10 Finest Jersey Shore Cities to Go to This Summer season

Bay Head

With its quaint downtown dotted with outlets and eating places and delightful seashores, Bay Head is amongst Cavazuti’s favourite New Jersey seaside cities. “I really like waking up early, grabbing a espresso from one of many native espresso outlets or bakeries (shout out to Muellers!), and strolling the streets,” she says. Past the seaside, vacationers can discover the Bay Head Historic District, which spotlights a formidable assortment of greater than 550 shingle, Queen Anne, stick, and Colonial Revival-style houses.

Sandy Hook

Simply accessible by boat from New York Metropolis, under-the-radar Sandy Hook is house to the northernmost seaside of the Jersey Shore. “Regardless of being so near New York Metropolis—on a transparent day, you may see the skyline—it is a phenomenal, expansive seaside that seems like you might be on Martha’s Winery or Nantucket,” says Cavazuti. Whereas technically not a city, Sandy Hook is a barrier spit—an extended, slender strip of land that separates the Atlantic Ocean from Sandy Hook Bay. It is a part of the Gateway Nationwide Recreation Space, identified for its protected stretches of sand, scenic trails, birdwatching, and historic websites like Fort Hancock and the 250-year-old lighthouse.

Cape Might

Situated on the southernmost level in New Jersey, Cape Might is widely known as America’s oldest seaside resort, having welcomed vacationers because the late 1700s. In the present day, guests nonetheless flock right here for its expansive seashores, colourful Victorian structure, and top-notch birding.

Among the many hottest stretches of sand are The Cove, a full of life spot with broad shores and calm waters; Poverty Seashore, identified for its wonderful white sand and laid-back ambiance; and Sundown Seashore, well-known for its namesake views and “Cape Might diamonds” (naturally smoothed quartz crystals discovered alongside the shoreline).

For a glimpse into the city’s previous, climb the 199 steps to the highest of the 1859 Cape Might Lighthouse (the panoramic views are the icing on the cake) or wander the grounds of Congress Corridor. Relationship again to 1816, this shiny yellow hang-out is sometimes called America’s first seaside resort.

Level Nice Seashore

Level Nice Seashore is a paradise for households, with its pristine swath of sand and ample points of interest, together with mini golf, arcades, and an aquarium, all of which might be discovered alongside the mile-long boardwalk, which Cavazuti describes as “so nostalgic.” She continues, “Nothing jogs my memory of Jersey Shore summers as a child greater than an ice cream and a experience on the practice that circles the amusement park.” You’ll be able to simply spend a whole afternoon strolling the mile-long stretch, stopping for treats like ice cream, popcorn, and cotton sweet in between traditional rides and arcade video games. Off the boardwalk, go antiquing alongside Bay and Arnold Avenues and dine at native favorites like Spano’s Ristorante Italiano.

Seashore Haven

In keeping with Coppolino, Lengthy Seashore Island is “significantly good for households on account of its immense quantity of kid-friendly actions,” together with mini golf, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, ice cream parlors, and extra. Many of those points of interest might be present in Seashore Haven, a bustling city positioned on the southern finish. Additionally, as a result of Lengthy Seashore Island is a barrier island, “its seashores are deeper than many others on the shore, making it simple for big teams to arrange store with out being blanket-to-blanket on weekends or holidays.” Do not miss a go to to Seashore Haven’s Bay Village, house to a slew of eats—from recent sushi at Gazebo Grill to nostalgic candy treats at Nation Kettle Fudge.

Ocean Grove

“Usually,” says Coppolino, “when Jersey Shore-goers consider stunning, colourful Victorian houses quintessential of the late 1800s to early 1900s, they assume they should journey all the way in which south to Cape Might.” Nevertheless, “Ocean Grove, about 75 minutes from New York Metropolis, has an identical colourful aesthetic however is far more relaxed in its vibes (and usually a fraction of the price throughout peak summer season months),” she says. Stroll the boardwalk earlier than or after exploring Essential Avenue, which has a number of regionally owned outlets and eating places, together with what Coppolino calls “my all-time favourite place for large salads and sandwiches, SeaGrass.” One factor to notice: The city has robust Methodist roots and is technically dry; nevertheless, as the professional says, “many eating places permit purchasers to BYOB.”

Asbury Park

Coppolino calls Asbury Park “for sure” her favourite seaside city in New Jersey. “As a Monmouth County native, I’ve seen it remodel over the previous couple of many years,” she says, noting that its “variety in individuals, meals, artwork, and music is what units it aside from the encircling, extra homogenous, seaside cities.”

The city has one thing for everybody. Foodies can pattern all kinds of tasty dishes—two of Coppolino’s favorites are the Johnny Porkroll and Sprout Home meals vans, in addition to Ada’s Gojjo, a neighborhood spot run by a chef who blends Ethiopian and Caribbean delicacies. In the meantime, the nightlife scene attracts high-energy vacationers, with Coppolino calling out high spots like Paradise, Johnny Mac’s Home of Spirits, and The Seashore Bar. She additionally recommends listening to “whoever is taking part in on the Stone Pony’s summer season stage,” noting that she “likes to seize Mogo tacos and arrange store on a patch of grass going through the venue.”

Atlantic Metropolis

Atlantic Metropolis is likely one of the Shore’s most iconic—and generally notorious—seaside cities, identified for its casinos, nightlife, and historic boardwalk, the primary in america. The five-mile stretch serves because the city’s full of life core, filled with eating places, bars, mini golf, arcade video games, amusement rides, and extra, making it just about unattainable to be bored.

For a extra serene Atlantic Metropolis expertise, discover close by spots just like the Edwin B. Forsythe Nationwide Wildlife Refuge or the Brigantine Nature Middle. Then, pattern the native culinary scene alongside New York Avenue and climb 228 steps to the highest of the Nineteenth-century Absecon Lighthouse, one of many nation’s oldest.

Wildwood

This bustling seaside city sits on a barrier island, providing broad, sandy seashores which are free to entry and excellent for households. The famed 2.5-mile-long Wildwood Boardwalk is lined with retro amusements, traditional arcade video games, and snack stands serving up boardwalk staples like Curley’s Fries and Kohr Bros. frozen custard. For a step again in time, go to the Doo Wop Expertise Museum, which pays homage to the city’s mid-century structure and incorporates a assortment of restored classic neon indicators. Thrill-seekers of all ages, in the meantime, will get pleasure from a go to to Morey’s Piers, house to over 100 rides and points of interest; alternatively, cool off at close by water parks like Raging Waters and Splash Zone.

Highlands

Whereas not technically a seaside city—it is a waterfront group on a protected bay—Highlands sits on the northernmost tip of the Shore, only a 40-60-minute ferry experience from New York Metropolis. It is particularly near Coppolino’s coronary heart, as she has a house there. “We love its entry to the town, neighborhood inlet seashores (ours is funded by our road’s HOA in order that we will have a neighborhood lifeguard on website), and long-lasting residents (that are a testomony to its greatness).” She continues, “Locations like Franny’s and Bahr’s Touchdown cater to native households and vacationers alike, with heat workers and fairly priced delicacies.” As a bonus, it is a simple bike experience to Sandy Hook for ocean seaside entry, whereas the Henry Hudson Path is “a beautiful place to walk as nicely, significantly in the course of the shoulder seasons.”