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Guide to planning a summer vacation on the Jersey Shore

Come summer, there’s nowhere like the Jersey Shore. Atlantic waves lap the beaches, the smell of fresh seafood is in the air and the coastline buzzes with things to do for all ages.

The Jersey Shore stretches for over 140 miles along the coastal section of New Jersey. Just a stone’s throw from New York, it’s a perfect trip from the metropolis—especially during the summer months.

This guide helps you plan the perfect summer vacation on this part of the East Coast!

Choose your base carefully

Start by deciding where you want to stay. Each town along the Jersey Shore caters to a slightly different crowd, so consider your group dynamics and tastes before making a booking.

Cape May is known for its Victorian houses, quiet beaches, and slower pace. It’s popular with couples and families with older kids.

Ocean City is ideal for a family-friendly atmosphere with classic boardwalk attractions, dry-town policies, and mini-golf. Stay here if you have younger kids!

Wildwood and North Wildwood cater more to teens and groups of friends, with waterparks, coasters and a louder boardwalk scene, although it’s another good option for families with kids of all ages.

Atlantic City is most famous for its casinos, and popular for those who crave the nightlife. However, here’s more than meets the eye!

Accommodation options

In Cape May and Ocean City, book well ahead for summer weekends, especially if you want a B&B or historic inn. There are more options in Atlantic City, but these can book up quickly during peak weekends too!

Vacation rentals are common across the shore, but prices jump sharply from around the end of June to mid-August.

If you're staying in Atlantic City, you can choose from:

Budget hotels near the Boardwalk

Mid-range resorts with pools and restaurants

Casino hotels with spas, indoor pools, and ocean views

Budgeting your trip

Expect accommodation to be your biggest cost, especially in June and July. If you want to save some money, perhaps visit at the end of August instead—the weather will still be warm, but it’ll be cheaper and quieter!

Restaurants vary widely: boardwalk food is affordable, but Atlantic City and Cape May have higher-end dining that adds up quickly.

Entry to most beaches costs around $5–7 per day (or you can buy a weekly badge). Casino gambling minimums range from $5 slots to $100 blackjack tables.

What to eat

The Jersey Shore is full of wonderful places to eat.

Grab a slice of pizza from Manco & Manco in Ocean City (the city has a long history of Italian migration) or try fried Oreos at any boardwalk stand.

In Cape May, The Lobster House is a staple for seafood lovers.

Atlantic City has more upscale dining, with restaurants by chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck inside the casinos!

Look out for the rooftop dining, happy hour oyster deals and casual breakfast diners.

Some traditional Jersey Shore food includes:

Saltwater taffy: invented in Atlantic City in the 19th century, this chewy sweet is still made in shops like Fralinger’s and James’.

Boardwalk sausage sandwiches: often with peppers and onions, a popular hot snack especially in Wildwood.

Italian water ice: a refreshing dessert found in nearly every Shore town.

Taylor ham (or pork roll) sandwiches: typically served at breakfast, especially inland and in northern Shore towns.

Fresh seafood: local clams, scallops, and blue crabs appear in both casual and fine dining menus.

Beyond the beach

Each Shore town has its own draws:

Cape May: lighthouse, whale watching tours, historic walking areas

Wildwood: water parks, classic amusement piers

Ocean City: clean family beach, small-town feel

Atlantic City: beyond the beach, there’s shopping at Tanger Outlets, art at the Noyes Museum, and performances at Boardwalk Hall

Atlantic City is famous for its high roller casino scene, but there’s more to do here. Many resorts have spas, indoor pools, and rooftop bars. You can visit the Absecon Lighthouse or stroll the Steel Pier without ever touching a slot machine.

How to get there and around

Driving is easiest, especially if you're moving between towns. Parking can be expensive in AC but more manageable elsewhere.

If you’re coming from New York or Philadelphia, NJ Transit runs buses and trains into Atlantic City. The AC Jitney is a local shuttle that connects the train station to major hotels.

Bikes are a great way to get around quieter towns like Ocean City and Cape May. Some areas have dedicated cycle paths and beachfront trails.

Final thoughts

With so many different towns and experiences packed into one stretch of coast, the Jersey Shore makes it easy to build a holiday that fits your style and group dynamic.

Whether you’re after peaceful bike rides and saltwater taffy or spa treatments and casino nights, there’s more than one way to enjoy a summer on the Shore!

author

Chris Bates



STEWARTVILLE

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