Best Things to Do at the Jersey Shore

It’s time for one more superb season on the Jersey Shore.

Questioning methods to spend these summer time days? You’re in luck! We’ve put collectively the final word Jersey Shore bucket record, full of locations, day journeys and actions you completely should try.

And if all that exercise made you’re employed up an urge for food, try our favourite locations to eat and drink on the Shore—plus 19 new eating places to get pleasure from this summer time.

CLIMB THE CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE

Feeling energetic? It’s a mere 199 steps up a winding iron staircase to the highest of the Cape Might Lighthouse, an imposing, 157-foot-tall tower. Home windows at six touchdown platforms present a breather and admit pure gentle. On the prime, you may step outdoors and stroll across the encaged catwalk for a 360-degree view. This season’s full-moon climbs are scheduled for June 14, July 13 and August 11. New this 12 months, Stairway to the Stars climbs are being supplied Might 30, June 28, July 28 and August 27—new-moon nights when the sky is darkest and stars are most seen. —Ken Schlager
215 Lighthouse Avenue, Cape Might Level • 609-884-5404

ROCK OUT AT THE STONE PONY

The Stone Pony is one in all New Jersey’s most historic music golf equipment, identified for serving to to launch the careers of two of the state’s most well-known music icons: Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. When the climate warms up, the Pony opens its out of doors Summer season Stage. There’s no scarcity of expertise and selection in Asbury Park this summer time, with a lineup that features Sum 41, the Offspring, Modest Mouse, Counting Crows, and native legends Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. The Pony can be internet hosting the Unhappy Summer season Pageant on July 29—a touring pageant that options Waterparks, Neck Deep, Mayday Parade, and extra. —Gary Phillips
913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park • 732-502-0600

SEE (OR BUILD) AMAZING SANDCASTLES

Collect your sand-digging gear for the annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest on July 13 (rain date July 14) in Belmar. From 8 am till midday, contestants can sculpt by the ocean to compete for first-, second- and third-place prizes in a wide range of classes, in addition to a Greatest on Seaside award. Judging relies on originality, creativity and use of equipment. For the previous two competitions, the Bikini Boys of Seaside Heights have received with elaborate and really spectacular designs depicting Discovering Nemo (pictured above) and SpongeBob SquarePants. Right here, it’s simply as enjoyable to observe as it’s to construct. —Falyn Stempler
18th Avenue Seaside, Belmar  

HIDE OUT AT A HIDDEN BEACH

Wish to spend a weekend on the Shore however keep away from the crowds? Try one in all our favourite hidden seashores—a number of the space’s most out-of-the-way, secluded spots that provide a break from the summer time hustle and bustle. Nature lovers and households will adore the birding alternatives and calm waters at Cape Might County’s Higbee Seaside—a gem hidden behind woodend dunes—whereas Ocean County’s Holgate (pictured above) is probably the most off-the-beaten-path spot on Lengthy Seaside Island. Popamora Level in Monmouth County is tiny, not often attracts a crowd, and even affords a distant take a look at Manhattan on a transparent day. Cape Might County’s Strathmere affords enjoyable seclusion—and free entrance. Brigantine is the alternative of Atlantic Metropolis, which it’s important to drive by means of to get there. Though the Wildwoods are identified for his or her upbeat vitality and vigorous points of interest, North Wildwood affords up a quieter seashore expertise. Talking of calmer cousins, Seaside Park has a markedly extra laid-back vibe than close by Seaside Heights (which, sure, is the place Jersey Shore was filmed).

Click on right here to learn our full information to New Jersey’s hidden seashores.

GET YOUR FORTUNE READ AT MADAM MARIE’S

Asbury Park boardwalk fortune-teller Madam Marie was immortalized by means of one other Jersey Shore icon: Bruce Springsteen. The Boss used to cease by her sales space and have his fortune learn when he was on the town. Rumor has it she informed him that he’d sometime be an enormous success—although he later mentioned she informed all of the musicians that. (On this case, she was proper!) Springsteen mentions Madam Marie in his music “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy),” singing: “Did you hear the cops lastly busted Madam Marie for tellin’ fortunes higher than they do?” Madam Marie—whose actual identify was Marie Castello—died in 2008, however her household continues to offer readings from her famed boardwalk sales space. —Jacqueline Mroz

VISIT LUCY THE ELEPHANT

The enduring Lucy the Elephant in Margate is six tales tall. Photograph courtesy of Save Lucy Committee Inc.

