Visiting the Jersey Shore and looking for fun things to do at the Jersey Shore? In this post, you can find information about the best Jersey Shore Beaches, directions on how to get from NYC to Jersey Shore, top activities to do, things to see and eat plus lots of insider tips by a Native from New Jersey.
There is nothing like spending summertime along the Jersey Shore. Between the beautiful white sand beaches, stunning dark blue waters, refreshing ocean breeze, bustling boardwalks, outdoor restaurants and friendly faces all around, there is no question as to why the Jersey shore is so many people’s happy place! (Because down the shore everything’s alright according to Bruce Springsteen.)
The Jersey Shore is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle (and of course the brutal heat) of New York City. Located anywhere from an hour to a few hours from the heart of the Big Apple, discover the best beaches near NYC and all the best things to do on the Jersey Shore during the summer season.
Jersey Shore Attractions: Fun Things to do at the jersey shore!
The Best Jersey Shore Beaches
No matter where you go on the Jersey Shore, each beach town has a plethora of wonderful aspects that it offers. Even if you are not necessarily the biggest “beach person”, there is still so much to enjoy at New Jersey’s most renowned beaches.
You might also enjoy: The Best Beaches in New York
Sandy Hook
Located on the northern peninsula of New Jersey’s shoreline, Sandy Hook is less than an hour’s journey from New York City. Overall, Sandy Hook offers expansive ocean and bayside beaches for swimming, sunbathing, walking/running, fishing/crabbing, surfing, kayaking/canoeing, bike riding and so much more! Discover the top things to do in Sandy Hook:
How to Get to Sandy Hook from NYC:
Operating from late May into late September is the Seastreak ferry. The easiest way to get to and from Sandy Hook and New York City is by taking the ferry from either East 35th Street in Manhattan on the FDR or Wall Street at Gouverneur Lane at South Street and the FDR on the Lower East Side.
When choosing to take the Seastreak ferry, tickets could be purchased for $45 USD at the dock prior to boarding. It is important to get to the dock early because lines get long fairly quickly, especially during the summer. Overall, taking the ferry is a wonderful experience during the summer because not only are you on the water, you could also enjoy views of New York City along with the Brooklyn Bridge and more!
Once the ferry docks at Sandy Hook, there will be a school bus that will take all passengers to the beach of their choice. Below are the beaches you could go to at Sandy Hook:
- South Beach – Area B
- Sandy Hook Beach
- North Beach
- Gunnison Beach
- South Beach – Area C
- South Beach – Area E
- Fishing Beach
- Beach 1
- Kite Beach
In addition to taking the bus, you could also get around via Uber or Lyft services.
Where to Stay in Sandy Hook:
- Luxury: Seascape Manor Bed & Breakfast, Highlands, NJ
- Mid-Budget: Blue Bay Inn, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
- Budget: Quality Inn Middletown-Red Bank, Middletown, NJ
What to do in Sandy Hook:
- Go to the Beach: Obviously, one of the best things to do in Sandy Hook is to go to the beach. Whether you like to sunbathe, body surf, swim or go regular surfing, there are so many ways to enjoy a sunny day at one of Sandy Hook’s beaches.
- Visit the Lighthouse: One of the most beautiful landmarks to see on Sandy Hook is the Sandy Hook Lighthouse located near the tip of the peninsula. During your time at the Lighthouse, you could take a tour anytime between 1pm and 4:30pm daily.
- Bike Ride: Since Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Center, there are so many scenic roads and trails where you could ride your bike and enjoy views of either the bay or ocean.
- Tour Fort Hancock: Located on Sandy Hook is Fort Hancock, New Jersey’s coastal artillery base that provided defense for the New York Harbor from 1895 to 1974. There are tours offered at Fort Hancock on a monthly basis.
- Enjoy Camping: What is also cool about Sandy Hook is that you could also go camping! There are 20 tent campsites available to visitors in the Horseshoe Cove of the peninsula. Camping on Sandy Hook is only open during the summer months.
