Jersey Shore, NJ

Travel Guide

Ocean City which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
Steel Pier featuring a city
The Quarter at Tropicana featuring interior views and shopping
Cape May County Zoo featuring a garden as well as a family
Cape May - Wildwood featuring a house

White-sand beaches border the bright lights of casinos and a non-stop nightlife scene lasts from dusk until dawn in this coastal region of New Jersey.

Head to the Jersey Shore for boardwalk strolls, beachside fun and swimming in the Atlantic. While many will know Jersey Shore from the MTV show of the same name, which focused on the area’s raucous nightlife, rest assured that there is lots to do here for the whole family.

The Jersey Shore stretches from Sandy Hook to Cape May and is a much-loved vacation spot for many families who have spent their summers in the area for generations. Cape May, for instance, has hosted visitors since the 1600s and is designated as a National Historic Landmark City. Come here to marvel at the animals of the Cape May County Park & Zoo and embark on a whale-watching and dolphin-spotting tour off the coast.

Relax on Long Beach Island in the resort towns of Barnegat Light and Beach Haven. Climb up to Barnegat’s lighthouse and sail along Barnegat Bay. Oceanfront boutique stores are good for shopping, while family-owned restaurants serve up fresh seafood.

If you are looking for bright lights and after-dark fun, stay in Atlantic City. Spend the evening enjoying the casinos or simply watching the dealers while having a cocktail. Take in the carnival sounds of the Atlantic City Boardwalk and shop for trinkets in oceanfront stores. A variety of bars and nightclubs near the waterfront offer late-night entertainment.

Take the whole family to Seaside Heights to splash around in the Breakwater Beach Waterpark and after, play miniature golf near the boardwalk.

The Jersey Shore is packed with tourists during the summer months, so come in July and August for plenty of people-watching and the best weather. Take a train or bus from Newark, Philadelphia or New York City straight to the shore, or hop on a ferry from New York to Sandy Hook.

Come to the Jersey Shore to experience miles of shimmering coastlines, classic amusement parks and an active party scene. Create lifelong memories in this popular American vacation destination.

Where to stay in Jersey Shore

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Visitors highly recommend Diamond Beach for its beaches, and you can make a stop by Five Mile Beach while you're in town.

Diamond Beach
Atlantic City showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Ship Bottom

4/5(145 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the beaches and museums in Ship Bottom. You might want to make time for a stop at Hartland Miniature Golf & Arcade or Long Beach.

Ship Bottom
Washington Street Mall featuring a small town or village

Cape May Historic District

If you're spending some time in Cape May Historic District, Washington Street Mall and Cape May Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Cape May Historic District
Long Beach Island, NJ

Surf City

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Borough on Long Beach Island, Surf City offers yacht races at its Yacht Club and easy access to Philadelphia, New York City, and Trenton. Enjoy free LBI Shuttle service along Long Beach Boulevard.

Surf City
Default Image

North Beach Haven

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North Beach Haven, Haven Beach and Brighton Beach are top sights worth seeing.

North Beach Haven
Default Image

Ortley Beach

If you're spending some time in Ortley Beach, Ortley Beach and Ocean Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Ortley Beach

Popular places to visit

Cities near Jersey Shore