The Ultimate Jersey Shore Beach Guide

An at-a-glance guide to every town along the Garden State coast.

Unwind at the Jersey Shore this summer. Photo by Jessica Orlowicz

This article was last updated on May 26, 2023. It was originally published on June 23, 2020.

The Jersey Shore has more than 130 miles of beaches linking together more than 40 municipalities, plus oceanfront parks areas under federal, state and county jurisdiction.

You can also view this information (and more!) on our free Jersey Shore Beach Guide app (download here for iPhones and here for Androids).

[RELATEDSummer 2023 at the Jersey Shore: The Ultimate Guide to Food, Festivals and Fun]

Monmouth County

SANDY HOOK

Exit N105; S117

Vibe: National Recreation Area with wide sandy beaches, including Gunnison Beach, the state’s only legal nude beach (and one of NJM’s 20 best beaches). The Seastreak ferry brings visitors from New York City.
Don’t miss: The famed Sandy Hook Lighthouse can be viewed from the outside, and it’s open from May 1 to October 31. Also check out Fort Hancock and the 7-mile multi-use pathway.
Beach fees
: Free
Parking: Daily, $20 per vehicle. Season, $100 per vehicle.

SEA BRIGHT

Exit N105; S117

Vibe: The wide beach strip includes beach clubs, numerous unprotected beach areas, beach playgrounds. The Municipal Beach, in the center of town, provides lifeguards and rescue personnel, plenty of parking, restrooms, and is nearby downtown with restaurants, shops and more.
Don’t miss: David Burke’s Drifthouse for chow and Lucky Dog Surf Co for surfing lessons.
Beach fees
: Daily, $8; under 12, free. Season, $100; seniors (65+) and disabled, $35. Active military and families, free.
ParkingMetered parking available for $2 per hour 9am to 9pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
NJ Transit Bus: Route 838

MONMOUTH BEACH

Exit N105; S117

Vibe: Large vacation homes look across Route 36 at the rocky seawall that kept most of them relatively safe from Hurricane Sandy.
Don’t miss: Beach Tavern; Shrewsbury River.
Beach fees
: Daily, $12; under 12, free. Season, $100.
Parking: Limited on street, free. Season permit, $65. Season permit grants access to parking at main pavilion and a separate lot.

LONG BRANCH

Condos line Melrose Terrace in Pier Village

Condos line Melrose Terrace in Pier Village. Photo: Shutterstock

Exit 105

Vibe: The trendy restaurants and shops of Pier Village have enlivened this historic oceanfront resort.
Don’t miss: Seven Presidents Park; Pier Village; the West End; New Jersey Repertory Company.
Beach fees
: Weekdays, $6; ages 14-17, $3. Weekends & holidays, $9. Season, $70; students (14-17), $30.
Parking: Metered and free on street; garages in Pier Village; Monday-Thursday, $10/day, Friday-Sunday, $20/day. Limited capacity.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 831 & 837
NJ Transit Train: North Jersey Coast Line, Long Branch Station

DEAL

Exit N100A; S105

Vibe: Wealthy, insular suburb by the sea.
Don’t miss: Conover Pavilion; Axelrod Performing Arts Center.
Beach fees
: Weekday admission, $10; weekend or holiday admission, $12; children under 12, free. Season, $150.
Parking
: Free on street; lot at Conover Pavilion. Limited capacity.
NJ Transit Bus
: Route 837
NJ Transit Train
: North Jersey Coast Line, Elberon Station

ASBURY PARK

Exit N100A; S102

Vibe: Music- and arts-centric beach town, with a love for good food, good drink and a good party. For our favorite restaurants in Asbury Park, click here.
Don’t miss: The boardwalk; Cookman Avenue shopping and cafes; the Stone Pony for live music; Wonder Bar (be sure to check out Yappy Hour if you have a dog!); getting your fortune read at Madam Marie’s, which Bruce Springsteen immortalized in son—gand we put on our Jersey Shore bucket list; Sea Hear Now music festival in September featuring acts including The Killers and Foo Fighters.
Beach fees
: Weekdays, $6. Weekends and holidays, $9. Season, $70; teens (13-17) and seniors (62+), $20. Children under 12, active military and veterans, free.
Parking: Metered on the street near the beach and with daily fees in parking lots. Free parking a short walk from the beach.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 317, 830, 832, 836, 837
NJ Transit Train: North Jersey Coast Line, Asbury Park Station

