Best Photo Spots at the Jersey Shore
From murals to lighthouses to perfect sunsets, find Instagram-worthy locations across the shore.
Best Photo Spots
Complete guide to 15 locations with tips
Sunrise & Sunset Times
This month: Sunrise 7:20 AM, Sunset 4:50 PM
Equipment Rentals
Rent cameras, lenses, and drones for your trip
Top Photography Spots
Asbury Park Murals
Asbury Park • street art
28+ murals from the Wooden Walls Project covering buildings throughout downtown. Colorful, vibrant backdrops perfect for portraits and street photography.
Best time: Any Time
#asburyparkart
Barnegat Lighthouse
Barnegat Light • landmark
Known as "Old Barney", this 1859 lighthouse stands 172 feet tall. The red-and-white striped tower is one of the most photographed on the East Coast.
Best time: Sunrise
#oldbarney
Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Point • landmark
Iconic 1859 lighthouse standing 157 feet tall. The red-and-white structure offers 360-degree views from the top. Perfect for both wide shots and detail photography.
Best time: Sunset
#capemaylighthouse
Cape May Victorian District
Cape May • architecture
Over 600 Victorian-era buildings create a living museum of 19th-century architecture. Colorful painted ladies line the streets.
Best time: Golden Hour
#capemaynj
Convention Hall & Paramount Theatre
Asbury Park • architecture
Grand 1930s beachfront buildings with stunning Beaux-Arts architecture. The curved facade and iconic signage are photography gold.
Best time: Sunrise
#asburypark
Ocean City Boardwalk & Piers
Ocean City • boardwalk
Classic boardwalk views with Gillian's Wonderland Pier and Music Pier as focal points. The 2.5-mile boardwalk offers endless shooting opportunities.
Best time: Evening
#oceancitynj
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Sandy Hook • historic
The oldest working lighthouse in the United States (1764). Gateway views to the NYC skyline on clear days.
Best time: Sunrise
#sandyhooknj
Sunset Beach & Flag Ceremony
Cape May Point • event
Nightly flag-lowering ceremony with spectacular sunsets over Delaware Bay. The concrete ship SS Atlantus provides a unique foreground element.
Best time: Sunset
#sunsetbeachnj
Wildwood Beach Sign
Wildwood • landmark
The classic colorful "Wildwoods" sign on the beach is an iconic Jersey Shore photo spot. Multiple sign locations along the beach.
Best time: Sunrise
#wildwoodnj
Photography Tips
Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset provide the best light. Arrive 30 minutes before for setup.
Avoid Midday
Harsh shadows from 11am-3pm. If you must shoot, find shade or shoot towards water.
Beach Sunrise
East-facing beaches get spectacular sunrises. Cape May is west-facing (great sunsets instead).
Protect Your Gear
Sand and salt air damage cameras. Use UV filters and wipe down equipment after.
By Time of Day
🌅 Sunrise
- Barnegat Lighthouse
- Convention Hall & Paramount Theatre
- Long Branch Pier Village
- Sandy Hook Lighthouse
☀️ Midday
- Asbury Park murals (shade)
- Victorian houses (find shade)
- Indoor attractions
🌇 Sunset
- Cape May Lighthouse
- Sunset Beach & Flag Ceremony
Plan Your Photo Trip
Get the timing right and gear up for the perfect shots.