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

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
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 Hartland Miniature Golf & Arcade or Long Beach.

Ship Bottom
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
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
Default Image

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
Ocean City featuring outdoor eating, cafe lifestyle and street scenes

Downtown Ocean City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Ocean City, Ocean City Boardwalk and Pirate Island Golf are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Ocean 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 ¥9,753 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥9,753
¥16,868 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (9,130 reviews)
"The room was spacious and well-appointed with a comfortable bathroom."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Ocean Casino Resort
Ocean Casino Resort
4 out of 5
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is ¥29,285 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
¥29,285
¥39,299 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
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! (9,565 reviews)
","

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Ocean Casino Resort
Tropicana Atlantic City
Tropicana Atlantic City
3.5 out of 5
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is ¥9,753 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥9,753
¥16,869 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7/10 Good! (14,418 reviews)
"Everything ok"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Tropicana Atlantic City
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! (3,799 reviews)
"The stay at Boardwalk Resort with my family was great."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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! (1,670 reviews)
Favorite beach hotel in NJ
"I absolutely love this place! I go to Brigantine often because I drive my truck on the beach so I didn't even use the hotels beach but the fact that the best restaurant in town is also attached to this hotel where you can dine outside among the palm trees and then sit on the beach, Makes it the perfect ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
The Surf Club
The Surf Club
2 out of 5
811 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, NJ
Stay at this aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ocean City Boardwalk and Shriver's Salt Water ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (59 reviews)
"The property was great! Easy digital check in process. Upgraded and clean room with nice amenities. The only thing missing was a clock!"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

The Surf Club
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 Jersey Shore