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!

  • Best Cruise Back in Time

    A.J. Meerwald, Bivalve

    Port Norris

    bayshorecenter.org

     

    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.

  • Best Pizza on the Boardwalk

    Joe’s Pizzeria

    Wildwood

    joesbrickovenpizzeria.com

     

     

    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.

  • Best Place to Spruce Up Your Shore House

    The Dune Market

    Beach Haven

    thedunemarket.com

    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.

  • Best Luxe Escape

    Ocean Club Hotel

    Cape May

    capemayoceanclubhotel.com

    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.

  • Best Down-The-Shore Donuts

    Kohler’s Bakery

    Avalon

    kohlersbakery.com

     

    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.

  • 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!)

  • 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.

  • Best Free Ride

    Shore Shuttles

    Wildwood

    freeshoreshuttle.com

    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.

  • Best Shore Essentials

    Hoy’s 5&10

    Avalon, Stone Harbor, Ocean City

    hoys510.com

    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.

  • Best Legal Distillery

    Little Water Distillery

    Atlantic City

    littlewaterdistillery.com

     

    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.

  • Best Zen at Sea

    Sandbar Joe’s

    Cape May

    sandbarjoes.com

    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.

  • Best Mind & Body Studio

    Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC

    Margate

    jccatlantic.org

     

    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.

  • Best Bitter & Sweet Combo

    Jagielky’s

    Margate

    jagielkyscandy.com

    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.

  • Best High-Flying Eats

    Flight Deck Diner

    Rio Grande

    flightdecknj.com

    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.

  • Best Use of Plastic

    Guppi

    Wildwood

    guppistyle.com

    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

  • Best Summer Sunday Brunch

    Cape May Winery

    Cape May

    capemaywinery.com

     

    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.

  • Best Seafood Combo

    Crab & Seafood Shack

    Wildwood

    crabandseafoodshack.com

    Loved for their broiled seafood combo and zesty garlic crabs, this spot serves fresh catches with informal flair – plastic cutlery included.

  • Best Boutique

    Hazel

    Ship Bottom

    hazelboutique.com

     

    This is where you go if you want to look stylish and cool all summer long. An oversized Hazel sweatshirt? (It’s a must.)

  • Best Skee-Ball Showdown

    Ed’s Funcade

    Wildwood

    edsfuncade.com

    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.

  • Best Spot for Paws & Pints

    Good Dog Bar

    Atlantic City

    gooddogbar.com

     

     

    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.

  • Best Shore Snack

    Johnson’s Popcorn

    Ocean City

    johnsonspopcorn.com

     

     

    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.

  • Best Night Life

    Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

    Atlantic City

    hardrock.com

     

    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.)

  • Best Coastal Dining

    Hemingway’s Restaurant

    Cape May

    grandhotelcapemay.com

    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

  • 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.

  • -- MORE! --

  • Best Antique Paradise

    West End Garage

    Cape May

    caperesorts.com

    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.

  • Best Breakfast

    Uncle Will’s Pancake House

    Beach Haven

    unclewills.com

    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.

  • Best Farm-to-Table Feasts

    Beach Plum Farm

    Cape May

    beachplumfarmcapemay.com

    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.

  • Best Surf Central

    Kona Surf Company

    Wildwood

    konasurfco.com

    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.

  • Best Coffee Bar

    Turtle Gut

    Wildwood Crest

    turtlegut.com

    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.

  • Best Hot Dog Heaven

    Maui’s Dog House

    North Wildwood

    mauisdoghouse.com

    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.

  • Best View Worth a Big Climb

    Absecon Lighthouse

    Atlantic City

    abseconlighthouse.org

    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.

  • Best Bayfront Pub Grub

    Harpoons on the Bay

    North Cape May

    harpoonsonthebay.com

    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.

  • Best Shore “I Do’s”

    The Grand Hotel

    Cape May

    grandhotelcapemay.com

    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.

August 2024
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