About NJ Shore Guide
Your complete guide to 127 miles of Jersey Shore coastline
Our Mission
NJ Shore Guide exists to help visitors and locals alike discover everything the Jersey Shore has to offer. From the Victorian charm of Cape May to the surf breaks of Sandy Hook, we provide honest, detailed information to help you plan the perfect beach trip.
We believe the Jersey Shore is more than a summer destination—it's a year-round community with rich history, incredible food, and experiences you won't find anywhere else. Our goal is to share that knowledge with everyone, from first-time visitors to lifelong locals.
Our Story
NJ Shore Guide has deep roots in the Jersey Shore community. The site was originally founded in 1996 by Jim Bangert under Wildfire Enterprises as one of the first online directories for Jersey Shore businesses. In an era when most towns didn't even have websites, Shore Guide was already helping visitors find restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
The site was re-launched in 2019 with expanded content and modern design, then went through a period of dormancy. Now in 2025, Shore Guide is back in its most comprehensive form yet—combining nearly three decades of local knowledge with official data from NJ DEP, NOAA, and other government sources.
We built the site we wished existed—a single, comprehensive resource that treats the Jersey Shore with the depth and respect it deserves. Every town has a story. Every beach has a personality. Every restaurant has a dish worth trying. We're here to help you find them all.
What We Cover
54 Shore Towns
Detailed guides for every beach town across 4 counties, from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
Cape May, Ocean City, Asbury Park, Long Branch, Seaside Heights, and more
Beach Badges
Comprehensive beach badge pricing, policies, and where to buy for every town.
Daily, weekly, seasonal rates plus senior and kid discounts
Dining & Seafood
Restaurant recommendations from casual boardwalk fare to fine dining.
Lobster House, Knife & Fork, The Shrimp Box, local BYOBs
Fishing & Boating
Charter boats, party boats, fishing piers, and seasonal calendars.
Belmar Princess, Cape May charter fleet, Barnegat Light
Places to Stay
Hotels, B&Bs, historic inns, and vacation rentals with honest reviews.
Congress Hall, Reeds at Shelter Haven, beachfront motels
Attractions
Boardwalks, amusement parks, water parks, and family activities.
Morey's Piers, Casino Pier, Jenkinson's, mini-golf, arcades
Water Sports
Surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet ski rental guides.
Surf lessons, kayak eco-tours, SUP rentals, boat charters
Wildlife & Nature
Birding hotspots, seal watching, hiking trails, and nature preserves.
Cape May Bird Observatory, Forsythe NWR, Island Beach State Park
Why Trust Us
Local Knowledge
Our information comes from people who know and love the Jersey Shore. We visit these towns, eat at these restaurants, and fish these waters. We know which "locals" tips are actually worth following.
Updated Regularly
Beach badge prices change annually, restaurants open and close, and events come and go. We keep our information current so you can plan with confidence.
Honest Reviews
We tell you about the crowds at Seaside, the parking challenges at Spring Lake, and which “hidden gem” beaches are worth the drive. No fluff, just useful info.
No Pay-for-Play
Businesses cannot pay for favorable reviews or higher rankings. Our affiliate partnerships are clearly disclosed and never influence editorial content.
Our Research Process
On-the-Ground Research
We visit shore towns throughout the year—not just peak summer—to understand the full picture.
Local Verification
We verify business hours, prices, and policies by calling or visiting, not just scraping websites.
Community Feedback
Reader tips and local recommendations help us discover hidden gems and catch errors.
Annual Updates
Beach badge prices, event schedules, and business info are reviewed and updated annually.
Our Data Sources
We source data from official government agencies and verified platforms to ensure accuracy. All ratings are attributed to their original sources.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Official fishing ground coordinates, water quality monitoring data (CCMP), and environmental data.
- 654 offshore fishing grounds
- 268 beach water quality stations
- 5 years of Enterococcus data
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Real-time tide predictions from CO-OPS stations along the Jersey Shore.
- 9 tide prediction stations
- Daily automated updates
- Historical tide data
Google Maps Platform
Aggregate ratings and review counts for restaurants and accommodations.
- Verified business ratings
- Review count attribution
- Updated quarterly
Town & County Governments
Beach badge prices, parking regulations, and event schedules verified directly with towns.
- Annual badge price verification
- Parking info
- Event calendars
Content Update Schedule
Annually (Spring)
Monthly
Quarterly
Daily (automated)
Real-time
Annually + as needed
Editorial Independence
NJ Shore Guide is supported by affiliate partnerships with booking services. When you book a hotel or activity through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site running and our content free.
Important: Our recommendations are never influenced by affiliate relationships. We only recommend places we genuinely believe provide value. If we haven't visited or vetted a business, we say so.
Corrections Policy
We strive for accuracy in all our content. If you notice an error—whether it's an outdated price, incorrect business information, or a factual mistake—please let us know.
To report an error, use our contact form or email hello@shore-guide.com with the page URL and details of the correction needed.
The Jersey Shore by the Numbers
127
Miles of Coast
57
Shore Towns
4
Counties
654
Fishing Grounds
268
Water Quality Stations
5,100+
Pages of Content
9
NOAA Tide Stations
26
State Parks
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the Site
Have Questions or Feedback?
We'd love to hear from you—especially if we missed your favorite spot, got something wrong, or you have a tip to share!