Solo Travel at the Shore
The Jersey Shore is perfect for solo travelers. Whether you want peaceful solitude or social opportunities, there's a shore town for you.
Your Pace
No compromises, just your schedule
Meet People
Social opportunities everywhere
Find Peace
Quiet towns for reflection
Best Towns for Solo Travelers
Asbury Park
5/5Social, walkable, things to do alone or with others
Bar seating everywhere, live music, beach clubs, LGBTQ-friendly, easy to meet people.
Best for: Social solo travelers
Cape May
5/5Peaceful, cultural, year-round appeal
Perfect for introspection - beach walks, museums, wine tasting, reading. Great restaurants with bar seating.
Best for: Reflective solo travelers
Atlantic City
4/5Entertainment without needing company
Casinos, shows, boardwalk - all designed for individuals. 24/7 activity means you're never alone.
Best for: Entertainment seekers
Ocean Grove
4/5Spiritual, historic, peaceful
Great Auditorium concerts, Victorian architecture, quiet beaches. Perfect for journaling and reflection.
Best for: Spiritual solo travelers
Long Branch
4/5Resort comfort, Pier Village
Ocean Place Resort caters to solo travelers. Pier Village is walkable. Beach is easy to enjoy alone.
Best for: Comfort-focused solo travelers
Point Pleasant Beach
3/5Day trip friendly, boardwalk activities
Great for day trips. Boardwalk activities don't require companions. Easy train access from NYC.
Best for: Solo day trippers
Solo-Friendly Activities
Beach Reading
Grab a book, plant your umbrella, and lose yourself in the waves.
Perfect alone
Surfing Lessons
Group lessons are great for meeting people. Most students are beginners.
Social option
Biking
Rent a bike and explore beach paths and boardwalks at your own pace.
Perfect alone
Bar Seating Dining
Sit at the bar for dinner - bartenders love chatting with solo travelers.
Social option
Live Music
Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, and other venues are solo-friendly.
Social option
Wine Tasting
Cape May Wine Trail welcomes singles. Tastings are conversation starters.
Social option
Museum Visits
Silverball Pinball Museum, aquariums, and historic sites are great solo.
Perfect alone
Sunrise/Sunset Walks
Some experiences are better alone. Watch the sun rise or set in peace.
Perfect alone
Solo Travel Tips
Sit at the Bar
Bartenders and fellow bar-sitters are often chatty. Better than a lonely table.
Stay Social (Optional)
Choose Asbury or AC if you want to meet people. Cape May or Ocean Grove for solitude.
Take Classes
Surfing, yoga, and wine tasting classes are natural ways to meet people.
Book Boutique Hotels
Small hotels and B&Bs often have communal breakfasts where guests chat.
Download Offline Entertainment
Have podcasts, audiobooks, or shows ready for beach time.
Share Your Location
Let someone know where you're staying. Standard solo travel safety.
Embrace the Freedom
Solo travel means YOUR schedule. Sleep late, eat when you want, no compromises.
Journal Your Thoughts
Beach time is great for reflection. Bring a journal for meaningful solo time.
Best Town for Your Personality
Introvert
→ Cape May or Ocean GroveQuiet beaches, cultural activities, no pressure to socialize. Perfect for reading, journaling, and peaceful walks.
Extrovert
→ Asbury ParkNon-stop social opportunities. Rooftop bars, live music, beach clubs. Easy to strike up conversations.
Adventure Seeker
→ Seaside Heights or WildwoodBoardwalk rides, water sports, high energy atmosphere. Plenty of strangers to chat with in line.
Culture Lover
→ Cape May or Asbury ParkCape May for history and architecture, Asbury Park for arts and music scene.
Solo Trip Budget Guide
Budget Day Trip
$50-80
- Transit/Gas$15-30
- Beach badge$8-15 (or free beach)
- Food$20-30 (pack lunch to save)
- Activities$0-10
Budget Weekend
$200-350
- Motel (2 nights)$100-180
- Gas/Transit$30-50
- Food (4-5 meals out)$60-100
- Activities$20-40
Comfortable Weekend
$400-600
- Boutique hotel/B&B (2 nights)$250-400
- Gas/Transit$30-50
- Nice dinners + brunch$100-150
- Activities (surf lesson, tour)$50-80
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- ✓ Free beaches: Sandy Hook, Atlantic City, Wildwood
- ✓ BYOB restaurants save $30-50 per meal on drinks
- ✓ Stay in Ocean Grove - walkable to Asbury Park, cheaper lodging
- ✓ Midweek rates are 30-40% cheaper than weekend
- ✓ Pack breakfast items - save $15/day
How to Meet People While Solo
Bar Seating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Sit at the bar for dinner. Bartenders love chatting with solo travelers, and fellow bar-sitters are often social too.
Where: Any restaurant with a bar - Asbury Park and Atlantic City have the best scenes
Group Classes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Sign up for surf lessons, yoga on the beach, or wine tastings. Natural conversation starters.
Where: Surf lessons everywhere, yoga in Asbury Park, wine tastings in Cape May
Live Music Venues
⭐⭐⭐⭐Standing room shows make it easy to chat. Buy someone a drink, ask about the band.
Where: Stone Pony, Wonder Bar (Asbury Park), AC clubs
Social Hotels
⭐⭐⭐⭐The Asbury has a social rooftop and common areas. Introduce yourself at the pool or lobby.
Where: The Asbury Hotel, pool-equipped motels in Wildwood
Beach Volleyball
⭐⭐⭐Many beaches have pickup games. Ask to join - players are usually welcoming.
Where: Asbury Park, Belmar, Atlantic City beaches
B&B Communal Breakfast
⭐⭐⭐B&Bs seat guests together for breakfast. Natural way to meet other travelers.
