Jersey Shore Attractions
From world-class amusement parks to historic lighthouses, the Jersey Shore offers attractions for every age and interest. Explore 54 destinations along the coast.
Lucy the Elephant
Walk through America's oldest roadside attraction! 6 stories tall in Margate, built in 1881.
Featured Attractions
Three piers, 100+ rides, two water parks. The ultimate Jersey Shore amusement destination.
- ✓100+ rides across 3 piers
- ✓Great White roller coaster
- ✓Two beachfront water parks
Iconic Seaside Heights pier with thrill rides, Hydrus coaster, and Breakwater Beach water park.
- ✓Hydrus roller coaster
- ✓Ocean views from every ride
- ✓Breakwater Beach water park
Historic Atlantic City pier with 25+ rides and a 227-foot observation wheel over the ocean.
- ✓227-foot observation wheel
- ✓1,000 feet over the ocean
- ✓Historic landmark since 1898
Iconic 'Old Barney' - climb 217 steps for panoramic views of LBI and the Atlantic.
- ✓172 feet tall
- ✓217 steps to climb
- ✓Panoramic ocean views
Historic 1859 lighthouse at Cape May Point. Climb 199 steps for bay and ocean views.
- ✓157 feet tall
- ✓199 steps to climb
- ✓Delaware Bay & Atlantic views
600+ playable pinball machines and classic arcades. One price, unlimited play all day.
- ✓600+ playable machines
- ✓Unlimited play admission
- ✓Spans 90 years of gaming
Cape May County Park & Zoo
cape-may-court-house
Top-rated FREE zoo with 550+ animals. Lions, giraffes, and more on 85 acres.
- ✓FREE admission
- ✓550+ animals
- ✓250 species
Walk through America's oldest roadside attraction! 6-story elephant, National Historic Landmark since 1881, with ocean views from the howdah.
- ✓National Historic Landmark since 1976
- ✓65 feet tall (6 stories), weighing 90 tons
- ✓Only surviving elephant building of 3 built by Lafferty
WWII aviation museum with 20+ restored aircraft, flight simulators, and veteran tributes in a historic hangar.
- ✓Over 20 restored aircraft
- ✓Original WWII hangar
- ✓Interactive flight simulators
Cape May County Park & Zoo
cape-may-court-house
FREE admission zoo with 550+ animals, giraffe feeding, and beautiful county park setting.
- ✓FREE admission
- ✓550+ animals, 250+ species
- ✓Giraffe feeding experience
Outdoor living history museum with 27 restored 1800s buildings and costumed craft demonstrations.
- ✓27 historic buildings
- ✓Live craft demonstrations
- ✓Costumed interpreters
Twin Lights Historic Site
highlands
America's only twin-towered lighthouse with stunning views, maritime museum, and Marconi history.
- ✓Only twin-towered lighthouse in America
- ✓Manhattan skyline views
- ✓Marconi wireless demonstration site
36-hole tropical adventure with waterfalls, caves, and animatronics. Ocean City's best mini golf.
- ✓36 holes on two courses
- ✓Cascading waterfalls
- ✓Volcanic eruption effects
Classic 1959 boardwalk course with iconic giant neon sculptures. Wildwood's most photographed landmark.
- ✓Giant neon dinosaur
- ✓Doo-wop era landmark
- ✓Retro boardwalk charm
LBI's top-rated mini golf with Viking theme, arcade, and ice cream. Family favorite since 1980s.
- ✓Top-rated LBI mini golf
- ✓Well-maintained course
- ✓On-site arcade and ice cream
LBI complex with mini golf, water park, go-karts, and arcade. All-in-one family destination.
- ✓All-in-one family center
- ✓Water park with lazy river
- ✓Go-kart racing
Legendary go-karts with elevated ocean-view track. Multiple track options for all ages.
- ✓Famous elevated track
- ✓Ocean views while racing
- ✓Multiple track options
Cape May's flagship winery with award-winning wines, vineyard views, and live music.
- ✓Award-winning wines
- ✓Vineyard views
- ✓Live music weekends
Popular Cape May winery with large venue, regular events, and diverse wine selection.
- ✓Large event venue
- ✓Regular live music
- ✓Food truck weekends
The Shore's largest craft brewery with 20+ beers on tap, huge tasting room, and outdoor space.
