Things to Do at the Jersey Shore
From classic boardwalk fun to outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone at the shore.
Boardwalk Fun
Classic Jersey Shore entertainment on the boards.
Amusement Rides
Seaside Heights, Wildwood, Point Pleasant
Classic and modern rides for all ages. Moreys Piers in Wildwood has over 100 rides.
Arcade Games
All major boardwalks
Win prizes at skee-ball, claw machines, and classic arcade games.
Boardwalk Food
All boardwalks
Funnel cakes, pizza, cheese steaks, fresh-cut fries, and salt water taffy.
Mini Golf
Most beach towns
Themed mini golf courses, often open late into the evening.
Water Activities
Make the most of the Atlantic Ocean.
Surfing
Long Branch, Belmar, Ocean City, Wildwood
Consistent waves for beginners and experienced surfers. Many towns have surf schools.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Island Beach State Park, Barnegat Bay, Cape May
Calm bay waters are perfect for paddling. Rentals widely available.
Jet Skiing
Wildwood, Seaside Heights, Atlantic City
Rent jet skis for bay and ocean riding. Must be 18+ to operate.
Parasailing
Wildwood, Point Pleasant, Atlantic City
Soar above the shore for incredible views. Best on calm days.
Fishing
Cast a line in the Atlantic or local bays.
Surf Fishing
Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, LBI
Fish from the beach for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke. NJ fishing license required.
Charter Boat Fishing
Point Pleasant, Barnegat Light, Cape May
Half-day and full-day deep sea fishing trips. Equipment usually provided.
Bay Fishing
Barnegat Bay, Great Bay, Delaware Bay
Calmer waters for crabbing and bay fishing. Great for families.
Pier Fishing
Atlantic City, Ocean City, Belmar
Fish from public piers without a boat. Some piers dont require a license.
Book a Fishing Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
Nature & Wildlife
Explore coastal ecosystems and wildlife.
Birding
Cape May, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, Sandy Hook
Cape May is one of the top birding spots in North America, especially during fall migration.
Hiking & Nature Trails
Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, Cape May Point
Coastal trails through dunes, maritime forests, and wetlands.
Whale Watching
Cape May, Point Pleasant
Seasonal boat tours to see humpback and fin whales. Best from May-October.
Dolphin Watching
Wildwood, Cape May, Atlantic City
Bottlenose dolphins are common sights on boat tours and sometimes from shore.
Nightlife & Entertainment
After the sun goes down.
Live Music
Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Cape May
Asbury Parks Stone Pony is legendary. Atlantic City casinos host major acts.
Casinos
Atlantic City
Nine casinos with gaming, shows, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Bars & Clubs
Belmar, Long Branch, Atlantic City, Seaside Heights
Beach bars, rooftop lounges, and dance clubs. Most active in summer.
Movies on the Beach
Various towns throughout summer
Free outdoor movie screenings on the beach. Bring blankets and chairs.
Family Fun
Kid-friendly activities everyone can enjoy.
Water Parks
Wildwood (Raging Waters), Atlantic City (Steel Pier)
Slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Perfect for hot days.
Aquariums & Museums
Atlantic City (Aquarium), Cape May (Nature Center)
Educational fun for rainy days or breaks from the beach.
Go-Karts
Wildwood, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant
Race tracks for kids and adults. Multiple speed levels available.
Mini Golf
Most shore towns
Creative themed courses with obstacles. Often open until late evening.
Activities by Trip Type
Romantic Getaway
Best: Cape May, Spring Lake, Bay Head
- ✓ Sunset kayaking
- ✓ Cape May winery tours
- ✓ Lighthouse walks
- ✓ Beach bonfires
Avoid: Crowded boardwalks on peak weekends
Family Vacation
Best: Wildwood, Ocean City, Point Pleasant
- ✓ Morey's Piers
- ✓ Jenkinson's Aquarium
- ✓ Mini golf
- ✓ Dolphin watching
Avoid: Late-night boardwalk crowds at Seaside Heights
Friends Weekend
Best: Atlantic City, Belmar, Long Branch, Asbury Park
- ✓ Bar crawls
- ✓ Jet skiing
- ✓ Casino gaming
- ✓ Beach volleyball
Avoid: Dry towns if nightlife is a priority
Solo Adventure
Best: Asbury Park, Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook
- ✓ Surfing lessons
- ✓ Birding at Cape May
- ✓ Nature trails
- ✓ Pier fishing
Avoid: Activities that require groups or partners
Active/Outdoors
Best: Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, Barnegat Bay
- ✓ Biking trails
- ✓ Kayaking
- ✓ Kiteboarding
- ✓ Hiking at state parks
Avoid: Crowded beach days - go early or off-peak
☔ Rainy Day Activities
Don't let weather ruin your shore trip. Here are the best indoor options.
Boardwalk Arcades
Wildwood, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant
$20-50 for extended play
Lucky Leo's in Seaside has classic games. Wildwood arcades are the largest.
Atlantic City Aquarium
Atlantic City Marina District
$10-15 adults
Touch tanks and feedings are popular. Allow 1-2 hours.
Jenkinson's Aquarium
Point Pleasant Beach
$15-20 adults
Penguin encounters and shark feedings. Great for families.
Escape Rooms
Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Wildwood
$25-35 per person
Book in advance for summer weekends. Best for groups of 4-6.
Asbury Lanes
Asbury Park
$25-40 per hour for lane
Retro bowling alley with live music. 21+ after 9pm.
Casino Gaming
Atlantic City (9 casinos)
Varies - set a budget
Free parking at most casinos. Restaurants and shows available too.
Movie Theaters
Most shore towns
$12-18 per ticket
Frank Theatres in Wildwood shows first-run films.