Asbury Park and Long Branch
One of the most popular towns along the Jersey Shore and in the state of New Jersey in general is Asbury Park. This small seaside city is where you could find a fun boardwalk, live music venues that have hosted Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi along with renowned restaurants.
Speaking of Bruce Springsteen, his hometown of Long Branch is located right next to Asbury Park and is a lovely beach town with high-end hotels, beachside restaurants and more. Below are the top things to do in both Asbury Park and Long Branch:
Getting to Asbury Park and Long Branch from NYC
The best way to get to the Long Branch/Asbury Park area from New York City is by taking the North Jersey Coast Line train from Penn Station that goes to Bay Head. There is both a Long Branch stop as well as an Asbury Park stop where you could get off on the North Jersey Coast Line. It takes around an hour and a half to get from Penn Station to Monmouth County’s beaches such as Asbury Park and Long Branch. Once you are in either city, the best way to get around is either by walking, renting a bike or taking an Uber or Lyft.
Where to Stay in Asbury Park or Long Branch
Luxury: Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, Asbury Park, NJ or Wave Resort, Long Branch, NJ
Mid-Budget: The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park, NJ or Bungalow Hotel, Long Branch, NJ
Budget: The Carriage House, Ocean Grove, NJ
What to do in Asbury Park and Long Branch
- Relax at the Beach: The beach in Long Branch is absolutely beautiful and it is the perfect place to relax with friends and family and also enjoy the ocean. Located on Long Branch beach is Le Club Avenue that offers a beach bar, restaurant, nightclub and outdoor pool. It is the perfect spot to enjoy great food and drinks while having a fun time.
- Walk around Pier Village: The most popular spot in Long Branch is Pier Village, which is an upscale, trendy beachfront shopping and restaurant community. It is in Pier Village where you could enjoy boutique shopping and savor all types of cuisines.
- Enjoy the Music Scene at The Stone Pony: Known as one of the best music venues in the United States, The Stone Pony has hosted legendary music icons such as Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, KISS and more. Nowadays, The Stone Pony hosts countless shows that draw crowds from all over New Jersey and New York City.
- Sip a Beer at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten Rooftop Bar: One of the best places to go in Asbury Park is the Festhalle. This wonderful German Biergarten features a large indoor space along with a rooftop that serves over 40 beers on tap. They also offer delicious German food and host live music nights for all to enjoy.
- Have Fun at Silverball Museum Arcade: One of the best places to visit in Asbury Park that is fun for all ages is the Silverball Museum Arcade on the boardwalk. This fun museum and arcade features over 600 old-school games and it is the best way to get the traditional Jersey Shore boardwalk experience.
Point Pleasant Beach
One of the best Jersey Shore beach towns is Point Pleasant Beach. This fun beach town is perfect for all ages as it offers a stunning beach, great oceanfront bars and restaurants along with a fun boardwalk. Below is everything you must do in Point Pleasant Beach:
Getting to Point Pleasant Beach from New York City
Just like for Long Branch and Asbury Park, the best way to get to Point Pleasant Beach from NYC is by taking the North Jersey Coast Line from Penn Station to the Point Pleasant Beach Station. It takes around an hour and 45 minutes to get from Penn Station to Point Pleasant Beach. When you eventually get there, you could either walk or take and Uber or Lyft to wherever you wish go in Point Pleasant.
Where to Stay in Point Pleasant Beach
- Luxury: Spring Lake Inn, Spring Lake, NJ
- Mid-Budget: The Grenville Hotel, Bay Head, NJ
- Budget: The White Sands Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
What to do in Point Pleasant Beach
- Relax on the Beach: Point Pleasant Beach has one of the most beautiful beaches in Ocean County, New Jersey. The sand is powdery soft and the ocean is perfect to swim in on a nice day.
- Walk the Boardwalk: Along with a wonderful beach, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at Point Pleasant is a fun place to walk around, play arcade games and win prizes, cool off with a frozen custard from Kohr’s, walk through a fun house and have a mini-golf competition. No matter what age you are, there is something for everyone to do on the boardwalk at Point Pleasant.