- ✓20+ beers on tap
- ✓Huge tasting room
- ✓Food trucks daily
Urban craft brewery in Asbury Park's arts district with industrial-chic vibes.
- ✓Urban arts district location
- ✓Live music venue
- ✓Industrial-chic space
Amusement Parks
Thrill rides and family fun on the boardwalk
Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
Wildwood · Full day
Three piers, 100+ rides, two water parks. The ultimate Jersey Shore amusement destination.
- ✓100+ rides across 3 piers
- ✓Great White roller coaster
- ✓Two beachfront water parks
- ✓FREE admission to boardwalk
Pricing
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach
Seaside Heights · Half day to full day
Iconic Seaside Heights pier with thrill rides, Hydrus coaster, and Breakwater Beach water park.
- ✓Hydrus roller coaster
- ✓Ocean views from every ride
- ✓Breakwater Beach water park
- ✓Rebuilt after Sandy
Pricing
Steel Pier
Atlantic City · 2-4 hours
Historic Atlantic City pier with 25+ rides and a 227-foot observation wheel over the ocean.
- ✓227-foot observation wheel
- ✓1,000 feet over the ocean
- ✓Historic landmark since 1898
- ✓Climate-controlled gondolas
Pricing
Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach · 3-5 hours
Family-friendly boardwalk with aquarium, rides, mini-golf, and 90+ years of tradition.
- ✓Family-owned since 1928
- ✓Touch tank aquarium
- ✓Free summer concerts
- ✓Classic boardwalk atmosphere
Pricing
Historic Lighthouses
Climb to the top for panoramic views
Barnegat Lighthouse
Barnegat Light · 1-2 hours
Iconic 'Old Barney' - climb 217 steps for panoramic views of LBI and the Atlantic.
- ✓172 feet tall
- ✓217 steps to climb
- ✓Panoramic ocean views
- ✓State park with nature trails
Pricing
Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May · 1-2 hours
Historic 1859 lighthouse at Cape May Point. Climb 199 steps for bay and ocean views.
- ✓157 feet tall
- ✓199 steps to climb
- ✓Delaware Bay & Atlantic views
- ✓Historic keeper's house museum
Pricing
Absecon Lighthouse
Atlantic City · 1 hour
NJ's tallest lighthouse at 171 feet. Climb 228 steps for Atlantic City skyline views.
- ✓NJ's tallest lighthouse (171 feet)
- ✓228 steps to climb
- ✓Atlantic City skyline views
- ✓Steps from boardwalk
Pricing
Twin Lights Historic Site
highlands · 1-2 hours
Unique twin-towered lighthouse with NYC views. Site of first US Fresnel lens.
- ✓Unique twin-tower design
- ✓First US Fresnel lens
- ✓Marconi wireless demonstration site
- ✓NYC skyline views
Pricing
Arcades & Entertainment
Games, museums, and indoor fun
Silverball Museum
Asbury Park · 2-4 hours
600+ playable pinball machines and classic arcades. One price, unlimited play all day.
- ✓600+ playable machines
- ✓Unlimited play admission
- ✓Spans 90 years of gaming
- ✓On Asbury Park boardwalk
Pricing
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Atlantic City · 1-2 hours
Museum of oddities and interactive exhibits on the Atlantic City boardwalk.
- ✓Hundreds of oddities
- ✓Interactive exhibits
- ✓Boardwalk location
Pricing
Atlantic City Aquarium
Atlantic City · 1-2 hours
Intimate aquarium at Gardner's Basin with sharks, touch tanks, and marine exhibits.
- ✓Sharks and sea turtles
- ✓Interactive touch tanks
- ✓Family-friendly pricing
- ✓Away from casino crowds
Pricing
Cape May County Park & Zoo
cape-may-court-house · 2-4 hours
Top-rated FREE zoo with 550+ animals. Lions, giraffes, and more on 85 acres.
- ✓FREE admission
- ✓550+ animals
- ✓250 species
- ✓Consistently top-rated
Pricing
Rainy Day Guide
The shore doesn't shut down when it rains. Some of the best memories happen when you escape the weather and discover what's beyond the beach.
