When is Memorial Day Weekend 2026?

Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25. The holiday weekend runs from Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25, 2026.

Do I need a beach badge on Memorial Day Weekend?

Most Jersey Shore beaches begin requiring badges on Memorial Day Weekend. Wildwood beaches are always FREE. Check specific town policies as some beaches remain free through May.

What is open on Memorial Day Weekend?

Memorial Day marks the official start of summer. All boardwalk rides and attractions open, lifeguards are on duty at most beaches, and all seasonal restaurants begin full operations. It's the first weekend of the 'full shore experience.'

How far in advance should I book for Memorial Day Weekend?

Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance for Memorial Day Weekend. This is one of the busiest weekends of the year. Popular hotels and vacation rentals sell out quickly.

What is the weather like at the Jersey Shore on Memorial Day Weekend?

Memorial Day Weekend typically sees highs of 68-75°F with water temperatures around 60-62°F. Swimming is possible but the water is still cold. Pack layers for cooler evenings.

Memorial Day at the Jersey Shore

The official start of summer

May 23-252026 Weekend

127Miles of Beach

45+Shore Towns

What's next at the Shore

The event calendar keeps going past the summer. These are the next dated events on it.

Browse the full event calendar →Fall at the Shore →

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Summer Officially Begins

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of summer at the Jersey Shore. Boardwalks come alive with all rides and attractions open, beaches are fully staffed with lifeguards, and the shore transforms into the summer paradise that draws millions of visitors each year. Whether you're looking for family fun in Ocean City, free beaches in Wildwood, casino excitement in Atlantic City, or Victorian elegance in Cape May - the Jersey Shore has your perfect Memorial Day destination.

Romantic Destinations

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Wildwood

Free Beaches & Boardwalk Fun

Retro family fun

Free beach access (no badges ever)Morey's Piers opens all ridesWildwoods International Kite Festival (May 22-25)Classic doo-wop motel district

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Ocean City

America's Greatest Family Resort

Classic family vacation

Family-friendly dry townBoardwalk fully operationalPlayland's Castaway Cove opensSpring Block Party kickoff weekend

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Atlantic City

Beach Ball Drop & Casino Fun

Glamorous getaway

Beach Ball Drop kickoff (May 23) - 10,000+ balls!Steel Pier fully operationalCasino pool partiesWorld-class dining and nightlife

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Cape May

Victorian Elegance

Sophisticated charm

Exit Zero Jazz FestivalElegant B&B packagesHistoric district toursSunset beach celebrations

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Long Beach Island

Island Summer Vibes

Relaxed island escape

LBI Spring Derby fishing tournamentFantasy Island opensQuiet island beachesBay-side sunset cruises

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Asbury Park

Music & Beach Culture

Hip coastal culture

Stone Pony Summer Stage opensVibrant restaurant sceneLive music all weekendTrendy beachfront hotels

Romantic Activities

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Hit the Beach

Beaches are fully staffed with lifeguards. Most towns require beach badges starting this weekend.

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Boardwalk Fun

All rides and attractions open for the season. Morey's Piers, Steel Pier, and Fantasy Island in full operation.

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Kite Festival

North America's largest kite festival in Wildwood (May 22-25) features world-class flyers and illuminated night fly.

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Fishing Season

LBI Spring Derby and Grand Slam tournaments. Striped bass running strong. Charter boats fully booked.

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Live Music

Stone Pony Summer Stage, boardwalk entertainment, and jazz in Cape May. Music everywhere.

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Seasonal Dining

All seasonal restaurants officially open. Outdoor patios, waterfront dining, and boardwalk favorites.

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Parades & Festivals

Memorial Day parades in Spring Lake, Ocean City, Point Pleasant. Bradley Beach Festival and AC Beach Ball Drop.

Romantic Restaurants

Book reservations early - these spots fill up fast for Memorial Day:

The Lobster House

Cape May

Waterfront seafood landmark

Knife & Fork Inn

Atlantic City

Historic fine dining since 1912

Manco & Manco

Ocean City

Legendary boardwalk pizza

Owen's Pub

Wildwood

Classic shore bar and grill

Pascal & Sabine

Asbury Park

French bistro elegance

The Engleside Inn

Beach Haven

LBI waterfront dining

Porta

Asbury Park

Wood-fired pizza with outdoor seating

The Mad Batter

Cape May

Victorian breakfast and brunch

Planning Your Memorial Day Getaway

Do's

• Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance
• Purchase beach badges online before arrival
• Make dinner reservations for popular restaurants
• Arrive Friday early to beat traffic
• Check event schedules for parades and fireworks
• Bring layers - evenings can still be cool

Don'ts

• Don't expect to find last-minute lodging
• Don't leave Sunday evening - traffic is brutal
• Don't skip the kite festival in Wildwood
• Don't forget sunscreen - spring sun can burn
• Don't underestimate parking challenges

Romantic Accommodations

Book your Memorial Day getaway

From Victorian B&Bs with fireplaces to luxurious casino suites, find the perfect romantic retreat. Memorial Day weekend is the busiest winter weekend - book early!