Best Photo Spots at the Jersey Shore
The complete photographer's guide to capturing the magic of the shore. From iconic lighthouses to hidden gems.
Why the Jersey Shore for Photography?
The Jersey Shore offers an incredible diversity of subjects within a compact area: historic lighthouses, Victorian architecture, vibrant street art, classic boardwalks, pristine marshlands, and 127 miles of coastline. East-facing beaches provide spectacular sunrises, while Cape May Point delivers legendary sunsets over Delaware Bay.
Sunrise & Sunset
East-facing beaches for sunrise, Cape May for sunset.
Diverse Subjects
Lighthouses, Victorian homes, murals, boardwalks, wildlife.
Compact Area
Multiple iconic spots within short drives of each other.
Lighthouses & Landmarks
Iconic structures that define the Jersey Shore skyline
Barnegat Lighthouse
Barnegat Light
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.
Pro Tips
- •Sunrise shots from the beach looking up at the lighthouse
- •Climb to the top (217 steps) for incredible views
- •The jetty provides leading lines toward the lighthouse
Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Point
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.
Pro Tips
- •Sunset shots from the west side with the bay in background
- •Climb to the top (199 steps) for panoramic shots
- •The surrounding state park has additional nature photography opportunities
Wildwood Beach Sign
Wildwood
The classic colorful "Wildwoods" sign on the beach is an iconic Jersey Shore photo spot. Multiple sign locations along the beach.
Pro Tips
- •Morning light provides even illumination on the letters
- •Multiple sign locations - check near Rio Grande Ave and Schellenger Ave
- •Wide free beaches mean you can get creative with angles
Street Art & Murals
Colorful murals and urban art for creative backdrops
Asbury Park Murals
Asbury Park
28+ murals from the Wooden Walls Project covering buildings throughout downtown. Colorful, vibrant backdrops perfect for portraits and street photography.
Pro Tips
- •Avoid harsh midday sun - shoot early morning or late afternoon
- •Cookman Avenue has the highest concentration of murals
- •Many murals are on building sides - check alleys and side streets
Architecture
Victorian homes, modern design, and historic buildings
Cape May Victorian District
Cape May
Over 600 Victorian-era buildings create a living museum of 19th-century architecture. Colorful painted ladies line the streets.
Pro Tips
- •The Emlen Physick Estate is particularly photogenic
- •Hughes Street has some of the most colorful examples
- •Golden hour light brings out the warm tones of painted facades
Convention Hall & Paramount Theatre
Asbury Park
Grand 1930s beachfront buildings with stunning Beaux-Arts architecture. The curved facade and iconic signage are photography gold.
Pro Tips
- •Sunrise light illuminates the east-facing facade beautifully
- •Blue hour shots with the neon signs lit are dramatic
- •The interior of Paramount Theatre is stunning if you can get access
Long Branch Pier Village
Long Branch
Modern oceanfront complex with upscale shopping and dining. Clean, contemporary architecture meets beach vibes.
Pro Tips
- •East-facing beach is perfect for sunrise
- •The pier extends into the ocean for unique angles
- •Modern architecture provides clean, minimalist backdrops
Nature & Wildlife
Marshes, wetlands, and natural landscapes
Stone Harbor Wetlands Institute
Stone Harbor
Salt marsh ecosystem with observation towers and trails. Prime location for bird and nature photography.
Pro Tips
- •Osprey nesting season (April-August) provides wildlife opportunities
- •The observation tower offers 360-degree marsh views
- •Sunset light over the marsh is magical
Boardwalks & Piers
Classic boardwalk scenes and amusement pier shots
Atlantic City Boardwalk & Steel Pier
Atlantic City
The world-famous boardwalk with Steel Pier, casino skyline, and iconic rolling chairs. Endless urban beach photography opportunities.
Pro Tips
- •Blue hour captures casino lights reflecting on the ocean
- •Steel Pier provides colorful evening shots
- •The rolling chairs make unique Jersey Shore-specific subjects
Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach
Family-friendly boardwalk with the iconic Jenkinson's sign, aquarium, and classic boardwalk atmosphere.
Pro Tips
- •The Jenkinson's sign makes a great focal point
- •Aquarium provides unique through-glass shots
- •Mini golf course is colorfully lit at night
Ocean City Boardwalk & Piers
Ocean City
Classic boardwalk views with Gillian's Wonderland Pier and Music Pier as focal points. The 2.5-mile boardwalk offers endless shooting opportunities.
Pro Tips
- •Evening shots with pier lights create magical atmosphere
- •Music Pier at sunset is particularly photogenic
- •Early morning before crowds for clean boardwalk shots
Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Seaside Heights
Classic Jersey Shore boardwalk with Casino Pier and its famous roller coaster. Vibrant, colorful, quintessentially Jersey.
