Jersey Shore Road Trip
The ultimate guide to driving the 127-mile New Jersey coastline. From Sandy Hook to Cape May, with day-by-day itineraries for 3-day, 5-day, and week-long adventures.
The Jersey Shore stretches 127 miles from Sandy Hook at the northern tip to Cape May Point at the southern end. Along the way, you'll find Victorian lighthouses, legendary boardwalks, world-class seafood, doo-wop architecture, and some of the best beaches on the East Coast. This guide provides detailed day-by-day itineraries for road trips of 3, 5, or 7 days, with recommendations for where to stay, what to eat, and what not to miss.
Miles of Coastline
Hours (No Stops)
Climbable Lighthouses
Iconic Boardwalks
3-Day Weekend Road Trip
Best for: Long weekenders, first-timersAsbury Park → Atlantic City → Cape May
85 miles
$600-900 (mid-range)
Asbury Park & The Northern Shore
NYC/North Jersey → Asbury Park
Itinerary
- •Morning: Drive to Sandy Hook, climb Twin Lights lighthouse for NYC views
- •Lunch: Langosta Lounge on the Asbury Park boardwalk
- •Afternoon: Explore Asbury Park - Convention Hall, murals, shops
- •Evening: Dinner at Moonstruck, then live music at Stone Pony
Stay
The Asbury Hotel or Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
Meals
- Breakfast: On the road
- Lunch: Langosta Lounge
- Dinner: Moonstruck
Tips
- ★Stone Pony may have a show - check schedule ahead
- ★Convention Hall arcade is great for rainy days
- ★Sunset from the beach is spectacular
Boardwalks: Point Pleasant to Atlantic City
Asbury Park → Atlantic City
Itinerary
- •Morning: Drive to Point Pleasant, ride Jenkinson's Boardwalk attractions
- •Late morning: Continue to Seaside Heights, walk the iconic boardwalk
- •Lunch: Boardwalk pizza at Seaside (Maruca's or Sawmill)
- •Afternoon: Explore Atlantic City - Steel Pier, Boardwalk Hall
- •Evening: Dinner at Dock's Oyster House, casino entertainment
Stay
Borgata, Hard Rock, or Ocean Casino Resort
Meals
- Breakfast: Hotel
- Lunch: Boardwalk pizza
- Dinner: Dock's Oyster House
Tips
- ★Casinos have free parking - just validate
- ★Orange Loop district has great non-casino nightlife
- ★Absecon Lighthouse is worth a quick 30-min stop
Victorian Cape May
Atlantic City → Home via Cape May
Itinerary
- •Morning: Drive the scenic Ocean Drive through Margate (stop at Lucy the Elephant)
- •Stop: Ocean City boardwalk for Johnson's Popcorn and Manco & Manco pizza
- •Early afternoon: Arrive Cape May, walking tour of Victorian district
- •Late afternoon: Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park
- •Sunset: Sunset Beach for flag ceremony and sunset
Stay
Continue home or extend with a Cape May overnight
Meals
- Breakfast: Hotel
- Lunch: Ocean City boardwalk
- Dinner: Lobster House takeout for the road
Tips
- ★Ocean Drive is one of the most scenic coastal routes on the East Coast
- ★Lucy the Elephant is a 10-minute tour - worth the stop
- ★Cape May Lighthouse sunset climb books up - reserve ahead
5-Day Classic Shore Experience
Best for: Those who want to see it all without rushingSandy Hook → Asbury → LBI → Atlantic City → Wildwood → Cape May
127 miles total
$1,000-1,500 (mid-range)
Gateway: Sandy Hook & Asbury Park
NYC/North Jersey → Asbury Park
- •Morning: Sandy Hook - oldest working lighthouse in America, Fort Hancock, beaches
- •Lunch: Inlet Cafe in Highlands with harbor views
- •Afternoon: Asbury Park exploration - boardwalk, murals, vintage shops
- •Evening: Dinner and live music - the shore's music capital
Stay: Asbury Park
Central Shore: Boardwalks & Beach Towns
Asbury Park → Long Beach Island
- •Morning: Belmar beach and breakfast at Klein's Fish Market
- •Late morning: Point Pleasant Beach - Jenkinson's Boardwalk rides
- •Lunch: Shrimp Box in Point Pleasant
- •Afternoon: Drive to LBI, stop at Barnegat Lighthouse ("Old Barney")
- •Evening: Sunset dinner at The Plantation in Harvey Cedars
