Jersey Shore, NJ

Travel Guide

Ocean City which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
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

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

Entering the beach at Cape May

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
Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey with boardwalk in background

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
Aerial Panorama

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
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
Absecon lighthouse, Atlantic City, New Jersey

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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Central

If you're spending some time in Central, Ocean City Boardwalk and Ocean City Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Central
Ocean Casino Resort

Ocean Casino Resort

4 out of 5
500 Boardwalk Atlantic City NJ
The price is ¥13,087 per night from Feb 2 to Feb 3
¥13,087
¥21,373 total
Feb 2 - Feb 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 18 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11,010 reviews)
I arrived in the afternoon and left very early in the morning. But I found the room comfortable and clean. In the brief interactions I had with the staff, I was treated well and professionally.

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

Ocean Casino Resort
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City– A Caesars Rewards Destination

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City– A Caesars Rewards Destination

4 out of 5
777 Harrah's Blvd. Atlantic City NJ
The price is ¥5,524 per night from Feb 2 to Feb 3
¥5,524
¥12,367 total
Feb 2 - Feb 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (11,372 reviews)
The room was large and spotless

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City– A Caesars Rewards Destination
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

4.5 out of 5
1 Borgata Way Atlantic City NJ
The price is ¥11,709 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
¥11,709
¥19,751 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 17 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,284 reviews)
Clean rooms

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
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 helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,978 reviews)
Kelsey restaurant food is delicious no complaints

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Marriott's Fairway Villas

Marriott's Fairway Villas

3 out of 5
500 East Fairway Lane Absecon NJ
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Absecon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (802 reviews)
It was very nice and spacious. We enjoyed the indoor pool and the fire pits. The only thing we were not aware of was the parking fee. We had to pay $15 per car per night. Other than that we really enjoyed our stay.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Marriott's Fairway Villas
Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach

3 out of 5
1400 Ocean Avenue Brigantine NJ
Book a stay at this 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! (1,770 reviews)
Room was comfortable, shower was very nice, strong flow.

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
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

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