OCEAN GROVE

Exit N100A; S100B

Vibe: Founded as a religious retreat, this quiet, dry town still serves a large religious community in the summers, but also attracts artsy, year-round residents.
Don’t miss: The historic tent city; the Great Amphitheatre; Main Avenue shopping and restaurants.
Beach fees
: Daily, $12; Season, $95; seniors/youth, $50
Parking: Free on street.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 317 & 830
NJ Transit Train: North Jersey Coast Line, Asbury Park Station

BRADLEY BEACH

Exit N98; S100B

Vibe: Throwback town with bench-lined stone boardwalk and ornate fountains.
Don’t miss: The Buttered Biscuit for breakfast and brunch (one of our favorite Shore breakfast spots); Del Ponte’s Bakery for fresh baked goods.
Beach fees
: Daily, $12; 12 & under, free. Season, $80; seniors and juniors, $35.
Parking: Metered street parking near ocean ($1.50/hr). Free parking west of the ocean. All parking on the east side of Ocean Avenue and the east end of Bradley Boulevard is paid parking. The parking spaces are numbered and payment is accepted at the pay station kiosks located on Ocean Avenue and Sylvan Lake.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 317 & 830
NJ Transit Train: North Jersey Coast Line, Bradley Beach Station

AVON-BY-THE-SEA

Exit N98; S100B

Vibe: Family-friendly Victorian community with ample beachfront.
Don’t miss: The Columns seafood bar and restaurant for live music from favorite Jersey Shore bands and DJs, packed inside of a large Victorian-style home with a wrap-around balcony.
Beach fees
: Daily, $12; 11 & under, free. Season, $100; seniors (65+) and juniors (12-18), $55.
Parking: Free on street. Limited.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 317 & 830

BELMAR

Exit 98

Vibe: A larger Shore town with long boardwalk and lots of dining and shopping on Main Street, six blocks from the beach. Families opt for the quiet north end, while the singles crowd heads for the livelier south-end beaches and nightlife.
Don’t miss: 9th Avenue Pier; Annual NJ Sandcastle Contest taking place this year on July 12; Belmar Parasail to get parasails and banana boats for rent.
Beach fees
: Daily, $10; 13 & under, free. Season, $70; seniors (65+), $30.
Parking: Metered on street. Free parking is available on the west side of Ocean Avenue and along side streets. The east side of Ocean Avenue is paid parking. Download the app parkmobile.io to pay virtually.
NJ Transit Bus: Route 317 & 830
NJ Transit Train: North Jersey Coast Line, Belmar Station

SPRING LAKE

Exit 98

Vibe: Unhurried small town that seamlessly melds resort amenities with charming, upscale residential areas.
Don’t miss: The Breakers on the Ocean; Spring Lake Community House and Theatre.
Beach fees
: Daily, $12. Season, $110, seniors, $80.
Parking: Free on Ocean Avenue.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 317 & 830
NJ Transit Train: North Jersey Coast Line, Spring Lake Station

SEA GIRT

Exit 98

Vibe: Quiet, elegant hamlet that shuts down at midnight.
Don’t missSea Girt Lighthouse (tours take place on Sundays); the historic Parker House for lunch, happy hour or dinner; downtown shopping district. 
Beach fees
: Daily, $11.98. Season, $115; seniors 65+, $70. 11 & under, free.
Parking: Free on street.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 317 & 830

MANASQUAN

Exit N90; S98

Vibe: Quaint town with a bustling business district and quiet boardwalk.
Don’t miss: Algonquin Arts Theatre; Main Street shopping district.
Beach fees
: Season, $85; juniors (12-16), $40; seniors (65+), $30, Disabled, half-price with proof of disability
Parking: Free on street. Municipal lots, $10 per day weekdays, $15 per day weekends.; Season parking pass, $100
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 317 & 830
NJ Transit Train: North Jersey Coast Line, Manasquan Station