Everybody’s favourite Jersey Shore icon, Lucy, the six-story pachyderm, is within the midst of a $2 million restoration that features whole alternative of her outer pores and skin and any rotted wooden beneath. “The large subject is rust,” explains Lucy’s govt director, Richard Helfant. A brand new, rust-resistant, nickel-and-copper alloy will change Lucy’s outdated tin pores and skin. The ground of Lucy’s howdah (the ornate carriage atop her again) and the 2 doorways in her again legs are additionally being changed. As soon as her new conceal is utilized, Lucy will probably be repainted in her authentic colours; beginning in January, some inner plaster will probably be repaired and repainted. Helfant guarantees nothing will change about Lucy’s outer look—besides that the 141-year-old roadside attraction “will look brand-new.” On condition that Lucy has, through the years, survived a number of hurricanes, a 2006 lightning strike, and even a stint as an Airbnb, we’re certain she appreciates the eye. The mission, funded partly by the Protect New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund, was initially budgeted at $1.4 million. Scaffolding at present hides Lucy’s exterior and will stay in place till mid-August, though Helfant is hopeful will probably be eliminated sooner. In the meantime, guests can tour the nice woman’s capacious inside beginning Might 27 (verify web site for schedule). Admission is $8.50 for adults and $4 for youngsters 3-12. Guests also can store for Lucy trinkets on the attraction’s present store or donate to the Save Lucy Committee’s restoration efforts. —KS
200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate • 609-823-6473

EAT UP AT CHOWDERFEST

Keen taste-testers flock to Lengthy Seaside Island effectively after Labor Day for the annual Chowderfest in Seaside Haven. The free bayfront occasion (October 1, 10 am-7 pm) contains a smorgasbord of seafood- and veggie-laden stews, lovingly cooked up by native restaurateurs who all swear their recipe reigns supreme. Winners are introduced on the pageant’s finish. Too hungry to attend till October? Starting Labor Day weekend, you may partake within the Chowder Path by sampling and voting on chowders at taking part eateries alongside the island. Rain date: Sunday, October 2. —Jennifer Finn
Taylor Avenue Ball Discipline, Seaside Haven

EXPLORE ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK

Island Seaside State Park is a little-known barrier-island protect situated close to Seaside Heights that comprises near 10 miles of pristine sandy seashore, an intensive shoreline alongside Barnegat Bay, dense maritime forests, rolling sand dunes and tidal marshes. There’s a automobile entry charge of $6-$20, and when all of the parking areas are full, the park is closed to new guests arriving by automotive. The most well-liked actions are swimming and surf fishing, however you too can experience your bicycle, surf, go for a hike, have a picnic, kayak, and even convey your horse. Nonetheless, it might be most well-known as the positioning of former Governor Chris Christie’s 2017 household seashore jaunt, which they loved—although he’d closed all of the state parks and seashores through the July 4th vacation weekend that 12 months as a consequence of a state-government shutdown. —JM
2401 Central Avenue, Seaside Park

HUNT FOR CAPE MAY DIAMONDS

Members of the Andersen household seek for Cape Might diamonds within the sand. Photograph by Jessica Orlowicz

Cape Might diamonds, as they’ve come to be identified, have been tumbling towards Cape Might from the headwaters of the Delaware River for hundreds of years. They’re not actual diamonds, however quite quartz stones that have been swept out of pockets of the mineral upstream and carried downriver. Many wash ashore at Sundown Seaside in Cape Might Level, the place they’re treasured finds for scores of beachcombers. Cape Might diamonds shine once they’re moist, in order that they’re best to identify when you hunt for them down by the water. The pebbles are typically small (a quarter-inch or so in measurement), clear or opaque, and rounded from their rocky experience down the river. A plastic sifter is useful to have if you search. First-time diamond hunters can begin their quest on the Sundown Seaside Present Store. —Lynn Martensein

Click on right here to learn extra on Cape Might diamonds.

SEE A FLICK ON THE BEACH

No have to “Netflix and chill” or take a dear journey to the theater. Catch free out of doors film screenings all summer time lengthy at a number of spots down the Shore. The usually family-friendly picks vary from classics to well-liked new motion pictures like Encanto. Ensure to pack your personal chairs or blanket, plus snacks. Some spots with common showings embrace Avalon’s Surfside Park, Belmar’s seventh Avenue seashore, Lengthy Department’s Pier Village Pageant Plaza, Margate’s Martin Bloom Pavilion, Sea Isle Metropolis’s Tour Park and Wildwood’s Byrne Plaza. —FS

