The first major shore weekend of the year. Wetsuit, cooler, sunscreen, and the gear that handles cold water + summer crowds.
Memorial Day weekend is shore opening weekend. Water is still 60-65°F, beaches are crowded, towns are at peak energy. Pack for cold water + warm sun + traffic.
Tested at Belmar, Cape May, Wildwood across multiple Memorial Day weekends. Cold water + warm air = wetsuit-and-sunscreen reality.
Total kit cost
$200–$500 total · order by mid-May for arrival
Pick what you need below. Every link is Prime-eligible where possible — most arrive before the weekend.
NJ water hits 60-65°F over Memorial Day. Trunks aren't enough.
O'NEILL
O'Neill Hyperfreak 4/3 — the right thickness for late-May NJ water. Surf, swim, kayak — same suit handles everything.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Memorial Day weekend dawn surf
Saturday-through-Monday capacity, 4-day ice retention.
YETI
RTIC 45 — 5-day ice covers Memorial Day weekend without re-icing. Stays in the trunk all summer afterward.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Beach Haven Memorial Day rental
NJ sun in May is deceptive — UV index hits 7+ even with cool air.
Sun Bum
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 — reef-safe, blends without white cast. Memorial Day sun catches people off guard.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Wildwood Memorial Day sunburn season
Memorial Day crowds = need shade.
Elegear
Pacific Breeze Deluxe XL — 4-6 person family tent. Memorial Day weekend = densely packed beaches; tent claims your spot.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Cape May Memorial Day weekend setup
Garden State Parkway south of Asbury Park hits 4-5x normal traffic Friday afternoon. Leave Thursday or Saturday morning, not Friday afternoon.
Most NJ municipal beaches require tags starting Memorial Day weekend (some Saturday, some Sunday). Buy ahead online to skip the booth line.
NJ ocean is 60-65°F over Memorial Day. Surfers wear 4/3 wetsuits. Swimmers feel cold within 5 minutes. Plan accordingly.
Belmar, Wildwood, Atlantic City all peak this weekend. Cape May fills up. Quieter alternatives: Bradley Beach, Avon-by-the-Sea, Wildwood Crest.
Seasonal deals on the gear we test on the shore.
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Yes for surfing. Water is 60-65°F. Without a 4/3mm sealed-seam wetsuit, sessions end in 30 minutes due to cold. Trunks alone don't work in May.
Depends on your tolerance. Belmar, Wildwood, AC are peak chaos. Bradley Beach, Avon, Spring Lake are still busy but manageable. Cape May fills up; book hotels months ahead.
All boardwalks (Wildwood, AC, Asbury, Cape May), most restaurants, lifeguarded beaches, museums. Some attractions still on weekend-only schedule until mid-June.
Wider beach setup.
Read more →GuideThickness by season.
Read more →Starter kitFor Memorial Day weekend rentals.
Read more →PlanningBest months by month.
Read more →BeachesMemorial Day weekend hotspot.
Read more →BeachesFamily Memorial Day capital.
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