Grab your shades and get ready to check out these fabulous spots at the beach.
Best New Reason to Celebrate Fridays
Little Water Distillery
807 Baltic Avenue, Unit B
Atlantic City
609-344-7867 littlewaterdistillery.com
Little Water just opened its doors this spring, but Fridays at the distillery are already a huge hit down the Shore. From 4 to 8 pm, you can take a tour of the super-cool facility (usually led by owners and brothers Mark and Eric) and then try the signature cocktails made by one of the equally cool bartenders (we recommend the Old Fashioned – just before they hand over your drink, they light the orange peel on fire).
No summer trip down the Shore is complete without a stop for a lobster roll at Crab & Seafood Shack. They’re served on garlic rolls and loaded with lobster that’s perfectly seasoned with dill and lemon. The whole thing is then topped with bits of real bacon – yum!
When you’re all stretched out on a beach towel enjoying the sun and surf, the last thing you want to do is go get food – and now you don’t have to. Beach Bucket Lunch delivers a choice of sandwich, chips, a Tastykake, a piece of fruit and a drink after you place your order online. They’ll text you once they arrive at your beach entrance. Just go grab your lunch bucket and you’ll be back at your spot on the sand in seconds.
Best Crab Cakes
Rio Station
3505 Route 9 South, Rio Grande
609-889-2000 riostation.com
These amazing crab cakes need to go on your must-try list. The restaurant has been using the same recipe for nearly 30 years, so you know they’re good.
Brides at The Grand get it all – a picture-perfect setting, outstanding food for guests and an attentive staff that will go the extra mile to make every ceremony and reception an affair to remember. You’ve got everything you need for your special day, right there on the beach.
Forget the smelly sleeping bag and uncomfortable accommodations, because Holly Shores is all set for glamping (aka glamorous camping). The resort’s huge canvas tents are equipped with a king-size bed, two twin beds, a refrigerator, a coffee maker and a half-bath – not to mention air conditioning and heat. This puts the great in great outdoors.
Best Fall Escapes
Reges Oceanfront Resort
9201 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood Crest
609-729-9300 regesresort.com
Once the summer season cools down, the fall specials at Reges heat up. Grab your sweetie for the fall escape (five nights of oceanfront accommodations with three dinners, a whale-watching excursion and AC casino trip) or autumn’s midweek getaway (four nights of oceanfront accommodations with two dinners and two wine tastings at local wineries).
Best Fin-tastic Fun for Kids
MerMade Kids
600 Park Boulevard, Cape May
609-972-6338 mermadekids.com
Kids will flip for the fun at MerMade, where they can dress up like mermaids and pirates, get glitter tattoos and feather hair extensions, and even make their own bath bombs and shimmer lotion. You can host your child’s birthday party at this one-of-a-kind location or hang out for a make-and-take class. Whatever you do, you’ll have a swimmingly good time.
Best Dessert You Never Knew Existed
Peace Pie
326 Carpenters Lane, Cape May
609-435-5321 peacepieworld.com
Peace Pie flips the ice cream sandwich on its head – and we’re so lucky they do. The genius bakers take two American classics – pie and ice cream – and combine them between two cookies to make the treat of your dreams. Try the banana cream pie sandwich (banana cream pie filling with vanilla ice cream), and say goodbye to the cone for good.
Best Summer Dinner Under Twinkling Lights
The Reeds at Shelter Haven
9601 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor
609-368-0100 reedsatshelterhaven.com
Dining under the stars – and glimmering lights – makes for the perfect night at The Reeds’ Water Star Grille. Located directly on the bay, the resort’s outdoor restaurant is a stylish place to kick back with your favorite cocktail, share a great meal with friends and catch the breathtaking sunset.
The hands-on workshops at Artifacts & Company breathe new life into tired furniture, kitchen cabinets, vanities and more. Sign up for the Beginner Workshop, where you’ll learn four different techniques, then work your way up to the Make It Your Own class and create your own masterpiece.
Make your bike the coolest ride on the Boardwalk. You’ll find everything you need at Zippy’s, from beach carts and drink holders to comfy seats and LED lights. But our favorite might be the MP3-enabled horns – they sound off with silly phrases like the Road Runner’s “meep-meep” and the famous “watch the tramcar” line.
The grand reopening of this Shore institution marks its 68th year, complete with new sound and lighting, a newly renovated stage and even a new curtain. Summer productions include “Footloose,” “Newsies” and “Hairspray,” making this a comeback hit.
