Welcome to the Jersey Shore

Not THAT “Jersey Shore”

Situated along the US Northeast, where the Atlantic Ocean kisses the sandy shores, lies the beloved beach communities of the Jersey Shore. With its retro flair and endless stretches of pristine beaches, this coastal gem invites travellers seeking a dose of sun-soaked nostalgia. Whether you’re a family in search of laughter-filled days or a couple yearning for moonlit strolls, a road trip to the Jersey Shore delivers on so many levels.

Summer Days on the Jersey Shore.

For decades, a road trip to the Jersey Shore has been a rite of passage for many families on the East Coast for their summer escapes from cities like New York & Philadelphia. Residents of nearby towns and cities would pack up their cars and schlep the family to the Shore for a bit of summertime fun. Many songs, movies, and television shows have depicted its popularity as a vacation destination. Think “Beaches” with Bette Midler or the song “Allentown” by Billy Joel.

Picture yourself savouring saltwater taffy, riding vintage carousels, walking long stretches of oceanfront boardwalks. Feel the soft grains of sand between your toes as the waves crash around you. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, The Jersey Shore promises an unforgettable escape—a place where summer vacation memories have been made for generations. From the lively boardwalks, amusement parks, food stands, and casinos to the quaint seaside towns, there’s something for everyone on the Jersey Shore.

Discover the Jersey Shore(s)

The New Jersey coastline stretches for many miles along the Atlantic Ocean and encompasses about 141 miles (227 km) of oceanfront from Perth Amboy in the north to Cape May Point in the south. This vast expanse of waterfront exposure gives visitors many beautiful spots to spend those hot summer days and breezy nights. The Jersey shoreline is a group of barrier islands comprising several smaller sections of various communities, towns, and beaches; each town has its unique appeal. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on taking a roadtrip to the southernmost section from Atlantic City to Cape May.

Why the Jersey Shore should be your next summer road trip destination

Atlantic City

Considered the Las Vegas of the east, Atlantic City has been attracting visitors to the Jersey Shore for many years with the lure of Casinos, beaches, and boardwalks. Today, the city is bouncing back, after having lost some of the lustre that once inspired musicals, movies, and even a board game. The is still an excellent spot to visit, especially now that successful casinos have taken over. This seaside gem on the New Jersey Shore is not just a gambler’s paradise; it’s a playground for all ages.

The boardwalk stretches for about 4 miles along the wide berth of the beautiful beach, offering many attractions from the historic Absecon Lighthouse to the thrilling amusement rides at Steel Pier. You can enjoy boardwalk dining, shopping, amusements, and even festivals and activities on the beach. Visit the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall – which often entertains visitors with light shows projected on the outside walls. Search the city streets to identify all the spots on the monopoly board. Get some retail therapy with a visit to Tanger Outlet just short walk from the boardwalk.

At the south end of this section, in Margate city, visit Lucy the Elephant – a quirky waterfront landmark. This 6-story elephant-shaped building was built in 1881 and is the country’s largest Elephant and oldest surviving tourist attraction.

Ocean City

The most family-friendly portion of the Jersey Shore, Ocean City, is the perfect spot for a family beach vacation. With over 8 miles of beachfront – it is ideal for swimming, watersports, sunbathing, surfing, and relaxing. There is no shortage of family fun along the Ocean City Boardwalk. Here, you can enjoy a variety of amusements, arcades, homemade fudge, great food, and fun snacks. Play a round of mini golf, or experience the thrill of the rides at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier or Playland’s Castaway Cove. Ocean City offers visitors of all ages a treasure trove of activities and experiences. The town is a dry community – where no alcohol can be consumed/purchased. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a quieter vacation spot with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Go Wild at Wildwoods

And now… we bring you to our absolute favourite spot on the Jersey Shore – The Wildwoods. The first time we learned of Wildwoods was back in the days of  “Trading Spaces”. They did an episode where they reno’d an Ice Cream parlour in town. The depictions of the retro vibes of the town harkened back to the 1950s & 60s. There waas an aesthetic in the design and architecture that I am fascinated with – Mid-Century Modern. I knew I had to see this town for myself. Mid-Century Modern is a design style full of bold geometric shapes, bright pops of colour, a fusion of the indoors and outdoors, a mix of materials and aesthetics, and themes of space and the atomic age, in a word: “Doo Wop.

