Shore Towns NJ Map
Explore 45+ shore towns across 127 miles of New Jersey coastline. Click any marker to view town details, beaches, and attractions.
Click any town marker to explore
Tap a colored dot to see beaches, restaurants, and local guides
Popular Shore Towns
Your Complete Guide to NJ Shore Towns
The New Jersey Shore spans 127 miles from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May Point in the south, featuring over 45 unique beach towns across four coastal counties. Whether you're looking for family-friendly beaches in Ocean City, the vibrant nightlife of Asbury Park, or the Victorian charm of Cape May, our interactive map helps you discover every shore town.
Know Your Shore Regions
North Shore (Monmouth)
Sandy Hook → Point Pleasant
Urban accessible, train-friendly, diverse
Best for: NYC day trips, music scene, LGBTQ+ friendly
Central Shore (Ocean)
Seaside → Barnegat Light
Classic boardwalk, family vacation, island life
Best for: Family vacations, beach houses, fishing
South Shore (Atlantic)
Brigantine → Margate
Casino energy, free beaches, entertainment
Best for: Casinos, nightlife, budget beaches
Cape Region (Cape May)
Ocean City → Cape May Point
Family-friendly, Victorian charm, nature
Best for: Families, couples, birding, history
🚗 Drive Times from Major Cities
| From | North Shore | Central | South Shore | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYC (Midtown) | 1h 15min | 1h 45min | 2h 30min | Use Holland Tunnel or GWB depending on destination |
| Philadelphia | 1h 45min | 1h 15min | 1h | AC Expressway is fastest to south shore |
| Newark/Jersey City | 45min | 1h 15min | 2h | Garden State Parkway is the main route |
| Trenton | 1h | 45min | 1h 30min | Central location gives good access to all areas |
Trip Planning Tips
✓ North vs South: Know the Difference
North shore (Monmouth) is closest to NYC with train access. South shore (Cape May) is closer to Philly with more Victorian charm. Pick based on where you're coming from.
✓ Free Beach Towns Save Money
Atlantic City, Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Strathmere have free beaches. Other towns charge $5-15/day for beach badges.
✓ Train Access Changes Everything
NJ Transit runs to 10+ shore towns from NYC. If you're car-free, stick to Asbury Park, Long Branch, Bradley Beach, Belmar, or Point Pleasant.
✓ Island Towns Need Planning
LBI, Wildwood, and barrier islands have limited bridges. Traffic can be brutal on summer Saturdays. Leave early or late.
✓ Shoulder Season is the Secret
Late May, early June, and September have great weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Locals call it the sweet spot.
✓ South is Warmer, North is Cooler
Cape May water temps are 5-10°F warmer than Sandy Hook. If you want to swim, go south.
First-Time Visitor Guide
Which town should I visit first?▼
For a classic shore experience: Ocean City (family), Asbury Park (music/food), Cape May (charm). For free beaches: Wildwood or Atlantic City.
How long should I stay?▼
Day trips work from NYC/Philly. For a real shore experience, stay 3-4 nights. A week lets you explore multiple towns.
When is the best time to visit?▼
Peak: July 4th-Labor Day (crowded, expensive). Sweet spot: Late May, June, September (good weather, fewer crowds).
Should I drive or take the train?▼
Train for North shore day trips from NYC. Car for flexibility, South shore access, or island hopping.
Frequently Asked Questions About NJ Shore Towns
How many shore towns are in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Shore has 45+ beach towns spanning 127 miles of coastline across 4 counties: Monmouth County (15 towns), Ocean County (14 towns), Atlantic County (5 towns), and Cape May County (11 towns). Each town has its own unique character and beach badge policies.
Which NJ shore towns have free beaches?
Five Jersey Shore towns offer free beaches with no badge required: Atlantic City, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood, and Strathmere. Most other towns require daily or seasonal beach badges ranging from $5 to $15 per day.
How do I get to the Jersey Shore by train?
NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line runs from Penn Station NYC and Newark to shore towns including Long Branch, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, and Bay Head. The Atlantic City Rail Line serves Atlantic City from Philadelphia.
Where does the Jersey Shore start and end?
The Jersey Shore stretches from Sandy Hook in the north (Monmouth County) to Cape May Point in the south. The total coastline is approximately 127 miles, running along the Atlantic Ocean from the New York Harbor entrance to Delaware Bay.