Vacation On The Jersey Shore

Hitting the Jersey Shore for Spring Break this year? You might want to head down to Cape May, a prime location for beach-goers. While there are many lovely getaway spots in New Jersey, this is one of the most popular with world-renowned beaches, restaurants and shops. It also draws many artists and shop owners during off-season due to how beautiful it is. Let’s take a look at some of the things that make Cape May such a wonderful place to vacation during spring break.

The Jersey shore is a wonderful place to vacation for anyone. Families love it for the clean and sandy beaches and resorts. College students love it for the party atmosphere and cheap drinks. Older folks love it for its slower pace and beautiful scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. I’ve stayed at a number of different resorts in the area and have visited many of the local businesses to see what they offer.

The problem with the Jersey Shore is that it’s so darn affordable. Not the places you stay, mind you — those are typically out of range for many families. The problem is that the lodgings are low-cost enough to invite a lot of people out who don’t generally vacation in the same high-margin demographic. And as long as there are people who insist on wearing sweatpants until 9 p.m., it’s hard to instill tourist affluenza in them (though we at the New York Times have tried).

Why not take a break from the long arduous hours of SEO to enjoy a day on the beach? Sure, you aren’t exactly getting away from anything, but the shore is pretty darn close to the heart of New Jersey, so you might as well get active and have some fun!

Amityville, NJ : Amityville is a hamlet in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. “To the south of Amityville is the hamlet of Copiague, to the west is West Babylon, and to the north and east are areas of the Town of Babylon.”

Whether you’re a luxe city-dweller headed to the Hamptons for the weekend or a landlocked wanderer looking to see what all this “lobster roll” fuss is all about, the northeast’s meandering coast is overflowing with prime vacation destinations. But the Jersey Shore singularly offers everything you expect—from iconic boardwalks to raucous beach parties, secluded waterfront oases, and immaculate small towns catering to the bougie and the nostalgic alike—and so much more. 

Vacation On The Jersey Shore

Running from the halfway point along New Jersey’s eastern edge to its southernmost tip, the Shore goes far beyond Atlantic City’s kitschy glitz and Pauly D’s poolside fist pumps. And although the towns that make up this strip bump up against each other, they somehow each maintain a distinct character. While some are laid-back surf spots, others are strictly party destinations, and others still beckon seafood lovers from around the world.

Catering to both Victorian glory and utter excess, these are New Jersey’s most charming oceanfront communities.

Atlantic City’s Unsung Food Scene Is Its Greatest Draw

asbury park, new jersey
Flickr/Jazz Guy

Asbury Park

The town Bruce Springsteen immortalized has been revitalized to attract a younger, hipper, more diverse crowd. Thanks to the pinball nostalgia of the Silverball Museum Arcade, past summer stage lineups at the Stone Pony, and the Instagram-courting murals on the Sunset Pavilion, it worked. (It’s been called “Brooklyn on the beach,” in case there was any doubt.)

Asbury’s marvelously underrated beach has also become one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly down the shore, and offers up unmatched people-watching. And then there’s the drive-in-style rooftop movie theater at The Asbury — the perfect end to a day in the sun.  

Where to eat and drink: Along the lively boardwalk, duck into Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten for a beer—there are more than 50 on tap—or have a bite of modern Mexican at Barrio Costero. After dark, check out the views of the Atlantic with a cocktail in hand at Watermark.

the breakers, spring lake, new jersey
The Breakers on the Ocean

Spring Lake

Once a Gilded Age resort spot for wealthy New Yorkers, Spring Lake is still a vacation destination for urbanites who want a glimpse at how the other half lives. Just 60 miles from downtown NYC and accessible by train, million-dollar Victorian homes and manicured lawns make the place feel much, much farther away. The beach features the longest non-commercial boardwalk in the state, two miles of pristine sand, and peaceful vibes. For longer trips, book a room at the historic Breakers, the only beachside hotel in town.

Where to eat and drink: Head to the cozy Marigold Market & Cafe for a simple and inventive brunch menu, and for an after-beach treat, stop by Hoffman’s Ice Cream, an institution that’s been serving up unusual flavors since 1976. Try the signature Jersey Monkey—banana ice cream with peanut butter swirls and chocolate chips.

Manasquan Inlet jetty, Point Pleasant Beach, new jersey
Flickr/James Loesch

Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant is for families. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, which stretches a mile along the shore, offers some good old-fashioned fun by way of an aquarium, an arcade, amusement park, three mini-golf courses, and a 4,000-square-foot fun house. For a different kind of thrill, Point Pleasant is also known for antiquing, a favorite being Point Pavilion Antique Centre, which houses some 50 sellers of furniture, jewelry, toys, and old records. This spot, coupled with the Vintage Automobile Museum of New Jersey, gives Point Pleasant a retro air.  

Where to eat and drink: Your best bet for daytime drinking is at any one of the boardwalk bars, like Jenk’s Club Beach Bar, an ideal haunt for ocean views, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. When it’s time to eat, there’s the more upscale The Poached Pear for immaculately seared scallops and Woodchucks BBQ for a cozier vibe.

sandy hook beach, new jersey
Seastreak Sandy Hook Beach

Sandy Hook

The closest Jersey beach to New York City, Sandy Hook is the place to go when you’re looking for a no-fuss day trip from Manhattan. The Seastreak ferry will bring you to the sprawling Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area. Here, you can choose between beaches, cycling trails, and campgrounds. Just be aware that if you happen upon Gunnison Beachclothing is not a given.

At Sandy Hook, you can take on everything from kitesurfing to kayaking. And if the sporting life isn’t for you, take a walk to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the US. 

Where to eat and drink: Sandy Hook isn’t a restaurant hot-spot, so packing a picnic from home is the way to go.

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