Jersey Shore, NJ

Travel Guide

Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore

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

These are Victorian style homes overlooking the beach in Cape May. There is wooden fence separating the beach and the houses. The homes have large front porches. The sky is a deep blue with just a few white puffy clouds.

Cape May Historic District

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

North Beach Haven
Aerial Panorama

Ship Bottom

4/5(150 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
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
The boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Central

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

Central
Aerial panorama of Atlantic city along the boardwalk at dusk. In the 1980s, Atlantic City achieved nationwide attention as a gambling resort and currently has nine large casinos.

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
Ocean Casino Resort

Ocean Casino Resort

4 out of 5
500 Boardwalk Atlantic City NJ
The price is ¥14,724 per night from May 28 to May 29
¥14,724
¥23,407 total
May 28 - May 29
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (12,148 reviews)
"Everything was excellent except for long check in line."

Reviewed on May 26, 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 ¥6,320 per night from May 31 to Jun 1
¥6,320
¥13,435 total
May 31 - Jun 1
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (12,414 reviews)
"Enjoyed my stay. Will stay again. Appreciated the view of the city"

Reviewed on May 26, 2026

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City– A Caesars Rewards Destination
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 ¥5,722 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
¥5,722
¥12,766 total
Jun 9 - Jun 10
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 20 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (16,798 reviews)
"I had a great stay with my family of 5. The room and property were clean and well-maintained. Check-in was quick. We do wish the pool was open past 5pm."

Reviewed on May 26, 2026

Tropicana Atlantic City – A Caesars Rewards Destination
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 aparthotel in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,104 reviews)
"Everything was great. Bathroom was clean and the room was clean."

Reviewed on May 25, 2026

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Coastal Estate

Coastal Estate

2 out of 5
756 U.S. 9 Cape May NJ
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape May. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Cape May Beach and Wildwood Boardwalk are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews)
"Everything was great bed was comfortable and although I didn’t use the kitchen facilities , it was a nice touch for a longer stay . My only negative was you could hear the cars on the roadway nearby otherwise I was pleased with my stay . It felt safe and secure ."

Reviewed on May 23, 2026

Coastal Estate
Marriott's Fairway Villas

Marriott's Fairway Villas

3 out of 5
500 East Fairway Lane Absecon NJ
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Absecon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (869 reviews)
"Very good place? Very good people everything clean I suggest this place is a very good place."

Reviewed on May 22, 2026

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 Jersey Shore

Explore a world of travel with Expedia