What is the best time to visit the Jersey Shore?

Summer (late June-August) has the warmest ocean temps and full amenities but is most crowded and expensive. Shoulder season (May-June, September) offers great weather with 30-50% lower prices and fewer crowds. September is the best-kept secret with warm water and empty beaches.

What should I pack for a Jersey Shore beach trip?

Essentials include sunscreen (SPF 30+), beach towels, beach chairs, a cooler with drinks and snacks, cash for badges and boardwalk, and sunglasses. Nice to have: beach umbrella, boogie board, waterproof phone case, layers for cooler evenings, and a beach cart for hauling gear.

How much does parking cost at the Jersey Shore?

Metered lots near beaches cost $15-40/day in summer. Arrive before 9am for free street parking in residential areas 3-4 blocks from the beach. Some towns offer free parking permits for renters. NJ Transit trains serve many shore towns, eliminating parking hassles entirely.

How can I avoid crowds at the Jersey Shore?

Visit in September for warm water and empty beaches. On summer weekends, arrive before 9am or after 4pm. Skip the big boardwalk towns (Seaside, Wildwood) for quieter spots like Lavallette, Avalon, or Island Beach State Park. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.

Is the Jersey Shore worth visiting in the off-season?

Yes - the off-season (October-May) offers uncrowded beaches, lower prices, and a local vibe. Cape May stays active year-round with festivals and birding. Asbury Park has great restaurants and nightlife all year. Some beach towns become ghost towns, so research before visiting.

Do I need beach badges at the Jersey Shore?

Many beaches require daily badges ($8-15/person) from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, Wildwood, Atlantic City, Sandy Hook, and a few others are always free. Badges are not required before 9am, after 5pm, or during off-season at most beaches.

Plan Your Shore Trip

Everything you need to plan the perfect Jersey Shore vacation.

18Guides

4Counties

54Beach Towns

Interactive Tool

Find Your Perfect Shore Town

Answer 5 quick questions and get personalized recommendations based on your travel style, interests, and budget.

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Popular Planning Guides

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First-Time Visitors

Everything beginners need to know: beach badges, parking, best towns, and common mistakes.

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Families with Kids

Best beaches by age, family-friendly attractions, where to stay, and rainy day activities.

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Budget Travel Guide

Free beaches, parking tips, and insider tricks to enjoy the shore on any budget.

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Couples Weekend

Romantic B&Bs, sunset sails, wine trails, and the most romantic beach towns.

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Road Trip Itineraries

3-day, 5-day, and week-long road trip routes covering the best of the Jersey Shore.

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Getting There

Driving directions, transit options, and travel tips from NYC, Philadelphia, and beyond.

More Planning Guides

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Snowed In?

Turn your snow day into summer planning. Lock in early booking deals.

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Girls Weekend

Boozy brunches, spa days, and the best towns for your squad.

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Bachelorette Parties

Pool parties, nightlife, and venues for the bride-to-be.

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Family with Teens

Boardwalks, arcades, surfing, and activities for teenagers.

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Seniors Guide

Accessible beaches, quiet towns, and senior-friendly tips.

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Solo Travel

Safe solo-friendly towns and tips for traveling alone.

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Golf Getaways

Top courses and stay-and-play packages.

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Rainy Day Activities

Indoor fun when the weather doesn't cooperate.

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Off-Season Guide

The shore has charm year-round.

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Packing Guide

Complete checklist for your beach trip.

🎫

Beach Badges

Compare badge prices and find free beach options.

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Complete Shore Guide

Everything you need to know about the shore.

Quick Planning Tips

Best Times to Visit

Peak Season (July-Aug): Warmest water, biggest crowds, highest prices
Shoulder Season (June, Sept): Great weather, fewer crowds, better deals
Off-Season (Oct-May): Quiet beaches, some towns close down, Cape May stays active

Money-Saving Tips

Visit free beaches like Wildwood and Atlantic City
Arrive before 9am or after 5pm (badges not required)
Buy season badges early for discounts
Park a few blocks away for free street parking
Pack your own food and drinks

Beach Day Packing List

Essentials

Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Beach towels
Beach chairs or blanket
Cooler with ice
Water bottles
Cash (for badges & boardwalk)
Sunglasses

Nice to Have

Beach umbrella
Boogie board
Sand toys
Waterproof phone case
Beach tent or canopy
Portable speaker
Books or games

Plan by Trip Duration

Different trip lengths call for different strategies. Here's what to expect.

