June 2024: Summer Shore Guide

For our 2024 Shore Guide, the editors at New Jersey Monthly wanted to shine a light on every beach town in our state. Not just the ones with the splashy attractions or the busy boardwalks, but every town—big, small or in-between—along the coast.

Here, you’ll find at least one fun thing you must do in each town, from restaurants to natural wonders to boardwalk attractions for the whole family.

Also in our Shore Guide, you’ll find a primer on the fun and beautiful carousels of the area, from the historic ones to the new additions; a roundup of what’s brand-new at the Shore this season; a guide to this summer’s top festivals; details on throwing your own clambake; and more.

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GARDEN VARIETY

J.P. Hand has been carving local waterfowl since he was a teenager;

South Jersey Native is Keeping the Ancient Art of Decoy Carving Alive

J.P. Hand's work is coveted by collectors and exhibited in museums. Read more

Broadway Star Jelani Remy Says Jersey Roots ‘Shaped Me’

The Cedar Grove native got the call that he'd nabbed his current role in Broadway's Back to the Future musical while working with students at his alma mater. Read more

Jill Eikenberry (left) and Ella Dershowitz

NJ Rep Theater in Long Branch Opens a New Arts Hub

Spaces at the theater's West End Arts Center are opening gradually, starting with a monthly play-reading series, standup comedy and jazz performances. Read more

Waves of Strength Is Changing Lives One Surfer at a Time

Waves of Strength helps children and adults with cognitive and physical challenges. Read more

Border collie mix dog surrounded by colorful toys, which she can correctly identify.

Meet New Jersey’s Genius Dog

Bow-wow! A border collie mix from Rumson can correctly identify nearly 200 toys. Read more

Abbey Holloway and Catherine Spinosa inside Waterlily, their Jersey Shore boutique

Longtime BFFs Left Manhattan Fashion Jobs to Open Jersey Shore Boutiques Together

They returned to their coastal roots to open Waterlily, a clothing shop, in Spring Lake, Manasquan and Bay Head, plus Seas the Day, a gift shop in Spring Lake. Read more

Slip-on sneakers with rainbow-colored Coach pattern

Fun Finds for Celebrating Pride Month

From colorful coasters to cool kicks! Read more

No smoking symbol in a glass ashtray next to a cigarette, green lighter, and playing cards

Atlantic City Casino Leaders Clash With Legislators Over Proposed Smoking Ban

Atlantic City casino leaders worry a smoking ban will make profits go up in smoke, but legislators are pushing to end the puffing. Read more

FEATURES

The Obscure Jersey Shore Neighborhood Where ‘Everybody Knows Everybody’

Residents of the Monmouth Hills community enjoy a peaceful life at one of the Shore’s highest points. Read more

One Thing You Must Do in Every Jersey Shore Town

Fun activities, tasty restaurants and natural wonders to explore along our entire coast. Read more

What’s New at the Jersey Shore for Summer 2024

From Madison Resort Wildwood Crest to a new restaurant from Buddy Valastro, there's something new for everyone at the Shore. Read more

Young girl on carousel at Steel Pier in Atlantic City.

A Guide to the Jersey Shore’s Carousels

Craving some seaside nostalgia? Saddle up and take a ride! Read more

Clams on table with corn and salt and pepper shakers

Shell Yeah! How to Host a Clambake at the Jersey Shore

New England's got nothin' on these Jersey clambakes. Read more

Southside Johnny Lyon, Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt perform at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Jukes’ famed radio-broadcast show on Memorial Day weekend in 1976.

Stone Pony Celebrating 50 Years in Asbury Park: ‘It’s a Landmark’

Half a century after opening its doors, Asbury Park’s storied Stone Pony is a global pilgrimage site, an eclectic house of music and a comforting neighborhood haunt. Read more