Indoor Mini Golf
Various locations
$10-15 per round
Glow-in-the-dark courses are popular. Check for indoor options.
💰 Activity Budget Guide
| Activity | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Day | Free-$15 | Badge fees vary - Wildwood and Atlantic City beaches are free |
| Boardwalk Rides | $30-60 | Wristbands offer best value for unlimited rides |
| Arcade Games | $20-50 | Set a limit before you start. Prize games cost more |
| Surfing Lesson | $60-100 | Group lessons cheaper. Board rental included |
| Kayak Rental | $25-50/hour | Full-day rentals available for better rates |
| Jet Ski Rental | $75-150/hour | Requires 18+. Gas often not included |
| Parasailing | $75-100 | Per person. Higher flights cost more |
| Fishing Charter | $80-200 | Half-day vs full-day. Party boats cheaper than private |
| Whale Watch | $40-60 | Book early for weekend trips |
| Mini Golf | $10-15 | Per round. Discounts for second rounds |
| Go-Karts | $8-15 | Per ride. Speed varies by track |
| Water Park | $40-60 | Online tickets often discounted |
Seasonal Activity Guide
☀️Peak Summer (Jul-Aug)▼
Best Activities:
💡 Book activities early. Arrive before 10am for parking. Weekdays less crowded.
🌤️Shoulder Season (May-Jun, Sep)▼
Best Activities:
💡 Best balance of weather and fewer crowds. Many discounts available.
🍂Fall (Oct-Nov)▼
Best Activities:
💡 Cape May birding peaks mid-October. Fall colors along nature trails.
❄️Winter (Dec-Mar)▼
Best Activities:
💡 Many outdoor activities closed. AC casinos and restaurants operate year-round.
🌷Spring (Apr)▼
Best Activities:
💡 Water still cold. Great for outdoor activities without summer crowds.
🌟 First-Timer Must-Do Activities
New to the Jersey Shore? These five activities capture the essence of what makes the shore special.
Walk the Wildwood Boardwalk
The most classic Jersey Shore experience. Free beaches, 2+ miles of boards, and Morey's Piers.
⏰ Evening for lights and atmosphere
Sunset at Cape May Point
Watch the sun set over the bay from the lighthouse or Sunset Beach.
⏰ 1-2 hours before sunset
Island Beach State Park
Unspoiled barrier island with nature trails. See what the shore looked like before development.
⏰ Morning for best parking and birding
Stone Pony Show
Historic Asbury Park venue where Springsteen got his start. Still hosts great live music.
⏰ Check schedule - varies by act
Fresh Seafood Dinner
Try local catches at shore restaurants. Lobster House in Cape May, Clam Bar in Wildwood.
⏰ Sunset for waterfront dining
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best activities for families at the Jersey Shore?
Top family activities include boardwalk amusement rides at Wildwood, Point Pleasant, and Seaside Heights; water parks like Morey's Raging Waters; mini golf courses throughout shore towns; arcades and games on the boardwalk; and wildlife watching at Island Beach State Park and Cape May.
Where can I go surfing at the Jersey Shore?
Popular surfing spots include Long Branch, Belmar, Ocean City, and Wildwood. Many towns have surf schools offering lessons for beginners. Belmar and Manasquan are known for consistent waves. Check local surf reports and be aware of designated surfing areas on guarded beaches.
Do I need a fishing license for the Jersey Shore?
Yes, a New Jersey saltwater fishing license is required for most fishing. However, some piers and party boats include the license in their fee. Surf fishing, bay fishing, and freshwater fishing all require appropriate licenses. Licenses can be purchased online through the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife.
What water sports are available at the Jersey Shore?
Water sports include surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and kiteboarding. Rentals are available in most beach towns. Calmer bay waters are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, while ocean beaches offer surfing and jet skiing. Most require you to be 18+ for motorized watercraft.
Where is the best place for whale watching at the Jersey Shore?
Cape May and Point Pleasant are the top whale watching departure points. Tours run from May through October when humpback and fin whales feed offshore. Cape May also offers dolphin watching tours year-round. Book tours in advance during peak summer season.
What are the best boardwalks at the Jersey Shore?
Top boardwalks include Wildwood (2 miles, Morey's Piers, free beach), Seaside Heights (classic Jersey Shore feel), Point Pleasant (Jenkinson's rides and aquarium), Atlantic City (4 miles, Steel Pier, casinos), and Ocean City (family-friendly, Wonderland Pier). Each offers unique character and attractions.
Are there hiking trails at the Jersey Shore?
Yes! Island Beach State Park offers 10 miles of trails through dunes and maritime forest. Sandy Hook has trails with NYC skyline views. Cape May Point State Park features nature trails and hawk watching platforms. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge has trails for birding.
What nightlife options are there at the Jersey Shore?
Nightlife varies by town. Atlantic City has casino clubs, bars, and shows 24/7. Asbury Park features live music at Stone Pony and Wonder Bar. Belmar and Long Branch have active bar scenes. Seaside Heights has beach bars. Many towns are quieter, family-oriented after dark.
Can I rent equipment for beach activities?
Yes, most beach towns have rental shops for beach chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, boogie boards, kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes. Many are located near beach entrances or on boardwalks. Reservations are recommended for kayaks and paddleboards during peak summer weekends.
What activities are available on rainy days at the Jersey Shore?
Rainy day options include boardwalk arcades, aquariums (Atlantic City, Point Pleasant), museums, bowling alleys (Asbury Lanes), indoor mini golf, escape rooms, movie theaters, and exploring indoor attractions at Atlantic City casinos. Many restaurants and bars have covered areas.
Find the Perfect Shore Town for You
Each town has its own personality and activities. Explore to find your match.
Explore Shore Towns