Stay: Beach Haven or Ship Bottom on LBI
Long Beach Island & Atlantic City
LBI → Atlantic City
- •Morning: LBI beach time, Viking Village fish market in Barnegat Light
- •Late morning: Drive to Atlantic City (1 hour)
- •Afternoon: Boardwalk exploration - Steel Pier, Boardwalk Hall, casinos
- •Evening: Dinner at Knife & Fork Inn (book ahead), casino entertainment
Stay: Atlantic City casino hotel
Ocean Drive: AC to Wildwood
Atlantic City → Wildwood
- •Morning: Climb Absecon Lighthouse (NJ's tallest), brunch at Kelsey's
- •Late morning: Drive Ocean Drive south through Margate (Lucy the Elephant)
- •Lunch: Ocean City boardwalk - classic Jersey Shore food
- •Afternoon: Continue to Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor, Wildwood
- •Evening: Wildwood boardwalk - Morey's Piers, tramcar, free beach sunset
Stay: Wildwood or Wildwood Crest
Cape May: Victorian Finale
Wildwood → Home via Cape May
- •Morning: Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and gardens in North Wildwood
- •Late morning: Drive to Cape May (20 min)
- •Lunch: The Lobster House on the harbor
- •Afternoon: Victorian walking tour, Washington Street Mall shopping
- •Late afternoon: Cape May Lighthouse and Cape May Point State Park
- •Sunset: Sunset Beach flag ceremony, then depart
Stay: Home or extend with Cape May B&B
7-Day Ultimate Shore Adventure
Best for: Vacation-mode travelers who want the complete experienceFull shore with deeper exploration of each region
127 miles
$2,000-3,000 (comfortable)
Northern Gateway
History and upscale shore
- •Sandy Hook: Lighthouse tours, Fort Hancock, beaches
- •Twin Lights: First wireless telegraph site, NYC skyline views
- •Highlands: Lunch at Bahr's Landing
- •Long Branch: Pier Village shopping, oceanfront dinner
Asbury Park & Ocean Grove
Music, arts, and Victorian charm
- •Morning: Ocean Grove tent city and Great Auditorium
- •Afternoon: Asbury Park murals, galleries, vintage shops
- •Evening: Stone Pony show or boardwalk bars
- •Bonus: Springsteen landmarks self-guided tour
Classic Boardwalks
Quintessential Jersey Shore boardwalk experience
- •Belmar: Surfing beach, local breakfast spot
- •Point Pleasant: Jenkinson's rides, aquarium
- •Seaside Heights: Casino Pier, boardwalk culture
- •Option: Continue to LBI or stay in Seaside
Long Beach Island
Laid-back island life
- •Barnegat Lighthouse: Climb 217 steps, state park
- •Beach Haven: Fantasy Island, Schooner's Wharf
- •Viking Village: Fresh seafood, fishing boats
- •Evening: Sunset at Sunset Cocktail Lounge
Atlantic City
Entertainment capital
- •Morning: Drive to AC, check into casino hotel
- •Afternoon: Boardwalk, Steel Pier, Absecon Lighthouse
- •Evening: Fine dining at Dock's or Knife & Fork
- •Night: Casino, shows, or Orange Loop bars
Ocean Drive & Wildwoods
Scenic drive and Doo-Wop paradise
- •Lucy the Elephant: Margate's 6-story elephant
- •Ocean City: Boardwalk food, dry-town charm
- •Sea Isle City: Promenade, La Costa vibes
- •Wildwood: Doo-Wop motels, free beaches, Morey's Piers
Cape May
Victorian elegance and natural beauty
- •Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and gardens
- •Cape May: Victorian walking tour, trolley tour
- •Cape May Lighthouse: Hawk watching platform
- •Sunset Beach: Flag ceremony, Cape May diamonds
- •The Lobster House: Farewell seafood feast
Driving Tips
Avoid the Parkway on Summer Saturdays
The Garden State Parkway becomes a parking lot on summer Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Leave very early (before 7am) or travel midweek.
Take Route 35 for Scenery
Route 35 runs closer to the ocean than the Parkway. It's slower but more scenic, passing through beach towns rather than around them.
Ocean Drive is Essential
The stretch from Margate to Cape May via Ocean Drive is one of the most beautiful coastal drives on the East Coast. Budget extra time for stops.