- Have Fun on the Rides at Jenkinson’s: With over 90 years of fun, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk offers amusement rides for all ages. Whether you have a young child who enjoys taking a train ride or a preteen who likes the bumper cars and maybe you enjoy the thrill of the Himalaya, there is so much excitement to be experienced on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.
- Receive an Educational Experience at Jenkinson’s Aquarium: If you are an animal lover, Jenkinson’s Aquarium is the best place to see a variety of sea life as well as other animals such as birds, monkeys, alligators and even sloths. It is a wonderful way to get an educational experience on these adorable creatures and children could also feed the penguins, seals and sharks.
- Enjoy Food, Drinks and Fun at Martell’s Tiki Bar: Located on the boardwalk, overlooking the beach and the Atlantic Ocean is Martell’s Tiki Bar. This fun beachfront bar offers palm trees, tropical beverages as well as seafood and grilled dishes to make you feel like you’re on a tropical island.
Lavallette and Seaside Heights
Lavallette is a quiet seashore town located on the Barnegat Inlet on the Jersey Shore. It is known as one of the safest towns in the state of New Jersey and it is the perfect beach to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Located a little south from Lavallette are the thrilling attractions in Seaside Heights. Between the rides on Casino Pier to the fun bars and restaurants on The Boulevard, you will never be bored in Seaside Heights. Discover the top things to do in Lavallette and Seaside Heights:
Getting to Lavallette and Seaside from New York City
The best way to get to the Lavallette/Seaside Heights area from New York City is by taking the North Jersey Coast Line train from Penn Station that goes to Bay Head. The last train stop on that train line is Bay Head, so you will need to get off there and take an Uber or Lyft to get to Lavallette and/or Seaside. It will take around two hours to get from New York City to the Barnegat Inlet.
Where to Stay in Lavallette/Seaside
Luxury: The Grenville Hotel, Bay Head, NJ
Mid-Budget: Lamplight Motel, Lavallette, NJ
Budget: Starlight Motel, Ortley Beach, NJ
What to do in Lavallette and Seaside Heights
- Savor a Beautiful Beach day in Lavallette: Lavallette boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey. This stunning and spacious beach features powdery white sand, an amazing swimming section, a quiet boardwalk to enjoy a stroll as well as peace and quiet all around.
- Watch the Sunset on the Bay: Lavallette’s bayside is absolutely gorgeous and offers breathtaking sunsets all throughout the year. The best way to enjoy the golden hour is by grabbing a book, camera and a blanket and taking in all of the beauty around you.
- Have Fun on the Rides at Casino Pier: Known as one of New Jersey’s best amusement parks, Casino Pier has so many fun rides from the relaxing Ferris wheel to the thrilling Skyscraper. All of the rides in Seaside Heights are loads of fun!
- Stay Cool at the Water Park: Seaside Heights’ Breakwater Beach is the perfect waterpark for all ages to have fun while staying cool in the summer heat. There are a variety of different water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and so much more!
- Eat Your Way Around the Boardwalk: Seaside Heights has some of the best boardwalk food in the state. You could find all of your favorite treats from fried Oreos to Polish water ice and large slices of pizza to sausage and peppers. Everything on the boardwalk is absolutely delicious!
Long Beach Island (LBI)
Long Beach Island, otherwise known as LBI, is a barrier island in southern Ocean County that consist of quaint beach towns. LBI features 18 miles of breathtaking white sand beaches, great beach shops, a boardwalk and wonderful restaurants. Discover the top things to do on Long Beach Island.
How to Get to LBI from NYC
It will take around two hours and 45 minutes to get from New York City to Long Beach Island. You will need to take the NJ Transit bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to the Toms River Park & Ride. From there, you will need to take the NJ Transit bus to the US-9 at Bay Avenue stop in Barnegat Township. From there, you could request and Uber or Lyft to take you to any of the beaches in LBI.
Where to Stay in LBI
- Luxury: Hotel LBI, Ship Bottom, NJ
- Mid-Budget: Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club, Beach Haven, NJ
- Budget: Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel, Ship Bottom, NJ
What to do in LBI
- Enjoy a Beach Day: LBI has some of the most tranquil beaches along the Jersey Shore. The sand is powdery, the ocean is inviting and it is an overall relaxing experience. You definitely cannot miss out on going to the beach during your time in LBI!
