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 trip wallet-friendly without sacrificing fun.
Perfect For
Estimated Cost
$300-500 for 2
$150-250 per person
Trip Highlights
- ✓Free beaches at Wildwood and Atlantic City
- ✓Free Cape May Zoo
- ✓Boardwalk people-watching (free!)
- ✓Affordable boardwalk eats
- ✓Free beach concerts and events
- ✓Budget-friendly motels
- ✓Pack your own beach picnics
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Free Beach Paradise
Theme: Wildwood - Everything Free
Wildwood
🌅 Morning
Arrive in Wildwood
💡 Free parking available on side streets away from boardwalk
Beach time
Wildwood Beach
Duration: 4 hours
💡 Wildwood beaches are always free! Widest beaches on the shore.
☀️ Afternoon
Budget boardwalk lunch
Wildwood Boardwalk
💡 Split a bucket of Curley's Fries ($8). Add a slice of pizza ($3). Done.
Free boardwalk entertainment
Wildwood Boardwalk
💡 Walk the 2-mile boardwalk, watch the tram cars, people watch
Check into motel
Wildwood or Wildwood Crest
💡 Many affordable motels in the $80-120/night range
🌙 Evening
Grocery store dinner supplies
ShopRite or ACME
💡 Get deli sandwiches, chips, drinks. Eat at the beach or motel.
Sunset on the beach
💡 Best free entertainment at the shore
Free boardwalk concerts (summer)
Fox Park, Wildwood
💡 Many free concerts throughout summer at the bandshell
Day Tips
- • Pack a cooler with water and snacks from home
- • Free parking on residential streets if you don't mind walking
🌧️ Rainy Day Plan
If rainy: Browse the dollar store, catch a matinee movie at Frank Theatre
Free Attractions Day
Theme: Zoo, Beach & Boardwalk
Cape May / Wildwood
🌅 Morning
Motel continental breakfast
💡 Many budget motels include basic breakfast
Cape May County Zoo
Cape May Court House
Duration: 2.5 hours
💡 One of the best free attractions in NJ! Lions, giraffes, and more.
☀️ Afternoon
Pack lunch from cooler
💡 Eat at zoo picnic area or head to beach
Beach time
Wildwood Beach
Duration: 3 hours
Walk to Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
North Wildwood
💡 Beautiful lighthouse with free gardens
🌙 Evening
Happy hour specials
Various Wildwood bars
💡 Many bars have $1-2 tacos, cheap drinks 4-6pm
Budget boardwalk dinner
💡 Mack's Pizza slice + drink + soft serve = $12
Evening beach bonfire (if permitted)
💡 Check local rules - some beaches allow evening fires
Day Tips
- • Cape May Zoo is legitimately free - plan 2-3 hours
- • Pack sandwiches and save $30+ on lunch
Atlantic City & Home
Theme: Free Beach & Cheap Thrills
Atlantic City
🌅 Morning
Check out, quick breakfast
💡 Grab a bagel or muffin to go
Drive to Atlantic City
Duration: 30 min
Free beach time
Atlantic City Beach
Duration: 2 hours
💡 AC beaches are free! Park at one of the cheaper lots away from boardwalk.
☀️ Afternoon
Cheap eats lunch
White House Sub Shop
💡 Famous subs - one large feeds two. Cash only.
Walk the AC Boardwalk
💡 People watch, see the casinos, free entertainment
Casino walk-through
💡 Walk through Borgata or Hard Rock. Air-conditioned, free bathrooms.
Head home
💡 Beat the traffic by leaving early
Day Tips
- • Atlantic City beaches are free year-round
- • White House Sub is famous and affordable - split a large
- • Casino hotels have free parking with validation
Where to Stay
Motel in Wildwood/Wildwood Crest
Wildwood/Wildwood Crest
Dozens of classic motels from $80-130/night
💡 Book on Hotels.com or call directly for best rates
Search Rentals in Wildwood/Wildwood Crest →Caribbean Motel
Wildwood Crest
Retro doo-wop style, pool, good value
Search Rentals in Wildwood Crest →Motel in North Wildwood
North Wildwood
Slightly less touristy, good rates
Search Rentals in North Wildwood →Seashore Campsites
Cape May area
Tent sites from $40-60/night. Cheapest option!
💡 Bring your own gear or rent a cabin
Search Rentals in Cape May area →Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Packing List
- Cooler (essential for savings)
- Sandwich supplies and snacks
- Reusable water bottles
- Beach chairs and umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Beach towels
- Cash ($100-150 total)
- Portable phone charger
Pro Tips
- 💡Wildwood and Atlantic City = FREE beaches. This is huge savings.
- 💡Pack a cooler with food from home - save $50-100 over the trip
- 💡Many budget motels include free continental breakfast
- 💡Cape May Zoo is 100% free and one of the best in NJ
- 💡Boardwalks are free to walk - entertainment without spending
- 💡Happy hour specials (4-6pm) offer cheap food and drinks
- 💡Grocery store deli sections have cheap, good sandwiches
- 💡Free parking exists - just walk a few extra blocks
- 💡Check local event calendars for free concerts and movies
- 💡Bring everything you need - rentals add up fast
Cost Breakdown
Accommodations
$80-150/night
Food
$40-60/day for 2
Activities
$30-50 total
Transportation
$20-40 parking/gas
May Not Be Ideal For
- • Those wanting luxury experience
- • Fine dining seekers
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