Plan Your Summer 2025 Shore Getaway
Your local guide to 54 beach towns from Sandy Hook to Cape May
Explore Shore TownsEverything You Need to Plan Your Trip
What's Happening This Season
Popular destinations and upcoming events at the Jersey Shore
What Makes the Jersey Shore Special
More than just beaches—the Jersey Shore offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and classic Americana you won't find anywhere else.
127 Miles of Coastline
From Sandy Hook to Cape May, explore over 100 unique beaches
Historic Boardwalks
Classic amusement piers, arcades, and the famous Wildwood tramcar
Fresh Seafood
World-class clam bars, crab houses, and dock-to-table dining
Victorian Architecture
Cape May has the largest collection of Victorian homes in the US
Wildlife & Nature
Prime birding, dolphin watching, and protected wetlands throughout
Water Sports
Surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing charters
How Far is the Jersey Shore?
Drive times vary depending on which part of the shore you're visiting
| From | Northern Shore | Central Shore | Southern Shore |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 1-1.5 hrs | 1.5-2 hrs | 2.5-3.5 hrs |
| Philadelphia | 1.5-2 hrs | 1-1.5 hrs | 45 min-1.5 hrs |
| Baltimore/DC | 3.5-4 hrs | 2.5-3 hrs | 2-2.5 hrs |
| Boston | 4-4.5 hrs | 5-5.5 hrs | 6-7 hrs |
Times are approximate and vary with traffic. Summer weekends add 30-60 minutes.
Year-Round Destination
While summer is peak season, the Jersey Shore has something to offer every month
Summer
June - August
Peak beach season, all attractions open, warmest water
Fall
Sept - November
Fewer crowds, mild weather, Victorian Week, fall festivals
Winter
December - February
Holiday events, quiet beaches, lowest prices, whale watching
Spring
March - May
Blooming gardens, birding migration, pre-season deals
Your First Day at the Shore
A suggested timeline for making the most of your first visit
Arrive early to beat crowds
💡 Parking fills by 10am on summer weekends. Early arrival = best spots near beach.
Buy beach badges and set up
💡 Beach badge booths open around 8-9am. Claim your spot, then one person can get food.
Morning beach time
💡 Best swimming hours - lifeguards on duty, not too hot yet. Apply sunscreen!
Boardwalk lunch
💡 Try local favorites: pizza, sausage & peppers, or fresh seafood. Bring cash.
Midday break or activities
💡 Take a shade break during peak UV hours, or hit the arcades/shops.
Afternoon beach session
💡 Water warms up, crowds thin out. Great for body surfing and relaxing.
Rinse off and dinner
💡 Most beaches have outdoor showers. Make dinner reservations for popular spots.
Boardwalk sunset stroll
💡 Rides, games, ice cream. This is peak Jersey Shore vibes.
Must-Know Tips Before You Go
Essential knowledge for first-time Jersey Shore visitors
Money
- • Bring cash - many boardwalk vendors don't take cards
- • Beach badges cost $8-15/day (some beaches are free)
- • Parking meters often don't take credit cards
- • ATM fees can be high on boardwalks - withdraw before you arrive
Beach
- • Lifeguards work ~10am-5pm in summer
- • Rip currents are real - swim near lifeguards
- • Bring your own chairs, umbrella, and cooler
- • Most beaches don't allow alcohol
Timing
- • Arrive before 10am for parking on weekends
- • September has warm water and no crowds
- • Weekdays are significantly less crowded
- • Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) are packed
Traffic
- • Leave NYC/Philly by 7am to beat shore traffic
- • Sunday return traffic is brutal - leave early or late
- • Garden State Parkway is the main north-south route
- • Download Waze - it's essential for shore navigation
Quick Picks: Which Town is Right for You?
Fast recommendations based on traveler type
Families with Young Kids
→ Ocean CityAlcohol-free family atmosphere, gentle waves, great boardwalk, reasonable prices.
Also consider: Wildwood (free beach), Lavallette (quiet)
Couples & Foodies
→ Cape MayVictorian charm, excellent restaurants, wine trail nearby, romantic B&Bs.
Also consider: Asbury Park (hip scene), Spring Lake (upscale quiet)
Thrill Seekers
→ WildwoodThree amusement piers, 100+ rides, water parks, jet skis, parasailing.
Also consider: Seaside Heights (classic boardwalk), Atlantic City (casinos)
Budget Travelers
→ Wildwood or Atlantic CityBoth have free beaches (no badge). AC has cheap casino hotels midweek.
Also consider: Sandy Hook (free, national park)
Nature Lovers
→ Cape May PointWorld-class birding, lighthouse, state park, dolphins, quiet beaches.
Also consider: Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook
First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' experiences
❌ Not bringing enough cash
Many beach badge booths, parking meters, and boardwalk vendors are cash-only.
❌ Arriving after 10am on a summer weekend
You'll circle for parking for 30+ minutes or pay $30+ for a private lot.
❌ Underestimating the sun
Shore sun is intense. Sunburn can ruin your trip. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
❌ Not checking if the beach requires badges
Some beaches fine you for not having a badge. Check before you go.
❌ Planning to visit multiple towns in one day
Shore traffic makes this miserable. Pick one town and enjoy it.
Plan Your Stay
Hand-picked hotels and vacation rentals across the shore
Ocean Place Resort
Long Branch
Full-service oceanfront resort with private beach and spa.
- ✓Private Beach
- ✓Spa
- ✓Indoor Pool
The Breakers on the Ocean
Spring Lake
Spring Lake's premier oceanfront hotel with Victorian elegance.
- ✓Oceanfront
- ✓Fine Dining
- ✓Historic Architecture
Borgata Hotel
Atlantic City
Premier casino resort with world-class dining, entertainment, and spa.
- ✓Casino
- ✓Multiple Pools
- ✓Nightlife
Your Complete NJ Shore Guide
Covering every shore town from Sandy Hook to Cape May
First-Time Visitor Questions
Everything you need to know before your first Jersey Shore trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Planning Your Trip
Ready to plan your trip?
Start exploring now and discover your perfect shore destination.