New Jersey Shore Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Absecon Lighthouse featuring a lighthouse
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 New Jersey Shore

Ocean City showing café lifestyle, outdoor eating and street scenes

North End

If you're spending some time in North End, Ocean City Boardwalk and Ocean City Beach are top sights worth seeing.

North End
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Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is popular for its beaches, and you can check out Five Mile Beach, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

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

Ship Bottom

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

Ship Bottom
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Surf City

Surf City is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Long Beach and Sandbar Golf.

Surf City
Jersey Shore featuring shopping and interior views

Midtown South

If you're spending some time in Midtown South, Atlantic City Boardwalk and Hard Rock Casino Atlantic City are top sights worth seeing.

Midtown South
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Ortley Beach

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

Ortley Beach
Tropicana Atlantic City
Tropicana Atlantic City
3.5 out of 5
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is AU$75 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$75
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 13 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the clean ...
6.8/10 (12,095 reviews)
"The staff was most kind and accommodating. Ryblia down at the check in counter was most helpful even though I thought they should have comped me a free day because we had to change rooms."

Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2024

Tropicana Atlantic City
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
4 out of 5
777 Harrah's Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ
Fully refundable
The price is AU$75 per night from 1 May to 2 May
AU$75
per night
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy 9 restaurants, a casino, and 4 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (4,088 reviews)
"Property was not bad except i didnt get what i paid for."

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2024

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Ocean Casino Resort
Ocean Casino Resort
4 out of 5
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is AU$191 per night from 2 May to 3 May
AU$191
per night
2 May - 3 May
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 18 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (7,617 reviews)
"I love Ocean Casino, unique in every way!"

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2024

Ocean Casino Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
3 out of 5
1400 Ocean Avenue, Brigantine, NJ
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Brigantine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,517 reviews)
100 percent recommended
"we totally loved it"

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2024

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
3.5 out of 5
60 N Maine Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
Stay at this business-friendly condo in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,375 reviews)
"It was amazing"

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2024

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Marriott's Fairway Villas
Marriott's Fairway Villas
3 out of 5
500 East Fairway Lane, Absecon, NJ
Stay at this 3-star golf vacation home in Absecon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (641 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2024

Marriott's Fairway Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near New Jersey Shore