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.
- â100+ rides across 3 piers
- âGreat White roller coaster
- âTwo beachfront water parks
Iconic Seaside Heights pier with thrill rides, Hydrus coaster, and Breakwater Beach water park.
- âHydrus roller coaster
- âOcean views from every ride
- âBreakwater Beach water park
Historic Atlantic City pier with 25+ rides and a 227-foot observation wheel over the ocean.
- â227-foot observation wheel
- â1,000 feet over the ocean
- âHistoric landmark since 1898
Iconic 'Old Barney' - climb 217 steps for panoramic views of LBI and the Atlantic.
- â172 feet tall
- â217 steps to climb
- âPanoramic ocean views
Historic 1859 lighthouse at Cape May Point. Climb 199 steps for bay and ocean views.
- â157 feet tall
- â199 steps to climb
- âDelaware Bay & Atlantic views
600+ playable pinball machines and classic arcades. One price, unlimited play all day.
- â600+ playable machines
- âUnlimited play admission
- âSpans 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.
- âFREE admission
- â550+ animals
- â250 species
Walk through America's oldest roadside attraction! 6-story elephant, National Historic Landmark since 1881, with ocean views from the howdah.
- âNational Historic Landmark since 1976
- â65 feet tall (6 stories), weighing 90 tons
- âOnly surviving elephant building of 3 built by Lafferty
WWII aviation museum with 20+ restored aircraft, flight simulators, and veteran tributes in a historic hangar.
- âOver 20 restored aircraft
- âOriginal WWII hangar
- âInteractive flight simulators
Cape May County Park & Zoo
cape-may-court-house
FREE admission zoo with 550+ animals, giraffe feeding, and beautiful county park setting.
- âFREE admission
- â550+ animals, 250+ species
- âGiraffe feeding experience
Outdoor living history museum with 27 restored 1800s buildings and costumed craft demonstrations.
- â27 historic buildings
- âLive craft demonstrations
- âCostumed interpreters
Twin Lights Historic Site
highlands
America's only twin-towered lighthouse with stunning views, maritime museum, and Marconi history.
- âOnly twin-towered lighthouse in America
- âManhattan skyline views
- âMarconi wireless demonstration site
36-hole tropical adventure with waterfalls, caves, and animatronics. Ocean City's best mini golf.
- â36 holes on two courses
- âCascading waterfalls
- âVolcanic eruption effects
Classic 1959 boardwalk course with iconic giant neon sculptures. Wildwood's most photographed landmark.
- âGiant neon dinosaur
- âDoo-wop era landmark
- âRetro boardwalk charm
LBI's top-rated mini golf with Viking theme, arcade, and ice cream. Family favorite since 1980s.
- âTop-rated LBI mini golf
- âWell-maintained course
- âOn-site arcade and ice cream
LBI complex with mini golf, water park, go-karts, and arcade. All-in-one family destination.
- âAll-in-one family center
- âWater park with lazy river
- âGo-kart racing
Legendary go-karts with elevated ocean-view track. Multiple track options for all ages.
- âFamous elevated track
- âOcean views while racing
- âMultiple track options
Cape May's flagship winery with award-winning wines, vineyard views, and live music.
- âAward-winning wines
- âVineyard views
- âLive music weekends
Popular Cape May winery with large venue, regular events, and diverse wine selection.
- âLarge event venue
- âRegular live music
- âFood truck weekends
The Shore's largest craft brewery with 20+ beers on tap, huge tasting room, and outdoor space.
- â20+ beers on tap
- âHuge tasting room
- âFood trucks daily
Urban craft brewery in Asbury Park's arts district with industrial-chic vibes.
- âUrban arts district location
- âLive music venue
- âIndustrial-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.
- â100+ rides across 3 piers
- âGreat White roller coaster
- âTwo beachfront water parks
- âFREE 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.
- âHydrus roller coaster
- âOcean views from every ride
- âBreakwater Beach water park
- âRebuilt 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.
- â227-foot observation wheel
- â1,000 feet over the ocean
- âHistoric landmark since 1898
- âClimate-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.
- âFamily-owned since 1928
- âTouch tank aquarium
- âFree summer concerts
- âClassic 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.
- â172 feet tall
- â217 steps to climb
- âPanoramic ocean views
- âState 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.
- â157 feet tall
- â199 steps to climb
- âDelaware Bay & Atlantic views
- âHistoric 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.
- âNJ's tallest lighthouse (171 feet)
- â228 steps to climb
- âAtlantic City skyline views
- âSteps from boardwalk
Pricing
Twin Lights Historic Site
highlands ¡ 1-2 hours
Unique twin-towered lighthouse with NYC views. Site of first US Fresnel lens.
- âUnique twin-tower design
- âFirst US Fresnel lens
- âMarconi wireless demonstration site
- âNYC 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.
- â600+ playable machines
- âUnlimited play admission
- âSpans 90 years of gaming
- âOn 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.
- âHundreds of oddities
- âInteractive exhibits
- âBoardwalk location
Pricing
Atlantic City Aquarium
Atlantic City ¡ 1-2 hours
Intimate aquarium at Gardner's Basin with sharks, touch tanks, and marine exhibits.
- âSharks and sea turtles
- âInteractive touch tanks
- âFamily-friendly pricing
- âAway 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.
- âFREE admission
- â550+ animals
- â250 species
- âConsistently 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 âĸ 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 valueâ$20 cards often include $5 bonus credit.
Museums & Indoor Attractions
Families, couples, history buffs âĸ 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 ridesâa good backup when the outdoor piers close.
Casino Entertainment
Adults 21+ âĸ Budget: Set your own limit
Best overall casino experienceâtable 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 muchâmost casinos offer free parking and comp credits.
Outlet Shopping
Anyone who needs retail therapy âĸ Budget: Danger zoneâset a budget
The Walk is open-air but covered walkways connect most stores. Nike, Coach, Kate Spadeâ50-70% 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 goingâdigital 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 lunchâpicnic 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 throughâthese 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 openâlines 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 weekdaysâthe 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 knowâjoin 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)âfun 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 refugeâcombine 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 magicalâthe 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
đ¯ 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
đ 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
đ¯ 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
đ Tour90 Minute Scenic Back Bay Cruise
22324
Private, scenic pontoon cruises with wildlife, history and optional onboard brunchâbook your adventure today!
From $224.5
per person
via Viator
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Tips for Visiting
Save Money
- âĸ Buy tickets online for discounts
- âĸ Visit on weekdays for lower crowds
- âĸ Cape May Zoo is FREE admission
- âĸ Many attractions offer twilight rates
Best Times
- âĸ Amusement parks: Evening for cooler temps
- âĸ Lighthouses: Clear days for best views
- âĸ Water parks: Early morning, less crowded
- âĸ Arcades: Rainy days, great backup plan
Plan Your Shore Adventure
Planning a trip to Jersey Shore? Book your accommodations and activities.
Secure booking âĸ 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.