10 Best Things to Do on the Jersey Shore
What is the Jersey Shore Best Known For?
The Jersey Shore is a fun-filled vacation destination that offers beautiful beaches, exciting wildlife adventures, thrilling water sports, and no shortage of attractions. From enjoying nostalgic boardwalk arcades and museums overlooking the water to visiting the diverse aquarium and soaring above the coast on a parasailing adventure, you can do it all on the Jersey Shore.
Take a look at what the Jersey Shore is most famous for through this list of the most popular sights and attractions. It’ll ready you for your fun-filled and memorable trip to this seaside resort area in New Jersey.
What are the best things to do on the Jersey Shore?
1. Silverball Pinball Museum
Play your favourite retro video games
Good for: Families, History
The Silverball Pinball Museum in Asbury Park is a quirky and unique museum dedicated to pinball and video games. The museum is home to over 600 games that are rotated throughout the year, so you’ll always find your sentimental favourites ready for your highest score.
Along with the games, the museum also has a gallery of pinball backglass artwork, photography, a gift shop, and many charitable events throughout the year. If you really enjoy playing pinball and want to bring the fun home, some games are available for purchase at the museum.
Location: 1000 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to midnight
Phone: +1 732-774-4994
Silverball Pinball Museum
2. Cape May County Park & Zoo
See more than 550 animals at this green space
Good for: Families, Budget
Cape May County Park & Zoo is a free zoo with a collection of over 550 animals spanning 85 acres. The zoo has several habitat zones housing different species, including an African savannah, an aviary, and a reptile house. Some of the notable animals at the zoo include bald eagles, ostriches, and snow leopards.
For children, the zoo also has a train ride that travels through the zoo and a carousel featuring some of the animal species instead of the traditional horses.
Location: 707 U.S. 9, North, NJ 08210, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm
Cape May County Park & Zoo
3. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Hike through these magnificent protected lands
Good for: Families, Adventure
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a massive area on the Atlantic coast in Atlantic City that protects over 40,000 acres of coastal habitats and tidal wetlands. Shorebirds, wading birds, and geese are among the important species protected by the marine protected area, along with the rare piping plover.
The area is great for birdwatching, but parts of the wilderness area don’t allow public access. You can hike in the refuge using one of the trails that travel along dams.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
4. Ocean Grove Beach
Go for a swim at this tranquil beach
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget, Adventure
Ocean Grove Beach is a pristine beach that features quiet dunes and gentle surf in Ocean Grove. The beach is a popular spot on the Jersey Shore for sunbathing and swimming, but you can also bring your dog in the offseason and enjoy some hiking among the dunes.
In the summer, Ocean Grove Beach hosts many activities, such as sandcastle contests, movie nights, and athletic events for the whole family to enjoy. Nearby, the traditional boardwalk offers eateries serving delicious meals and snacks, alongside quirky shopping, seaside amusements, and accommodation.
Ocean Grove Beach
5. Jenkinson’s Aquarium
See a variety of marine species and live demonstrations
Good for: Families
Jenkinson’s Aquarium on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach is an exciting aquatic facility that’s great for a day of family fun on the Jersey Shore. The aquarium is home to many global marine and freshwater species, such as Pacific harbour seals, Atlantic and Pacific shark species, coral reef specimens, African penguins, and alligators.
The exhibits offer fun facts and information about the animals, but you can learn more with educational programming and demonstrations. For adults, the aquarium hosts workshops for teaching and scout groups for in-depth information.
Location: 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 732-899-1212
Jenkinson's Aquarium
6. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
See some of the best views on the coast
Good for: Families, History, Budget, Adventure
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a must-visit spot on your trip to the Jersey Shore. Located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and its namesake historic lighthouse were an important historical navigation point for ships coming into New York Harbor.
The park is part of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, and the lighthouse provides some of the best views of the coast, Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island. Fishing and picnicking are also popular in the area.
Location: 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 609-494-2016
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
7. North Wildwood Beach
Visit this family-friendly beach for some swimming and fishing
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
North Wildwood Beach is one of the most popular beach resort areas on the Jersey Shore and boasts wide, white-sand beaches with gentle surf. Families flock to the area for safe swimming and fun in the sun, as well as for the excitement of the boardwalk amusements and arcades.
Saltwater fishing is also popular on North Wildwood Beach. One of the highlights of the area is the historic Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, a quaint Victorian lighthouse that offers spectacular coastal views.
North Wildwood Beach
8. Casino Pier
Enjoy kiddie rides and coaster thrills at this amusement park
Good for: Families
Casino Pier is a fun-filled amusement park on the pier in Seaside Heights. The park has many different rides, including kiddie rides and rollercoasters, as well as games, concession stands, and other activities.
Some of the highlights of the amusement park include a miniature golf course, a chairlift, a go-kart track, an arcade, and a historic antique carousel. Casino Pier also has the Breakwater Beach water park with rides, pools, and slides for cooling off on a hot day.
Location: 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 0875, USA
Phone: +1 732-793-6488
Casino Pier
9. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Explore this massive collection of military aircraft
Good for: Families, History
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is an exciting attraction in the Cape May Airport that’s home to a vast collection of military aircraft. Most of the museum’s aircraft collection focuses on World War II planes, but it also has military aircraft from the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the post-Cold War period.
Some of the notable aircraft on display include the Bell AH-1 Cobra, the General Dynamics F-16B Fighting Falcon, the Grumman F-14B Tomcat, and the Douglas A-4A Skyhawk. You can also see a replica of a V-2 rocket.
Location: Cape May Airport, 500 Forrestal Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 609-886-8787
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
10. Belmar Parasail
Soar hundreds of feet above the Atlantic Ocean
Good for: Adventure
Belmar Parasail is the place to go if you want a little adventure on your trip to the Jersey Shore. This tour operator offers parasailing adventures that take you soaring 500 feet above the Atlantic Ocean to take in the views of the coast and sea life.
Parasailing is a unique experience that combines the sensations of sailing, gliding, and parachuting all in one, and you can choose to make the ride a little more fun by being dipped in the water. All ages can enjoy parasailing to experience a little excitement on the trip.
Location: 600 River Rd, Belmar, NJ 07719, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 732-681-8359
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