Jersey Shore Vacation Rentals
Beach houses, condos, and rentals for your shore vacation. Weekly and monthly stays available.
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Types of Rentals
Beach Houses
Single-family homes steps from the sand. Best for families and groups.
Condos
Beachfront or bayfront units with amenities like pools and parking.
Bayside Rentals
Quieter setting with bay access. Great for kayaking and fishing.
Group Houses
Large properties for extended families or friend groups.
Best Towns for Rentals
Long Beach Island
Classic shore rentals. Mix of modest cottages and luxury oceanfront.
Competitive, book early
Wildwood
More affordable options. Great for families on a budget.
More availability
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Rental Booking Tips
Book Early
Prime summer weeks (July 4th, August) book 6-12 months in advance.
Saturday to Saturday
Most shore rentals run Saturday to Saturday in summer. Some offer flexibility off-peak.
Bring Linens
Many rentals don't include sheets/towels. Check the listing and pack accordingly.
Security Deposits
Expect $500-2,000 security deposits, refundable after checkout inspection.
Cleaning Fees
Most rentals charge $150-400 cleaning fees. Factor into your total cost.
Off-Peak Deals
May, September, and October offer significant discounts and great weather.
💰 The True Cost of Shore Rentals
That $3,000/week rental might actually cost $4,500+. Here's what adds up.
| Hidden Cost | Typical Amount | When Charged | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Fee | $150-400 | Per stay | Non-negotiable. Higher for larger homes. Always added to final price. |
| Security Deposit | $500-2,000 | Refundable | Held via credit card or check. Returned within 2 weeks if no damage. |
| Service/Booking Fee | 10-15% | Per stay | VRBO/Airbnb charge this on top of rental price. Direct booking avoids this. |
| Linens | $50-150 or BYOB | Per stay | Some rentals charge for sheets/towels. Others require you to bring your own. |
| Beach Badges | $10-50/person | Per week | Required in most towns. Rarely included in rental. Budget $200+ for families. |
| Parking | $0-100/week | Per week | Some rentals include parking. Others have limited spaces or street parking only. |
| AC/Utilities | Usually included | Sometimes extra | Most summer rentals include AC. Some older units charge for excessive use. |
| Pet Fee | $50-200 | Per stay | If pets are allowed at all. Many shore rentals are strictly no pets. |
Example: "$3,000/week" Beach House
$558
per night (true cost)
vs. $429/night advertised
🆕 First-Timer's Complete Guide
Renting a shore house is different from booking a hotel. Here's everything first-timers need to know.
1Before Booking
- ✓
Verify the listing
Look for reviews, check the address on Google Maps, call the owner/property manager to confirm.
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Understand the rules
Read the entire listing. Note checkout time, parking, noise policies, and AC restrictions.
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Ask about linens
Do they provide sheets, towels, and beach towels? If not, you'll need to pack or rent.
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Confirm total cost
Get the all-in price including cleaning, deposits, service fees, and any extras.
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Check cancellation policy
Shore rentals often have strict policies. Know what happens if plans change.
2At Check-In
- ✓
Arrive during office hours
Most check-ins are 3-4 PM. Late arrivals may need lockbox or key code arrangements.
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Document everything
Take photos/video of the property when you arrive. Note any pre-existing damage.
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Test the essentials
Check AC, hot water, stove, and toilet before the office closes. Report issues immediately.
- ✓
Find the emergency numbers
Get contact info for the property manager, maintenance, and emergency services.
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Learn the garbage rules
Shore towns have strict pickup schedules. Ask where bins go and what days.
3At Check-Out
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Clean as agreed
Most rentals require "broom clean"—dishes washed, trash out, fridge empty. You don't deep clean.
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Strip the beds
Unless told otherwise, strip sheets and leave in a pile. Don't remake beds with dirty linens.
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Check every room
Walk through the entire property. Check drawers, closets, and outdoor areas for belongings.
- ✓
Return keys properly
Follow instructions exactly. Lockbox, drop-off, or leave inside. Confirm you returned them.
- ✓
Get your deposit back
Document the checkout condition. Expect 7-14 days for deposit return. Follow up if needed.
