Winter at the Jersey Shore
Discover the magic of the off-season: Polar Bear Plunges, St. Patrick's Day parades, Taste Atlantic City, and peaceful beaches without the crowds.
Why Visit in Winter?
No Crowds
Have the beaches and boardwalks to yourself
Lower Rates
50-70% off peak summer hotel prices
Unique Events
Polar Plunges, parades, food festivals
Photography
Dramatic winter light and empty beaches
Month-by-Month Events
January
- •Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge
Mid-January
- •Wildwood Fishing & Boating Expo
Early January
- •Wild Con
Mid-January
- •AC Wing Fest
Late January
February
- •Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge
3rd Saturday
- •Stone Pony Anniversary
Early February
- •Asbury Park Music Awards
Late February
- •Atlantic City Boat Show
Late February
March
- •Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade
1st Sunday
- •Atlantic City St. Patrick's Day Parade
Weekend before 3/17
- •Ocean County Parade (Seaside)
2nd Sunday
- •Asbury Park St. Patrick's Day Parade
2nd Sunday
- •Taste Atlantic City
All Month
- •MAAC Basketball Championships
Early March
Winter Destinations
Atlantic City
Casinos, shows, dining, and nightlife—all year round
Wildwood
20th Anniversary Polar Plunge and convention center events
Seaside Heights
NJ's largest Polar Plunge and St. Patrick's Day celebration
Asbury Park
Year-round music scene, restaurants, and cultural events
Belmar
Home to NJ's largest St. Patrick's Day parade
Cape May
Victorian charm, birding, and cozy B&Bs year-round
Indoor Activities
When the weather keeps you indoors, the shore still has plenty to offer.
Atlantic City Casinos
Atlantic City
24/7 EntertainmentSilverball Retro Arcade
Asbury Park
Pinball MuseumDoo Wop Experience Museum
Wildwood
FREE MuseumAbsecon Lighthouse
Atlantic City
Historic LighthouseTanger Outlets
Atlantic City
ShoppingCape May MAC Tours
Cape May
Historic ToursWhat to Pack for a Winter Shore Trip
Layering Essentials
- ✓Thermal base layer
- ✓Fleece mid-layer
- ✓Wind-resistant outer jacket
- ✓Waterproof shell (for Polar Plunge day)
Beach Walk Gear
- ✓Insulated hiking boots or duck boots
- ✓Wool socks (2+ pairs)
- ✓Wind-proof gloves
- ✓Beanie or ear warmers
Polar Plunge Supplies
- ✓Quick-dry towel
- ✓Warm robe or blanket
- ✓Flip flops (for sand)
- ✓Change of dry clothes
- ✓Hot hands warmers
Optional Extras
- ✓Binoculars (winter birding)
- ✓Camera with charged battery
- ✓Thermos for hot drinks
- ✓Sunglasses (winter glare)
Winter vs. Summer: Cost Comparison
| Item | Summer | Winter | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Hotel (1 night) | $189-299 | $59-99 | 60-70% |
| Beach Badge | $8-12/day | FREE | 100% |
| Parking | $15-25/day | FREE (most towns) | 100% |
| Restaurant Wait | 45-90 min | Walk-in | Your time |
| Motel (1 night) | $150-250 | $60-100 | 50-60% |
| Cape May B&B | $250-400 | $150-200 | 40-50% |
Common Winter Shore Mistakes
Assuming everything is open year-round
Driving to a boardwalk to find every shop closed. No backup plan. Hungry, cold, disappointed.
The fix: Call ahead or check websites. Many seasonal businesses close Labor Day to Memorial Day. Atlantic City and year-round restaurants are your safe bets.
Underestimating the wind chill off the ocean
That 40°F day feels like 25°F with ocean wind. Cut short your beach walk after 10 minutes, shivering.
The fix: Layer up and bring a wind-blocking outer layer. Check the "feels like" temperature, not just the actual temp.
Not booking lodging for Polar Plunge or St. Patrick's Day
These events pack the few hotels that stay open. Last-minute rates triple or no rooms at all.
The fix: Book 4-6 weeks ahead for Polar Plunge, 2+ months for Belmar St. Patrick's Day. Midweek visits have much better availability.
Driving without checking road conditions
Garden State Parkway can get icy, especially bridges. Shore towns may have limited plowing.
The fix: Check 511nj.org before heading out. Shore roads near the ocean often stay warmer, but bridges freeze fast.
Off-Season Hotel Deals
🎰 Atlantic City Casinos
Midweek rates as low as $59-89/night. Many casinos offer free parking validation and dining credits for overnight guests.
🏨 Shore B&Bs
Cape May and Ocean Grove B&Bs offer cozy winter packages with fireplaces, breakfast, and sometimes wine tastings.
🌴 Doo-Wop Motels
Wildwood's iconic mid-century motels that stay open offer significant discounts. Experience retro charm without summer prices.
📱 Last-Minute Apps
Use HotelTonight or casino apps for same-day deals. Winter inventory often results in dramatic price cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Winter Trip
Experience the Quiet Side of the Shore
Lower prices, unique events, and beaches all to yourself.