How to plan your summer vacation on the Jersey Shore

13.07.2024 - 03:42 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 4, 2024 • 7 min read

With 130 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline stretching from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south, the Jersey Shore has long drawn vacationers. Back in the 1880s, well-to-do travelers would glide along the Atlantic City boardwalk being pushed in rolling chairs, a form of transportation still available to this day. 

While pop culture TV shows have shown a more lively side of shore life, there's more to the New Jersey coastline than a penchant for partying. There’s the rock-star bar scene in Asbury Park, quaint Victorian vibes in Cape May, the kid-friendly dry town of Ocean City, the historic village of Smithville and around-the-clock entertainment in Atlantic City.

Here's how to find your ideal beach getaway in the Garden State. 

With such a wide variety of options, from family-oriented beach towns and quiet suburban coves to lively cities that never sleep, it’s all about choosing your own adventure for your summer vacation. 

Vibes: From beach to boardwalk, all the iconic experiences of a Jersey Shore vacation are tucked into this barrier island destination, only 16 blocks long and four blocks wide. 

Do: Summer living revolves around the boardwalk. Find thrills at Casino Pier for rides, arcades and fairground games, or splash down at Breakwater Beach Waterpark.

Eat: Since 1950, Maruca’s Tomato Pies have become known for their swirls of cheese and sauce. Also a classic: a sausage and peppers sandwich from Midway Bar. Ocean View Restaurant serves American continental food and has private beach access.   

Stay: With its small square footage, vacation rentals and Airbnbs provide the widest range of options. Island Beach Motor Lodge offers a modest stay, while boutique hotel Casa Del Mar up the way in Pleasant Beach provides more comfortable quarters. 

Vibes: The biggest city along the Jersey Shore – lovingly nicknamed “AC” – mixes beach and boardwalk traditions alongside a range of dining, entertainment and casino fun. 

Do: There’s no doubt many come here to gamble. But the casinos aren’t all that AC is about. Sightseers can climb Absecon Lighthouse, the state’s tallest, while shoppers will clamor for deals at Tanger Outlets – all in addition to endless beach and boardwalk indulgences. 

Eat: Famous chefs have made their mark here, including Michael Symon with Angeline and Gordon Ramsey with Hell’s Kitchen. But Rat Pack favorite Chef Vola's, opened in 1921, might still be the hottest ticket in town. For a no-frills but tasty meal head to Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria. 

Stay: Casino resorts line the oceanfront, like the Ocean Casino Resort, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, and Nobu Hotel at Caesars Atlantic City, while the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa carves out its own little cove on