10 Best Jersey Shore Towns to Visit This Summer

Bay Head

With its quaint downtown dotted with shops and restaurants and beautiful beaches, Bay Head is among Cavazuti's favorite New Jersey beach towns. “I love waking up early, grabbing a coffee from one of the local coffee shops or bakeries (shout out to Muellers!), and strolling the streets,” she says. Beyond the beach, travelers can explore the Bay Head Historic District, which spotlights an impressive collection of more than 550 shingle, Queen Anne, stick, and Colonial Revival-style homes.

Sandy Hook

Easily accessible by boat from New York City, under-the-radar Sandy Hook is home to the northernmost beach of the Jersey Shore. “Despite being so close to New York City—on a clear day, you can see the skyline—it's a beautiful, expansive beach that feels like you are on Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket,” says Cavazuti. While technically not a town, Sandy Hook is a barrier spit—a long, narrow strip of land that separates the Atlantic Ocean from Sandy Hook Bay. It's part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, known for its protected stretches of sand, scenic trails, birdwatching, and historic sites like Fort Hancock and the 250-year-old lighthouse.

Cape May

Located at the southernmost point in New Jersey, Cape May is widely recognized as America's oldest seaside resort, having welcomed travelers since the late 1700s. Today, visitors still flock here for its expansive beaches, colorful Victorian architecture, and top-notch birding.

Among the most popular stretches of sand are The Cove, a lively spot with wide shores and calm waters; Poverty Beach, known for its fine white sand and laid-back atmosphere; and Sunset Beach, famous for its namesake views and “Cape May diamonds” (naturally smoothed quartz crystals found along the shoreline).

For a glimpse into the town's past, climb the 199 steps to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse (the panoramic views are the icing on the cake) or wander the grounds of Congress Hall. Dating back to 1816, this bright yellow haunt is often referred to as America's first seaside resort.

Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant Beach is a paradise for families, with its pristine swath of sand and ample attractions, including mini golf, arcades, and an aquarium, all of which can be found along the mile-long boardwalk, which Cavazuti describes as “so nostalgic.” She continues, “Nothing reminds me of Jersey Shore summers as a kid more than an ice cream and a ride on the train that circles the amusement park.” You can easily spend an entire afternoon strolling the mile-long stretch, stopping for treats like ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy in between classic rides and arcade games. Off the boardwalk, go antiquing along Bay and Arnold Avenues and dine at local favorites like Spano's Ristorante Italiano.

Beach Haven

According to Coppolino, Long Beach Island is “particularly good for families due to its immense amount of kid-friendly activities,” including mini golf, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, ice cream parlors, and more. Many of these attractions can be found in Beach Haven, a bustling town located at the southern end. Also, because Long Beach Island is a barrier island, “its beaches are deeper than many others on the shore, making it easy for large groups to set up shop without being blanket-to-blanket on weekends or holidays.” Don't miss a visit to Beach Haven's Bay Village, home to a slew of eats—from fresh sushi at Gazebo Grill to nostalgic sweet treats at Country Kettle Fudge.

Ocean Grove

“Typically,” says Coppolino, “when Jersey Shore-goers think of beautiful, colorful Victorian homes quintessential of the late 1800s to early 1900s, they think they have to travel all the way south to Cape May.” However, “Ocean Grove, about 75 minutes from New York City, has a similar colorful aesthetic but is much more relaxed in its vibes (and typically a fraction of the cost during peak summer months),” she says. Stroll the boardwalk before or after exploring Main Avenue, which has several locally owned shops and restaurants, including what Coppolino calls “my all-time favorite place for giant salads and sandwiches, SeaGrass.” One thing to note: The town has strong Methodist roots and is technically dry; however, as the pro says, “many restaurants allow clients to BYOB.”

Asbury Park

Coppolino calls Asbury Park “without a doubt” her favorite beach town in New Jersey. “As a Monmouth County native, I've seen it transform over the past couple of decades,” she says, noting that its “diversity in people, food, art, and music is what sets it apart from the surrounding, more homogenous, beach towns.”

The town has something for everyone. Foodies can sample all sorts of tasty dishes—two of Coppolino's favorites are the Johnny Porkroll and Sprout House food trucks, as well as Ada's Gojjo, a local spot run by a chef who blends Ethiopian and Caribbean cuisine. Meanwhile, the nightlife scene draws high-energy travelers, with Coppolino calling out top spots like Paradise, Johnny Mac's House of Spirits, and The Beach Bar. She also recommends listening to “whoever is playing at the Stone Pony's summer stage,” noting that she “loves to grab Mogo tacos and set up shop on a patch of grass facing the venue.”

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is one of the Shore's most iconic—and sometimes infamous—beach towns, known for its casinos, nightlife, and historic boardwalk, the first in the United States. The five-mile stretch serves as the town's lively core, packed with restaurants, bars, mini golf, arcade games, amusement rides, and more, making it pretty much impossible to be bored.

For a more serene Atlantic City experience, explore nearby spots like the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge or the Brigantine Nature Center. Then, sample the local culinary scene along New York Avenue and climb 228 steps to the top of the 19th-century Absecon Lighthouse, one of the country's oldest.

Wildwood

This bustling beach town sits on a barrier island, offering wide, sandy beaches that are free to access and perfect for families. The famed 2.5-mile-long Wildwood Boardwalk is lined with retro amusements, classic arcade games, and snack stands serving up boardwalk staples like Curley's Fries and Kohr Bros. frozen custard. For a step back in time, visit the Doo Wop Experience Museum, which pays homage to the town's mid-century architecture and features a collection of restored vintage neon signs. Thrill-seekers of all ages, meanwhile, will enjoy a visit to Morey's Piers, home to over 100 rides and attractions; alternatively, cool off at nearby water parks like Raging Waters and Splash Zone.

Highlands

While not technically a beach town—it's a waterfront community on a protected bay—Highlands sits at the northernmost tip of the Shore, just a 40-60-minute ferry ride from New York City. It's especially close to Coppolino's heart, as she has a home there. “We love its access to the city, neighborhood inlet beaches (ours is funded by our street's HOA so that we can have a local lifeguard on site), and long-lasting residents (which are a testament to its greatness).” She continues, “Places like Franny's and Bahr's Landing cater to local families and tourists alike, with warm staff and reasonably priced cuisine.” As a bonus, it's an easy bike ride to Sandy Hook for ocean beach access, while the Henry Hudson Trail is “a wonderful place to stroll as well, particularly during the shoulder seasons.”