Jersey Shore Vacation Activities and Attractions
Activities and Fun for the Whole Family
When vacationing at the Southern Jersey Shore, you can be pleasantly overwhelmed by the choices of fantastic activities for you and your family. If you are staying in one of our beautiful
Ocean City NJ rentals or
Wildwood Rentals be aware that each town alone can keep you very busy. Every town has their own unique historic spots to experience as well as signature eateries and water related activities. For the nature lover, there are great nature preserves for bird watching, along with dolphin and whale watching tours. Though Atlantic City has no
Jersey Shore Rentals to speak of, you are still close enough to enjoy all of the Casino action and world class entertainment and restaurants from wherever you are staying on your
Jersey Shore Vacation.
Did you Say Boardwalk?
The three top boardwalks in the country are all at the Southern Jersey Shore. There is the family oriented, stroller-friendly
Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, the exciting world class amusement rides and games of chance on the
Wildwood NJ Boardwalk, and the Casino lined Atlantic City Boardwalk. Each boardwalk has its own personality and style, with something for everyone in the family. Take your pick, or enjoy them all!
Lights....Cameras....Action! ~ Atlantic City
The spectacularly lit skyline of the casinos is just the beginning. Get ready for year-round entertainment in Atlantic City. Famous rock groups and comedians take center stage, and jazz greats jam in the cabarets and lounges. Every casino boasts several fine dining choices. The
Borgato Casino, for instance, has four 5-star restaurants. (The Lamb Chops Scottaditto at
Specchio is a big favorite!)
Take A Crash Course in History or Biology ~ Atlantic City
Atlantic city will captivate you as it is one of the oldest shore destinations in the country, and is a great place to reserve a New Jersey Shore rental. See vintage photos, artifacts, and learn a little about Atlantic City’s past at the
Atlantic City Historical Museum. Or visit the
Ocean Life Center and enjoy the marine science attraction which features captivating aquariums and interactive exhibits. Book the Jersey Shore offers condos & rentals near Atlantic attractions, ideal for your getaway.
Outdoor Activities ~ Atlantic City
The Atlantic City boardwalk and beach are a great place to start your fresh-air activities. There’s nothing better than an invigorating run on this Atlantic City boardwalk or a relaxing nap on the beach. Like action? The amusements at
Steel Pier are filled with fun for kids of all ages.
Like sports? Like heights? The Absecon Lighthouse (the tallest in New Jersey) has only 228 steps to a spectacular view.
Like the water? How about a skyline or marine mammal cruise offered by Antlantic City Cruises Plus, Atlantic City Trolley Tours has a fully guided tour featuring stops at the Atlantic City Lighthouse, Ocean Life Center, The Historic Towne of Smithville and much more.
Relaxing ~ Cape May
Cape May has a beach area to do some well-deserved sunning and swimming. Beach tags are required and can be purchased at Cape May City Hall Finance Office at 643 Washington St. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Tags also can be purchased by mail. You can also pamper yourself in a variety of ways at the
Cape May Day Spa
Shopping ~ Cape May
The Washington Street Mall is a shopper’s heaven. This tree-lined, pedestrian-only street is filled with boutiques, galleries, gift shops and eateries. Antiques and artwork of all kinds can be found in unique specialty shops all around town.
Nature at its Best ~ Cape May
For oceans of fun, board the
Cape May Whale Watcher, the largest and fastest marine mammal sightings boat in New Jersey.
While searching for "Cape May diamonds" at Sunset Beach, you may notice the visible remains of the concrete ship SS Atlantis. Bird watchers will enjoy hawk and heron sightings at Cape May Point State Park.
The Cape May County Park and Zoo is a recreational park and year-round zoo. This is not your grandmom's petting zoo. Nearly 200 species of wildlife live here, including tigers, giraffes, monkeys and bears – oh my!
Historical Activities ~ Cape May
Cape May and history go hand in hand with the many lighthouses and other attractions. Tours galore let you experience the unique atmosphere this great New Jersey town. A "must see" is the
Lamplighter at Christmastime. Want to experience life as it was over a century ago? The restored Physick Estate is a main destination for an interlude with the past. And,
Historic Cold Spring Village is a living farm village from the 1850s. Both are destined to create great vacation memories.
There is more history in store, delivering spectacular ocean views with the lighthouses near Cape May. Climbing the 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse, a true icon of the town, is worth the effort!
