Jersey Shore Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Jersey Shore
Steel Pier featuring a city
Quarter at Tropicana which includes interior views and shopping
Jersey Shore
Cape May - Wildwood which includes a house

White-sand beaches border the bright lights of casinos and a non-stop nightlife scene lasts from dusk until dawn in this coastal region of New Jersey.

Head to the Jersey Shore for boardwalk strolls, beachside fun and swimming in the Atlantic. While many will know Jersey Shore from the MTV show of the same name, which focused on the area’s raucous nightlife, rest assured that there is lots to do here for the whole family.

The Jersey Shore stretches from Sandy Hook to Cape May and is a much-loved vacation spot for many families who have spent their summers in the area for generations. Cape May, for instance, has hosted visitors since the 1600s and is designated as a National Historic Landmark City. Come here to marvel at the animals of the Cape May County Park & Zoo and embark on a whale-watching and dolphin-spotting tour off the coast.

Relax on Long Beach Island in the resort towns of Barnegat Light and Beach Haven. Climb up to Barnegat’s lighthouse and sail along Barnegat Bay. Oceanfront boutique stores are good for shopping, while family-owned restaurants serve up fresh seafood.

If you are looking for bright lights and after-dark fun, stay in Atlantic City. Spend the evening enjoying the casinos or simply watching the dealers while having a cocktail. Take in the carnival sounds of the Atlantic City Boardwalk and shop for trinkets in oceanfront stores. A variety of bars and nightclubs near the waterfront offer late-night entertainment.

Take the whole family to Seaside Heights to splash around in the Breakwater Beach Waterpark and after, play miniature golf near the boardwalk.

The Jersey Shore is packed with tourists during the summer months, so come in July and August for plenty of people-watching and the best weather. Take a train or bus from Newark, Philadelphia or New York City straight to the shore, or hop on a ferry from New York to Sandy Hook.

Come to the Jersey Shore to experience miles of shimmering coastlines, classic amusement parks and an active party scene. Create lifelong memories in this popular American vacation destination.

Where to stay in Jersey Shore

Washington Street Mall showing a small town or village

Cape May Historic District

While visiting Cape May Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Washington Street Mall and Cape May Beach.

Cape May Historic District
Atlantic City featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Ship Bottom

You'll enjoy the beaches and museums in Ship Bottom. You might want to make time for a stop at Long Beach or Hartland Miniature Golf & Arcade.

Ship Bottom
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Diamond Beach

3/5(1 area review)

Diamond Beach is popular for its beaches, and you can check out Five Mile Beach, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Diamond Beach
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North Beach Haven

While visiting North Beach Haven, you might make a stop by sights like Haven Beach and Brighton Beach.

North Beach Haven
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Surf City

Surf City is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Sandbar Golf and Long Beach.

Surf City
Jersey Shore featuring shopping and interior views

Midtown South

If you're spending some time in Midtown South, Hard Rock Casino Atlantic City and Atlantic City Boardwalk are top sights worth seeing.

Midtown South
Tropicana Atlantic City – A Caesars Rewards Destination

Tropicana Atlantic City – A Caesars Rewards Destination

3.5 out of 5
2831 Boardwalk Atlantic City NJ
The price is ฿1,184 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
฿1,184
฿2,578 total
11 Jan - 12 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa and 20 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (16,475 reviews)
Clean room, great staff, everything was great

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Tropicana Atlantic City – A Caesars Rewards Destination
Ocean Casino Resort

Ocean Casino Resort

4 out of 5
500 Boardwalk Atlantic City NJ
The price is ฿2,777 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
฿2,777
฿4,466 total
4 Feb - 5 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa and 18 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10,962 reviews)
Excellent. #1 for sure

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Ocean Casino Resort
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City– A Caesars Rewards Destination

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City– A Caesars Rewards Destination

4 out of 5
777 Harrah's Blvd. Atlantic City NJ
The price is ฿1,316 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
฿1,316
฿2,727 total
11 Jan - 12 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 9 restaurants and a casino. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.4/10 Good! (11,286 reviews)
The room was very clean and spacious with all amenities.

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City– A Caesars Rewards Destination
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship

3.5 out of 5
60 N Maine Avenue Atlantic City NJ
Stay at this business-friendly condo in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,962 reviews)
Enjoyed my stay for a last minute option... Breakfast at k&k was delicious..would stay again.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Marriott's Fairway Villas

Marriott's Fairway Villas

3 out of 5
500 East Fairway Lane Absecon NJ
Stay at this golf holiday home in Absecon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (788 reviews)
Loved our rental, the service, and the amenities! We’ll definitely be back for a third visit!

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

Marriott's Fairway Villas
Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach

3 out of 5
1400 Ocean Avenue Brigantine NJ
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Brigantine. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,758 reviews)
Great overall

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Jersey Shore