Pro Tips
- •Evening shots capture the neon lights and energy
- •The roller coaster makes dramatic silhouettes at sunset
- •Early morning for empty boardwalk compositions
Historic Sites
Historic lighthouses and preserved heritage locations
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Sandy Hook
The oldest working lighthouse in the United States (1764). Gateway views to the NYC skyline on clear days.
Pro Tips
- •Clear fall/winter days provide best NYC skyline visibility
- •Sunrise light on the lighthouse with city backdrop is spectacular
- •The keeper's house and surrounding buildings add historic context
Twin Lights Historic Site
Highlands
Unique brownstone lighthouse with two towers. Perched on the Navesink Highlands with sweeping views of Sandy Hook Bay and the ocean.
Pro Tips
- •The elevation provides panoramic views for landscape shots
- •Fall foliage adds color to compositions
- •The museum building's architecture is photogenic in its own right
Photo Spots by Region
Northern Shore
Sandy Hook to Long Branch - lighthouses, urban beaches, and NYC skyline views
Asbury Park
Best: Any Time
Asbury Park
Best: Sunrise
Long Branch
Best: Sunrise
Sandy Hook
Best: Sunrise
Highlands
Best: Golden Hour
Central Shore
Point Pleasant to LBI - classic boardwalks and Barnegat Lighthouse
Barnegat Light
Best: Sunrise
Point Pleasant Beach
Best: Evening
Seaside Heights
Best: Evening
Southern Shore
Atlantic City to Cape May - casinos, Victorian charm, and famous sunsets
Atlantic City
Best: Blue Hour
Cape May Point
Best: Sunset
Cape May
Best: Golden Hour
Ocean City
Best: Evening
Stone Harbor
Best: Golden Hour
Cape May Point
Best: Sunset
Wildwood
Best: Sunrise
Photography Tips by Subject
Lighthouse Photography
- •Arrive 30 minutes before golden hour for setup
- •Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance sky
- •Include foreground elements (rocks, grass, paths) for depth
- •Try different angles - low angle shots make lighthouses look taller
- •Night shots with stars require a tripod and long exposure (15-30 seconds)
Beach & Ocean
- •Use a fast shutter speed (1/500+) to freeze waves
- •Or slow shutter (1-2 seconds) for silky water effect
- •Low angle shots create dramatic perspective
- •Footprints and patterns in sand add interest
- •Protect gear from salt spray - wipe down after every session
Boardwalk & Night
- •Blue hour (20-30 min after sunset) balances ambient and artificial light
- •Use a tripod for sharp night shots
- •High ISO (1600-3200) for handheld low light
- •Neon signs and rides create colorful reflections on wet surfaces
- •Early morning before crowds for clean compositions
Wildlife & Birds
- •Telephoto lens (200mm+) is essential
- •Early morning and late afternoon for best activity
- •Cape May in fall is peak migration - thousands of birds
- •Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary and Forsythe Refuge are top spots
- •Be patient and stay quiet - birds spook easily
Seasonal Photography Guide
Spring (April-May)
- •Osprey nesting season begins
- •Horseshoe crab migration (May)
- •Wildflowers and beach grasses
- •Fewer crowds for clean shots
Best for: Wildlife, nature, empty beach landscapes
Summer (June-August)
- •Long golden hours (sunrise 5:30am, sunset 8:30pm)
- •Sunset Beach flag ceremony
- •Boardwalk activity and lifestyle shots
- •Whale watching boat trips
Best for: Lifestyle, boardwalk scenes, long exposures at dawn/dusk
Fall (September-November)
- •Peak bird migration at Cape May
- •Dramatic storm light and clouds
- •Fall foliage backdrop
- •Fewer crowds, comfortable weather
Best for: Wildlife, landscape, moody dramatic shots
Winter (December-March)
- •Seal watching (January-April)
- •Empty beaches, dramatic waves
- •Holiday lights on boardwalks
- •NYC skyline from Sandy Hook on clear days
Best for: Seascapes, wildlife, minimalist compositions
Recommended Gear for Shore Photography
Essential
- ✓UV filter (protects from sand/salt)
- ✓Lens hood (reduces glare)
- ✓Microfiber cloths (cleaning)
- ✓Sealed camera bag
- ✓Ziplock bags (emergency protection)
Recommended
- ○Polarizing filter (water shots)
- ○ND filter (long exposures)
- ○Tripod (sunrise/sunset/night)
- ○Wide angle lens (landscapes)
- ○Telephoto lens (wildlife)
Nice to Have
- •Drone (check regulations)
- •GoPro for water shots
- •Remote shutter release
- •Waterproof camera bag
- •Graduated ND filter
Photography FAQs
Plan Your Photo Trip
Get the timing right and gear up for the perfect shots.