First Time at the Jersey Shore
Everything you need to know for your first Jersey Shore trip. Beach badges, parking, the best starter towns, and common mistakes to avoid.
Miles of Beach
Beach Towns
Wildwood Beaches
Aug Water Temp
Essential Knowledge
Beach Badges
- -Required at most beaches Memorial Day-Labor Day
- -Cost $5-15/day, $20-30/week, $25-90/season
- -Free beaches: Wildwood, Atlantic City, Sandy Hook
- -Children under 12 usually free
- -Buy at beach entrance or town hall
Parking
- -Beach parking can be expensive ($15-30/day)
- -Arrive before 9am for street parking
- -Some towns have free lots inland
- -Many beaches have paid meter parking
- -Download ParkMobile app for meters
What to Bring
- -Sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
- -Beach chairs/blanket (most don't have rentals)
- -Umbrella or tent for shade
- -Cash for badges, parking meters, boardwalk
- -Water and snacks (boardwalk food is pricey)
Beach Rules
- -No alcohol on most beaches (Wildwood excepted)
- -Dogs usually not allowed Memorial Day-Labor Day
- -Surfing in designated areas only
- -No glass containers
- -Lifeguard hours typically 10am-5pm
Best Towns for First-Timers
Ocean City
FamiliesNo alcohol town with 2.5-mile boardwalk. Clean, family-friendly, and well-organized.
Why first: Safe choice with everything you'd expect from a beach vacation.
Wildwood
Entertainment seekersFREE beaches, 100+ rides, 2-mile boardwalk. Maximum shore experience.
Why first: No badge hassle and tons to do beyond the beach.
Cape May
History & charm loversVictorian architecture, fine dining, wine tours. Works year-round.
Why first: More than just beach - great if weather doesn't cooperate.
Point Pleasant Beach
Day trippers from NYCJenkinson's Boardwalk with rides, aquarium, and beach. Easy access.
Why first: Great day trip option with everything in one place.
Long Branch
Upscale visitorsPier Village shopping and dining. Ocean Place Resort. Modern feel.
Why first: Feels more polished than typical boardwalk towns.
Asbury Park
Music & arts fansEclectic arts scene, great food, LGBTQ-friendly nightlife.
Why first: If typical beach town isn't your style, this is different.
Common First-Timer Mistakes
X Not bringing cash
✓ Many boardwalk vendors, parking meters, and beach badge sellers are cash-only.
X Arriving after 10am on weekends
✓ Beach parking fills early. Arrive before 9am or take a later lunch.
X Forgetting sunscreen
✓ Shore sun is intense. Buy SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours.
X Not checking badge hours
✓ Badges usually required 10am-5pm. Arrive early or late to avoid fees.
X Over-scheduling the first day
✓ Beach + boardwalk dinner is plenty for day one. Save activities for later.
X Expecting warm water in June
✓ Ocean water is 60-65F in June. July-August hits 70-75F.
Day Trip vs. Weekend vs. Week
Day Trip
Best: Point Pleasant, Belmar, Sandy Hook, Seaside Heights
Best from NYC/North Jersey. Arrive early, leave by sunset. Budget $50-100/person for parking, badge, food.
Weekend
Best: Ocean City, Wildwood, Cape May, Asbury Park, LBI
Better value than day trip. Stay 2-3 nights. Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday.
Week
Best: LBI, Cape May, Avalon/Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City
Saturday-Saturday rental is standard. Book 3-6 months ahead for summer.
📋 Your First Day Itinerary
A suggested schedule for your first shore visit. Adjust based on your town and preferences.
Arrive early for parking
Best spots go fast. Street parking fills by 10am on weekends.
Buy beach badge & set up
Badge booth at beach entrance. Claim your spot before it gets crowded.
Beach time
Lifeguards on duty. Swim between the flags. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Boardwalk lunch
Pizza, cheesesteaks, or funnel cake. Bring cash - many spots are cash-only.
More beach or explore
Walk the boardwalk, play arcade games, or return to the sand.
Clean up & dinner
Outdoor showers at most beaches. Change for dinner.
Sunset on the beach or boardwalk
Free after badge hours. Best photo ops of the day.
🗺️ North vs Central vs South Shore
North Shore (Monmouth County)
Asbury Park, Long Branch, Red Bank area
Vibe: Trendy, urban, artsy
Best for: Nightlife, live music, foodie scene, LGBTQ+ travelers
NYC: 1-1.5 hours | Philly: 1.5-2 hours
Central Shore (Ocean County)
Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant, LBI
Vibe: Classic boardwalk, family fun
Best for: Amusement rides, arcades, party scene (Seaside), quiet beach weeks (LBI)
NYC: 1.5-2 hours | Philly: 1.5 hours
South Shore (Atlantic/Cape May)
Atlantic City, Ocean City, Wildwood, Cape May
Vibe: Wide beaches, family-focused, historic
Best for: Free beaches (Wildwood, AC), casinos, Victorian charm, family vacations
NYC: 2-3 hours | Philly: 1-1.5 hours
🌡️ What to Expect by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 65-75°F | 55-60°F | Light | Cool water but peaceful beaches. Great for walking, not swimming. |
| June | 75-85°F | 60-68°F | Moderate | Water warming up. Weekdays uncrowded. Book ahead for weekends. |
| July | 80-90°F | 68-74°F | Heavy | Peak season. Warmest water. Book months ahead. Expect crowds. |
| August | 80-88°F | 72-76°F | Heavy | Warmest water of year. Schools return late month - crowds thin. |
| September | 70-80°F | 68-72°F | Light-Moderate | Best value month. Warm water, fewer crowds, lower prices. |
🗣️ Shore Lingo: Talk Like a Local
"The Shore"
What locals call the Jersey Shore. Never say "The Beach" when referring to the whole region.
