A Guide to my Favorite Jersey Shore Towns
A Guide to my Favorite Jersey Shore Towns
By Anthony Gadaleta
Long Beach Township on LBI
Welcome to the Jersey Shore!
The Jersey Shore, miles and miles of breathtaking coastline along New Jersey’s Atlantic Coast, offers everything from soaking up the sun, meandering its many quaint and charming seaside communities, to its chill laidback lifestyle that makes this my absolute favorite spot of the Garden State.
Here you’ll get a glimpse into my favorites from the northern shore in Monmouth County all the way to Cape May County on the southernmost tip. All of them are distinct in character and offer their own vibe that will give you plenty of options when planning your next trip whether for the day, overnight, a few days, or a week!
Victorian homes of Ocean Grove
My Favorites in Monmouth County
Ocean Grove - A destination that will make you feel immersed in the Victorian Era with exquisite classical Victorian architecture, charming downtown shopping and dining district, and plenty of sand and sun to dip into the sea on a hot summer day! You’ll find all the shopping and dining options along Main Ave. stretching out to the beaches itself, tree-lined offering lots of shade. Wander its narrow streets and discover the history of this quaint seaside community.
Spring Lake - Known for its elegant and stunning summer homes, oceanfront accommodations, and charming downtown, Spring Lake offers a summer chic vibe with its walkable 3rd Ave. shopping and dining district and a serene nature walking area at Divine Park where you’ll hear nothing but the sounds of nature and the salty sea air. A personal favorite of mine to dine at can be found on 3rd Ave. at the On Third Cafe and Coffee Company. Great local accommodations include the Breakers and the Ocean House Bed & Breakfast.
Manasquan - One of my favorite walkable downtown areas full of locally owned independent businesses from BookTowne to the Peach Pit Cafe. Stroll the lovely Main St. and feel at ease on shore time. I also love taking in the views at Manasquan Inlet where you’ll often find local folk casting their fishing line to snag a fresh catch.
Manasquan Inlet, Point Pleasant Beach
My Favorites in Ocean County
Point Pleasant Beach - Long known for its famous and family-friendly boardwalk at Jenkinson’s, there’s plenty more to discover along Arnold Ave. exploring the many locally owned shops selling local products and even antiques. Green Planet Coffee and Divi Tree Coffee are one of my favorites serving up delicious brews to sweet treats.
Bay Head - A hidden gem and favorite local spot to visit when I’m in Ocean County with just enough to explore. Visit Burkes Market for gourmet artisanal specialties and Coffee at Noon for fresh local brew. Other notable spots include Mueller’s Bakery and The Grenville Hotel & Restaurant.
Lavallette - A lovely spot to take in the views of the bay at Jacobsen Park, grab a coffee at Lava Java House or stroll the many shops and boutiques along Rt. 35. Lavallette offers a local flare with a laidback beach lifestyle.
Long Beach Island (more on my LBI post)
Barnegat Light - Located on the northern tip of the island, local stops include Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and the charming Viking Village.
Surf City - Sandbox Cafe, Wally’s, How You Brewin’, and plenty of local shops and businesses can be found here.
Ship Bottom - The Local Market & Kitchen and the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop are what you’ll find as soon as you arrive and depart the island.
Beach Haven - Bay Village and Fantasy Island are some of what draws many visitors including myself to the center of LBI in charming Beach Haven.
Lucy The Elephant, Margate City
My Favorites in Atlantic County
Atlantic City - Steel Pier and the many casinos are my favorites in AC.
Margate City - Lucy The Elephant is perhaps one of my favorite state landmarks and a must-see to visit while in Atlantic County and not far from the exciting entertainment of Atlantic City.
Congress Hall grounds, Cape May
My Favorites in Cape May County
Ocean City - OC Surf Cafe, the expansive and family-oriented boardwalk, as well as the quaint Asbury Ave. downtown shopping district are my favorites when in OC.
Stone Harbor & Avalon - Walkable downtown shopping areas and white-sand beaches are some of my favorite things while on Seven Mile Island.
The Wildwoods - Morey’s Piers and the iconic boardwalk draw many to this exciting and entertainment-filled seaside destination. And the expansive white sand beaches — which are free. No beach badges required.
Cape May (more on Cape May post) - Quaint and charming Victorian charm and more can be found on the southernmost town on the Jersey Cape.
I hope this guide provides plenty of opportunities to visit the Jersey Shore this summer and perhaps a future visit as well!
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Explore, Wander & Discover
~ Anthony
