What do we love so much about summer days (and nights) at the Shore? We’re happy to share. Check out our curated list of must-visit spots and hidden gems that will make your beach time unforgettable. Whether you’re savoring seaside snacks or exploring charming coastal towns, we’ve got it covered. Shore Excitement Awaits!
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Best Cruise Back in Time
Set sail on New Jersey’s official tall ship for a journey through maritime history. Check the website for river sails or rent out the circa 1928 ship for private charters.
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Best Pizza on the Boardwalk
Loved for generous slices and delicious toppings, Joe’s is the perfect spot for a quick bite or a full meal. Whether you’re strolling the boards or need a beach break, Joe’s hits the spot every time.
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Best Place to Spruce Up Your Shore House
The home goods at The Dune Market – cheese boards, throw blankets, vases, baskets, the list goes on and on – will add the perfect touch to your house at the Shore (or anywhere, really). Don’t miss grabbing a coffee table book in their overflowing book section.
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Best Luxe Escape
Chic design meets coastal, breezy elegance here. Relax in newly renovated rooms with modern, comfy touches, or lounge by the sparkling pool, complete with plush towels, shady umbrellas, and attentive service.
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Best Down-The-Shore Donuts
With a variety of flavors that melt in your mouth, Kohler’s has been delighting beachgoers for 75 years. Whether you crave a classic glazed or a creative concoction, this is the donut destination of your dreams.
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Best Dress Shop
Sand and Stitch
Ocean City
It’s definitely not your typical Boardwalk shop – no T-shirts or Hermit crabs here – but if you love modern fashion and looking fabulous wherever you go, this is your place. (Even if you’re attending a Black tie, you can find something here…on the Boardwalk!)
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Best Thrift Store for a Feline Cause
The Crooked Tail
Sea Isle City
Run by volunteers, this is not your typical thrift store. Sure, you’ll find great deals on clothes, books and various antiques. But you’ll often find furry friends lounging around, encouraging your purr-chases. And profits help cats in need.
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Best Free Ride
These free, 6-seat electric golf carts – eco-friendly and convenient – zip you to bars, restaurants and other island destinations. Just download the app, request a ride and enjoy stress-free travel around Wildwood.
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Best Shore Essentials
Take a step back in time at this old-school 5 & 10. Hoy’s is stocked with everything you need for a day at the beach, plus souvenirs and nostalgic finds.
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Best Legal Distillery
A homage to Atlantic City’s Prohibition-era smuggling roots, Little Water Distillery is this historic shore town’s first and only legal distillery. Enjoy guided tastings and craft cocktails featuring standout products like Liberty Rum and Whitecap Whiskey.
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Best Zen at Sea
Flow through sun salutation, boat and dolphin poses while adrift at sea. This floating boat that serves comfort food along Cape May County’s back bays has upped its Zen factor – now offering private charters and boat-yoga sessions.
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Best Mind & Body Studio
No matter your familiarity with holistic practices (or your stress level), you can find peace and solitude in the wide range of classes here. Try Tai Chi, Boxing, Pilates or yoga, plus many others, to enhance your well-being.
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Best Bitter & Sweet Combo
A shore classic! Jagielky’s almond butter crunch strikes an ideal balance of sweet and salty. Made in small batches, this cherished treat features rich, buttery toffee, velvety chocolate and a delightful almond after-crunch.
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Best High-Flying Eats
Fuel up with a hearty meal at this aviation-themed diner by the Cape May Airport. Try the crowd-favorite “H Bomb,” a slow-roasted beef panini, or the B-52 Bomber breakfast.
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Best Use of Plastic
This eco-friendly surf brand specializes in sustainable materials like bamboo, hemp and recycled plastics and cotton. Watch the Guppi crew screen print with water-based inks, and embroider with recycled plastic thread, right there on site
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Best Summer Sunday Brunch
Indulge in a Crab Cake Benny with Lobster Hollandaise or Brioche French toast with berries and vanilla whipped cream, paired perfectly with live music, vineyard views and the winery’s own Isaac Smith Red or barrel fermented chardonnay.