Ocean County

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Exit N90; S98

Vibe: Family-friendly destination with lively boardwalk amusement rides, arcades, mini-golf and ample ice cream joints. (For our full roundup of iconic ice cream spots at the Jersey Shore, click here.)
Don’t miss: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Amusement Park and Aquarium (find more top aquariums in the state here); Martell’s Tiki Bar; downtown antiques district; Vintage Automobile Museum of New Jersey (one of our must-visit NJ museums).
Beach fees
: Daily, $13 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays (12+); kids (5-11), $4 on weekdays and $5 on weekends and holidays. Season, $130 (12+); seniors (65+), $95; kids (5-11), $55. Under 5, free. Half season, $95 (12+), kids (5-11) $35, Under 5, free.
Parking: Limited free street parking. Metered parking in municipal lot; multiple lots open for day parking. Costs and parking systems vary.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 317 & 830
NJ Transit Train: North Jersey Coast Line, Point Pleasant Station

BAY HEAD

Exit N90; S98

Vibe: With no public restrooms on the beach, upscale Bay Head is predominantly a destination for homeowners and seasonal renters.
Don’t miss: East Avenue, a popular beachfront stretch for strolling and jogging; Bay Head Historical Society Museum, which offers walking tours highlighting the notable historic architecture of the town including Grenville, a bubblegum-pink Victorian hotel.
Beach fees
: Daily, $10 (cash only). Season, $100. Half-season, $55.
Parking: Limited on street, free.
NJ Transit Train: North Jersey Coast Line, Bay Head Station

MANTOLOKING

Exit N82; S98

Vibe: Wealthy residential community of large oceanfront homes.
Don’t miss: Mantoloking Bridge County Park; Mantoloking Bridge Fishing Pier.
Beach fees
: Daily, $13. Season $120.
Parking: Four-hour limit for street parking, free.

NORMANDY BEACH

Exit N82; S98

Vibe: Tiny residential community that is one of the Dover North Beaches.
Don’t miss: Surfing lessons through Coastline Adventures; Blue Sushi Restaurant.
Beach fees
: Annual Normandy Beach Improvement Association membership, $465 (gives each household 8 badges). Limited daily passes available.
Parking: Limited on street. Parking on Ocean Terrace is prohibited.

LAVALLETTE

Exit 82

Vibe: Family-friendly beach with boogie boarding and surfing. Packed on weekends and holidays. It’s a quintessential Shore town, with a yacht club, shops and restaurants.
Don’t missCrab’s Claw Inn for seafood; House of Lucky boutique.
Beach fees
: Daily, $13. Weekly, $35. Season, $65; Seinors (65+), $20; disabled, $15. 12 and under, free
ParkingLimited street parking, free; Season parking stickers, $10

ORTLEY BEACH

Exit 82

Vibe: Summer retreat for families who bike to the beach and keep coming back.
Don’t miss: Barnacle Bill’s Amusements (arcade and mini-golf); Bayside Park (tennis courts, basketball court, handball courts and a playground); Pedals N Paddles (kayaks, sailboats and more); Ortley Seafood Market.
Beach fees
: Daily, $11 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Season, $65.
Parking: Limited street parking along the boardwalk, free. Public pay-to-park lots at the end of 3rd Avenue and between 6th and 7th avenues.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Exit 82

Vibe: Family-friendly arcades meet singles-oriented nightlife scene. To read about the big steps the town is taking to shed its party-town image, click here.
Don’t miss: Jenkinson’s boardwalk; Jenkinson’s Aquarium; Casino Pier; the Sky Ride; Breakwater Beach.
Beach fees
: Daily, $10. Weekly, $35. Season, $60; seniors, $15. 11 and under, free; active and retired military and family, free
Parking: Metered and private lots. Meters from $1-$2/hour depending on the location.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 137 & 67

SEASIDE PARK

Exit 82

Vibe: A close neighbor to Seaside Heights with its own boardwalk.
Don’t miss: The boardwalk; the Sawmill.
Beach fees
: Daily, $13. Weekly, $40. Season, $65; seniors (65+), $20. Under 11 and active/retired military, free.
Parking: Municipal lots with park-and-pay kiosks along Ocean Avenue. Free parking along side streets.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 137 & 67