Best Dogs
LouDogs
38th Street & Pleasure Avenue, Sea Isle City
609-263-3647 loudogs.com
This family-owned joint started with a simple hot dog cart back in 1982. They’ve since opened an indoor location, but the LouDog (a dog with German mustard, ketchup, diced onions and sauerkraut) has stood the test of time. Don’t miss it.
Best Place to Linger Over Dinner
Angeline by Michael Symon
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City
609-317-1000 theborgata.com
The swanky décor at this new fine-dining spot will draw you in, but the two-page menu at Angeline will keep you ordering dish after dish. Chef Michael Symon covers Italian classics, with plates like spaghetti, chicken parm, linguine and meatballs. Mangia!
Best Family Fun on the Bay
Bayview Park
6805 Long Beach Boulevard, Beach Haven
609-361-6631 longbeachtownship.com
We didn’t know it was possible to pack this much fun into one location, but Bayview Park has done it. They’ve got storytimes, concerts, beach workouts, magic shows, family crafts and so much more happening all summer long. And it’s all free!
Best Iron Chef Back at the Shore
Jose Garces
Tropicana Casino & Resort
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
800-843-8767 tropicana.net
Jose Garces has returned to AC in a big way, with the launch of new restaurants Olón and Okatshe. The menu at Olón pays homage to his Latin American roots, while Okatshe immerses diners in Japanese cuisine. Dine at both restaurants in the same weekend, and you’ll feel like you’ve circled the globe – minus the air travel.
Chairs, toys, umbrellas, coolers…the struggle to lug all your gear to the beach is real. But now all you need to save the day is the Beach Caddy app. With just a few taps, you can reserve a personal caddy who will come to your Shore house, load your stuff, cart it to the beach and even set it up for you. A one-way trip cost $17.
Best Cold Brews on Tap
Drip N’ Scoop
960 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
609-938-6758 dripnscoop.com
And by cold brews, we mean coffee. Drip N’ Scoop serves up cold-brew coffee that’s steeped in cold water for hours, plus an awesome nitro coffee that’s served draft-style (imagine a frothy, Guinness-like pint). While you’re there, grab a scoop of ice cream (hence the coffee shop’s title) or a fresh apple cider donut to really sweeten the deal.
Best Local Music Scene
Ventnor Coffee
108 North Dorset Avenue, Ventnor City
609-992-3046 ventnorcoffee.com
Sure, this coffee shop has delicious drinks, but it’s also a mainstay of the local music scene. The trendy spot’s small stage often hosts open-mic nights, mini-concerts and other creative shows that capture the local flavor of the Shore.
Best Place to Spend the Night
Ocean Club Hotel
1035 Beach Avenue, Cape May
609-884-700 oceanclubhotel.com
Imagine sleeping on a cloud, and you’ll have a good idea of what the amazing pillow-top mattresses at Ocean Club Hotel are like. In fact, so many guests asked where they can purchase the fluffy, luxurious mattresses that the resort finally asked their manufacturer to make them available to the general public.
Best Finds for Free Spirits
Bohemian Mama
741 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
866-545-2662 bohemianmama.com
This Ocean City boutique is all about spreading good vibes. Mamas, babies and kids will find beautifully chic clothes, accessories and décor to show off their spirited style.
If you blink, you might miss Voltaco’s bright-blue awnings on West Avenue – and you might pass a very well-kept local secret. The truth is, Voltaco’s meatball subs are out of this world. This little carry-out Italian joint has been serving the Shore since 1954. If you’re not feeling meatballs, try one of their delicious cheese-steaks, sandwiches or pasta entrees.
If you took everything that’s amazing about Jersey-fresh fruits and veggies and put it in a cup, you’d end up with one of the out-of-this-world juices and smoothies from Juice Girl. Owner Christine Patton uses produce from local farms in her creations, so you know you’re getting the good stuff (and it tastes good, too).
Best Place to Woo a Date
The Gables
212 Centre Street, Beach Haven
609-492-3553 gableslbi.com
This restored Victorian home sets the scene for a perfect romantic evening. With candlelit tables, an intimate outdoor porch area to enjoy fine dining and an enchanting courtyard, you’ll feel like you’re in your own world.
