Spring at the Jersey Shore
Watch the shore awaken. Tulip festivals, spring fishing, and the best deals before summer crowds arrive. The shore's quietest season.
Why Visit in Spring?
Shoulder Season Rates
20-40% off summer prices. Great deals before Memorial Day.
Minimal Crowds
Beaches and boardwalks without summer mob scenes.
Spring Fishing
Stripers return, flounder season opens, fresh spring action.
Blooming Nature
Tulip festivals, spring wildflowers, migrating birds.
Pleasant Weather
Perfect for walking, biking, and outdoor dining. No humidity.
Opening Excitement
Watch towns come alive as businesses open for the season.
Spring Month by Month
March
Early Spring
- • Still winter-quiet at most beaches
- • Winter flounder fishing
- • Cape May, Asbury Park active
- • St. Patrick's Day events
- • Lowest spring prices
April
Awakening
- • Cape May Tulip Festival
- • Boardwalks open weekends
- • Spring striper run begins
- • Easter weekend activity
- • Restaurants reopening
May
Pre-Summer
- • Memorial Day summer kickoff
- • Most businesses open
- • Wildwood Kite Festival
- • Best spring weather
- • Last shoulder season deals
Best Towns for Spring Visits
Cape May
Tulip Festival, wine trails, birding, restaurants open year-round
Best for: Couples, nature lovers, wine enthusiasts
Asbury Park
Year-round dining and music scene, spring block parties
Best for: Foodies, music fans, LGBTQ+ travelers
Spring Lake
Peaceful walking, lake views, elegant B&Bs opening for season
Best for: Couples seeking tranquility
Ocean Grove
Victorian architecture walks, Great Auditorium season begins
Best for: History buffs, peaceful getaways
Point Pleasant Beach
Jenkinson's opens weekends, aquarium, spring fishing
Best for: Families with kids
Long Beach Island
Quiet beaches, lighthouse visits, spring striper fishing
Best for: Anglers, peace seekers
Cape May Tulip Festival
Late April
Each spring, thousands of tulips bloom throughout Cape May, transforming the Victorian town into a colorful wonderland. Self-guided walking tours take you past gardens, historic homes, and hidden courtyards filled with spring blooms. Dutch-themed events, garden tours, and photography walks round out the festival.
Walking Tours
Self-guided tulip routes
Garden Events
Historic garden tours
Photography
Stunning spring backdrops
Spring Fishing Season
April & May
Spring marks the return of fishing at the Jersey Shore. As waters warm, striped bass migrate north, winter flounder make their final push, and the first bluefish appear. It's an exciting time with lighter crowds and hungry fish.
| Species | Peak | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass (Schoolies) | April-May | Light tackle, bloodworms, plugs |
| Winter Flounder | March-April | Bottom fishing, bloodworms |
| Black Drum | April-May | Delaware Bay, clams |
| Tautog (Blackfish) | April | Structure fishing, crabs |
| Bluefish | Late May | First arrivals, metals and plugs |
Book a Spring Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
Spring Events & Activities
Cape May Tulip Festival⭐
Thousands of tulips bloom throughout Cape May. Self-guided walking tours, Dutch-themed events.
Opening Weekends
Boardwalks, rides, and restaurants progressively open for the season.
Spring Block Parties
Street festivals with music, food, and local vendors.
Wine Trail Spring Events
Spring wine releases, barrel tastings, and outdoor events at Cape May wineries.
Striped Bass Spring Run⭐
Schoolie stripers arrive as waters warm. Great light tackle fishing.
Historic House Tours
Victorian homes and historic sites open for tours as weather warms.
Memorial Day Weekend⭐
Official summer kickoff. Everything open. Book accommodations early!
Wildwood Kite Festival
Largest kite festival on East Coast with professional flyers.
What to Expect in Spring
✓ What's Open
- •Year-round restaurants in Cape May, Asbury Park, AC
- •Boardwalks weekends in April, daily in May
- •B&Bs and hotels (great availability)
- •Fishing charters
- •Wine trails and breweries
✗ Limited or Closed
- •Water too cold for swimming (wait until June)
- •Some seasonal restaurants until Memorial Day
- •Beach badge enforcement (not until Memorial Day)
- •Lifeguards (not until Memorial Day)
- •Water parks and some attractions
Spring Packing Essentials
March-Early April
- • Warm layers (still chilly!)
- • Light jacket or fleece
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Umbrella (spring showers)
- • Warm hat for windy days
Late April-May
- • Light layers (weather varies)
- • Sunglasses and sunscreen
- • Windbreaker or light jacket
- • Camera (tulips, spring beauty)
- • Fishing gear if applicable
Memorial Day
- • Swimsuit (brave the cold!)
- • Beach towel and chair
- • Summer casual clothes
- • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- • Cash for badges if required
Related Guides
Ready for a Spring Shore Getaway?
Beat the summer crowds with a peaceful spring visit. Tulips, fishing, and shoulder-season deals await.