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK

Island Beach State Park at sunset

Photo: Shutterstock/Edgar Feliz

Exit 82

Vibe: This narrow finger between the Atlantic and Barnegat Bay is one of Jersey’s last stretches of untouched oceanfront. It’s the place to go for nature and solitude. For an in-depth guide to exploring this natural wonder, click here.
Don’t miss: Surf fishing; bike trails; guided tours; Sedge Island Kayak EcoTour; Nature Center programs; clamming; crabbing; fishing.
Beach fees
: $6-$20; the beach is free to enter until the end of June.
Parking: NJ residents: $6 on weekdays, $12 on weekends and holidays; $5 for motorcycles. Non-residents: $10 on weekdays, $20 on weekends and holidays; $7 for motorcycles. Walk-in entrance at Fisherman’s Walkway, $3. Bikes free.
NJ Transit Bus: Route 137

BARNEGAT LIGHT (LBI)

Exit 63

Vibe: LBI fishing village meets quiet, unpretentious Shore town.
Don’t miss: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (Lighthouse is closed for renovations through early June); Viking Village; Boat Ramp open daily.
Beach fees
: Daily, $5. Weekly, $22. Season, $45 ($35 until June 5). Seniors (65+, must display proof of age in person to purchase), $12. 11 & under, free.
Parking: Free. No parking on Central Ave from June 1-October 1.

HARVEY CEDARS (LBI)

A Harvey Cedars beach on LBI

Harvey Cedars is a borough on Long Beach Island’s northern end. Photo courtesy of Daina Dale

Exit 63

Vibe: Borough of LBI where many large homes have replaced the more modest originals.
Don’t missCraft Day by the Bay in Sunset Park; Harvey Cedars Arts Festival in Sunset Park; Blue Claw Crab Race & Craft Show in Sunset Park.
Beach fees
: Daily, $7. Weekly, $20. Season, $45 ($35 before June 15); seniors (65+), $12. 11 & under, free.
Parking: Free.

SURF CITY (LBI)

Exit 63

Vibe: LBI’s artsy district, with lots of galleries and funky eateries along the main drag.
Don’t miss: Surf City Farmers Market; art galleries on Long Beach Boulevard including SwellColors Glass Studio and Gallery and M.T. Burton Gallery 19th Street Studio.
Beach fees
: Daily, $10. Weekly, $20. Season, $50 ($40 until May 31, preseason begins May 1). Seniors (65+), free; 11 & under, free. 
Parking: Free.

SHIP BOTTOM

Exit 63

Vibe: The gateway to LBI, with ample hotels, restaurants and shops—especially surf shops.
Don’t miss: Hartland Golf and Arcade; Ron Jon Surf Shop; Farias Surf & Sport (seven LBI locations); Our Endless Summer Arcade; Sand Trap miniature golf; Flamingo Golf minature golf; the Local Market & Kitchen.
Beach fees
: Daily, $10. Weekly, $25. Season, $45 ($35 until May 31); seniors (65+), $10. 12 & under, free.
Parking: Free.

LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP (LBI)

Exit 63

Vibe: LBI’s largest municipality hopscotches from Loveladies to Holgate, encompassing 19 communities. That means it offers a little of everything—from dining to shopping to quiet beaches. Don’t miss: St. Francis Community Center; Bayview Park; LBI Foundation of the Arts & Sciences.
Beach fees
: Daily, $10. Weekly, $20. Season, $50 ($40 until June 15); seniors, $5 with prof of age. Military Veteran badge free with proof of service. 11 & under, free.
Parking: Free.

BEACH HAVEN (LBI)

Exit 63

Vibe: The center of LBI tourism, with waterfront motels, a vibrant restaurant scene and downtown amusements.
Don’t miss: Fantasy Island Amusement Park; Thundering Surf Waterpark; Surflight Theatre; New Jersey Maritime Museum; downtown shopping area (Bay Village, Schooner’s Wharf); Long Beach Island Historical Association Museum.
Beach fees
: Daily, $10. Weekly, $20. Season, $40 ($30 pre-season). Senior lifetime (65+), $10. Veteran’s lifetime recreation, free with ID. Immediate family of active military, free weekly wristbands. 12 & under, free.
Parking: Free.

