This Jersey Shore Road Trip Will Make Your Summer Unforgettable
By Kristen|Published August 06, 2016
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Kristen
Author
Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
There are endless opportunities for amazing roadtrips in the United States. Drive through the Florida Keys for a tropical paradise, see Utah’s stunning national parks or take the Pacific Coast Highway for jaw-dropping views – these trips are sure to be unforgettable, but none is quite like an easy trek down the Jersey Shore. Each town along our coast is just so unique, there’s spectacular beauty and variety in the span of mere hours.
There are many ways to do a Jersey Shore roadtrip, but I’ve designed a 3-day getaway through some of our most popular beach destinations. Perfect for a mid-week or post Labor Day trip, you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of our shore towns – from luxury in Long Branch, to the charm of Cape May, this trip highlights some of the best our state has to offer.
Start your day dining in Long Branch at The Turning Point. Their Bananas Foster Waffles were recently ranked among the best breakfast foods in America. Enjoy some shopping in Pier Village at stores including Atlantic Books, Aloha Grove, Jenna & Molly, Nirvana and more.
Travel + Leisure Magazine named Asbury Park one of the top travel destinations in the world and it has garnered national praise for its incredible music scene. There's so much to do here, but for a short trip, make sure to check out Silverball Arcade/Museum and Hoagitos for lunch. If you'd like to enjoy the ocean, now is the time.
Light up the night at Point Pleasant Beach. Check out Jenkinson's Aquarium and the Boardwalk and enjoy dinner at Jack Baker's Wharfside, right on the water. Spend the night at Pelican Point Motel. You'll find modest accommodations at fair prices with fridges, free WiFi and more.
Have breakfast at Bobber's (try the chocolate chip pancakes) and head to the boardwalk for some early morning amusements. Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark are always a blast, and be sure to stop at Van Holten's Chocolates before you leave.
No Jersey Shore roadtrip is complete without a stop on LBI. Beach Haven offers plenty to do including Long Beach Island Museum, the Museum of NJ Maritime History, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, Thundering Surf Waterpark and Schooner's Wharf. For lunch, head to The Chicken Or The Egg for mouthwatering wings.
The city has been struggling lately, but there is nothing like it at night. Whatever you want to do, you can probably find it here. Enjoy the arcades, casinos, shopping, dining and shows. Check out the Tanger Outlets, charming Gardner's Basin and one of the many spas for a massage. Dine... anywhere, but especially Chef Vola's or Dock's Oyster House. Stay at one of the casinos or, my personal favorite, The Chelsea Pub & Inn - laid back, affordable, with a bar and breakfast.
One of the best beach towns in America, enjoy the ocean, bay and an abundance of outdoor activities. Kayak, paddleboard, bike and more. Don't miss the boardwalk, but that's not the only place to be - check out Asbury Avenue for shopping and dining. Since you'll be starting your morning here, have a decadent breakfast at Hug-A-Mug, offering Elderberry Lemonade and, for a limited time, delectable dessert empanadas.
Free beaches!!! Spend the hottest part of the day splashing around here and definitely do not miss the Doo Wop Preservation League Museum. See old signs, artifacts and more. Visitors also love the George F. Boyer Historical Museum, over 100 rides and 3 different water parks. Head to the retro Marvis Diner for lunch, or breakfast... no matter what time you arrive.
End your trip in charming Cape May, with the top ranked Cape May Zoo, Cape May Lighthouse and Emlen Physick Estate. Don't miss the sunset at Sunset Beach or shopping at the Washington Street Mall. Take a trolley ride and visit NJ Audubon's Nature Center of Cape May. They offer a wide variety of activities and events from astronomy on the beach to kayak tours and ocean cruises. Head home early, or stay for dinner at Peter Shield's - the top ranked restaurant in Cape May (on TripAdvisor).
This trip packs a lot into three days, and you could easily spend at least that amount of time in any one of these wonderful destinations. To alter the stops as you see fit, view the interactive map here. If you get a chance, I recommend you more fully enjoy all of New Jersey’s beach towns, but this quick tour of the shore is SURE to be a blast. For more focused trips, check out my guides to: Asbury Park, the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Cape May, Ocean City and scenic Somers Point.
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