Download ParkMobile
Most beach town parking meters now use ParkMobile. Download the app and set it up before you arrive to avoid scrambling for quarters.
Gas Up Before Bridges
Gas stations on the barrier islands tend to be more expensive. Fill up on the mainland, especially before crossing to LBI, Ocean City, or the Wildwoods.
Check Bridge Traffic
Bridges to LBI, Ocean City, and the Wildwoods can back up significantly on summer weekends. NJDOT traffic cameras are available online.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas (full trip) | $60 | $80 | $100 | 127 miles + side trips, ~30mpg |
| Beach Badges (per person/day) | FREE | $8 | $15 | Wildwood free; most towns $8-12 |
| Parking (per day) | $5 | $15 | $30 | Varies wildly by town |
| Meals (per person/day) | $40 | $75 | $125 | Boardwalk cheap, restaurants add up |
| Lodging (per night) | $100 | $200 | $400 | Off-season cheaper; July/Aug premium |
| Attractions (per day) | $20 | $50 | $100 | Rides, lighthouses, tours |
3-Day Trip Total
Budget: $400 | Mid: $750 | Comfort: $1,200
5-Day Trip Total
Budget: $700 | Mid: $1,300 | Comfort: $2,200
7-Day Trip Total
Budget: $1,000 | Mid: $1,800 | Comfort: $3,000
Packing Checklist
Beach Essentials
- ☐Sunscreen SPF 30+
- ☐Beach chairs/blanket
- ☐Umbrella/tent
- ☐Cooler with drinks
- ☐Towels
- ☐Reusable water bottles
Clothing
- ☐Swimsuits (2-3)
- ☐Cover-ups
- ☐Sandals and walking shoes
- ☐Light jacket for evenings
- ☐Nice outfit for dining out
- ☐Hat and sunglasses
Practical Items
- ☐Cash (for badges, meters, vendors)
- ☐ParkMobile app installed
- ☐Phone charger/car charger
- ☐First aid basics
- ☐Reusable bags
- ☐Cooler bag for fish market purchases
Entertainment
- ☐Beach reads/books
- ☐Bluetooth speaker
- ☐Boogie board
- ☐Frisbee/beach games
- ☐Binoculars (for birding)
- ☐Camera
Book Activities Along the Route
Tours, attractions, and experiences at your road trip stops
🎯 ActivityCape May Beach Yoga
33066
I've taught Beach Yoga for 14 years in our quaint tourist town of Cape May, NJ. I love the opportunity to provide visitors and locals with an...
From $18
per person
via Viator
🚌 Tour90 Minute Sunset Tour
22324
Join Sandbar Joe for an unforgettable Sunset Tour through the back bays of Wildwood, NJ, where the day melts into a golden glow. Departing from our...
From $200
per person
via Viator
🎯 ActivityAlpaca and Llama Encounter with Guided Walk
22324
Our Alpacas & Llamas offer a delightful contrast. Alpacas, with their soft, fine wool, evoke elegance, while Llamas, taller & sturdier, exude rugged...
From $30
per person
via Viator
🚌 Tour90 Minute Scenic Back Bay Cruise
22324
Private, scenic pontoon cruises with wildlife, history and optional onboard brunch—book your adventure today!
From $224.5
per person
via Viator
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive the entire Jersey Shore?▼
From Sandy Hook to Cape May Point is approximately 127 miles and takes about 3 hours without stops. However, to properly experience the shore, we recommend 3-7 days with overnight stays in 2-3 towns.
What is the best route for a Jersey Shore road trip?▼
The most scenic route follows Route 35 and Route 9 south through the barrier islands, then Ocean Drive through the Cape May County towns. Start at Sandy Hook and end at Cape May, or reverse. The Garden State Parkway is faster but less scenic.
When is the best time for a Jersey Shore road trip?▼
September is ideal - warm weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, and fall festival season. June is good for avoiding peak crowds. July-August offer the warmest water but the biggest crowds. Off-season (October-May) is quieter but many attractions close.
How much does a Jersey Shore road trip cost?▼
Budget approximately $150-250/day including gas, beach badges, food, and one attraction. Add $150-400/night for accommodations depending on season and location. A 3-day trip costs roughly $600-1,200 total, a week runs $1,500-3,000.
Book Your Road Trip Accommodations
Vacation rentals along the shore route
Find beach houses, condos, and vacation rentals at your overnight stops. Book direct for the best rates, especially during shoulder season (September-October, May-June).
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more