Trip Itineraries
Pre-planned Jersey Shore vacations, ready to go. Pick your style and start packing.
Popular Itineraries
Classic Weekend Getaway
The perfect 2-day Jersey Shore escape
A quintessential Jersey Shore weekend hitting all the highlights: beach time, boardwalk fun, fresh seafood, and stunning sunsets. Perfect for first-ti...
Ultimate Family Week
7 days of family fun at the Jersey Shore
A week-long family adventure packed with beaches, boardwalks, water parks, mini golf, and wildlife encounters. Designed for families with kids of all ...
Romantic Escape
A dreamy couples getaway at the shore
An intimate 3-day retreat designed for couples seeking romance, relaxation, and connection. Victorian B&Bs, sunset sails, wine tastings, and candlelit...
Budget Explorer
Maximum shore fun, minimum spend
Proof that you don't need deep pockets to have an amazing Jersey Shore vacation. Free beaches, affordable eats, and free attractions make this 3-day t...
All Trip Plans
Adventure Trip
3-day
Active outdoor experiences
Coming SoonLuxury Retreat
4-day
Premium shore indulgence
Coming SoonSolo Traveler
3-day
Perfect for independent explorers
Coming SoonGirls Trip
3-day
Fun with your squad
Coming SoonHow to Use These Itineraries
Pick Your Style
Choose an itinerary that matches your travel style, budget, and group.
Customize
Swap activities, adjust timing, or add your own ideas. These are starting points.
Book & Go
Use the recommendations to book accommodations and activities, then enjoy!
Itineraries by Budget
💰 Budget-Friendly
Under $200/person. Free beaches, affordable motels, packed lunches.
💵 Moderate
$200-500/person. Mix of dining out and cooking, good hotels.
✨ Luxury
$500+/person. B&Bs, fine dining, spa treatments, premium experiences.
When to Visit
When you visit changes everything. Here's how each season affects your trip.
Peak Summer
Late June - August
Crowded, expensive, fully alive. Everything open, lines everywhere.
Best for:
- ✓ Families with school-age kids
- ✓ Beach lovers
- ✓ Boardwalk enthusiasts
- ✓ Night owls (nightlife peaks)
Challenges:
- ⚠ Book 4-6 weeks ahead
- ⚠ 2x-3x accommodation prices
- ⚠ Beach badge required everywhere
- ⚠ Traffic on weekends
Pro Tip: Mid-week (Tue-Thu) is significantly less crowded than weekends.
Shoulder Season
May, September, Early October
Sweet spot. Warm enough to swim, thin crowds, reasonable prices.
Best for:
- ✓ Couples
- ✓ Adults without kids
- ✓ Budget travelers
- ✓ Foodies (restaurants less rushed)
Challenges:
- ⚠ Some attractions have limited hours
- ⚠ Water can be chilly (May, Oct)
- ⚠ Weather less predictable
Pro Tip: September is the local secret—warm water, empty beaches, lower prices.
Off-Season
November - April
Quiet, contemplative, many things closed. True shore lovers only.
Best for:
- ✓ Bird watchers
- ✓ Writers/creatives seeking solitude
- ✓ Budget hunters
- ✓ Romantic getaways
Challenges:
- ⚠ Many restaurants/shops closed
- ⚠ No swimming
- ⚠ Some towns feel empty
- ⚠ Limited lodging
Pro Tip: Cape May and Asbury Park stay alive year-round. Other towns hibernate.
Which Itinerary Is Right for You?
Not sure which itinerary fits? Answer these questions.
👥 Who are you traveling with?
🎯 What's your main goal?
💵 What's your budget comfort?
Customize Your Trip
Make any itinerary your own with these tweaks.
Swap Activities
Not a morning person? Move that sunrise beach walk to sunset. Every activity has alternatives.
Adjust Pace
These itineraries are packed. Feel free to cut activities and add beach time.
Mix Itineraries
Take Day 1 from the Weekend Getaway and Day 2 from the Foodie Trail.
Budget Up or Down
Every itinerary has cheaper and fancier alternatives built in.
Packing Guide by Trip Type
What to pack depends on your itinerary style.
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Packing Guide by Trip Type
What to pack depends on your itinerary style.
🏖️ Beach-Focused Trip
Pack:
- ✓ Multiple swimsuits (they don't dry overnight)
- ✓ Beach chairs/umbrella OR budget to rent
- ✓ Reef-safe sunscreen
- ✓ Waterproof phone case
- ✓ Cooler for drinks/snacks
Skip:
- ✗ Dress clothes
- ✗ Multiple pairs of shoes
- ✗ Heavy jackets
💕 Romantic Escape
Pack:
- ✓ Nice dinner outfit (1-2 restaurants require it)
- ✓ Walking shoes for town strolls
- ✓ Light layers for evening
- ✓ Camera for sunset shots
Skip:
- ✗ Beach gear (B&Bs often provide)
- ✗ Too many options (pack light, dress up simply)
👨👩👧👦 Family with Kids
Pack:
- ✓ Extra everything (kids spill/get wet)
- ✓ First aid kit
- ✓ Snacks for car/beach
- ✓ Entertainment for car ride
- ✓ Sand toys (or buy cheap on boardwalk)
Skip:
- ✗ Expensive beachwear (it gets destroyed)
- ✗ Anything you'd be upset to lose in sand
💰 Budget Trip
Pack:
- ✓ Cooler (pack lunches, save $$$)
- ✓ Reusable water bottles
- ✓ Beach gear from home
- ✓ Snacks for boardwalk temptation avoidance
Skip:
- ✗ Rental expectations (bring your own everything)
- ✗ Plans for expensive restaurants
First Time Using an Itinerary?
First time using a pre-planned itinerary? Here's how to get the most from it.
Print or screenshot the plan
Cell service can be spotty in some beach areas. Have offline access.
Build in flex time
Don't stress about hitting every activity. The shore is for relaxing.
Have a rain backup
Every itinerary should have 1-2 indoor alternatives (shopping, movies, arcades).
Make one reservation per day max
Over-scheduling leads to stress. Keep most meals spontaneous.
Leave earlier than you think
Shore traffic is real. Add 30-60 min to Google's estimate on summer weekends.
🟢 Green Flags
- ✓ You're treating the itinerary as a suggestion, not a requirement
- ✓ You built in beach/pool time between activities
- ✓ You have backup plans for bad weather
- ✓ Everyone in your group knows the rough plan
🔴 Red Flags
- ✗ You're stressed about missing scheduled activities
- ✗ Every hour is planned with no downtime
- ✗ You haven't shared the plan with travel companions
- ✗ You booked expensive tickets for outdoor activities without checking weather
Trip Planning Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use these itineraries?
Each itinerary provides a day-by-day plan with specific activities, timing, and recommendations. Use them as a complete guide or mix and match activities to create your own trip.
Can I customize these itineraries?
Absolutely! These itineraries are meant to inspire. Swap activities, adjust timing, or skip what doesn't interest you. Each includes alternatives for rainy days too.
Are the cost estimates accurate?
Cost estimates are based on typical 2024-2025 prices and include accommodations, food, and activities. Actual costs may vary based on season, availability, and personal choices.
Which itinerary is best for first-time visitors?
The Weekend Getaway is perfect for first-timers. It hits all the highlights - beach, boardwalk, seafood, and sunset - in a manageable 2-day trip.
Do I need to book things in advance?
For summer trips, book accommodations 2-4 weeks ahead. Restaurant reservations at popular spots should be made a few days in advance. Activities like whale watches benefit from advance booking.
Need More Planning Help?
Check out our complete planning guides for tips on beaches, dining, and more.
Browse Planning Guides