Atlantic County

BRIGANTINE

Exit 38B

Vibe: Family-friendly community just north of Atlantic City.
Don’t miss: Brigantine Farmers Market on Saturdays starting in May; Brigantine Historical Museum; Marine Mammal Stranding Center; gift shops (Brigantine Beach Gift Shop, Donna Elias Studios and more).
Beach fees
: Daily Beach Tags, $10. Weekly Beach Tags, $15. Pre-season Seasonal Tags, $20 until May 31; Seasonal tags, $25 after May 31. Pre Season Seniors ages 60-64 with ID, 1 per ID, $8 until May 31, then $25. Seniors 65 and over, with ID, 1 per ID, free. Veterans, 1 free tag with military ID. Active Military, 4 free tags with military ID.
Parking: Seasonal Parking Permits, $25. Daily Parking Permits, $8. Daily Beach Tags, $10. Weekly Beach Tags, $15. Regular 4×4 permits (under 60 years of age), $200.00 until April 30th then $300.00. Senior 4×4 permits (over 60), $80.00 until April 30th then $85.00. Veteran/Active Military 4×4 free with military ID or DD214.
NJ Transit Bus: Route 501

ATLANTIC CITY

Exit 38B

An aerial shot of Atlantic City's Boardwalk.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the first in the U.S. Photo: Shutterstock/Mia2you

Vibe: New Jersey’s casino-gambling resort town offers big-name entertainment, top-quality restaurants, family-friendly attractions and the original Boardwalk. What happens in AC stays in AC.
Don’t miss: The Boardwalk; casinos; Steel Pier; Absecon Lighthouse; Atlantic City Airshow taking place August 16 this year; top restaurants including Angeline, Café 2825, Chef Vola’s, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Dock’s Oyster House, Girasole, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Izakaya, Knife & Fork Inn, Makai, Martorano’s, Pancho’s Taqueria, and Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill. See our full list of the best restaurants in Atlantic City here.
Beach fees
: Free.
Parking: Metered. Private lots and casino parking roughly $5 weekdays, $10 holidays and weekends (prices vary).
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 319, 501, 502, 504, 505, 507, 508, 509, 551, 552, 553 554, & 559
NJ Transit Train: Atlantic City Rail Line, Atlantic City Station

VENTNOR

Exit 36

Vibe: Resort community at the southern end of the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Don’t miss: Ventnor City Farmers Market on Fridays from 8:30 am-noon all summer; Wednesday sunset concerts starting June 28; Summer Beach Jam Concerts (Saturdays on the beach).
Beach fees
: Season, $20 ($10 before June 1); seniors (65+), $3.50. Under 12, free.
Parking: Metered and free.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 504 & 505

MARGATE

Exit 36

Vibe: The year-round home of Lucy the Elephant, the Shore’s most hallowed hollow pachyderm.
Don’t miss: Lucy the Elephant (who recently underwent a $2 million makeover); Beachstock taking place June 24 this year (music, food, children’s events, games and more).
Beach fees
: Badges include all-season access (no weekly/daily badges). All badges $20 after June 1. Prior, $10 for adults and $3.50 for seniors. Under 12, free. Free seasonal tags available to veterans and active military members.
Parking: Street parking closer to beach.
NJ Transit Bus: Route 505

LONGPORT

Exit 36

Vibe: Upscale community at the southern tip of Atlantic City’s Absecon Island.
Don’t miss: Longport Dog Beach; Longport Historical Society Musuem.
Beach fees
: Daily, $5. Weekly, $15. Season (after June 2), $35; seniors, $10. Preseason sale prices (by June 2), $20 for 12 and up, $5, seniors. 11 and under, free. Veterans, free with ID.
Parking: Limited but free.
NJ Transit Bus: Route 505

Cape May County 

OCEAN CITY

Exit N25; S30

Vibe: Surf’s up in this dry town that’s hopping during the summer months—especially on the busy boardwalk.
Don’t miss: The boardwalk; Gillian’s Wonderland Pier; OC Waterpark; Playland’s Castaway Cove; Corson’s Inlet State Park
Beach fees
: Daily, $10. Weekly, $20. Season, $35, $30 before June 1. Active military and their families & veterans, free.
Parking: Limited free and metered street parking; pay-to-park lots.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 319, 507, & 509

STRATHMERE

Exit N13; S25

Vibe: Shhh. This secluded beach is the Shore’s best-kept secret. (For a list of all our favorite hidden beaches, click here.)
Don’t miss: Whale Beach; Twisties Tavern on the Bay; the Deauville Inn; Whale Creek Marina Boat Rentals
Beach fees
: No beach fees, but local government is discussing the possibility of requiring them.
Parking: Free.

