With summer coming to an end and the cooler weather of fall rolling into the Jersey Shore, the bustling vibe of beach days fade into quiet seaside charm. With kids back in school, enjoy the less crowded atmosphere and more affordable rates at hotels during this pleasant shoulder season. Get some ideas for a quick weekend getaway with these fun activities.
Bike Riding
Take in the mild weather and beautiful shoreline views from one of the many biking trails in New Jersey. At Sandy Hook Unit (Highlands), which is part of Gateway National Recreation Area, pedal along the seven-mile multi-use pathway, which flows past multiple beaches and then loops through Fort Hancock, where you’ll find the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Battery Potter.
Crabbing
New Jersey is well known for its abundant blue crabs, which tout delicious white meat. Spend some time in the beautiful outdoors crabbing along the coastline, where blue crabs live in tidal creeks, saltwater bays, and estuaries. For the best crabbing luck, let a local guide show you the way. Rent a boat with Beaver Dam Boat Rentals in Newport, located on the Oranokin Creek in the Southern Shore region, and they'll show you the best spots in the nearby salt ponds where the crabs are abundant.
Kayaking
As you travel along the shoreline, you’ll find plenty of kayaking outfitters offering guided tours and kayak rentals. Explore wild coastal wetlands by kayak when you book a guided tour through the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor or Bay Cats in Ocean City.
Kite Flying
Take advantage of fall’s breezy weather by flying a kite along the Jersey Shore. The clean, expansive beaches of Point Pleasant Beach are ideal for taking the kids kiting, while Wildwood has long been a popular place to fly kites. Spend some time soaring your colorful kite on the wide-open beaches, and enjoy a peaceful day out on the shoreline.
Surfing
New Jersey's prime surfing season occurs during the fall months, when the air temperatures are a little cooler, the ocean typically remains warm through October. Excellent fall surfing is the result of the Atlantic Ocean's hurricane season, which increases ocean swells. Here are some great beach towns to surf — Manasquan, Ocean City, Seaside Heights, and Stone Harbor.