Arcades & Gaming
All ages, especially teens • Budget: $20-50 per person
Over 600 pinball machines from the 1930s to today. Unlimited play with admission ($15). Adults love the nostalgia; kids love the chaos.
Classic boardwalk arcade with ski-ball, racing games, and prize redemption. Can easily spend 2-3 hours here.
Multi-level arcade with everything from vintage games to VR experiences. The prize room is legendary.
Tip: Most arcades run on tokens or cards. Buy in bulk for better value—$20 cards often include $5 bonus credit.
Museums & Indoor Attractions
Families, couples, history buffs • Budget: $10-25 per person
Weird, wonderful, and perfect for a rainy afternoon. The shrunken heads and optical illusions keep kids mesmerized.
Historic house tours, trolley rides through Victorian neighborhoods. Rainy days mean fewer crowds, more intimate tours.
Shipwreck artifacts, lighthouse history, and maritime stories. Small but fascinating, especially for history lovers.
Tip: Atlantic City's Indoor Wonder has Steel Pier's indoor rides—a good backup when the outdoor piers close.
Casino Entertainment
Adults 21+ • Budget: Set your own limit
Best overall casino experience—table games, spa, fine dining, comedy shows. You can spend an entire rainy day here.
Music memorabilia throughout, excellent restaurants, and a great pool (yes, indoor pools work in rain).
Newer property with modern vibe. HQ2 nightclub has occasional daytime events.
Tip: Sign up for player's cards even if you're not gambling much—most casinos offer free parking and comp credits.
Outlet Shopping
Anyone who needs retail therapy • Budget: Danger zone—set a budget
The Walk is open-air but covered walkways connect most stores. Nike, Coach, Kate Spade—50-70% off retail.
60+ shops in a colonial village setting. Covered porches connect many stores. Great for antiques and crafts.
Tip: Download the Tanger app before going—digital coupons stack on top of already discounted prices.
Best Attractions For...
Not every attraction fits every group. Here's how to match your crew to the right experiences.
Families with Young Kids (Under 8)
Right-sized for little attention spans. Touch tanks, penguin feedings, and the boardwalk is steps away.
30 minutes from the shore, perfect for ages 2-8. Gentle rides, costumed characters, and shaded picnic areas.
Free admission, compact enough for toddlers, and the train ride is a hit. Pack a lunch—picnic areas are great.
Skip these
Big coasters at Morey's (height requirements frustrate kids). Save Wildwood for when they're taller.
Best timing
Go in the morning. Meltdowns happen around 2pm when energy crashes.
Families with Tweens & Teens (8-17)
Three piers of rides including legit coasters. Water parks for hot afternoons. They can explore independently.
Teens love puzzle challenges. Escape Wildwood and several AC spots have age-appropriate rooms.
Endless pinball. Even jaded teens get competitive. Instagram-worthy neon backdrops.
Skip these
Overly "educational" attractions unless they're genuinely interested. Forced learning kills the vibe.
Best timing
Let them sleep in, hit attractions mid-afternoon through evening. Teens operate on a different clock.
Couples
Climb 199 steps for golden hour views. Romantic without being cheesy.
Couples massages, spa day, then dinner at their restaurant. Full day escape.
Renault Winery is right there. Colonial village strolling, wine flight, sunset dinner.
Skip these
Crowded boardwalks on Saturday nights. Go weekday or off-season for romance.
Best timing
Sunset activities are peak romantic. Book lighthouse climbs for 1 hour before sunset.
History & Culture Buffs
Third tallest lighthouse in US. 228 steps, original lens, and a museum at the base. Overlooked gem.
National Historic Landmark from 1881. America's oldest roadside attraction. Wonderfully weird.
Victorian architecture, Civil War history, haunted history tours at night. Deep content.
Skip these
Rushing through—these attractions reward slow exploration and reading every plaque.
Best timing
Weekday mornings for fewer crowds and more engagement with guides.
Thrill Seekers
Inverted coaster that hangs you over the ocean. The signature shore thrill ride.
Euro-fighter coaster with a beyond-vertical drop. Compact but intense.
500+ feet above the ocean. Bucket-list views and genuine adrenaline.
Skip these
Kiddie coasters and gentle rides. You'll be bored.