SEA ISLE CITY

Exit N13; S17

A boat on a beach in Sea Isle City

Visit the Jersey Shore’s beloved Sea Isle City this summer. Photo courtesy of Sea Isle City Public Relations

Vibe: Tight-knit town with lots of bars, a seafood village and a youngish crowd.
Don’t miss: Family-friendly summer movie series Wednesday nights at Excursion Park from July 5-August 30; Chamber of Commerce Farmers Markets on Tuesday mornings; Beachcomber’s Environmental Tours; Townsends Inlet Waterfront Park; themed family fun nights on Mondays from July 3-August 28; Free Saturday night concerts at 7:30pm from June 25-September 3; acoustic open mic nights every Thursday beginning July 6; Skimmer Festival running from June 17-18.
Beach fees
: Daily, $5. Weekly, $10. Season, $25 ($20 before May 15). Wednesdays, free admission.
Parking: Free parking on street except in center of town. Sea Isle City no longer accepts cash payments for parking fees. Parking fees are paid via the ParkMobile App. Rates are 25 cents for 15 minutes, up to the maximum time allowed. Parking hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 am–11 pm; Sunday, noon–11 pm. The Municipal Marina Parking Lot, at 42nd Place & Bay, is open 7 days a week, 6 am–11 pm. Other parking lots: 4th–5th St. & Landis Ave.; 7th–8th St. & Landis Ave.; 125 JFK Blvd.; 40th St. & Central Ave.; 42nd Place & Bay; 45th St. & Landis Ave.; 46th St. & Central Ave.; 94th St. & Landis Ave.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 315 & 319

AVALON

Exit 13

Vibe: Sophisticated seaside enclave with large, secluded oceanfront homes.
Don’t miss: Beachside Science at Surfside Park; Tuesday beach movies; Surfside Live Fridays at Surfside Park; Sunday concert series at Surfside Park.
Beach fees
: Daily, $8. Weekly, $17. Season, $35 ($30 before June 1). 11 & under, free. Tags accepted in Stone Harbor.
Parking: Free.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 315 & 319

STONE HARBOR

Exit 10

Vibe: Lively downtown shopping and dining scene accents the summer fun.
Don’t miss: BeachFit Expo on June 17; Wetlands Institute; Salt Marsh Safari; downtown shopping district; Harbor Square Theatre (multiscreen cinema); Farmers Market every Sunday from 8 am-12:30 pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day; Free concerts every Tuesday from 7-8:30 pm, July 5-Labor Day; Food Truck Festival on July 15 from 7-10 pm.
Beach fees
: Daily, $8. Weekly, $17. Season, $40 ($32 before May 31). 12 & under, free. Active military and their families, free. Veterans, free with special veterans tag (proof of service must be presented in person). Tags accepted in Avalon.
Parking: Metered on street and in beach lot, 25 cents per 15 minutes.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 315 & 319

THE WILDWOODS

The iconic Wildwoods sign at sunrise.

Don’t miss all the Wildwoods have to offer this summer. Photo courtesy of Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority

Exit N4; S6

Vibe: Retro fun and lots of amusements for the whole family.
Don’t miss: Barefoot Country Fest running June 15-18 this year; NJ BBQ Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival running July 14-16; Morey’s Piers for amusements, rides and water parks; Splash Zone Water Park; Doo Wop Experience Museum; neon motel district; Hereford Inlet Lighthouse.
Beach fees
: Free.
Parking: Free.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 313, 315, 316, 319, & 552

CAPE MAY

Exit 0

Vibe: Historic resort town with something for everyone—especially if you love the Victorian ambience. (To explore more of our favorite historic towns in New Jersey, click here.)
Don’t miss: Washington Street Mall; downtown Victorian district and the Emlen Physick Estate; Cape May Stage; East Lynne Theater Company; Cape May Lighthouse; Cape May Bird Observatory; Cape May County Zoo; Beach Plum Farm; Sunset Beach (for sunsets, of course, as well as ceremonies honoring veterans); hunting for “Cape May diamonds” on the beach. For a list of our favorite Cape May restaurants, click here.
Beach fees
: Daily, $8. 3-day, $15. Weekly, $20. Season, $30; Preseason, $25. Active military and their families, free.
Parking: Metered on street.
NJ Transit Bus: Routes 313, 315, 316, 319, & 552


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