Readers, I am the quintessential Jersey Shore girl.
As a kid, the Jersey shore was a MUST on the list of family getaways. As an adult, I will always be excited to go back, even if it’s only for one day. The food, the shoreline, the shops, the entertainment the nightlife... there is seriously something for everyone, which is what makes it the ideal getaway for the spinster traveler. Whether you’re flying solo, traveling with friends, or roped into yet another trip with your overbearing parents, you’ll definitely find something to make your visit worthwhile.
As I gear up for my next spinster trip to the shore, I am flooded with memories of my favorite eats, shops, and adventures. There is truly nothing like the Garden State coast (sigh).
The Magic of the Jersey Shore
Yes, yes, I get it. We all know the tv series (I’m not ashamed to say I’ve watched it since high school), but trust me, there’s more to the shore than getting wasted on the boardwalk. While it might seem like a small strip of beach, the Jersey shore encompasses about 141 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Ranging from North to South Jersey, visitors can choose from dozens of tourist attractions, including historical hamlets, bustling boardwalks, casino life, fresh seafood, and sleepy beaches. It’s impossible to fit it all into one trip (yes, I’ve tried), but there are plenty of things to add to your Jersey shore bucket list.
Unsure where to start? Check below for my favorite places to go on the Jersey shore.
(If you don't head home with an oversized bag of salt water taffy on your lap, you're doing it wrong.)
Top 5 Places To Go at The Jersey Shore
1. Wildwood
Prepare to be overstimulated in the best way possible. Think old world charm meets new age night club.
The sounds, the colors, the smells…the Wildwood Boardwalk is one of the most famous tourist attractions along the shoreline. A 2.5-hour drive from NYC, Wildwood sits on the southern end of the Garden State, just above the historic Cape May. Don’t be fooled by its daytime appeal, the Wildwood boardwalk truly comes alive at night. Spend the days tooling up and down the charmingly mid-century wooden planks, then head for the amusement park on the pier at sunset for jaw-dropping rides and neon classic arcade games.
Grab a bite on the boardwalk or bar hop through waterfront happy hours.
Ride the surprisingly speedy tram car or take a leisurely beachside stroll.
Or, maybe even do it all. Summer days are long and the choice is all yours.
Hungry? You must try The Surfing Pig for panoramic waterfront views, fresh seafood, and amazing barbeque. (Seriously, the brisket will change your life!)
P.S. - For the sweet tooth spinster, don’t forget to stop by Laura’s Fudge!
Known by locals as the “original fudge shoppe on the shore”, their rocky road will make you never want to leave.
Ready for some glitz and glam? Look no further than the seaside gaming and resort capital of the East Coast. Atlantic City is a dream for the spinster traveler in search of a night on the town.
Originally constructed in 1870, the recently renovated Atlantic City boardwalk sparkles with world class casinos, resort hotels, museums, Michelin dining, and an endless array of entertainment. With nightlife and eats on one side of the boardwalk and stunning beachside views on the other, it’s easy to imagine getting lost in the beauty of this jam-packed gem.
Not a gambler? No problem. Instead of spending the night at the slot machines, check out sunset on the boardwalk, then pop into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for live music and cocktails/mocktails.
Hungry? Dine in one of the top-rated casino restaurants, or head to Dock’s Oyster House for the Blue Points and signature crab cakes.
P.S. - For some bonus 'razzle dazzle', wrap up the evening at Caesar’s Palace! Why? You can’t leave Atlantic City without hearing Caesar sing, can you?
3. Ocean City
Looking for something a bit more wholesome? Ocean City is the place to be.
Known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort”, you can spend your days and nights enjoying PG fun on the beach, boardwalk, and marina. With plenty of watersports including paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and windsurfing, the thrill-seeking spinster traveler will never run out of things to do. Stay in one of the family-friendly oceanfront hotels and it’ll feel like you never left the boardwalk.
Whatever you do, don’t skip the panoramic views at the Ocean City fishing pier. Built in 1907, this historic boardwalk extension is an integral part of Ocean City tourism. Whether you’re fishing, taking selfies, or just enjoying the breeze, this pier is a must-see.
