"Down the Shore" means there's something for everyone. Among New Jersey's most treasured prizes are the white-sand beaches that draw visitors and families each year to enjoy the surf, sand, sun, fun and excitement of the famous Jersey Shore. With 130 miles of Atlantic coastline and over 60 designated beaches, New Jersey offers plenty of options for beach getaways. Swimmers, body surfers, boogie boarders, sailors, surfers, scuba divers, fishermen and sunbathers flock to popular Shore destinations.
Cities such as The Wildwoods, Seaside Heights, Ocean City and Asbury Park feature lively boardwalks filled with entertainment, rides, shopping and dining.
With five miles of wide beaches, nonstop amusement park fun and quirky architectural style, The Wildwoods (the seaside towns of Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood) have always been popular Jersey Shore destinations. Along with plenty of exciting sights, visitors can enjoy Wildwood’s incredible beaches for free—no beach tags or fees required. While you're here, take in the views on the famous Sightseers Tramcar, which has been riding along the boardwalk since 1949. The boardwalk is also home to Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks, with its family-friendly Runaway Tram, a tramcar-themed ride that climbs 40 feet before coasting, twisting and turning riders along its track.
Feel the centrifugal force heightened by music, strobe lights and other awesome effects on the Centrifuge ride at Casino Pier amusement park in Seaside Heights. For younger thrill-seekers, the amusement park features a collection of kiddie rides that will have your little ones shouting, “woo-hoo!”—including the Elephant Express, Mermaid Parade and Crazy Cabs. After doing some spins on the rides, try out the epic Halo: Fireteam Raven 4K video game at the Casino Pier arcade.
Looking for a different kind of Jersey Shore experience? Laid-back beach town meets hipster vibe in Asbury Park. Sure, the mile-long stretch of beach is great—but you may have a hard time leaving AP’s wide boardwalk, which features an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and shops. Try international cuisine; check out “Yappy Hour” at Wonder Bar, where AP dogs hang out with their human BFFs; catch live music at the venerable Stone Pony, or test your pinball wizard skills at the Silverball Museum Arcade.
For a quieter beach experience visit Spring Lake, Ocean Grove or Cape May. It should come as no surprise that Cape May—with its fine dining, wineries, shopping and Victorian B&Bs—garners top beach awards every year. It has been dubbed "the crown jewel and southernmost point of the Jersey Shore." Build sandcastles and visit an old lighthouse during the day, then stroll down Washington Street and play a round of mini-golf at night. Families also won't want to miss the Cape May County Park & Zoo, where you can see lions, zebras, giraffes and more, all for free.
In addition to the beach and boardwalks, visitors will find historic lighthouses and preserved natural areas including Island Beach State Park, inlets, bays, great food and plenty of shopping all along the coast.
A visit to the Jersey Shore is a guarantee of a spectacular surfside trip. Get the entire picture of summer down the Shore when you download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
