Best Vacation Rentals at the Jersey Shore
Find the perfect beach house, condo, or cottage for your shore vacation. From oceanfront estates to cozy bungalows.
15
Areas
14
Towns
10
Budget Options
Why Choose a Vacation Rental?
Vacation rentals are the quintessential Jersey Shore experience. Rent a beach house for the week, settle in, and live like a local. Nothing beats morning coffee on your deck, afternoon beach trips without packing up, and evening BBQs in your own backyard.
Space matters. Rentals offer significantly more room than hotels, especially for families and groups. Full kitchens save money on dining out, and separate bedrooms mean everyone gets privacy. Many homes include outdoor showers, decks, and even pools.
Long Beach Island, Stone Harbor, and Ocean City lead in vacation rental options, but every shore town has properties available. Book early for summer—the best homes reserve a year in advance.
Long Beach Island
The classic Jersey Shore rental destination. 18 miles of barrier island with thousands of options.
Beach Haven Rentals
Upscale ($$$)Top RatedThe heart of LBI with the most rental options. Oceanfront homes, bayfront cottages, and everything in between. Close to shops and restaurants.
Surf City Rentals
Moderate ($$)Top RatedCentral LBI location with great restaurants and laid-back vibe. Good mix of houses and condos at various price points.
Barnegat Light Rentals
Moderate ($$)Quiet northern tip of LBI near the lighthouse. More affordable options in a peaceful setting. Great for fishing and nature lovers.
Ship Bottom Rentals
Moderate ($$)Gateway to LBI with good value rentals. Near the causeway for easy mainland access. Popular with surfers.
Cape May County
From upscale Stone Harbor to family-friendly Ocean City. Something for every taste and budget.
Stone Harbor Rentals
Luxury ($$$$)Top RatedUpscale beach homes in a pristine family town. Larger properties with pools, decks, and high-end finishes. Worth the premium.
Avalon Rentals
Upscale ($$$)Top RatedUpscale neighbor to Stone Harbor with beautiful homes and a more casual downtown. Great dining and shopping.
Ocean City Rentals
Moderate ($$)Top RatedFamily-friendly dry town with huge variety of condos, houses, and townhomes. Near the famous boardwalk and beaches.
Cape May Rentals
Upscale ($$$)Top RatedVictorian charm with cottage rentals and beach houses. Unique character and excellent dining scene.
Sea Isle City Rentals
$$Sea Isle City
Lively beach town with good value condos and houses. Popular with 20s and 30s crowd but family-friendly too.
The Wildwoods
Budget-friendly rentals with free beaches and famous boardwalk. Great value for families.
Wildwood Crest Rentals
Budget ($)Quieter end of the Wildwoods with family-friendly motels and condo rentals. Free beaches and close to the action.
North Wildwood Rentals
Budget ($)Affordable condo and house rentals near the boardwalk and entertainment. Great for groups and families on a budget.
Diamond Beach Rentals
Moderate ($$)Southern tip near Cape May with newer construction and upscale feel. Quieter than main Wildwood areas.
Monmouth & Northern Shore
Closest to NYC with active towns and upscale options. Perfect for weekend getaways.
Belmar Rentals
Moderate ($$)Active beach town with house and apartment rentals. Great nightlife, surfing, and close to NYC.
Spring Lake Rentals
Upscale ($$$)Top RatedElegant beach town with upscale house rentals. Known as the Irish Riviera. Quiet, refined atmosphere.
Point Pleasant Rentals
Moderate ($$)Family-friendly town with boardwalk, aquarium, and variety of rental options. Good for families with kids.
Rental Tips
🏠Book Early
Prime summer weeks book 6-12 months in advance. The best properties are often reserved by January for the following summer.
🏠Saturday to Saturday
Most rentals run Saturday to Saturday in summer. Plan arrival and departure times accordingly. Check-in is usually 2-3pm.
🏠Read the Fine Print
Check what is included: linens, towels, beach chairs, beach badges. Some rentals require you to bring your own.
🏠Consider Shoulder Season
May, early June, and September offer great weather, fewer crowds, and significant savings. Many restaurants stay open.
🏠Factor in All Costs
Add cleaning fees, security deposits, and beach badge costs to your budget. Some properties charge for pool heat or AC.
🏠Use Reputable Agencies
Local rental agencies know the properties best. They can help if issues arise during your stay.
Find Accommodations
Vrbo
Search Jersey Shore
FAQ
When should I book a vacation rental at the Jersey Shore?
For peak summer weeks (July 4th, August), book 6-12 months in advance. Prime properties rent out before January. Spring and fall availability is easier to find with shorter lead times.
What is the typical rental period at the Jersey Shore?
Most rentals are Saturday-to-Saturday during peak summer (late June through August). Shoulder season offers more flexibility with weekend rentals and shorter stays available.
How much do vacation rentals cost at the Jersey Shore?
Prices vary widely by location and size. Budget options start around $1,500/week for small condos. Average beach houses run $3,000-6,000/week. Luxury oceanfront homes can exceed $15,000/week.
Which Jersey Shore town is best for vacation rentals?
Long Beach Island offers the most options and classic shore experience. Stone Harbor and Avalon are upscale family favorites. Ocean City is best for families. Wildwood has budget-friendly condos.
Are vacation rentals pet-friendly at the Jersey Shore?
Pet-friendly rentals are limited but exist. LBI and Wildwood have more options. Most upscale areas restrict pets. Expect a pet fee ($100-300) and a security deposit.
Do vacation rentals include beach badges?
Some rentals include beach badges, but most do not. Always ask. Beach badges cost $25-50/week per person at most shore towns. LBI, Wildwood, and Atlantic City have free beaches.
What should I bring to a vacation rental?
Most rentals are fully equipped with linens, towels, and kitchen items. Some require you to bring beach towels, sheets, or both. Check the listing for specifics. Beach chairs and umbrellas often not included.
Is it better to rent a house or condo at the shore?
Houses offer more space, privacy, and often outdoor areas. Condos are typically more affordable and may include pools and amenities. For large groups, houses are usually better value.
Related Guides
Find Your Beach House
Browse vacation rentals at the Jersey Shore