EMBRACE DOO WOP IN THE WILDWOODS

Take a Doo Wop tour within the Wildwoods to expertise distinctive structure. Courtesy of Larger Wildwoods Tourism Enchancment & Improvement Authority

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The Nineteen Fifties and Sixties have been the heyday for the Wildwoods, dwelling to the biggest assortment of midcentury resort structure within the nation. For a stroll again in time, the Doo Wop Expertise Museum—which not too long ago landed a spot on landed a spot on our record of must-visit New Jersey museums—leads excursions of traditional Wildwood motels and landmarks each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night time in the summertime starting on June 28. See the perfect of those Doo Wop-style landmarks with a educated information well wearing Nineteen Fifties apparel. The tour leaves from the entrance of the Doo Wop Expertise Museum at 8 pm on every of these nights. Admission is $13 for adults and $7 for youngsters 12 and beneath. Reservations must be made upfront both on-line or by calling the museum. —JM
4500 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood • 609-551-2289

GO BIRDING IN CAPE MAY

Cape Might affords one-of-a-kind birding alternatives. Photograph by Jessica Orlowicz

Few locations within the nation—some say, even the world—supply a greater perch for viewing migrating birds’ fly-in than Cape Might in fall. Like many wingless of us, avians make their technique to the southern tip of the state to relaxation and refuel. From late August to early November, greater than 1,000,000 birds contact down in just a few sq. miles of seashores, forests and marshlands on the south finish of the state. New Jersey Audubon affords extremely well-liked weekly excursions at three of Cape Might’s prime bird-watching spots: Higbee Seaside, the Cape Might Chicken Observatory and Cape Might Level State Park. It additionally affords birding excursions in Cape Might’s again bay. —LM

Click on right here to learn extra on Cape Might birding.

HIT THE BOARDWALK ON A SURREY 

Surreys seat two to 6 folks and might be rented on boardwalks all around the Shore. Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock/Brocreative

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If you wish to expertise the boardwalk from a totally totally different vantage level, hire a surrey: a four-wheeled quadricycle that seats two, 4 or six folks. The old-timey-looking automobile has open bench seats and a cover on prime, and is powered by people quite than a motor; most Shore boardwalks have them to hire. They’re excellent for households with younger youngsters. Seaside Heights Bike and Surrey Rental has them obtainable for $35 an hour (2-3 folks) or $45 an hour (4-6 folks). —JM

HIT THE RACES AT MONMOUTH PARK

Go to one of many nation’s prime 10 racetracks because the thoroughbreds run Fridays to Sundays by means of September 18. With 8,000 seats within the grandstand and tons of of shaded tables within the household picnic space, Monmouth Park affords loads of room to unfold out. For as little as $2, place a guess on a horse to win a race. Horse-racing followers can watch and guess on simulcast races {and professional} sporting occasions seven days every week. —R.C. Staab
175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport • 732-222-5100

SCUBA DIVE DOWN TO A SHIPWRECK

In search of an underwater journey this summer time? There are millions of shipwrecks off the coast ready to be explored by licensed divers. The R.P. Resor, situated 120 toes beneath the floor and 32 miles off Lengthy Seaside Island, and the Gulf Commerce, which break up into two dive websites at Barnegat Inlet, are two examples. Each oil tankers have been torpedoed by World Struggle II-era German U-boats. The USS Algol, in the meantime, stays intact past Level Nice, the place it now serves as a synthetic reef after sinking in 1991. —GP 

WATCH FOR WHALES

Among the world’s largest mammals make Jersey waters dwelling through the summer time, together with humpback whales, fin whales and northern proper whales. The humpback is the most typical, notably juveniles. New Jerseyans can take whale-watching excursions, together with in Cape Might (Cape Might Whale Watcher), Belmar (Jersey Shore Whale Watch) and Highlands (Seastreak). —GP 

CHECK OUT SEA LIFE ON THE BOARDWALK

Now in its thirty first 12 months, Jenkinson’s Aquarium is right for ducking out of a grey day—or a sunny one, for that matter. The African penguins are a favourite at this boardwalk attraction, however you’ll additionally see sharks, seals, sea turtles and all method of fish in a wide range of creatively composed habitat reveals. The contact tank is one other main attraction. —KS
300 Ocean Avenue, Level Nice Seaside • 732-892-0600

MEET OCEAN GROVE’S UNIQUE TENT COMMUNITY

The striped awnings would be the identical however the interiors of Ocean Grove’s tents are distinctive. Photograph by James J. Connolly

Ocean Grove comes alive every Might, when the canvas tents are erected and striped awnings sprout on the paths and slim roads across the towering Nice Auditorium. Whereas the colourful awnings create a uniform look, contained in the similarities finish. “They’re all the identical, however they’re all totally different, like a New York Metropolis studio,” says tenter Donna Scudder, who, along with her husband and daughter, has rented for 10 summers. For non-residents excited by seeing the tent group, the tents are situated alongside public streets and public walkways, so the outside might be seen and loved any time. Nonetheless, the canvas tenting and awnings are solely up when the tents are occupied between mid-Might and mid-September. The tents aren’t open for excursions. —RCS

Click on right here to learn extra about life in Ocean Grove’s tent group.

