The 10 best Jersey Shore towns to visit this summer

Bay Head

Bay Head, with its charming downtown filled with restaurants and shops, is one of Cavazuti’s favorite New Jersey beaches. I love getting up early and grabbing coffee at one of the local bakeries or coffee shops (shoutout to Muellers!She says. Bay Head Historic District is a great place to explore if you want to go beyond the beach. It has more than 550 homes in the Colonial Revival, Queen Anne and shingle styles.

Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook, the northernmost Jersey Shore beach is easily accessible via boat from New York City. “Despite being so close to New York City—on a clear day, you can see the skyline—it’s a beautiful, expansive beach that feels like you are on Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket,” says Cavazuti. While technically not a town, Sandy Hook is a barrier spit—a long, narrow strip of land that separates the Atlantic Ocean from Sandy Hook Bay. It’s a part of the Gateway National Recreation AreaIt is a popular destination for bird watching and historical sites. Fort Hancock And the 250-year-old Lighthouse.

Cape May

At the southernmost tip of New Jersey. Cape May It is widely acknowledged as America’s first seaside resort. Travelers have been coming here since the late 1800s. The expansive beaches, Victorian architecture, and high-quality accommodations still attract visitors today. birding.

The Cove is a popular spot for its wide beaches and calm waters. Poverty Beach is known for its fine, white sand, and relaxed atmosphere. Sunset Beach has its own name and is famous for the “Cape May Diamonds”, which are naturally smoothed, natural quartz crystals that line the shoreline.

The 1859 spire offers a view of the town’s history. Climb 199 steps up to the top. Cape May Lighthouse You can also wander around the grounds or take in the panoramic views. Congress Hall. This bright yellow resort dates back to 1816 and is often called America’s first beach resort.

Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant Beach This mile-long stretch of beach, which is lined with arcades, aquariums, mini golf and other attractions, is perfect for families. boardwalkCavazuti calls it “so nostalgic”. She continued, “Nothing brings back memories of summers at the Jersey Shore as a child more than an ice-cream and a ride around the amusement park on the train.” The mile-long boardwalk is a great place to spend the afternoon, enjoying ice cream, cotton candy, popcorn and arcade games in between rides. On the other side of the boardwalk, you can go antiquing on Bay and Arnold Avenues or dine at local favorite restaurants like Spano’s Ristorante Italiano.

Beach Haven

Mini golf is one of the many kid-friendly activities that Long Beach Island offers, according to Coppolino. Fantasy Island Amusement ParkThere are also ice cream shops and other attractions. Beach Haven, the bustling southern town, is home to many of these attractions. Long Beach Island, being a barrier isle, has deeper beaches than other shores, making it easier for large groups of people to set up camp without having to be blanket-to-blanket during weekends and holidays. Beach Haven is a must-see. Bay Village, home to a slew of eats—from fresh sushi at Gazebo Grill Sweet memories at Country Kettle Fudge.

Ocean Grove

Coppolino says that “typically,” when Jersey Shore visitors think of beautiful, vibrant Victorian homes, which were a hallmark of the late 1800s and early 1900s, their minds go south to Cape May. Ocean Grove is about 75 minutes away from New York City and has a colorful aesthetic, but it’s more relaxed. It also costs less during the summer. You can stroll the boardwalk after or before exploring Main Avenue. It has many locally owned shops, restaurants and what Coppolino refers to as “my all-time favourite place for giant sandwiches and salads”. SeaGrass.” A few things to keep in mind: the town is a strong Methodist community and technically is dry. But, as the local pro points out, “many restaurant allow their clients to BYOB.”

Asbury Park

Coppolino calls Asbury Park Her favorite beach town is “without a question” in New Jersey. She says that as a Monmouth County resident, she has seen the town transform in the last couple of decades.

Everyone can find something to do in this town. Foodies can sample all sorts of tasty dishes—two of Coppolino’s favorites are the Johnny Porkroll The following are some examples of how to get started: Sprout House Food trucks are also available. Ada’s GojjoA local chef blends Ethiopian cuisine with Caribbean food to create. The nightlife attracts high-energy tourists, and Coppolino recommends top spots such as Paradise, Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits. The Beach Bar. She also suggests listening to “whoever’s playing at the Stone Pony’s summer stage“, noting that she loves to grab Mogo Tacos and set up a shop on a patch facing the venue.”

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is one of the Shore’s most iconic—and sometimes infamous—beach towns, known for its casinos, nightlife, and historic boardwalkIt is the first one in the United States. The lively five-mile strip is home to restaurants, bars and amusement rides.

Explore nearby attractions like the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Or, Brigantine Nature Center. Next, enjoy the culinary delights along New York Avenue. Then climb the 228 stairs to the top floor of this 19th century building. Absecon LighthouseThe oldest in the country.

Wildwood

This busy beach town is located on a barrier-island, and offers wide, sandy beaches, which are perfect for families. Wildwood Boardwalk features retro amusements and arcade games as well as snack stands selling boardwalk staples such Curley’s Fries, Kohr Bros., frozen custard, and more. Visit the Doo Wop Experience MuseumThe museum pays tribute to the mid-century architecture of the town and includes a collection restored vintage neon signs. Visitors of all ages will also enjoy a trip to Morey’s PiersThe nearby water park,, is home to more than 100 rides and attractions. Raging Waters The following are some examples of how to get started: Splash Zone.

Highlands

While not technically a beach town—it’s a waterfront community on a protected bay—Highlands sits at the northernmost tip of the Shore, just a 40-60-minute ferry ride from New York City. Coppolino is particularly fond of the place, since she owns a home in it. We love its proximity to the city (ours has a neighborhood inlet beach that is funded by HOA due to the fact that there’s a lifeguard on-site) and its long-lasting residents. She adds, “Places that are like Franny’s The following are some examples of how to get started: Bahr’s Landing With friendly staff, they cater to both local families and tourists. It’s a short bike ride from Sandy Hook to the ocean beach. Henry Hudson Trail The “shoulder seasons” are a good time to go for a stroll.