- Visit the Barnegat Lighthouse: Located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island is the Barnegat Lighthouse. This stunning lighthouse was regarded as one of the most important navigational spots for ships to bound to and from the New York Harbor.
- Go Shopping: One of the most iconic and famous places to go shopping down the shore is at Ron Jon Surf Shop in the town of Ship Bottom. It is here where you could purchase beachwear, surfboards, cruiser bikes, beach chairs and so much more!
- Savor Delicious Seafood: Although there are so many amazing seafood restaurants in LBI, one of the top places to enjoy a meal with family and/or friends is at The Boatyard in Manahawkin. At The Boatyard, you could also bring your furry friend, play board games and enjoy a refreshing beverage.
- Have Fun at The Mainland Adventure Park: As the Jersey Shore’s newest attraction, The Mainland Adventure Park is where people of all ages could have fun doing aerial activities, climb a 50-foot wall, soar along a zip line and even enjoy go-karting!
Ocean City (OCNJ)
Ocean City in New Jersey is located in Cape May County, which is at the Southern part of the Jersey Shore and it is one of the jersey shore beaches with boardwalk.
Similar to the resort town of Ocean City, Maryland, OCNJ features a fun boardwalk and a beautiful beachline with shops, eateries and an amusement park. Check out what you could do in Ocean City:
How to Get to Ocean City from NYC:
Getting from New York City to Ocean City, NJ will take over three hours by bus. You will need to take the Greyhound bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to Atlantic City. From Atlantic Ave at Ohio Avenue in AC, you will need to pick up the NJ Transit bus that will take you to the Ocean City Transportation Center. From there, you could take an Uber or Lyft to get to where you want to go in Ocean City.
Where to Stay in Ocean City
- Luxury: The Flanders Hotel, Ocean City, NJ
- Mid-Budget: Port-O-Call Hotel, Ocean City, NJ and Beach Club Hotel, Ocean City, NJ
- Budget: Pier 4 Hotel, Somers Point, NJ
What to do in Ocean City
- Enjoy the Sun, Sand and Surf: Ocean City’s beach is big, beautiful and the perfect place to have fun and also relax in the sun. It is also recommended to start your day by watching the sunrise on the beach!
- Walk the World Famous Ocean City New Jersey Boardwalk: There is a reason why OCNJ’s boardwalk is world-famous! There are so many attractions from rides to mini-golf as well as fine dining, art galleries, ice cream parlors and surf shops.
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Bay: One of the best ways to enjoy being on the water in OCNJ is by enjoying stand up paddle boarding on the bay. Once you get comfortable, try venturing out to the ocean for some fun waves!
- Bike Ride on OCNJ’s Paths: One of the best things to do in Ocean City is to rent a bike and enjoy one of the many bike paths. It is the perfect way to enjoy the coastal nature, exercise and also explore.
- Spend an Evening at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier: There is nothing better than spending a summer evening on the boardwalk. After a lovely dinner, one of the best things to do is head to Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and grab an ice cream cone, go mini-golfing, have fun on some rides and even grab a drink!
Wildwood
Known as the widest beach on New Jersey’s shoreline, Wildwood is a fun resort city that needs to be visited by everyone. Between the beach, foodie spots and so much more, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Wildwood. Below is what you must do:
How to Get to Wildwood from NYC:
Getting to Wildwood from New York City is done by taking either the Greyhound or NJ Transit bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to the Atlantic City Bus Terminal. From AC, you could take the NJ Transit or Greyhound bus to the Lions Senior Center in Wildwood. From there, you could request an Uber or Lyft to get around. It will take you over four hours to get from NYC to Wildwood through public transportation. The easiest and fastest way to get to South Jersey’s beaches is by driving, if possible.
