Jersey Shore, NJ

Travel Guide

Ocean City which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
Steel Pier featuring a city
The Quarter at Tropicana featuring interior views and shopping
Cape May County Zoo featuring a garden as well as a family
Cape May - Wildwood featuring a house

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 Jersey Shore

Washington Street Mall featuring a small town or village

Cape May Historic District

If you're spending some time in Cape May Historic District, Washington Street Mall and Cape May Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Cape May Historic District
Atlantic City showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Ship Bottom

4/5(145 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

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
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North Beach Haven

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

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

North Beach Haven
Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

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
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Gold Coast

While Gold Coast isn't home to many top sights, Ocean City Boardwalk and OC Waterpark are some notable places to visit nearby.

Gold Coast
Ocean Casino Resort

Ocean Casino Resort

4 out of 5
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is ¥9,854 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
¥9,854
¥17,666 total
Dec 2 - Dec 3
includes taxes & fees
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 pool and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10,711 reviews)
Everything was perfect. We was welcomed by front desk, our room was upgraded, later check in was permitted

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2025

Ocean Casino Resort
Tropicana Atlantic City – A Caesars Rewards Destination

Tropicana Atlantic City – A Caesars Rewards Destination

3.5 out of 5
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is ¥7,238 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
¥7,238
¥14,285 total
Nov 3 - Nov 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 20 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (16,219 reviews)
There were no microwaves in facility on grounds

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

Tropicana Atlantic City – A Caesars Rewards Destination
Golden Nugget

Golden Nugget

4 out of 5
Huron Avenue And Brigantine Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,191 reviews)
The room was great everything was awesome we had a beautiful 25th anniversary thank you Golden Nugget and the staff for all the hard work you did for us had a blast we'll see you again next year

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2025

Golden Nugget
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
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly condo in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,925 reviews)
I didnt eat breakfast here. Wonderful place to stay

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2025

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! (1,734 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025

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, an outdoor pool, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (772 reviews)
Beautiful grounds and clean and spacious rooms.

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025

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

Things to do

Cities near Jersey Shore