Where: Cape May, Ocean Grove, Spring Lake B&Bs
💬 Conversation Starters
- • "Ask locals: "What's your favorite spot around here?""
- • "Ask travelers: "Where are you from? What brings you to the shore?""
- • "Comment on the band, the food, the sunset - anything shared"
- • "Buy someone a drink if the vibe is right"
Solo Safety Guide
General Safety
Share your itinerary
Send your plans to a friend or family member. Update them if plans change.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off, leave. Your gut is usually right.
Stay in well-lit areas at night
Boardwalks and main streets are safest. Avoid empty beaches after dark.
Keep phone charged
Portable charger is essential. Dead phone = no maps, no Uber, no help.
Know local emergency numbers
Save beach patrol and local police non-emergency in your phone.
For Women Traveling Solo
Choose accommodations wisely
Hotels with 24-hour desk staff offer extra security. B&Bs often have owners on-site.
Be cautious with drinks
Watch your drink being made, don't leave it unattended. Standard bar safety.
Use rideshare over walking alone at night
Uber/Lyft available in most towns. Worth the $10-15 for peace of mind.
Asbury Park is particularly welcoming
LGBTQ-friendly, lots of women travelers, well-lit streets, social atmosphere.
📱 Safety Apps
- bSafe: Share location, set fake call alerts, SOS button
- Noonlight: Silent alarm that contacts 911 with your location
- Find My (iPhone) / Google Maps: Share location with trusted contacts
First Solo Trip? Start Here
Practical Tips
Start with a day trip
Test the waters before committing to a weekend. Sandy Hook is perfect for this.
Choose a walkable town
Asbury Park, Cape May, Ocean City - you won't need a car once there.
Book refundable accommodation
Plans change. Give yourself flexibility for your first solo adventure.
Have a loose plan, not a rigid itinerary
Solo travel freedom means changing plans on a whim. Embrace it.
Download offline content
Podcasts, audiobooks, shows for beach time. WiFi can be spotty.
Pack a journal
Solo trips are great for reflection. Write down thoughts, ideas, observations.
Mindset Shift
- ✦ Eating alone is not sad - it's a luxury. People-watch, read, enjoy.
- ✦ You're not "alone" - you're independent. There's a difference.
- ✦ It's okay to do nothing. Stare at the ocean. That's valid.
- ✦ You don't have to meet people if you don't want to.
- ✦ Take photos for yourself, not for Instagram.
Perfect Solo Weekend
Asbury Park
- Friday: Check into The Asbury, sunset drinks on rooftop, dinner at bar seating
- Saturday: Beach morning with a book, afternoon surf lesson, dinner and live music
- Sunday: Boozy brunch (tables for 1 welcome), Silverball Museum, departure
Budget: $300-500 total
Explore Asbury ParkSolo Travel FAQ
Is the Jersey Shore safe for solo travelers?
Yes, the Jersey Shore is very safe for solo travelers. All beach towns are generally safe, especially during the day. Asbury Park and Atlantic City have more nightlife and activity if you want to socialize. Quiet towns like Spring Lake and Cape May are peaceful for solo reflection.
What are the best towns for solo travelers?
Asbury Park is ideal - walkable, social atmosphere, great food scene, and easy to meet people. Cape May works for those wanting quiet reflection and cultural activities. Atlantic City offers entertainment without needing companions. Ocean Grove suits those seeking peaceful spirituality.
What can I do alone at the Jersey Shore?
Solo-friendly activities include: beach reading/swimming, surfing lessons, biking beach paths, dining at bar seating, exploring museums, wine tasting, live music venues, and joining group yoga classes. Many activities are better solo than with a group.
How can I meet people while traveling solo at the shore?
Best ways to meet people: stay at hostels or social hotels (The Asbury), take group classes (surf, yoga), sit at restaurant bars, attend live music events, join beach volleyball, and use apps like Meetup. Asbury Park has the most social scene.
Is the Jersey Shore safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, the Jersey Shore is very safe for women traveling alone. Beach towns are family-oriented and well-lit at night. Asbury Park is particularly LGBTQ-friendly and welcoming. Standard precautions apply: stay in busy areas after dark, share your location with someone, and trust your instincts.
How much does a solo trip to the Jersey Shore cost?
Budget varies widely: Day trips cost $50-100 (parking, badge, food). Weekend trips run $200-500 including motel/hotel. Upscale weekends at boutique hotels can reach $500-800. Money-saving tips: stay in Ocean Grove B&Bs, visit free beach towns (Wildwood, Atlantic City), and eat at BYOB restaurants.
Can I find affordable solo accommodation at the shore?
Yes! Options include The Asbury Hotel (social atmosphere, $150-250/night), Ocean Grove B&Bs ($100-180), motels in Wildwood ($80-150), and Atlantic City casino hotels (often $100-150 midweek). Avoid peak July/August weekends for best rates.
What should I pack for a solo shore trip?
Essentials: beach gear (chair, umbrella, sunscreen), casual dining clothes, comfortable walking shoes, a good book, portable charger, and reusable water bottle. For nightlife: one nice outfit for bar/restaurant evenings. Download offline entertainment for beach time.
Is public transportation available at the Jersey Shore?
NJ Transit trains run to Long Branch, Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, and Bay Head. Buses serve Atlantic City and Cape May. However, having a car gives you the most flexibility. Uber/Lyft operate in most shore towns, especially Asbury Park and Atlantic City.
What emergency contacts should solo travelers have?
Save local police non-emergency numbers, hospital locations (Southern Ocean Medical Center, AtlantiCare), and roadside assistance. Share your itinerary with a friend. Download the NJ 211 app for social services. Beach patrol is available during guarded hours at all beaches.