Jersey Shore in April
April brings the shore back to life. Empty beaches, fishing season begins, spring bird migration, and the lowest prices of the year.
Spring Awakening
Shore towns coming back to life
Free Beaches
No badges required
Fishing Season
Stripers arrive this month
Best Prices
Up to 50% off peak rates
April Week by Week
| Week | Weather | Water Temp | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Week 1 Apr 1-7, 2026 | Cool | 48-50°F |
|
Week 2 Apr 8-14 | Mild | 50-52°F |
|
Week 3 Apr 15-21 | Warming | 52-54°F |
|
Week 4 Apr 22-30 | Pleasant | 54-56°F |
|
What's Open in April
Beaches
Open - No BadgesAll beaches open for walking, sunbathing, and fishing. No lifeguards on duty. Water too cold for swimming. Perfect for peaceful beach days.
Boardwalks
Mostly ClosedMost amusement rides closed until Memorial Day. Some food stands and shops begin opening weekends in late April. Walking the boards is always free.
Restaurants
ReopeningMany seasonal restaurants reopen in April with weekend-only hours. Cape May restaurants operate year-round. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Fishing
Season StartingStriped bass arrive in April! Charter boats begin regular schedules. Surf fishing picks up. Great month for both shore and boat fishing.
Nature
Prime SeasonSpring bird migration makes April excellent for birding. State parks open with spring wildflowers. Whale watching trips begin.
Hotels
Open - Low RatesMost hotels open with significantly reduced rates - up to 50% off peak season. Great time for a budget getaway. No minimum stay requirements.
April Events & Activities
Cape May Tulip & Garden Festival
Over 200,000 tulips bloom throughout town with garden tours, wine tastings, and trolley tours.
Ocean City Doo Dah Parade
Quirky comedy parade with 300+ basset hounds, costumed participants, and irreverent floats.
NJ Marathon & Half Marathon
One of NJ's premier running events finishing at Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch.
LBI Spring Surf Fishing Derby
79-day surf fishing tournament targeting striped bass and bluefish. 100% cash payout with Catch & Release division.
North to Shore Festival: Soul & R&B Night
Atlantic City's arts festival continues with Soul Night featuring 120 (Village Bridge), Show Tyme Brookes, and Lem Turner.
Easter at the Jersey Shore
20+ free egg hunts, parades, and brunches across the shore. Wildwood hosts 3 free hunts, Point Pleasant has Jenkinson's parade, and Cape May offers elegant brunches.
Girls' Weekend Ocean City
Girls' getaway weekend with shopping, dining specials, and special events throughout town.
Best Towns to Visit in April
Cape May
Year-round destination with open restaurants, birding, and Victorian charm. Best for April visits.
Learn more →Asbury Park
Restaurants and bars open year-round. Music venues active. Good urban beach scene.
Learn more →Spring Lake
Peaceful Victorian town perfect for a quiet spring getaway. B&Bs offer spring packages.
Learn more →Long Branch
Pier Village shops and restaurants open. Good for a spring day trip from NYC area.
Learn more →Plan Your April Trip
Planning a trip to Jersey Shore? Book your accommodations and activities.
Secure booking • Free cancellation on most reservations
Easter 2026 at the Jersey Shore
Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, kicking off spring at the shore with family-friendly egg hunts, parades, and brunches. Most events are FREE, making it an affordable getaway.
Wildwood
3 FREE egg hunts on April 4
Best for families on a budgetPoint Pleasant
Jenkinson's Easter Parade
Best parade experienceCape May
Congress Hall brunch + zoo events
Best for upscale experienceAtlantic City
Steel Pier + casino brunches
Best combo of activitiesBest Things to Do in April
Striper Fishing
Striped bass arrive along the coast in April, marking the start of the fishing season.
Best spots: Barnegat Inlet, Sandy Hook, Delaware Bay
Bird Watching
Spring migration brings thousands of shorebirds and songbirds through the region.
Best spots: Cape May Point, Forsythe NWR, Sandy Hook
Beach Walks
Empty beaches are perfect for peaceful walks, shell collecting, and photography.
Best spots: Any beach - all are uncrowded
Whale Watching
Humpback and fin whales are spotted as they migrate north along the coast.
Best spots: Cape May, Belmar
Cycling
Spring weather is ideal for biking coastal trails before summer crowds arrive.
Best spots: Ocean City boardwalk, Cape May, LBI
Kayaking
Calm spring days are great for paddling back bays and marshes.
Best spots: Barnegat Bay, Cape May marshes
April Bay Adventures
April is when the bays come alive. Barnegat Bay and Great Bay offer calm waters for early-season kayaking, and striper fishing begins in earnest. Ospreys return to their nests, herons and egrets start appearing in the marshes, and spring birding is excellent.
April Insider Tips
What to Pack
- • Layers - temperatures vary throughout the day
- • Light jacket or windbreaker for beach walks
- • Rain gear - April showers are real
- • Binoculars for bird watching
Best Experiences
- • Book a striper fishing charter
- • Visit Cape May for birding and dining
- • Walk empty beaches at sunrise
- • Score cheap hotel rates for a quiet getaway
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Getting to the Shore in April
Vacation Rentals
Beach houses, condos & more
Spring Fishing Gear
Essential tackle for your shore trip
Ships free with Prime
Striped bass season opens in April. Get your rods, tackle, and waders ready for the spring run.
Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
Versatile combo for surf and pier fishing.
Tackle Box
Organize lures, hooks, and tackle.
Fishing Cooler (50qt+)
Keep your catch fresh. 50+ quart for serious fishing.
Surf Fishing Waders
Stay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
Studded Jetty Boots
Grip on slippery rocks and jetties.
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April at the Shore FAQs
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Seasonal forecasts & tips
🌧️Rainy Day Activities
Indoor fun when weather turns
💡Local Tips
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Plan around tide times
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Ready for a Spring Getaway?
April offers the best prices and quietest beaches. Book a weekend escape and experience the shore coming back to life.
This article was originally published on NJ Shore Guide.
Source: https://www.shore-guide.com/planning/april/ | © 2026 NJ Shore Guide. All rights reserved.