Summer in the Jersey Shore is magical. During the day, you can dip your toes in the warm sound while listening to the sound of waves in the Atlantic Ocean. If it gets too hot, you can take a swim in the ocean or find a cool spot on the boardwalk.
Evenings on the Jersey Shore can be calm and quiet. Or they can be a chance to get out, drink and meet people. In this guide, we’ll help you discover the best things to do in Jersey Shore this summer. Let’s get started.
Spend Time at the Beach
Jersey Shore is famous for its sandy beaches. But what’s the most suitable beach for you? At Allenhurst, day-pass tickets cost $10. Children under 12 years can enter free of charge.
Most beaches charge a similar amount. For example, Beach Haven charges $10 for a day pass. It features restrooms and a lifeguard. Beachwood has a similar plan but also charges you for parking.
If you’re looking for a free beach on Jersey Shore, check out Bay Beach. It offers free parking and has a handful of portable bathrooms. The only caveat is that it has no lifeguards.
Logically, you’re better off at a premium beach where you have to pay $5 or $10 but have lifeguards. At Barnegat Light, for example, you can get a day pass for $5, which also allows you to visit the Lighthouse State Park.
Spend an Evening at a Casino
New Jersey has more than a dozen land-based casinos and over 20 gambling websites. Plan an evening with friends at Borgata Hotel Casino, Caesars Hotel, Hard Rock, Harrah’s, or Tropicana Casino.
These casinos offer excellent gambling experiences whether you love slots, blackjack, or roulette. If you can’t make it to a local casino, you can also gamble online while in a hotel.
Online gambling is legal in NJ, whether you want to bet on sports or play slot machines. The best NJ online casinos can be found here. Choose a site with your favorite games for the best experience.
If you appreciate beautiful architecture, exemplary amenities, and VIP treatment, visit Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. It is all about top-tier entertainment. By comparison, the Resorts Casino Hotel is the place to go if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind gambling at a casino with rustic furniture and few amenities.
Harrah’s Atlantic City, Golden Nugget, and Caesars Atlantic City Casinos are known for their impeccable facilities. Caesars features a special Wild West Entertainment Center while the Golden Nugget has loads of blackjack tournaments.
For someone visiting the beachside, Tropicana is probably your ideal casino to visit. It is located in Boardwalk, Atlantic City. It’s generous with free drinks and rewards. And it is family-friendly.
Go Dolphin or bird-watching
There’s more to Jersey Shore than sandy beaches. If you like to interact with nature, you have several options in NJ: Whale watching or dolphin watching, birding, or taking a Safari Cruise.
A three-hour whale-watching cruise at Cape May costs around $50. The cruise is wheelchair-accessible, and spacious and takes you to all the best places to spot whales and dolphins on the coast of New Jersey.
If you’re more of a bird-watching person, check out the Osprey. For around $40, you can spend two hours watching more than 100 types of birds. Once you’re done with bird watching, take a sunset safari at Cape May.
Take a Stroll along the Boardwalk
A trip to the Jersey Shore isn’t complete without a walk on the famous boardwalk. The Asbury Park offers an 18 18-hole mini-Golf, a distiller, a Silver ball Pinball Museum, and a library with paranormal books.
The boardwalk extends to Atlantic City, meaning you don’t have to leave the city for this experience. The beauty of it all is that this boardwalk is filled with activities—jazz concerts, the Ferris wheel, Concerts at Kennedy Plaza, and experiencing Italian Ice.
Another location where you can experience the Boardwalk while listening to music is Avon. It also features beautiful columns and restaurant shops. Bradley Beach, Belmar, and Long Branch have unique offerings, ranging from shooting Skee-ball to relaxation.
Spend an Afternoon at the Cape May Park & Zoo
Cape May is one of the most recommended tourist destinations in the Jersey Shore. The Park is located on 85 acres and packed with birds, gators, snakes, snow leopards, zebras, elephants, and everything else in between.
Cape May is free of charge, making it an excellent location for families, singles, and couples. Usually, the park recommends you to stay no longer than three hours. However, you can stay for half a day if you have the time and want to spot as many animals as you can.
As we mentioned earlier, Cape May also provides cruise trips to watch whales and dolphins. It also provides sunset views of the ocean, including trips to watch marine life late in the evenings.
If you want to get involved in more activities, hire a Kayak for two hours, do yoga on the beach, or go fishing. Most of the activities are affordable. However, keep note of your budget because you might end up spending more than you had planned.
Food and Drinks in Jersey Shore
Let’s face it. Food is one of the things that make you love or hate a place. Unless you’re trying to save money, you probably plan to eat or drink something on your visit to Jersey Shore.
So, what are the best restaurants on the Jersey Shore? Max’s Bar & Grill has a reputation for preparing amazing hot dogs. The meat is griddled until it becomes so soft that it ruptures.
Inkwell Coffeehouse is located a couple hundred meters away. It is a place to visit if you love poetry readings, open mic, karaoke, and jazz music while enjoying coffee.
Another popular option is Franks Deli & Restaurant. It primarily serves pork-inspired dishes, especially pork rolls. It is a great place to visit for lunch although you can also find great dinner meals. Pizza aficionados have Carmen’s Pizzeria as an option, Porta or the Parker House.
Your Turn
Jersey Shore is a fun-filled beachside. If you’re visiting the area, get ready to watch whales and dolphins, stroll on the boardwalk, and enjoy slots at any of Garden State’s famous casinos.
By Chris Bates
