrier islands, was named after the mythical, magical town in the Legend of King Arthur.
     
  6. Sara the Turtle is the official mascot of Sea Isle City. Turtle X-ing signs throughout the town warn drivers of diamondback terrapins emerging from surrounding marshlands in search of ideal nesting sites.
     
  7. One of New Jersey’s premier destinations for living and visiting, Brigantine is named after the numerous shipwrecks that occurred in the area, many of which were brigantines - a sailing vessel from the 1600s
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  8. Whether you zoomed around the board as the thimble or the race car, the properties on the original Monopoly board were inspired by actual streets in the oceanside gaming resort of Atlantic City.
     
  9. The “Original” Ron Jon Surf Shop was opened by Ron DiMenna on Long Beach Island in 1961. DiMenna, who shaped surfboards as a pastime, began selling surfboards out of his tiny shop. Now much larger, the shop remains one of the most famous landmarks at the Jersey Shore.
     
  10. The Wildwoods have the largest collection of “Doo-Wop” commercial architecture in the U.S. Colorful and playful, this nod to 50s and 60s Americana is a must-see piece of pop-culture visitors flock to yearly.
     
  11. The very first Miss America Pageant was held in 1921 In Atlantic City. It was originally created to attract tourists to the city over Labor Day Weekend. The winner was Margaret Gorman, Miss Washington D.C.
     
  12. Ocean City, known for over 85 years as “America’s Greatest Family Resort” was originally called Peck’s Beach and was primarily a place people went to fish and let their cattle graze.
     
  13. The remains of the S.S. Atlantus, one of 12 concrete ships built during World War I, can be seen at Sunset Beach. This quiet shore is a strong favorite among families looking for a relaxing getaway and an abundance of polished-by-the-sea pure quartz crystals known as “Cape May diamonds.”
     
  14. Named one of The 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast by Condé Nast Traveler, Cape May was named after Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobson Mey. Due to a misspelling on the original paperwork, Cape Mey became the Cape May we know and love today.
     
  15. Stretching 1.3 miles along the NJ coast, Belmar is renowned for its Pro Surfing Competition and its pledge to pristine beaches. A town of its word, the Belmar beaches are cleaned and groomed every morning.

These are just a few of the places you can walk the boards, collect shells, view history and sink your toes in the sand along the beautiful Jersey Shore. Explore more beaches at VisitNJ.org and access your free official travel guide. Plan your getaway today. We can’t wait to meet you.