What’s New at the Jersey Shore for Summer 2023

Add some new places to your Shore to-do list this summer.

Island Waterpark
Showboat's Island Waterpark is 103,000 square feet of fun. Above, a section of the place becomes an adults-only zone with cocktails and music. Rendering: Courtesy of Island Waterpark

From restaurants to a water park, the Shore welcomes a plethora of new places this summer.

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Adjacent Festival

Atlantic City

A massive new music festival hits Atlantic City May 27-28, and it’s bringing some of the biggest punk, alternative and emo acts in the biz, including headliners Blink-182 and Paramore. Jersey acts including the Bleachers are part of the lineup, too. —Gary Phillips

Island Waterpark at Showboat

Atlantic City

Making its premier splash this summer, this 103,000-square-foot, tropical-themed water park features more than a dozen slides, a 1,000-square-foot surf simulator, and a 11,000 linear foot lazy river, where guests can float the day away. The year-round attraction offers sunshine during warm weather, and the retractable roof allows park access during the winter months. A zip line and the Cloud Coaster rollercoaster will get hearts pumping while offering views of the ocean and Boardwalk. After dark, a section of the venue becomes an adults-only zone with music and cocktails. This summer will also see the beginning of Showboat’s multimillion dollar room-renovation project. —Deborah P. Carter
801 Boardwalk

Exit Zero Filling Station’s New Chevy

Cape May

A revamped 1949 Chevy truck at Exit Zero Filling Station

Guests can book private dining in a revamped 1949 Chevy truck at Exit Zero Filling Station. Photo: Courtesy of Exit Zero

Exit Zero Filling Station’s cool vibe has been filling up customers since 2016. The ambience is always fun, and this year, guests can book private dining in a revamped 1949 Chevy truck. Complete with a dining cabin that seats eight, this red four-wheeler even has an electric fireplace inside. On-site, there are also an Airstream trailer that seats six and a Winnebago where guests can spin vinyl while they dine. They’ve dubbed their new happy hour, from 3-5 pm, an Afternoon Delight à la Mad Men. The main dining room is getting in on the act by screening classic movies and TV. —DPC
110 Sunset Boulevard

The Break; Low Dive

Asbury Park

Two new gathering places are joining the Asbury Park boardwalk, both operated by BarCo Brands, owner of Deal Lake Bar + Co. Continuing the tradition of predecessor Langosta Lounge, Low Dive features live music most nights, drinks and late-night food. At the Break, there’s a range of sushi options, large salads and more. —R.C. Staab
1000 Ocean Avenue

Good Dog Bar

Atlantic City

A burger at Good Dog Bar in Atlantic City

Dig into a hearty burger at Good Dog Bar this summer. Photo: Courtesy of Steve Legato

Taking a cue from its Philly brother, this summer the Good Dog Bar’s second location will come, sit and stay in Atlantic City. Pups are the theme here, and they don’t just get top billing—they are welcome to join the party. More than a bar, Good Dog’s 5,000-square-foot, bi-level space has a full-service restaurant with a tempting array of dishes, from bar-food favorites like burgers to specialties like the lamb meatball sub. The menu is based on local ingredients and changes often. There are seats at the bar and tables for approximately 100 guests, and the upstairs includes pool tables and other games. A pre-opening photo contest gathered images of patrons’ pets that now line the walls, along with a canine-themed mosaic mural. Outside dining is framed by a building-sized, civil rights-themed mural featuring a photorealistic image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. poolside at an Atlantic City resort as its centerpiece. The mural on Good Dog’s main entrance is a playful montage of—what else?—good dogs. —DPC
3426 Atlantic Avenue

June 2023 cover of New Jersey Monthly

Buy our June 2023 issue here. Cover photo by Ann Coen

Seaside Heights Carousel

Seaside Heights

A lion, camel and tiger are roaring back to the Boardwalk Promenade this summer. About a decade ago, Casino Pier was ready to auction off the historic Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Dentzel-Looff Carousel until the Borough of Seaside Heights stepped in to save it. After being dismantled in 2019, the carousel journeyed to Ohio, where it was restored to its 1910 vintage condition. It is set to reside in the newly built Seaside Heights Carousel Pavilion. —RCS
1415 Ocean Terrace

Mobile Cigar Lounge

Various locations

Holy smokes! There’s a 32-foot-long luxury trailer outfitted with a cigar lounge breezing around the Shore this summer. Cigar aficionados (and novices) are welcome inside this custom-built, climate-controlled truck with leather seating and a stocked humidor with a wide selection of most major cigar brands, plus unexpected ones. Conceived by hospitality professionals, it will most often park in the Orange Loop neighborhood of Atlantic City—with its deck out for outdoor lounging—and can also be booked for events. Find Tennessee Avenue Tobacco Company on Facebook. —DPC

Farmacie by the French Market

Highlands

Looking for fresh croissants, scones or quiches on the way to or from Sandy Hook park beaches? Stop and dine on the outdoor patio, or pick up an online order here. While waiting, browse the shelves of candles and interior-design accent pieces. —RCS
165 Bay Avenue


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