☀️Day Trip($50-100 per person)▼

Best For: NYC/Philly residents, testing the waters, budget travelers

Ideal Towns: Sandy Hook (close to NYC), Atlantic City (lots to do), Point Pleasant (compact)

Must Do: Arrive by 9am, pack everything (no running to store), leave by 5pm to beat traffic

Avoid: Cape May (too far for day trip), trying to do too much

🌅Weekend (2-3 days)($300-600 total)▼

Best For: Most visitors, couples, small families

Ideal Towns: Cape May (walkable), Asbury Park (dining/nightlife), Ocean City (family activities)

Must Do: Book accommodation 2+ months ahead for summer weekends

Avoid: Overplanning - pick one town and explore it well

🏖️Week (5-7 days)($1500-3000 total)▼

Best For: Families with kids, beach lovers, those wanting to truly relax

Ideal Towns: LBI (quiet beach life), Wildwood (free beach + activities), Avalon/Stone Harbor (upscale)

Must Do: Rent a house with kitchen to save on dining, plan 1-2 day trips to nearby towns

Avoid: Staying in one spot the entire time - explore!

🌊Extended (2+ weeks)($2500-5000+ total)▼

Best For: Remote workers, retirees, families with flexible schedules

Ideal Towns: Any shore town - you'll have time to discover favorites

Must Do: Monthly rentals offer 30-50% savings, join local routines (farmers markets, coffee shops)

Avoid: Tourist traps - you have time to find local gems

Quick Trip Planning

Ready-made itineraries for weekend getaways and day trips from major cities.

🏖️ Weekend Getaways

Complete 2-3 day itineraries with where to stay, eat, and explore.

Cape May →Wildwood →Ocean City →Asbury Park →Spring Lake →Long Beach Island →

📍 1-Day Itineraries

Hour-by-hour guides to make the most of a single day.

Cape May →Wildwood →Ocean City →Asbury Park →Atlantic City →Spring Lake →

☀️ Day Trips

One-day itineraries from NYC, Philadelphia, and Newark.

From NYC

Asbury Park Long Branch Sandy Hook

From Philadelphia

Ocean City Wildwood Cape May

Rookie Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Arriving at the beach after 10am on a summer weekend

✓ Parking fills by 10am. Arrive by 8-9am or pay for expensive lot parking. Alternatively, come after 4pm.

❌ Not bringing cash for beach badges and boardwalk

✓ Many beaches and boardwalk vendors are cash-only. Bring $50-100 in small bills.

❌ Booking a hotel in Atlantic City expecting a quiet beach town

✓ AC is a casino/nightlife destination. For peaceful beaches, choose Ocean City, Cape May, or LBI instead.

❌ Planning to visit multiple shore towns in one day

✓ Shore traffic is brutal. Pick one town and enjoy it. Shore towns are 30-60+ minutes apart in summer.

❌ Forgetting that many beaches close to swimming after 5pm

✓ Lifeguards typically work 10am-5pm. You can still enjoy the beach, but swimming is at your own risk.

❌ Underestimating the sun - "I'll just use sunscreen once"

✓ Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Shore sun is intense. Bring an umbrella or tent.

Shore Regions Compared

The Jersey Shore spans 130 miles with distinct regions. Here's how they compare.

North Shore (Monmouth County)

$$$Moderate to High crowds

Vibe: Upscale, historic, artsy

Beaches: Sandy Hook, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Spring Lake, Belmar

Best For: NYC day-trippers, music lovers, upscale dining, LGBTQ+ travelers

⭐ Unique: Only area with direct NJ Transit train access to beaches

Central Shore (Ocean County)

$$High at boardwalks, Low elsewhere crowds

Vibe: Classic family shore, boardwalks

Beaches: Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, LBI, Barnegat Light

Best For: Families with kids, boardwalk lovers, fishing, quiet beach towns

⭐ Unique: Longest barrier island (LBI) with 18 miles of beach

South Shore (Atlantic County)

$ to $$$$High in AC, Low in Brigantine/Ventnor crowds

Vibe: Casinos, nightlife, entertainment

Beaches: Atlantic City, Brigantine, Ventnor, Margate

Best For: Gamblers, nightlife seekers, budget travelers (free beach), bachelor/ette parties

⭐ Unique: Only legal gambling on the East Coast outside Vegas

Cape Shore (Cape May County)

$$ to $$$$High at boardwalks, Moderate elsewhere crowds

Vibe: Victorian charm, family-friendly, nature

Beaches: Wildwood, Ocean City, Cape May, Avalon, Stone Harbor

Best For: Families, couples, history buffs, birders, upscale beach seekers

⭐ Unique: Only free major beach (Wildwood) + Victorian architecture

Budget Planning Guide

Realistic costs for different trip types (per person/couple).

Trip Type	Stay	Food	Badges	Parking	Activities	Total
Budget Day Trip	$0	$30-50	$0-15	$0-25	$20-50	$50-140
Budget Weekend	$150-250	$100-150	$15-30	$20-50	$50-100	$350-580
Mid-Range Weekend	$300-500	$200-300	$30-60	$30-50	$100-200	$660-1110
Budget Week	$800-1500	$300-500	$50-100	$50-100	$100-200	$1300-2400
Mid-Range Week	$1500-3000	$500-800	$75-150	$75-150	$200-400	$2350-4500