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 seashore cities. “I 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 seashore, 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 properties.

Sandy Hook

Simply accessible by boat from New York Metropolis, under-the-radar Sandy Hook is house to the northernmost seashore of the Jersey Shore. “Regardless of being so near New York Metropolis—on a transparent day, you possibly can see the skyline—it is a phenomenal, expansive seashore that appears 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, slim 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 Could

Situated on the southernmost level in New Jersey, Cape Could is well known as America’s oldest seaside resort, having welcomed vacationers because the late 1700s. Right now, 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 energetic spot with vast shores and calm waters; Poverty Seashore, identified for its superb white sand and laid-back environment; and Sundown Seashore, well-known for its namesake views and “Cape Could 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 Could Lighthouse (the panoramic views are the icing on the cake) or wander the grounds of Congress Corridor. Relationship again to 1816, this vivid yellow hang-out is also known as America’s first seaside resort.

Level Nice Seashore

Level Nice Seashore is a paradise for households, with its pristine swath of sand and ample sights, 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 possibly can simply spend a complete afternoon strolling the mile-long stretch, stopping for treats like ice cream, popcorn, and cotton sweet in between basic 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 line with Coppolino, Lengthy Seashore Island is “significantly good for households as a consequence of its immense quantity of kid-friendly actions,” together with mini golf, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, ice cream parlors, and extra. Many of those sights 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 straightforward 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 contemporary sushi at Gazebo Grill to nostalgic candy treats at Nation Kettle Fudge.

Ocean Grove

“Sometimes,” says Coppolino, “when Jersey Shore-goers consider stunning, colourful Victorian properties quintessential of the late 1800s to early 1900s, they assume they should journey all the way in which south to Cape Could.” Nevertheless, “Ocean Grove, about 75 minutes from New York Metropolis, has the same colourful aesthetic however is rather 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 Important 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 sturdy Methodist roots and is technically dry; nonetheless, as the professional says, “many eating places enable purchasers to BYOB.”

Asbury Park

Coppolino calls Asbury Park “indisputably” her favourite seashore 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 folks, meals, artwork, and music is what units it aside from the encompassing, extra homogenous, seashore cities.”

The city has one thing for everybody. Foodies can pattern all types of tasty dishes—two of Coppolino’s favorites are the Johnny Porkroll and Sprout Home meals vans, in addition to Ada’s Gojjo, an area 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 dealing with the venue.”

Atlantic Metropolis

Atlantic Metropolis is without doubt one of the Shore’s most iconic—and generally notorious—seashore cities, identified for its casinos, nightlife, and historic boardwalk, the primary in the USA. The five-mile stretch serves because the city’s energetic core, filled with eating places, bars, mini golf, arcade video games, amusement rides, and extra, making it just about not possible 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 Heart. 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 seashore city sits on a barrier island, providing vast, sandy seashores which can be free to entry and ideal for households. The famed 2.5-mile-long Wildwood Boardwalk is lined with retro amusements, basic 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 encompasses a assortment of restored classic neon indicators. Thrill-seekers of all ages, in the meantime, will take pleasure in a go to to Morey’s Piers, house to over 100 rides and sights; alternatively, cool off at close by water parks like Raging Waters and Splash Zone.

Highlands

Whereas not technically a seashore 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 avenue’s HOA in order that we will have an area lifeguard on web site), 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 employees and fairly priced delicacies.” As a bonus, it is a straightforward bike experience to Sandy Hook for ocean seashore entry, whereas the Henry Hudson Path is “a beautiful place to walk as nicely, significantly throughout the shoulder seasons.”