Best Way to Spice Up Your Life
Hank Sauce
8605 Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City
609-602-4663 hanksauce.com
What started as a fun project between college buddies has evolved into a taste sensation sweeping the Shore. Hank’s offers four hot sauces – Camouflage, Cilanktro, Hank’s Heat and Herb Infused – plus a dry rub perfect for seasoning before grilling. A handy online map shows you everywhere the Jersey-fresh sauces are available.
Deck out your home with unique, beach-inspired art like mermaid prints, decorative oars and even stellar scenery portraits. Or if you’d like something a little more personal, schedule a family photo shoot on the beach with an Island Art photographer. You can even book a separate beach photo shoot for your pet!
Best Boat-to-Plate Platters
Hooked Up Seafood
1044 West Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood
609-522-2722 hookedupseafood.com
Owner “Captain Bill” Bright’s time as a fisherman taught him about the importance of quality, and you can taste the difference at Hooked Up, his fresh seafood restaurant right on the water. Most people take their order to go, but you can hang out at the picnic tables for a $5 charge. You can also pull up on your paddleboard, kayak or boat (just call ahead to be sure they have a slip open).
You know it’s good if Guy Fieri featured it on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Southern-raised chef Kelsey Jackson and his wife Kim serve the food they grew up eating, like sumptuous slow-smoked ribs. The popular restaurant also hosts open-mic night plus live music (a ticket may be required for some musical guests).
Best Rooftop Vibes
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille
1025 Beach Avenue, Cape May
609-884-7011 harryscapemay.com
Get your phone ready, because the stunning panoramic views, mouthwatering food and frosty drinks make Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille an Instagram-worthy spot. Set atop the Montreal Beach Resort, Harry’s offers live music and happy hour specials, plus a view you can never get enough of.
Best Place to Pick Up a New Hobby
Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum
120 West Main Street, Tuckerton
609-296-8868 tuckertonseaport.com
Have you ever wanted to build a boat? A surfboard? A rain barrel? At Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum, you can learn to make awesome objects during their monthly workshops. And with so many choices, you just might come back every month.
The mussels at this cozy spot are sautéed with fresh garlic, basil and olive oil, and come simmering in a huge bowl. Pick a red or white wine sauce and spice level from hot to mild. Pro tip: we love dipping extra bread – particularly Ventura’s pizza bread – into the leftover sauce.
The awesome three-hour tours of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic will give you a new appreciation for the marine life of the Shore. Many lucky visitors return with incredible memories (and photos) of frolicking dolphin pods and massive humpback whales. But if you don’t see any marine life – as some don’t – the tour is generous enough to hand out free passes to ride again.
Best Friday Fun
Bayshore Center at Bivalve
2800 High Street, Port Norris
856-785-2060 bayshorecenter.org
There’s a wonderful reason to head over to the Delaware Bay: On the second Friday of each month, the Bayshore Center celebrates a different bay theme with a new exhibit and artists’ reception. There’s live music, an oyster bar, Jersey beer and wine, a lecture and more, all honoring the beautiful bay.
Best Old-School Coffee Shop
Ready’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant
415 East 8th Street, Ocean City
609-399-4418
It’s small and nondescript from the outside, but the inside of Ready’s Coffee Shop and Restaurant is like stepping into a time machine. Ready’s décor is retro without trying, and the breakfast nook feels like it’s been around nearly as long as Ocean City has – and that’s why we love it.
Best Breakfast in the Sky
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
609-522-3900 moreyspiers.com
If you want to get your thrills first thing in the morning, this breakfast is for you. Climb onto the giant Ferris wheel at Morey’s Piers to enjoy a gourmet breakfast complete with white linens and china – and a bird’s-eye view of the Wildwoods. You’ll be in the air for about an hour, so bring your appetite (and maybe binoculars).
This is the only place you can get kisses from a 2,500-pound cow, nuzzles from a goat and play Frisbee with a turkey. Admission to Funny Farm is free, but any donations help owner Laurie Zaleski care for and feed the more than 150 injured, abused and abandoned animals that call the sanctuary home.
Baia in Somers Point is a hot-spot for live music, good food and frosty drinks. But for more than a decade, the restaurant has been rockin’ Reggae Sundays, where you can catch island vibes from the high-energy reggae house band.
Best Way to Make Your Party Pop
Johnson’s Popcorn
1368 Boardwalk, Ocean City
800-842-2676 johnsonspopcorn.com
Johnson’s Popcorn party favors are the perfect ending to your special event. The mini party favor containers can be customized with colorful bows or personalized labels, or you can go all out and have a personal monogram or message printed on the lid.