The DooWop Capital

In the mid-1950s, America entered a time of great optimism and growth. Cars were becoming more affordable, and more families were looking to get on the open road and enjoy road trip vacations. To catch the attention of passing motorists, hotels, diners, and gas stations developed bold designs to enhance their buildings.

Characterised by modern, sweeping angles, bright colours, starbursts, boomerang shapes, futuristic themes, car culture and space-aged aesthetics, with a big splash of neon lights, this came to be known as Doo Wop Style. While this design style has fallen out of favour, nowhere is it more on display than in Wildwoods, New Jersey. Here, on the Jersey shore, the Doo Wop Style is widely celebrated, elevated, and preserved for future generations. You will feel like you have stepped back in time as you drive or walk block after block, and you marvel at the many motels, restaurants and bars, all steeped in their rich Doo Wop aesthetic.

While you are in Wildwoods, don’t forget to stop into the Doo Wop Preservation Society Museum. Learn more about the history of the area and the design that made her famous.

Sun, Sand and Nostalgia

The Wildwood boardwalk is a bustling hub of activity. Where the nostalgic charm of Americana meets the thrill of modern amusement. Visitors can explore the many rides and attractions. Indulge in classic boardwalk fare, and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere that has enchanted guests for over a century.

As you step onto the boardwalk, your energy and mood will change. You have entered a wonderland of Amusement parks, arcades, and food. Everything you have come to expect from an ocean beachfront vacation town. Where visitors can relive their carefree days of childhood.

The Wildwoods boardwalk extends for 2.5 miles. There are three piers- the Seaside, Adventure, and Mariner’s. Morey’s Piers consist of over 100 amusement park rides to enjoy, and two water parks. Have a blast day and night as you hop from pier to pier. Enjoy all of the rides, play a round of mini-golf, and experience the best of summertime fun. Wildwoods also plays host to many festivals and events throughout the summer that you will enjoy.
The Wildwoods Boardwalk is a place where memories are made, one smile at a time.

“Discover the Vibrant Charms of Wildwoods, New Jersey: Where Sun, Surf, and Nostalgia Collide”

Cape May

The final stop on our Jersey shore vacation is the vibrant town of Cape May. The southernmost tip of the shoreline, this picturesque seaside town invites visitors to share its unique blend of history, charm, and natural splendour. In contrast to the architecture of other Jersey Shore destinations, Cape May is known for its Victorian architecture. These stunning buildings set the landscape alive with bright, beautiful colours. Learn more about the town by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride and experience the town’s historic charm.

This beach town has a different feel and appeal from the other towns along the coast. While there are plenty of oceanfront beaches to enjoy, this town is more of a nature lover’s paradise. Whether birdwatching at Cape May Point State Park, visiting the Cape May Wildlife Refuge or exploring the Nature Centre of Cape May, there are many ways to explore nature in town. While at the Cape May Point State Park, visit the Cape May lighthouse. Here you can experience the breathtaking panoramic views from the top.

Take the opportunity to visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo before you leave the Jersey Shore.

A visit to the Jersey Shore makes for a beautiful summer vacation experience for travellers of all types. The Shore’s allure is its pristine beaches that stretch for miles and iconic boardwalks brimming with life. However, each community offers something a bit different for travellers to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly getaway, a romantic retreat, or a solo adventure, the Jersey Shore’s unique blend of charm, excitement, and relaxation is not to be missed. The Jersey Shore is a place that genuinely has something for everyone.

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