WALK THE COUNTRY’S FIRST BOARDWALK IN AC

The Atlantic Metropolis Boardwalk is the primary within the U.S. Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock/Mia2you

Lately, a handful of Shore seashore cities have well-liked boardwalks, however Atlantic Metropolis’s is the unique—and in some opinions, stays the perfect. Constructed in 1870 for Victorian strolling sans the sand, the six-mile-long stretch of wooden planks have had their share of storm strife. The Boardwalk has been rebuilt in parts a minimum of six occasions, together with a 2021 initiative. These days, strolling the enduring walkway offers entry to casinos, bandstands for music venues, and eating places (together with Margaritaville, which protrudes from the Boardwalk over the sand), retailers and extra. —Deborah P. Carter

GIVE A SUNSET SALUTE TO VETERANS

The household of Charles F. Coyle honors his service to his nation at a flag-lowering ceremony in Cape Might Level in August 2021. Photograph by Jessica Orlowicz

Nearly on daily basis in summer time is Veterans Day at Sundown Seaside in Cape Might Level. All through the summer time, household and associates collect to honor a U.S. veteran at a stirring beachfront flag-lowering ceremony. It’s a shifting tribute that always pulls beachgoers off the sand, lots of whom find yourself singing alongside to the nationwide anthem or pledging allegiance to the flag with their fingers over their hearts. Fittingly, it was a veteran who started the custom. The late Marvin Hume, an aviation machinist’s mate within the U.S. Navy durng WWII, began the ceremony in 1973, the identical 12 months he purchased the property, to honor his three finest associates who have been killed at Pearl Harbor. The ceremony is free. —LM

Click on right here to learn extra on the Sundown Seaside flag-lowering ceremony.

ENJOY THE WATERFRONT AND HISTORY

Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum, a 40-acre waterfront village on the mainland facet of Barnegat Bay west of Lengthy Seaside Island, includes 15 buildings with shows of coastal tradition, plus a self-service café for breakfast and lunch. Folks-life demonstrations embrace decoy carving and blacksmithing. One-hour Tuckerton Creek boat excursions are supplied 10 am-4 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays ($10). Beginning July 4, the ferry from Seaside Haven operates 8 am-7 pm Saturday-Monday ($12.50 roundtrip). —KS
120 W. Predominant Road, Tuckerton • 609-296-8868

EXPLORE VIKING VILLAGE

Based as a lobster co-op on the northern tip of Lengthy Seaside Island within the Nineteen Twenties, in the present day’s Viking Village continues as a business fishing port, with the added attraction of clothes, crafts and collectibles retailers, and meals distributors—all housed in repurposed fishing shacks. You’ll be able to take a free dock tour (10 am Fridays, beginning July 8) or simply stroll across the docks to admire the colourful fishing fleet. This 12 months’s craft reveals are scheduled for Might 29, July 10 and September 4. —KS
1801 Bayview Avenue, Barnegat Gentle • 609-494-0113

INDULGE IN LUXE RELAXATION

Along with salted margaritas on the occurring bayfront Water Star Grille, the Reeds at Shelter Haven additionally boasts the Salt Spa, a luxurious expertise not usually discovered this far south on the Parkway. Select from signature HydraFacials and massages, a mud ritual or salt scrub within the Turkish tub, cutting-edge Tender Pack Floats, raindrop remedy—or just pop in for a fast blowout to tame these seashore waves earlier than heading out for the night time. —Molly Gregor
9601 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor • 609-961-3009

GO GAGA AT OCEAN CITY’S BABY PARADE

Kids beneath 10 years outdated take middle stage on the annual Child Parade in Ocean Metropolis. Photograph by Jessica Orlowicz