Wining, Dining & Dancing ~ Ocean City
It’s easy to find family-friendly restaurants in Ocean City. Pizza and submarine sandwiches are all the rage in this casual town. Just ask anyone about
Mack & Mancos and
Sack O' Subs. For beer, wine, fine dining and some dancing or jazz, Somers Point and Margate are just minutes over the bridge. To kick it up a notch, Atlantic City is just 20 minutes up the road.
Shopping ~ Ocean City
Asbury Avenue is the year-round center of shopping for the O.C. There’s a little bit of everything here, and it’s very pedestrian-friendly. The lovely boutiques and excellent art galleries are plentiful, along with eateries and the local “5 & 10.” An array of shops on the pristine boardwalk suits a wide range of tastes, from collectibles, to beach wear, to artwork and jewelry.
History & Culture Abound ~ Ocean City
The
Ocean City Arts Center and Historical Center is a great way to learn about the arts and history of Ocean City. The Bayside Center is a wonderful way to enjoy history, summer activities, and sunsets all rolled into one. This circa 1910 property is also the best place to watch the annual Nights in Venice parade.
Corson’s Inlet State Park (609-861-2404) is a state-preserved area where you can enjoy undeveloped oceanfront and the natural habitats of hundreds of wildlife species. Hiking, fishing, crabbing, boating and sunbathing are among the popular activities here.
Water Action ~ Ocean City
If you're up early enough watch surfing boardwalk events, Ocean City is noticed for its very popular surfing. For many, it's a year-round sport. Reserve a condo and enjoy the sport year round. If you're up for the challenge, visit the
The 7th Street Surf Shop. You'll find everything you need, including lessons for the kids and the young at heart. Speaking of surfing lessons, The
Jersey Shore Surf Academy will actually "come to you" for expert surfing lessons.
Want to eat fresh flounder for dinner? The one you caught yourself?
Ocean City offers easy access to bay and ocean fishing from
Rainbow Deep Sea Fishing, along with spectacular whale-watching and sunset cruises.
Day and Night Fun ~ Ocean City
The family-friendly boardwalk events Ocean City, NJ has to offer is the major hub of activity?
Gillian's runs two amusement areas, offering everything from kiddie rides to traditional and “thrill-seeker” adult rides. You can spot the Ferris wheel from 15 miles away on a starry night.
Before 11 a.m., you can rent an old-fashioned “cruiser” bike or surrey and take a 5-mile spin to the end of the boards and back. If you prefer, jogging is another very popular option here. This city is a beach badge town with many fantastic boardwalk events; Ocean City is in the height of the season from mid-June till end of August.
Beach Badges can be purchased at City Hall, the Welcome Center and the Ocean City Music Pier, starting in March and all summer long.
Twilight Fun ~ Wildwood
Catching a sunset on the bayside is a must near our NJ condos. One way to do that is to take a peaceful and romantic sunset cruise.
The Delta Lady (609-522-1919) is at the docks awaiting you.
The Wildwoods have dining options for every taste and budget. Is it cold beers and great wings at the Bayview Inn in the Crest? (609-522-1287) Is it fine casual dining at Beach Creek Oyster Bar and Grille? (609- 522-1062) Or maybe a 2-liter bottle of soda and pizza, delivered right to your doorstep?
After dinner, how about some miniature golf and ice cream at Duffer's (609-729-1817). After a nighttime boardwalk stroll, you may want to continue the party at a comedy club, martini bar, tavern or dance club. Try Juan Pablo's Margarita Bar, and the Casba Comedy Club (609-522-8444).
Daytime Fun ~ Wildwood
Select a Wildwood rental along the Jersey shore and enjoy the sandy beaches. The beach is the beach and, oh, what a beach! For a totally new perspective, how about floating high above in a parasail? (Atlantic Parasailing, 609-884-2188). The Wildwood shoreline is a sight to behold. A little more speed and a little less height, you say? How about an ocean speedboat ride on the Silver Bullet? (609-522-6060)
If you want to do your own steering, then boat and wave runner rentals on the bayside are for you. Kayaking and sailing are available as well; both at Lake View Docks.
After jumping some waves you can go fishing & crabbing at Sterling Harbor.
The Famous Wildwood Boardwalk! ~ Wildwood
Wildwood is the best place for family fun; known for its massive boardwalk, with games of chance, fun food and special events through the seasons. One of the top attractions is the amusements at
Morey's Piers. Morey’s is the largest amusement operator in New Jersey, with approximately 90 rides and two Raging Water parks. Or try the family friendly
Splash Zone and experience the power of 1,000 gallons of water as it crowns you!
