NJ Shore Guide - Beach Towns, Badges & Trip Planning
Why the Jersey Shore?
127 miles of coastline, 45+ distinct beach towns, and a summer culture that's been drawing visitors since the 1800s. The Jersey Shore offers something no other East Coast destination matches: family-friendly beach towns with $8 badges minutes from legendary nightlife, world-class fishing charters launching from historic ports, and boardwalks that range from three-block quiet stretches to mile-long amusement destinations. Whether you're planning a week-long family vacation, a romantic B&B getaway, or a day trip from NYC or Philly, you'll find your perfect beach town here.
Popular Shore Towns
View All →Top Attractions
View All →Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
Wildwood \u00B7 Full day
Three piers, 100+ rides, two water parks. The ultimate Jersey Shore amusement destination.
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach
Seaside Heights \u00B7 Half day to full day
Iconic Seaside Heights pier with thrill rides, Hydrus coaster, and Breakwater Beach water park.
Steel Pier
Atlantic City \u00B7 2-4 hours
Historic Atlantic City pier with 25+ rides and a 227-foot observation wheel over the ocean.
Barnegat Lighthouse
Barnegat Light \u00B7 1-2 hours
Iconic 'Old Barney' - climb 217 steps for panoramic views of LBI and the Atlantic.
Where to Stay
Beach hotels, vacation rentals & charming B&Bs
Hotels & Resorts
Oceanfront & boutique stays
Vacation Rentals
Houses & condos
Bed & Breakfasts
Victorian charm
Budget Options
Affordable beach access
Flanders Hotel
Ocean City
Ocean City's landmark hotel since 1923, just steps from the boardwalk.
- ✓Boardwalk Access
- ✓Rooftop Bar
- ✓Pool
The Asbury Hotel
Asbury Park
Hip, retro-chic hotel in the heart of Asbury's music and arts scene.
- ✓Rooftop Bar
- ✓Live Music
- ✓Pet Friendly
Ocean Place Resort
Long Branch
Full-service oceanfront resort with private beach and spa.
- ✓Private Beach
- ✓Spa
- ✓Indoor Pool
Dining & Nightlife
Best restaurants, bars & live music venues
Rooney's Oceanfront
Rooftop Bar • Long Branch
Upscale Pier Village rooftop with ocean views and cocktails
Premier Nightclub
Casino Club • Atlantic City
Borgata's upscale nightclub with A-list DJs and VIP service
DAER Nightclub
Casino Club • Atlantic City
Hard Rock rooftop dayclub/nightclub with AC skyline views
The Iron Room
Cocktail Lounge • Atlantic City
Speakeasy cocktail bar with live jazz and craft drinks
Upcoming Events
Major festivals & celebrations
Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge
20th anniversary milestone plunge raising funds for Special Olympics NJ at Wildwood Beach.
WildwoodLight of Day WinterFest
Multi-day music festival featuring rock legends at Asbury Park's iconic venues.
Asbury ParkPolar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights
NJ's largest polar bear plunge with 7,500+ plungers raising $2.5M for Special Olympics.
Seaside HeightsAtlantic City Beer & Music Festival
Premier craft beer festival with 100+ breweries and live music in Atlantic City.
Atlantic CityBeach Badge Prices
Compare daily badge prices across the shore
Built by Locals, Updated Weekly
Every beach badge price, restaurant recommendation, and fishing report comes from people who know this coastline. We verify beach badge prices each season, update event listings weekly, and test the restaurants ourselves. No sponsored rankings, no pay-to-play listings.
Plan Your Perfect Trip
First-Time Visitors
New to the Jersey Shore? Start here for essential tips.
Get started →Budget Travel
Free beaches, parking tips, and money-saving strategies.
Read the guide →Romantic Getaways
Victorian B&Bs, sunset dinners, and quiet beaches.
Plan your escape →Free Beaches
All beaches with no badge required, ever.
Find free beaches →Beach Badge Prices
Compare daily, weekly, and season prices.
Compare prices →Fishing Calendar
What's biting month by month along the shore.
View calendar →