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For the MTV TV series, see Jersey Shore (TV series).

Casino Pier, Seaside Heights, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore is a term used in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States to refer to both the Atlantic coast of New Jersey and the adjacent resort and residential communities.

The New Jersey State Department of Tourism further considers the Shore Region, Greater Atlantic City, and the Southern Shore to be distinct, each having different character. The other three tourism marketing areas are the Gateway, the Delaware Valley, and the Skylands.^[1]

The Jersey Shore is home to many renowned boardwalks including Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Belmar, Cape May, Ocean City, Keansburg, Long Branch, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Ocean Gate, Spring Lake, and Wildwood.

Location and region

Geographically, the term encompasses about 130 miles of the New Jersey coastal area from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south. The Jersey Shore area includes the easternmost portions of Monmouth, Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties.

There are also areas that get both New York and Philadelphia tourists. While there is no defined border between North and South, the Manasquan River or Interstate 195 are often mentioned.^[2] However, since New York City and Philadelphia are just 90 miles apart, there is a lot of overlap between where each metropolitan area's residents go for beach tourism. Long Beach Island's visitors come from both New York and Philadelphia.

It is a popular vacation spot for Pennsylvanians, so much so that during the 1994 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, the Tom Ridge campaign used aerial advertising along the Jersey Shore.^[3]

Pollution controversies

During the 1980s, the beaches of the Jersey Shore gained a reputation for being polluted, popularized in part by incidents of medical waste from the now-closed Fresh Kills Landfill in New York City washing up on the shore (an example of this is the "Syringe Tide" in 1987). New York was forced to pay for the clean-up after New Jersey took it to court. New Jersey has the most rigorous ocean water quality testing program in the nation and has the cleanest water in the mid Atlantic Region.^[4]

Jersey Shore sound and culture

The Jersey Shore is home to numerous rock and roll bars, most famously in Asbury Park, where Bruce Springsteen honed his skills at now defunct clubs like The Upstage and the Student Prince. He still makes periodic live appearances at The Stone Pony bar or at Convention Hall as either a solo act, with the E Street Band, or with other artists. Furthermore, Bill Haley and the Comets performed "Rock Around the Clock" for the first time live at the Hoff Brau in Wildwood.

A style of music known as the Jersey Shore sound evolved from this scene. The Springsteen song "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" is one of several Springsteen songs that contains references to the Jersey shore scene of the early 1970s.

The Jersey shore represents one of the most booming real estate markets on the East Coast as its prominence as a tourist destination and vacation spot has risen greatly in the past decade. In recent years, the fortunes of the shore have improved and it has once again become a heavily-used destination for beachgoers and resort vacationers during the summer months (with the exception of Atlantic City, which is popular year-round). The area is also undergoing a population boom, particularly in Monmouth and Ocean counties, where the population is steadily rising. The area also experienced a real estate boom in the early 2000s, but since early 2008, real estate prices have seen a dramatic drop like many other areas of the United States.

The Jersey Shore area rose to national fame in 2009 after MTV started airing the reality series Jersey Shore. The popular show, filmed mostly in Seaside Heights, debuted amid large amounts of controversy regarding the use of the words "Guido/Guidette," portrayals of Italian-American stereotypes and scrutiny from locals because the cast members are not residents from the area.^[5][6][7] MTV also used Seaside Heights as the location of their Summer Beach House in 1998 and again in 2002, and two episodes of True Life took place in Jersey Shore towns.

References

External links

• Jersey Shore Boardwalks, a multimedia site with information and history on the Jersey Shore.
• Shore Region Tourism Council (covering Ocean and Monmouth Counties).
• 17 New Jersey Shore Newspapers serving Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
• Historical Postcards - Jersey Shore
• Visit New Jersey Shore.

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From Wikitravel

Sea Isle

Scenic Avalon

Ocean City

Counties

See also Southern Shore

• Atlantic County
• Monmouth County
• Ocean County

• Asbury Park
• Atlantic City
• Keansburg
• Manasquan
• Ocean City
• Ortley Beach
• Spring Lake
• Ventnor
• Wildwood

Understand

The culture of the Jersey Shore (and most of South Jersey) is quite different from that of North Jersey. The locals are far gentler and more easygoing. They live and let live. They respect nature and treasure it. Some visitors appreciate that, and respect the local culture. Too many don't. You would be surprised to know how strongly the locals feel about that.