For greater than a century, on the second Thursday every August, the tangled waves of runners and  beachgoers on the Ocean Metropolis boardwalk half like menhaden fish for humpback whales—to make means for infants in buggies and toddlers on trikes. Though it’s older than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Miss America Pageant, the Ocean Metropolis Child Parade is much less about elaborate floats and extra about households staying up till 3 am with spray paint, cloth, cotton balls and glue. Folks come to applaud the present choir and marching bands or wave at Queen Infanta, however they save their oohs and aahs for the handfuls of youngsters beneath 10 years outdated wearing elaborate swaddling or final 12 months’s Halloween costumes. There are cowboys, bugs, lifeguards and baseball sluggers. Everybody pitches in, together with older siblings who pull or push the pink wagons, strollers and home made floats. Planning usually begins a 12 months out. Or, within the case of one in all final 12 months’s winners, Paula White of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, preparations started in 1986, when she and her then 15-month-old daughter, Jena, strolled with their Candy as Cotton Sweet float. Final 12 months, Jena’s daughter, Delaney Leszcynski, received the highest prize within the Fancy Division for youngsters as much as two years outdated—with Paula by her facet. It wasn’t uncommon for Paula. She has entered and received 16 occasions. Registration opens in June at ocnj.us/babyparade.com. This 12 months’s occasion takes place August 11 from 10:30 am-noon—ending simply earlier than afternoon nap time. —RCS

GET YOUR FILL AT THE HIGHLANDS CLAM FEST

The twenty seventh Highlands Clam Fest is being held from August 5-7 at Huddy Park. Photograph by James J. Connolly

Two days earlier than the annual Highlands Clam Fest, clammer Invoice Mount takes his boat out into Raritan Bay, rakes up greater than 2,000 arduous clams, and drops them off on the depuration plant in Highlands for cleaning. The day of the pageant, he takes the arduous clams two blocks west to Huddy Park, the place he and his household steam, season and promote them. The clams and different seafood offered by Mount and native eating places come from close by bay and ocean waters and are as contemporary and engaging as anyplace on the East Coast. Past the clams, the explanation folks return 12 months after 12 months to the Highlands Clam Fest is the welcoming nature of this hardworking Jersey Shore bayside city. Folks take turns dunking the dummy to assist the volunteer first support squad, contribute to the 50/50 raffle for the volunteer fireplace division, and luxuriate in socializing on the Highlands picnic grounds. “Of us are actually joyful,” says Mayor Carolyn Broullon, who owns the Feed & Seed pet and basic retailer. “They like to inform you how a lot they just like the city.” The twenty seventh annual Highlands Clam Fest is being held in Huddy Park from August 5-7. Admission is free. —RCS

HEAR THE BIGGEST INSTRUMENT IN THE WORLD

Take a break from the seashore and hearken to the circa-1930 pipe organ at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Corridor in Atlantic Metropolis—it’s the biggest instrument on this planet! On weekdays in the summertime, guests are invited to listen to an organist play at midday after which take a tour to see the pipes, that are hidden contained in the partitions. It’s free, however donations are welcome. “For years this organ was sitting in disrepair. We’ve modified that,” says Scott D. Banks, membership and occasions coordinator on the Historic Organ Restoration Committee. Fifty-three % of the organ—which is made up of greater than 33,000 pipes—is totally functioning; in 2014, that quantity was 10 %. The instrument is also called sonic Mount Rushmore. —Georgia Kral
2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic Metropolis • 609-348-7000

EXPERIENCE AN 8-MILE WILDLIFE DRIVE

For a modest charge of $4 per automotive, the 8-mile Wildlife Drive on the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge is assured to showcase shorebirds reminiscent of herons, ospreys, egrets, and hawks. In the summertime, stroll, bike or drive after which climb a watch tower to look at child ospreys studying to fly or herons stalking lunch—with views of Atlantic Metropolis and Brigantine within the distance. —RS
723 Nice Creek Street, Galloway 

CELEBRATE THE COAST WITH THE BAYSHORE CENTER

Dwelling to the 115-foot schooner AJ Meerwald—New Jersey’s official tall ship—the Bayshore Middle can be a museum the place younger and outdated can study the historical past of New Jersey’s native oyster trade. The Bayshore Middle’s expanded Second Friday occasions (4-8:30 pm each second Friday of the summer time months) function stay music, wine and beer (from close by Glasstown Brewing Co.), domestically sourced uncooked oysters, meals vans, craft distributors, audio system and free museum entry. The enjoyable continues on Saturday After (the second Saturday of summer time months), with family-oriented occasions from noon-5 pm. Alas, the Meerwald underwent a serious restoration mission this winter in Maine and certain received’t be able to sail once more till late summer time. —KS
2800 Excessive Road, Bivalve, Port Norris

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