June 2024: Summer Shore Guide | New Jersey Monthly

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.

Jelani Remy

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.

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.

waves of strength event

Waves of Strength Is Changing Lives One Surfer at a Time

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

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.

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.

Slip-on sneakers with rainbow-colored Coach pattern

Fun Finds for Celebrating Pride Month

From colorful coasters to cool kicks!

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.

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.

One Thing You Must Do in Every Jersey Shore Town

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

Madison Resort Wildwood Crest

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.

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!

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.

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.

Illustration of mermaid reading "Welcome Home, Caroline Kline" by Courtney Preiss

Best Summer 2024 Beach Reads With a New Jersey Twist

Get lost in these books on sunny (and rainy!) days.

Illustration of woman at the beach reading "Bear" by Julia Phillips

Sisters, Secrets and a Mysterious Bear: NJ Author’s Bewitching New Novel

Julia Phillips’s Bear is an unforgettable book about the enchantments of the unknown.

Split photo of author Anastasia Rubis and the cover of her new biographical novel, "Oriana: A Novel of Oriana Fallaci"

Montclair Author Tells Sexy Story of a Gutsy, Trailblazing Journalist

Oriana Fallaci “thrilled me with how strong and assertive a woman could be,” says Anastasia Rubis.

HOME & GARDEN

Neutral-colored foyer and living area of a Bay Head home

Bay Head Retreat Is Family’s Long-Awaited Dream Home

Come summer, this seaside colonial welcomes out-of-towners every weekend.

EAT & DRINK

A burger and fries at Maison Bleue in Cape May

Maison Bleue in Cape May Offers Thrilling French Fare

This hip bistro is très bon!

Marina Grille in Belmar

Savor Sunset Views and Fabulous Food at This Belmar Bar & Grill

Marina Grille boasts a beautiful bayside setting, a well-rounded menu and generous portions.

Inside New Jersey’s Love Affair with Wawa

From meatball Shortis to teenage hangs to marriage proposals, Wawa culture in the Garden State is stronger than ever.

Taco from Central Taqueria in Morristown

Morristown’s Central Taqueria Packs Its Simple Menu With Flavor

It’s run by a group of Mexico City natives, who serve up tasty tacos, quesadillas and more.

Sushi from Masa 8 in Lawrenceville

Masa 8 in Lawrenceville: Tasty Japanese Food in a Modest Strip Mall

Sushi, sashmi, bento boxes and more.

Honey-almond French toast from Asbury Kitchen in Ocean City

Asbury Kitchen in Ocean City: Year-Round Brunch in a Family-Friendly Setting

Sweet and savory options abound, from crêpes to eggs Benedict to burgers.

Buddy Valastro

Cake Boss Buddy Valastro Opens Atlantic City Eatery

Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire is now open in Harrah’s Resort.

Dish from River Pointe Inn in Rumson

At New Rumson Bistro, Father-Son Restaurateurs Glam Up the Classics

The acclaimed Victor Rallo’s new partner at River Pointe Inn is his 24-year-old son, Jake.

EXIT RAMP

Illustration of large family on a beach vacation overlaid on a calendar

Tiny Houses, Big Memories: My Family’s 40-Year Tradition at the Jersey Shore

The humble community of Ocean Beach III has hosted our family reunion for four generations and counting.