"Down the Shore"
Going to the Jersey Shore for a trip. "We're going down the shore this weekend."
"Benny/Shoobie"
Tourists from North Jersey (Benny) or Philly area (Shoobie). Can be mildly derogatory.
"The Boards"
The boardwalk. "Let's walk the boards after dinner."
"Badge"
Beach badge/tag required for entry. "Did you get your badge yet?"
"BYOB"
Bring Your Own Bottle. Many shore restaurants don't serve alcohol but let you bring wine.
"Pork Roll"
A NJ breakfast meat (never call it Taylor Ham down the shore). Get it on a sandwich.
"Wawa"
Convenience store chain. Good for cheap breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
First-Timer Beach Gear
Essential gear for your first shore trip. Chairs, umbrellas, and everything you'll need.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable with cup holder. Look for rust-resistant aluminum.
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. 7ft diameter covers 2-3 chairs.
Beach Cart / Wagon
Wide wheels for sand. Hauls chairs, cooler, umbrella in one trip.
Beach Canopy / Shelter
Pop-up shade for families. UPF 50+ protection, fits 4-6 people.
Umbrella Sand Anchor
Screw-in anchor keeps umbrella secure in windy conditions.
Beach Blanket
Sand-free, waterproof bottom. Packs small with stakes.
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Our Top Pick: Ocean City
For first-time visitors, we recommend Ocean City. The 2.5-mile boardwalk has everything - amusements, food, and shopping. Beaches are clean and well-organized. The alcohol-free policy means a family-friendly atmosphere. It's the quintessential Jersey Shore experience without any rough edges.
Explore Ocean CityFirst-Timer FAQ
What are beach badges and do I need one?
Beach badges are required at most Jersey Shore beaches in summer (typically Memorial Day-Labor Day). They cost $5-15 per day per person, with weekly and season options. Free beach towns include Wildwood (all three), Atlantic City, and Sandy Hook. Children under 12 are often free.
Which Jersey Shore town is best for first-time visitors?
Ocean City is ideal for families - clean beaches, 2.5-mile boardwalk, and no alcohol. Wildwood offers free beaches and maximum entertainment. Cape May has historic charm and year-round appeal. Asbury Park suits those wanting nightlife and arts. Start with one of these.
How far is the Jersey Shore from NYC and Philadelphia?
From NYC: Northern shore towns (Sandy Hook, Long Branch) are 1-1.5 hours. Central shore (Seaside, LBI) is 1.5-2 hours. Cape May is 2.5-3 hours. From Philadelphia: Atlantic City is 1 hour. Cape May is 1.5 hours. Ocean City is 1 hour.
When is the best time to visit the Jersey Shore?
Peak season is July-August with warmest water (70-75F) but biggest crowds and highest prices. June and September offer great weather with fewer crowds and 20-30% lower prices. May and October are quiet with cool weather but excellent value.
How much does a Jersey Shore vacation cost?
Budget varies by style: Day trips cost $50-100/person (parking, badge, food). Weekend motel stays run $300-500 total. Rental homes average $2,000-5,000/week in summer. Money-saving tips: visit in June/September, stay at free beach towns, eat at BYOB restaurants, and buy weekly beach badges.
What is the difference between the North and South shore?
North Shore (Monmouth County): closer to NYC, artsy towns like Asbury Park, more nightlife. South Shore (Cape May County): bigger beaches, family-focused, Wildwood free beaches. Ocean County (central) has LBI and Seaside Heights. Each region has distinct character.
Is the Jersey Shore like the TV show?
The MTV show was filmed mostly in Seaside Heights, which does have a party atmosphere. However, the 127-mile shore offers everything from quiet Victorian Cape May to upscale Spring Lake. Most towns are nothing like the show. Choose your town based on your interests.
Can I bring alcohol to Jersey Shore beaches?
Most beaches prohibit alcohol (violators face fines). Exceptions: some areas of Wildwood allow alcohol on the beach. However, many shore restaurants are BYOB, so you can bring wine to dinner. Atlantic City casinos and bars serve alcohol normally.
Do I need a car at the Jersey Shore?
A car gives you the most flexibility. NJ Transit trains reach Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Bay Head. AC Rail runs to Atlantic City. Once at a beach town, most are walkable. Consider renting a bike - many towns have boardwalk biking hours and rental shops.
What if it rains during my beach vacation?
Rainy day options: boardwalk arcades and rides (many are covered), Atlantic City casinos, Cape May wine trails, Jenkinson's Aquarium, museums like Silverball Pinball Museum, outlet shopping in Atlantic City, and restaurant hopping. The shore has plenty to do beyond the beach.