Best timing
First thing when parks open—lines for big coasters grow exponentially through the day.
Hidden Gems: Local Favorites
Skip the crowded obvious picks. These local favorites offer authentic experiences without the tourist markup.
Tuckerton Seaport
Tuckerton
A recreated bayshore village with a working decoy carving shop, boat building, and seafood restaurant on the water. Feels like stepping back 100 years.
Why it's special: Most tourists head straight to the beach towns. This captures the real maritime heritage of the Jersey Shore without the crowds.
Tip: Go on weekdays—the carvers are more likely to chat and demonstrate. The crab cakes at the restaurant are excellent.
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Oceanville
An 8-mile wildlife drive through salt marshes. Egrets, herons, and in fall/winter, huge flocks of migrating birds. Free admission.
Why it's special: Instagram influencers haven't discovered it yet. You'll see more wildlife than people.
Tip: Bring binoculars. Early morning or late afternoon for active wildlife. The observation tower halfway through is worth the climb.
Higbee Beach WMA
Cape May
Walk through coastal forest to a secluded beach. In fall, it's one of the world's best spots for migrating songbirds and monarch butterflies.
Why it's special: While everyone crowds Cape May Point, this quieter spot nearby offers solitude and world-class birding.
Tip: September-October mornings after northwest winds bring the biggest bird "fallouts." Serious birders know—join them.
Sunset Beach flag ceremony
Cape May Point
Every evening in summer, a flag ceremony with live music happens as the sun sets behind the concrete ship wreck. Surprisingly moving.
Why it's special: Tourists pack the Cape May lighthouse but many miss this free nightly tradition just down the road.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early for parking. The gift shop has Cape May diamonds (quartz pebbles)—fun free souvenir hunting on the beach.
Noyes Museum of Art
Oceanville
Small art museum in a stunning location overlooking the bay. Rotating exhibits focus on South Jersey and shore artists.
Why it's special: Art lovers hit the galleries in Asbury Park but miss this gem. It's next to Forsythe refuge—combine them.
Tip: Free admission days happen regularly. Check their calendar. The sculpture garden is peaceful for picnics.
Batsto Village
Hammonton
Preserved 19th-century ironworks town in the Pine Barrens. Tours of the mansion, working craftspeople, and pine barrens hiking.
Why it's special: Just 30 minutes from AC but feels like another world. Most visitors are locals escaping the beach crowds.
Tip: Fall is magical—the pines don't change color but the cranberry bogs do. Combine with a kayak trip on the Mullica River.
Book Tours & Tickets Online
Skip the line and save with advance booking
🎯 ActivityCape May Beach Yoga
33066
I've taught Beach Yoga for 14 years in our quaint tourist town of Cape May, NJ. I love the opportunity to provide visitors and locals with an...
From $18
per person
via Viator
🚌 Tour90 Minute Sunset Tour
22324
Join Sandbar Joe for an unforgettable Sunset Tour through the back bays of Wildwood, NJ, where the day melts into a golden glow. Departing from our...
From $200
per person
via Viator
🎯 ActivityAlpaca and Llama Encounter with Guided Walk
22324
Our Alpacas & Llamas offer a delightful contrast. Alpacas, with their soft, fine wool, evoke elegance, while Llamas, taller & sturdier, exude rugged...
From $30
per person
via Viator
🚌 Tour90 Minute Scenic Back Bay Cruise
22324
Private, scenic pontoon cruises with wildlife, history and optional onboard brunch—book your adventure today!
From $224.5
per person
via Viator
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Tips for Visiting
Save Money
- • Buy tickets online for discounts
- • Visit on weekdays for lower crowds
- • Cape May Zoo is FREE admission
- • Many attractions offer twilight rates
Best Times
- • Amusement parks: Evening for cooler temps
- • Lighthouses: Clear days for best views
- • Water parks: Early morning, less crowded
- • Arcades: Rainy days, great backup plan
Plan Your Shore Adventure
Planning a trip to Jersey Shore? Book your accommodations and activities.
Secure booking • Free cancellation on most reservations
Family Fun Updates
Get insider tips on attractions, seasonal hours, and family-friendly events at the shore.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Related Guides
Explore Shore Towns
Each shore town has its own unique attractions and character. Find the perfect destination for your trip.