If you want something a bit more lively, walk the iconic 2.5 mile boardwalk, which is chock full of activities including a carousel, live entertainment, and a waterpark.
Wait, a waterpark on the boardwalk? You bet.
P.S. - Did I mention that Ocean City is an incorporated “dry” town?
In 1879, four Methodist ministers established Ocean City with a strict ban on the manufacture and sale of alcohol. This ban remains intact to this day. (Much like the delights of this oceanside metropolis, some things never change.)
4. Cape May
This Victorian coastal town is located at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula. Pebbled shores border the perimeter, while the center of Cape May is home to a charming village. For the spinster historian, it will be easy to get lost in this timeless delight. Spend your days wandering the tree lined streets, exploring endless sweet shops and dining on fresh faire. With a population of less than three thousand, you will truly feel like you have the whole town to yourself.
Hungry? Dine on the water at the Lobster House, a historic family-owned dockside delight overlooking Cape May Harbor!)
Need a place to stay? Check out one of Cape May’s ornately decorated (and hauntingly beautiful) Bed and Breakfasts. Just a quick stroll from the water or the town center, each B&B has its own fascinating history. Curl up in a wraparound porch swing and take in the nautical New England charm of this mystical hamlet.
In the mood for some haunted history?
Head to Sunset Beach at Cape May Point. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the S.S. Atlantus, one of 12 concrete ships built after World War I. Although these ships were later deemed impractical for their weight, they were instrumental for transporting American troops back from Europe at a time when steel was scarce. Unfortunately for the S.S. Atlantus, a storm in 1926 broke her free of her moorings and drifted her out to sea. With every effort to recover her unsuccessful, she remains mostly underwater to this day. Closely resembling a large shark fin, this bit of wreckage is now an important piece of Cape May’s history. Stick around after sunset and you might hear the sounds of an era gone by, lost to the sea.
P.S. - Ready for a bonus spooky adventure? Hop aboard the iconic Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour for a sightseeing paranormal night you won’t soon forget. Led by renowned author and psychic medium Craig McManus, you will find yourself quickly engrossed in tales from yesteryear. Craig gives excellently detailed lore of paranormal activity throughout local businesses, as well as stories of the spirits that haunt Cape May to this day. A perfect activity for the endlessly curious traveler.
Well, it wouldn’t be a post about the Jersey Shore without paying homage to the reality tv stars that brought the Garden State into the new millennium.
Grab your bump-it and your spray tan and head to Seaside Heights boardwalk, where you are guaranteed to have a day (or night) full of classic beach eats and endless happy hours. Keep the nostalgia train running and end your night at Jenks, the original fist-bumping dance club from our favorite reality tv throwback. With a beach bar, oceanfront restaurant, and night club, Jenks has something for everyone.
Snooki not your speed?
Not to worry, there’s more to Seaside Heights than partying. From vintage arcade games to a sky coaster that soars over the boardwalk, Casino Pier Breakwater Beach Waterpark has everything you need to fill a day with adventures. The waterpark has been named “the best in the state” and features thrillers like Salem’s Scream, a 50-foot slide with dropout flooring that will make you glad you skipped the margaritas.
P.S. - Feeling nostalgic? Head to the Original Jersey Shore House! Over the last two decades, this MTV beach crib has skyrocketed in popularity. Even after on-site filming ceased for the reality superstars, celebrity renters kept the place in business.
Still not enough Jersey Shore? The Original Jersey Shore House is now FOR SALE!
Final Thoughts
Yet again, I’m feeling the familiar itch to return to my favorite summer getaway. My mouth is already watering for a corn dog and waffle ice cream sandwich (which never tastes quite the same at home). Whether you are a historian, a nature enthusiast, a nautical explorer, a party girl, or even a paranormal investigator, this shoreline state has everything you need for a well-deserved vacation.
Every single time I go back, I am flooded with nostalgia for summers gone by. No matter how old this spinster traveler gets, the Jersey Shore will always make me feel like a kid again.
There is something truly magical about it that has to be experienced to be fully understood.
As the youths say, If you know, you know.
What are you waiting for?
xoxo
Comments