Jersey Shore in March
St. Patrick's Day parade season on the Irish Riviera! 10 parades from March 7-28, plus empty beaches, rock-bottom prices, and the first hints of spring.
St. Patrick's Parades
10 parades all month
Empty Beaches
Complete solitude
Lowest Prices
Up to 60% off peak rates
Whale Season
Migration begins
March Week by Week
| Week | Weather | Water Temp | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Week 1 Mar 1-7, 2026 | Winter | 42-44°F |
|
Week 2 Mar 8-14 | Late Winter | 43-45°F |
|
Week 3 Mar 15-21 | Early Spring | 44-46°F |
|
Week 4 Mar 22-31 | Spring | 46-48°F |
|
What's Open in March
Beaches
Open - No BadgesAll beaches open for walking year-round. No fees, no lifeguards. Too cold for swimming. Perfect for peaceful walks and photography.
Boardwalks
Mostly ClosedAmusement rides and most shops closed until late May. Boardwalk itself open for walking. Atlantic City casinos open 24/7.
Restaurants
LimitedYear-round towns (Cape May, Asbury Park, Atlantic City) have open restaurants. Most seasonal restaurants closed. Call ahead.
Whale Watching
Season StartingHumpback and fin whales migrate north along the coast. Cape May and Belmar offer whale watching trips when weather permits.
Fishing
LimitedSome charter boats run weather-dependent trips for tautog and winter flounder. Surf fishing for hardy anglers. Season picks up in April.
Hotels
Open - Lowest RatesHotels and B&Bs open with rock-bottom rates - up to 60% off summer prices. Great for budget getaways. Many offer special packages.
Irish Pubs
Peak SeasonMarch is prime time for the Irish Riviera! St. Stephen's Green (Spring Lake), Harrigan's (Sea Girt), Brothers Daley (Sea Bright), Johnny Mac's (Asbury Park), and The Irish Pub (Atlantic City) are all open with special events.
March Events & Activities
Atlantic City & Seaside Heights Parades
Atlantic City's 39th annual boardwalk parade and Ocean County parade in Seaside Heights kick off St. Patrick's weekend with casino celebrations and Irish festivities.
Asbury Park St. Patrick's Day Parade
12th annual creative parade through Asbury's music landmarks. 2026 Grand Marshal: Kim Guadagno. Passes Stone Pony and Wonder Bar.
Shamrock N' Roll 5K
Charity 5K at Stone Pony - all runners get leprechaun suits! After-party with Brian Kirk & the Jirks. Benefits Rodeo For Recreation.
North Wildwood St. Patrick's Day Parade
Hosted by the Anglesea Irish Society. Authentic Irish celebration featuring Anglesea Pub - run by brothers from County Antrim, Ireland.
Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade
NJ's LARGEST St. Patrick's Day parade with 6,700+ marchers, 17 pipe bands, and 100,000+ spectators. Rescheduled from March 1 due to historic snowstorm.
Taste Atlantic City
Month-long culinary celebration with 50+ restaurants offering special prix-fixe menus. Atlantic City's premier dining event.
AC Beer & Music Festival
One of the East Coast's premier craft beer events. 100+ breweries, live music, unlimited sampling. 18,000 attendees. 21+ event.
Tri-State CAMP Conference
The world's largest camp professional conference. 4,000+ camp directors, counselors, and youth program professionals. 160+ educational sessions.
North to Shore Festival: Rock 'n' Roll Night
Atlantic City's multi-month arts festival kicks off with Rock Night featuring the Gab Cinque Band, The Brothers Union, and Anthony Krizan Band.
Garden State Film Festival
24th annual independent film celebration in Asbury Park. Screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and panels at Berkeley Hotel, Asbury Lanes, and Jersey Shore Arts Center.
Best Towns to Visit in March
Cape May
The best year-round shore town. Restaurants, shopping, and attractions open. Victorian B&Bs offer great packages.
Learn more →Atlantic City
Casinos, restaurants, and entertainment open 24/7 year-round. Indoor activities when weather is bad.
Learn more →Asbury Park
Year-round restaurant and bar scene. Music venues active. Good urban getaway option.
Learn more →Long Branch
Pier Village shops and restaurants open year-round. Close to NYC for day trips.
Learn more →Plan Your March Trip
Planning a trip to Jersey Shore? Book your accommodations and activities.
Secure booking • Free cancellation on most reservations
Best Things to Do in March
Whale Watching
Humpback and fin whales migrate north along the coast in March. Trips run when weather permits.
Best spots: Cape May, Belmar
Beach Walks
Empty beaches are perfect for long walks, shell collecting, and photography without crowds.
Best spots: Any beach - all are empty
Atlantic City
Casinos, shows, dining, and shopping are open year-round regardless of weather.
Best spots: Atlantic City Boardwalk
Cape May Birding
Early migrating birds begin arriving. Year-round birding is excellent at Cape May.
Best spots: Cape May Point State Park
Spa Getaway
Off-season rates make March perfect for a relaxing spa weekend at shore hotels.
Best spots: Spring Lake, Cape May B&Bs
Photography
Dramatic winter seascapes, empty beaches, and moody skies make March great for photography.
Best spots: Sandy Hook, Island Beach State Park
March Reality Check
March is not for everyone. If you want swimming, boardwalk rides, or guaranteed sunny beach days, wait until summer. But if you want:
- Complete beach solitude
- The lowest prices of the year
- Peaceful romantic getaways
- Whale watching opportunities
- Swimming (water is 42-48°F)
- Boardwalk rides and games
- Guaranteed warm weather
- All restaurants open
March Insider Tips
What to Pack
- • Warm layers - temperatures vary widely
- • Windproof jacket for beach walks
- • Hat and gloves for early March
- • Rain gear - spring showers common
Budget Tips
- • Book directly with hotels for best off-season rates
- • Ask about packages - many B&Bs offer spa/dining deals
- • Midweek stays are even cheaper than weekends
- • Atlantic City offers free parking off-season
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Getting to the Shore in March
Vacation Rentals
Beach houses, condos & more
Spring Surfing Gear
Get ready for NJ waves
Ships free with Prime before your trip
March water temps (42-48°F) require a 5/4mm or 4/3mm wetsuit with booties. Late March marks the transition to lighter gear.
Soft-Top Longboard (8-9ft)
Forgiving, stable, catches small waves. Perfect for beginners.
Wetsuit (3/2mm)
Summer suit for June-September. 3mm body, 2mm arms.
Wetsuit (4/3mm)
Fall suit for October-November and late spring. 4mm body, 3mm arms.
Wetsuit (5/4mm)
Winter suit for December-March. 5mm body, 4mm arms for cold NJ water.
Surf Booties
Keep feet warm in cold water. 5mm-7mm for winter surfing.
Surf Gloves
Essential for winter surfing. 3mm-5mm keeps hands functional.
Surf Hood
Keep your head warm in winter. Works with non-hooded wetsuits.
Surf Leash
Matches your board length. Don't cheap out - safety first.
Rash Guard
Sun protection and prevents board rash.
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Ready for a Quiet Escape?
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This article was originally published on NJ Shore Guide.
Source: https://www.shore-guide.com/planning/march/ | © 2026 NJ Shore Guide. All rights reserved.