📦 What to Pack for a Shore Rental
Shore rentals often lack hotel amenities. Here's what to pack.
🏠 Household Essentials
- 📌
Sheets & Pillowcases
Many rentals don't include bedding. Confirm before you pack.
- 📌
Towels (Bath & Beach)
Even if provided, beach towels are usually not included.
- ○
Toilet Paper
Rentals provide a starter supply. Bring extra for the week.
- ○
Paper Towels
Same as TP—bring more than you think.
- ○
Dish Soap & Sponge
Some rentals provide basics, others don't.
- ⚠️
Laundry Detergent
Washer/dryer usually provided, detergent is not.
- ⚠️
Coffee & Filters
Coffee makers included; coffee and filters rarely are.
- ○
Trash Bags
Bags run out fast with a full house. Bring extra.
🏖️ Beach Gear
- ○
Beach Chairs
Some rentals have them; many don't. Check or bring your own.
- ○
Beach Umbrella
Large umbrellas ($50-100 to rent daily) add up fast.
- 📌
Cooler
Essential for beach drinks/snacks. Rentals rarely include.
- ○
Boogie Boards
Fun for kids. Cheap to buy, expensive to rent repeatedly.
🍳 Kitchen Supplies
- ⚠️
Spices & Cooking Oil
Kitchens have pans but not seasonings. Salt, pepper, oil minimum.
- 📌
Aluminum Foil/Wrap
For leftovers and grilling. Usually not provided.
- ○
Favorite Snacks
Shore stores have markup. Bring staples from home.
Legend: ⚠️ Always bring • 📌 Usually needed • ○ Check listing first
🚨 Avoiding Rental Scams
Vacation rental scams peak in summer. Here's how to protect yourself.
Red Flags to Watch For
🚩 Price too good to be true
A $1,500/week oceanfront in July? Doesn't exist. Compare to similar listings.
🚩 Won't take calls
Legitimate owners/managers answer phones. Scammers communicate only by email.
🚩 Requests wire transfer or gift cards
NEVER. Use credit card or platform payment only. Wires can't be reversed.
🚩 Rushes you to book
"Someone else is interested"—classic pressure tactic. Good rentals don't need high-pressure sales.
🚩 New listing, no reviews
Not always a scam, but verify extra carefully. Ask for references or a video call.
🚩 Wants you off-platform
"Pay me directly to save fees" = no buyer protection. Stay on VRBO/Airbnb for first stays.
Safe Booking Practices
✅ Google the address
Make sure the property exists. Street View shows the actual building.
✅ Call and speak to someone
A real property manager will answer questions confidently.
✅ Pay with credit card
You can dispute fraudulent charges. Wire transfers and gift cards cannot be recovered.
✅ Use established platforms
VRBO, Airbnb, and local agencies offer booking protection.
✅ Get a rental agreement
Legitimate rentals provide written contracts. No contract = don't book.
✅ Trust your gut
If something feels off, it probably is. Walk away.
🎯 Finding the Right Town for You
Different shore towns suit different rental needs. Here's how to choose.
| Your Priority | Best Towns | Why | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly | Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood | Free beaches, more affordable rentals, lots of family-style condos. | Stone Harbor, Avalon, Spring Lake |
| Family with Kids | Ocean City, Wildwood, Sea Isle City | Family-oriented with boardwalks, activities, and dry town (OC) option. | Seaside Heights (party scene) |
| Quiet/Upscale | Stone Harbor, Avalon, Spring Lake | Premium rentals, less crowded beaches, upscale dining. | Wildwood, Seaside Heights |
| Active Nightlife | Belmar, Seaside Heights, Long Beach Island | More bars and restaurants. Group houses near the action. | Ocean City (dry town) |
| Bay Access/Boating | LBI (Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars) | Bayside rentals with docks, kayak launches, calmer water. | Oceanfront-only towns |
| Victorian Charm | Cape May, Ocean Grove | Historic homes, B&B-style rentals, unique architecture. | Modern condo developments |
Browse Vacation Rental Guides by Town
Detailed guides for each town with pricing, booking tips, and local insights.
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