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Best Seafood Combo
Loved for their broiled seafood combo and zesty garlic crabs, this spot serves fresh catches with informal flair – plastic cutlery included.
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Best Boutique
This is where you go if you want to look stylish and cool all summer long. An oversized Hazel sweatshirt? (It’s a must.)
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Best Skee-Ball Showdown
Skee-Ball and the Jersey Shore are perfect together. Every Labor Day weekend, Ed’s Funcade hosts the World Championship Skee-Ball Tournament, attracting fans and fierce competitors to this beloved classic game.
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Best Spot for Paws & Pints
The Good Dog Bar offers a dog-friendly patio and top-notch fare. Try the “AC Smash” burger and daily empanada specials while your canine pal gnaws at a bone.
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Best Shore Snack
Johnson’s Popcorn is famous for their hand-mixed, kettle-cooked popcorn. Sure you can now buy buckets in some South Jersey food stores, but watching your bucket get filled at their Boardwalk shop is fun and fulfilling. It’s the perfect snack for a day at the Shore.
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Best Night Life
When it’s time to come off the beach and have a night soaking up great music, Hard Rock gives you a number of choices. Depending on your mood, you can try Dueling Pianos for a great sing-along, or head to The Balcony for an electric night of dancing. (Call ahead at The Balcony for VIP reservations.)
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Best Coastal Dining
Hemingway’s Restaurant at The Grand Hotel is the “classically casual, never stuffy” place to go for fresh seafood, juicy steaks and more. Enjoy specialty cocktails with fun backstories, like the “Beast,” named after one of Cape May’s famous sportfishing boats
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Best Brain Freeze
Utterly Ice Cream, Coffee and Cereal Bar
Wildwood
Utterly Ice Cream serves up the coolest, quirkiest treats around. Spoon into their cereal-infused concoctions or savor traditional favorites with a twist.
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Best Antique Paradise
Featuring over 50 stores and 62 vendors under one roof, West End Garage is a treasure trove of antique furniture, vintage memorabilia, local artwork and estate jewelry. Fuel up for more shopping at the Beach Plum Bakery & Cafe, located on site.
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Best Breakfast
You’ll probably have to wait for a table, but that’s ok. Everyone knows where to go for fluffy pancakes, fresh omelets and the thickest French toast.
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Best Farm-to-Table Feasts
Spend the day exploring nature, visiting animals and learning about farming on a walking tour of the 62-acre land. Then, stay for the Farm-to-Table Dinner Series, available Thursdays through Sundays. Enjoy pasture-raised poultry, heirloom produce, and artisanal dishes under the stars or in the festive hoop house.
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Best Surf Central
Since 1969, this shop has been the go-to spot for Jersey Shore surfers and beach lovers. Founded by hall-of-fame surfing legend and Jersey boy Mike Sciarra, Kona is known for custom boards, eco-friendly apparel and for capturing the enduring spirit of the Jersey Shore.
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Best Coffee Bar
With pretty views of Sunset Lake and Turtle Gut Park, enjoy coffee made from specialty beans with your artisanal breakfast sandwiches and silky ricotta pancakes. Or stop by later for evening pop-up events like cioppino nights featuring locally caught seafood.
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Best Hot Dog Heaven
Maui’s Dog House is a North Wildwood legend, serving hot dogs with a delish twist. With over 29 creative toppings, including beer-cooked sauerkraut, homemade chili and sharp provolone, every bite is an adventure. Try the Forget-About-It, piled high with mustard, onions, chili, cheese and freshly cooked bacon.
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Best View Worth a Big Climb
New Jersey’s tallest beacon for boats, Absecon Lighthouse offers breathtaking views for those up for the climb. Open late for summer sunset viewing, this historic site is worth every step.
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Best Bayfront Pub Grub
Unwind with tropical vibes and stunning sunset views at Harpoons on the Bay. Enjoy standout dishes like panko-crusted onion rings and broiled Cape May scallops. This laid-back spot is a bayside delight with fresh seafood, creative cocktails and live music.
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Best Shore “I Do’s”
With stunning ceremonies and fun-filled receptions by the sea, The Grand addresses every detail to make your special day glorious, capturing the romance and beauty of the beach for your memories and Insta-feed.
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