With summer right around the corner, I know one thing we’re all looking forward to is definitely all the beach trips we were missing in the cold, long winter months. Everyone is ready to hop into the car and take a trip down to the shore as soon as school lets out. The only question is, which Jersey beach is worth traveling to?
Cape May Beach
Located at the tip of Southern Jersey, Cape May has been a premier vacation getaway during the summer months for generations. Though the small town of Cape May has fewer than 3,000 residents, it welcomes up to 50,000 people during the summer. In addition to its well-kept, pristine beaches, Cape May’s roughly 600 well-preserved Victorian houses and quaint bed-and-breakfasts transport those visiting into a bygone era. The small seaside town played a major role in World War II, serving as a vital strategic defense hub to protect the Delaware Bay from German U-boats. Whether you choose to spend your days bird-watching (Cape May offers some of the best birding spots in the world), visiting wineries, or touring historical sites, you’re bound to recognize the appeal of this coastal escape with its small-town charm.
Asbury Park Beach
Situated at the edge of Northeast Jersey, Asbury Park has and always will be a prime vacation spot. Asbury Park is famously known as the home of “The Sound of Asbury Park” (S.O.A.P.), a music scene that launched the careers of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Beyond its rock ‘n’ roll roots, the town is a cultural hub, featuring a historic boardwalk, a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and an acclaimed culinary scene. The West Side’s Springwood Avenue was historically a major enclave for jazz, gospel, and R&B, hosting legends like Billie Holiday and Count Basie. No matter what pulls your interest, whether it be catching a show at The Stone Pony, playing vintage pinball in the Silverball Retro Arcade, or pedaling a giant swan pedal boat on Wesley Lake, there’s something for everyone at Asbury Park Beach!
Ocean City Beach
Situated in the heart of the Jersey Shore, Ocean City Beach is always a family favorite vacation spot for many reasons. Ocean City is best known for its long-standing reputation as “America’s Greatest Family Resort”. It is a “dry” town, meaning no alcohol is sold within city limits, in order to maintain its wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere. The town’s social focal point is its 2.5-mile boardwalk, packed with amusements, shopping, and iconic Jersey Shore treats. Ocean City boasts amusement parks and rides such as Playland’s Castaway Cove and the OC Waterpark, as well as other outdoor activities such as Corson’s Inlet State Park for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, and of course, Downtown Ocean City, which features over 100 independent boutiques and shops for the shopping fiends out there. No matter what you choose to do, there’s something for everyone to do!
In summary, there are amazing beaches up and down the Jersey Shore. Cape May is the place to go for a weekend getaway, with its sleepy, small-town-by-the-seaside aesthetic and rustic Victorian houses. Asbury Park is a must-visit for major music nerds, thanks to its iconic musical history throughout the small city and vibrant nightlife for going out with friends. Ocean City is the road-trip-with-the-family town, with its amusement parks and shopping centers, along with the added benefit of Ocean City being a “dry” town, making it a more family-friendly environment.
Works Cited
Asbury Park Boardwalk • Food, shopping & music by the sea, https://apboardwalk.com/. Accessed 30 April 2026.
CapeMay.com – Cape May Travel Guide, https://www.capemay.com/. Accessed 1 May 2026.
“Asbury Park Beach: Boardwalk, Dining & Fun.” VisitNJ.org, https://visitnj.org/article/asbury-parks-beach-and-boardwalks. Accessed 30 April 2026.
Asbury Park Boardwalk. “Asbury Park Beach-About.” Asbury Park Beach, Asbury Park Boardwalk, 2025, https://apboardwalk.com/about/. Accessed 30 04 2026.
Beach Club Hotel. “Ocean City, NJ.” Beach Club Hotel, https://beachclubhotel.com/. Accessed 01 05 2026.
“15 Best New Jersey Beaches for Families, Couples and More (2026) | U.S. News Travel.” U.S. News Travel, https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-beaches-in-new-jersey/. Accessed 30 April 2026.
Fortna, Olivia. “Spend a Day in Downtown Ocean City, NJ – Port O Call.” Port-O-Call Hotel, 11 March 2025, https://www.portocallhotel.com/spend-a-day-in-downtown-ocean-city-nj/. Accessed 1 May 2026.
