There’s nothing like spending your summers in one of New Jersey’s most acclaimed areas, the Jersey Shore. Known to locals as “The Shore,” New Jersey’s beaches stretch 130 miles along the coastline and consist of over 40 different towns and communities. As most of you know, my heart is ALWAYS on LBI, specifically South Beach Haven. It’s where I road my bike, read great books on the beach, enjoyed bonfires (when they were allowed) and served as a lifeguard (that’s when I was in great shape). One thing the team has in common is their love for LBI as well, we always joke around and say if we won the Mega we’d buy a hotel and run it together.
- Scroll to the bottom of this article to see the teams LBI spots.
This past month I decided to take a couple of days and explore Stone Harbor and Avalon. We stayed at the much talked about Icona Avalon. It was awesome, quiet, great restaurants and shopping, it made me think of how fortunate we are in NJ. There is a beach style for everyone. From boardwalks and amusement rides to private secluded areas and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip, or a new summer vacation spot, here is a list of must-see places at the Jersey Shore, according to locals.
Long Branch & Asbury Park, NJ
- Named “Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel, Asbury Park offers something for everyone. In this small seaside city, you can walk the 13-mile-long boardwalk and enjoy delectable foods, diverse boutiques and family fun. Asbury Park is also known for its live music scene, and is home of historic venue, the Stone Pony, where Jersey heroes like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi are regulars.
- Right next to Asbury Park is the town of Long Branch where you can find countless shops and an assortment of cuisines on Pier Village. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try some of the many dessert and candy stores like Coney Waffle or Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for the ultimate dessert experience. Or, if you’re looking for a nice dinner on the water, try McLoone’s Pier House or Sirena Ristorante. This upscale, trendy area is great for a day trip or a longer stay at any of their high-end hotels that overlook the ocean.
- Less than a 30-minute drive from both beach areas are a variety of wineries and breweries like Grape Beginnings Hands On Winery and Asbury Park Brewery to taste and tour a collection of wines and beers. Be sure to check out the Monmouth Park Racetrack, which has been a shore tradition since 1870. Come here to watch horse races, attend festivals, or grab food at the many restaurants on site.
Point Pleasant, NJ
Family-friendly Point Pleasant has a beautiful beach, and the kids will love Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, where they can enjoy dozens of games, rides, and food stands. On rainy days, be sure to check out Jenkinson’s Aquarium, which houses a variety of sea and land creatures, including Atlantic and Pacific sharks, exotic rainforest creatures, and a touch tank that allows you to come in contact with marine animals.
The adults can enjoy food, drinks, and music at some of the many beachfront bars located along the boardwalk. Or, have some food and laughs at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club. If you’re a foodie, you don’t want to miss Joe Leone’s Italian Deli and Catering to pick up some traditional Italian specialties.
Lavalette, NJ
Lavalette is a quiet town located on the Barnegat Peninsula and is known for its beautiful beaches, exquisite views of the bay, and a busy center of town with many shops and eateries.
If you’re looking for some action, just a few miles south is the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and waterpark. Find all of your favorite treats, like supersized pizza slices at 3 Brothers Pizza or a Polish Ice, both located on the boardwalk. Or, ride thrilling roller coasters and play fun arcade games.
Brigantine Beach & Atlantic City, NJ
Brigantine Beach & Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City is the center of entertainment and nightlife in New Jersey. With nine different casinos, there is always a great lineup of concerts and festivals, along with plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs, and of course… gambling!
While the adults gamble in the casinos, the kids can go to Brigantine Beach just minutes away from the casinos. At the beach, you can take part in water activities like boating, jet skiing, and more.
If you’re not a beach or casino person, don’t worry. Atlantic City’s Tanger Outlets are just minutes away from the beach and casinos. AC also has its very own country club for daily-fee golfers. Absecon Lighthouse, which was built in 1851 and is the tallest lighthouse in NJ, is a must see when visiting that area.
Cape May & Wildwood, NJ
While the adults gamble in the casinos, the kids can go to Brigantine Beach just minutes away from the casinos. At the beach, you can take part in water activities like boating, jet skiing, and more.
If you’re not a beach or casino person, don’t worry. Atlantic City’s Tanger Outlets are just minutes away from the beach and casinos. AC also has its very own country club for daily-fee golfers. Absecon Lighthouse, which was built in 1851 and is the tallest lighthouse in NJ, is a must see when visiting that area.
Cape May & Wildwood, NJ
Known for its widest beaches on the shoreline, Wildwood is a great beach town for family and friends. Its many resorts and hotels provide a variety of price and location options. Walk Morey’s Piers to see Wildwood’s carnival-like boardwalk with games, roller coasters, and famous food spots like Curley’s Fries and Khor’s Ice Cream.
Right over the bridge south of Wildwood is Cape May, a distinguished town with rich history and architectural diversity. Its grand Victorian houses line the promenade, like the Emlen Physick Estate, which is now a museum. There is a downtown area with some of the state’s most unique boutiques and eateries, like The Lobster House or The Mad Batter.
What My Customers are Saying
“Ocean Grove. Quaint town, great restaurants in town and nearby (Asbury).”
Kathy De Block
“Point Pleasant is great for a day trip and that the boardwalk is such a great boardwalk for little ones.”
Barbara Eklund Marella
“Sea Isle City is a great family town. I’ve been going there with extended family over 60 years.”
Lois E. Natale
“Seacrest Beach is large and never gets crowded. While we’ve owned a house in this community for 28 years, I have been going to this beach with my family since the beginning of (my) time.”
Cathy Clark
THE TEAMS TOP TWO BEACH RESTAURANT PICKS (click links below)
- Maryanne Elsaesser
- Uncle Will’s
- The Gables
- Mat Chapman
- Buckalew’s
- The Chicken Or The Egg
- Rhonda Battifarano
- Sandbox Cafe
- Black WhaleMichele Kowal
- Turning Point
- Rooney’s
