When you think of the Jersey shore you may picture that reality show with drunken, spray tanned cast members, but there is a lot about the Jersey shore that is ideal for families and people of all ages. I grew up going to the beaches of the Jersey shore and raised my kids along those same beaches. That reality show doesn’t show the real Jersey shore. Boardwalks, amusement parks, casinos, dog friendly beaches, shopping, and restaurants are all part of the beach experience in Jersey. Let’s take a look at the best beaches on the Jersey shore.
Cape May
When it comes to historical beauty and high class resort beach areas Cape May takes the prize. The oceanfront is clean and beautiful while the lighthouse and historic district provide plenty of entertainment and exploration opportunities. Cape May is the oldest seaside resort community in the United States and it is an amazing place to spend a week of vacation.
Ocean City
Confusingly there are two major beach areas on the East coast called Ocean City, one in Maryland and one just up the coast in New Jersey. The Ocean City on the Jersey shore is a 2.5 mile strip of beach that offers an amazing boardwalk with everything you could possibly want to see or do at the beach with your family. Commercial and crowded? Sure. But it’s also a very beautiful beach that has a lot of entertaining options for the whole family.
Wildwood
When you want the boardwalk and carnival atmosphere with a lot of space to enjoy yourself and even a dog friendly beach you want to go to Wildwood. The widest beaches in the state for volleyball and sand art, year-round dog –friendly beach, and everything from roller coasters to water slides at the ocean front amusement park make Wildwood a choice destination.
Spring Lake
If you want to get away from the commercial beaches and tourist attractions a visit to Spring Lake may be in order. This is one of the Jersey shore’s more upscale beach areas. There are historic bed and breakfasts, quaint stores and the longest non-commercial boardwalk in the state for great strolls and relaxation.
Atlantic City
Yes, Atlantic City is more than casinos! With an amazing boardwalk, high end shopping, and 5-star restaurants there’s plenty to do without gambling. But the real jewel of AC is the free beaches! If you want a real party atmosphere, lots of people and great beach fun then Atlantic City is the beach for you!
There’s a lot more to New Jersey than reality TV, there are amazing beaches and boardwalks, historical places and quaint coastal villages. If you haven’t seen the Jersey shore for yourself, it’s time to visit!
