New Jersey Shore

Travel 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 featuring outdoor eating, cafe lifestyle 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
Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors highly recommend Diamond Beach for its beaches, and you can make a stop by Five Mile Beach while you're in town.

Diamond Beach
Atlantic City showing 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
Long Beach Island, NJ

Surf City

Borough on Long Beach Island, Surf City offers yacht races at its Yacht Club and easy access to Philadelphia, New York City, and Trenton. Enjoy free LBI Shuttle service along Long Beach Boulevard.

Surf City
Jersey Shore featuring shopping and interior views

Midtown South

While visiting Midtown South, you might make a stop by sights like Atlantic City Boardwalk and Hard Rock Casino Atlantic City.

Midtown South
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North Beach Haven

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in North Beach Haven, Haven Beach and Brant Beach are top sights worth seeing.

North Beach Haven
Tropicana Atlantic City
Tropicana Atlantic City
3.5 out of 5
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is CA $54 per night from May 23 to May 24
CA $54
CA $117 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 13 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
6.8/10 (12,219 reviews)
"Check in was an issue I checked in at 230 charged $18 for early check in then had to call to change rooms because the noise from the elevator was awful. I checked in early to nap instead I paid $18 to be on the phone and to change rooms, they refused at first then told me to come down. Now I’m waiting ..."

Reviewed on May 19, 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
The price is CA $61 per night from May 23 to May 24
CA $61
CA $125 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 9 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (4,313 reviews)
"Harrah’s is an amazing place to stay"

Reviewed on May 18, 2024

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Ocean Casino Resort
Ocean Casino Resort
4 out of 5
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $148 per night from May 30 to May 31
CA $148
CA $221 total
includes taxes & fees
May 30 - May 31
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 18 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (7,613 reviews)
"I heard friends complain about their other hotel choices, needing upgrades, location, dirty. This hotel was above my expectations."

Reviewed on May 16, 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.
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
3.5 out of 5
60 N Maine Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
Book a stay at this business-friendly condo in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,391 reviews)
"The staff os very nice and professional"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
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)
"On the beach Friendly staff"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
Marriott's Fairway Villas
Marriott's Fairway Villas
3 out of 5
500 East Fairway Lane, Absecon, NJ
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified vacation home in Absecon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (648 reviews)
"Nice place."

Reviewed on Apr. 28, 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

Cities near New Jersey Shore