Jersey Shore, NJ

Travel Guide
Absecon Lighthouse showing 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 Jersey Shore

Ocean City featuring outdoor eating, cafe lifestyle and street scenes

North End

4.5/5(267 area reviews)

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

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 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
Default Image

Ortley Beach

If you're spending some time in Ortley Beach, Ortley Beach and Vision Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Ortley Beach
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
Tropicana Atlantic City
Tropicana Atlantic City
3.5 out of 5
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $55 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$55
$103 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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 (12,218 reviews)
"Had a great time"

Reviewed on May 30, 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 $58 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$58
$106 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (4,478 reviews)
"I like that it have multiple options for dining or drinking. So even though it wasn't close to the board walk you still have a body of water to view. It has everything you need inside so there really no need to venture out."

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Ocean Casino Resort
Ocean Casino Resort
4 out of 5
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $119 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
$119
$173 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 3 - Jun 4
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! (7,603 reviews)
"Well kept"

Reviewed on May 30, 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! (3,386 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
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! (651 reviews)
"Great place for families"

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Marriott's Fairway Villas
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! (1,522 reviews)
"The hotel was good. Excellent beach bar redtaurant and band. The weather was bad, which would have been ok if the pool had been open (was closed)."

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

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

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Cities near Jersey Shore