Where to Stay in Wildwood
Luxury: Pan American Hotel, Wildwood, NJ
Mid-Budget: Calypso Boutique Hotel, Wildwood, NJ
Budget: Starlux Hotel, Wildwood, NJ
What to do in Wildwood
- Go to the Beach: Wildwood offers the largest beach in New Jersey. You definitely will not feel like it is crowded when you are relaxing on the beach because there is an infinite amount of space to sit.
- Enjoy a Fun Time at Morey’s Piers: Known as one of the most iconic piers in New Jersey, Morey’s Piers consist of Mariner’s Pier, Adventure Pier and Surfside Pier. This 6-block amusement park has over 100 rides and attractions and there is also a waterpark to enjoy.
- Savor Wildwood’s Boardwalk Foods: The foodie options in Wildwood are endless. There is something to suit everyone’s cravings. Some of the most popular foods to try in Wildwood are Curley’s Fries, Johnson’s Popcorn, pizza from Jumbo’s Grub & Pub, beer from Wilhelm’s Bier Garten, BBQ from Pigdog Beach and Bar, seafood from Joe’s Fish Co., vegetarian dishes from Stubborn Bros and more.
- Do Yoga on the Boardwalk: There is nothing more rejuvenating than doing yoga on the beach! During the summer, Wildwood offers power yoga on the boardwalk for those looking to relax, stay active and savor the ocean breeze.
- Craft Beer Taste at 7 Mile Brewery: 7 Mile Brewery is the best place in the Wildwood area to grab a delicious craft beer. This small brewery experiments with all kinds of malts, grains, hops and other flavorings to get the best beer in Cape May County.
Cape May
Cape May, New Jersey is located on the southern peninsula of New Jersey. This popular vacation destination was recognized as one of America’s Top 10 Beaches by the Travel Channel. Discover the most memorable things to do in Cape May:
How to Get to Cape May from NYC:
Getting from NYC to Cape May will take around five hours if you take public transportation. If you drive, which is the fastest and easiest way to get to Cape May, it will take a little over three hours.
Getting from NYC to Cape May via public transit could be done by taking either the Greyhound or NJ Transit bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to the Atlantic City Bus Terminal. From there, you will need to take another NJ Transit bus to Schellenger Landing in Cape May.
Where to Stay in Cape May
Luxury: Lokal Hotel, Cape May, NJ and Ocean Club Hotel, Cape May, NJ
Mid-Budget: Congress Hall, Cape May, NJ and The Montreal Beach Resort, Cape May, NJ
Budget: Beach Shack, Cape May, NJ
Booking.comWhat to do in Cape May
- Get Breakfast at The Mad Batter: There is nothing like going out for breakfast, especially down at the Jersey Shore! The Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar located in the Carroll Villa Hotel is the best place to get your favorite breakfast dishes.
- Wine Taste at Cape May Winery: Cape May Winery & Vineyard produces some of South Jersey’s most distinguished wines. Their main focus has been on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Chardonnay. It is also picturesque and a wonderful place to grab a delicious and light lunch.
- Visit the Cape May Lighthouse: The Cape May Lighthouse is the third documented lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey. During the day, you could climb the tower’s stairs and even take a tour!
- Do a Historical Tour: Cape May has a lot of history. One of the top things to do that is super thrilling is taking a ghost tour through the town.
- Take the Cape May Ferry: One of the best things to do during your time in Cape May is to take the Cape May – Lewes Ferry to Lewes, Delaware. The ferry offers an amazing way to enjoy the beauty of the Delaware Bay and they offer a great bar service.
Sea La Vie!
Jersey Shore Beaches Bound! We truly hope that this curated list by a Native from Jersey helps you discover the best beaches at the Jersey Shore. Enjoy!
This is a Guest Post by Taylor from the blog Brown Eyed Flower Child
Author’s Bio: Taylor is the millennial, boutique travel blogger, writer and content creator behind Brown Eyed Flower Child. Originally from New Jersey, outside of New York City, Taylor enjoys traveling all over the world and showcasing everything she experiences “through her eyes” on both her blog and social media. Along with traveling and blogging, Taylor’s hobbies include being active and going hiking, skiing and ice skating as well as doing yoga and dancing. She also loves to read; visit wineries and discover hidden food gems.
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