You will enjoy your visit much more if you adopt the local ways. Speak softly. Listen. Be gentle with everyone. Obey the laws. Take the time to explore the natural wonders like migratory birds, the Pine Barrens, and sunrise on the beach. Don't kill anything except to eat. Never litter.

History

In 1524 Giovanni da Verrazzano discovered the New Jersey coastline, but it was already inhabited by the Native Americans. New Jersey continued to grow over the next couple hundred years while being fought over by the Dutch, Sweedes, and English. It was not until the 1900's that the New Jersey shore became prosperous and popular. In 1916, there was a deadly heat wave that hit the New Jersey area. Thousands of people flocked to the shore for a break from the heat. Unfortunately, between July 1 and July 12, 1916 there were a series of Shark Attacks along the coast, killing 4 people and injuring 1. Although these attacks scared off some tourists, the New Jersey shore was already a favorite among many others. During the Great Depression, the shore became an ideal vacation spot for both the rich and the poor. While the poor usually traveled for day trips, the rich could relax in some of the shores most luxurious hotels. In more recent history, the New Jersey shore has become a popular destination for families and young adults looking for a great time during spring break.

The 'Down The Shore' Myth

Some Northern New Jerseyans talk about going "down the shore." The locals simply say they're going "to the beach."

The natives tend to be extremely wary of the out-of-towners, or Bennies, who invade their beaches, make too much noise, litter, destroy property, trample dunes, and otherwise damage the natural environment.

But if you are polite and respectful, they will respond. They might even point you in the right direction to have a good time. Don't try to use any beach slang. There is none.

Talk

English is the predominate language at all of the New Jersey shore destinations. However, Spanish is also used. The New Jersey Shore is most commonly referred to as the "shore" by people who live in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. However, people who live in these beach destinations often think it is tacky to call it the shore, and refer to it as the beach. One way for a local to tell if someone is from out of town, is by what they call the beaches. Locals will often use the terms bennies (most often heard in Monmouth and Ocean counties) or shoobies (most often heard in Atlantic and Cape May counties) when refering to summertime tourists.

Get in

By car

Most shoregoers will travel by car, usually on the Garden State Parkway (from North Jersey/New York) and the Atlantic City Expressway (from South Jersey). The Garden State Parkway is 173 miles long and runs north and south along the state’s eastern seaboard from Cape May north and ultimately connects to the New York State Thruway. The Atlantic City Expressway operates 47 miles of roadway and connects the Delaware Valley and Philadelphia metropolitan area with Atlantic City and other South Jersey communities. An alternate route for travelers from the northwest to the southern shore points is to use Route 55, which runs from the Camden/Philadelphia area to the Millville area, not far from Cape May and Wildwood. Travelers from the west can take Interstate Highway 95 to I-195 east to Route 138 toward the shore points.

Parking

Street parking at many of the beaches north of Atlantic City is free. South of A.C., and including A.C., the streets close to the beach are metered. There are also lots that charge daily and nightly fees

By bus

The N.J. Transit operates 1900 buses on 178 routes throughout the state. Coach buses can also be accessed with Academy Bus Lines, Coach USA, and Suburban Trails Bus Co.

By train

Shore points from Long Branch to Bay Head are accessible by New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line, which runs from Penn Station. The Atlantic City Line also serves the area, offering service from Philadelphia. For more information, see NJ Transit's website [1]. Since a number of stations are small, you will need to arrange for transportation to your destination.

The Cape May Lewes Ferry unloading in Delaware

By plane

The closest International airports are Atlantic City International, Philadelphia International, and Newark International. Smaller airports for private planes, small corporate jets, forest fire planes, the Civil Air Patrol and emergency services aircraft include RJ Miller Airport, Central Jersey Airport, and Monmouth Executive Airport.

By boat

Jersey shore destinations can be reached by boat via the New York Waterway. The Belford Terminal ferry can hold 500 cars and runs to Pier 11, Wall Street. The Seastreak serves Atlantic Highlands, Highlands & Pier 11 Wall Street and East 34th Street, NYC. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry runs between Cape May and Lewes, Delaware. It holds both foot passengers and cars and is a seventy minute trip.

Royal rolling chair in Atlantic City

Most houses are within a reasonable walk from the beach, although there may be a major road crossing required.

A car is easier to get around (especially to procure groceries or other necessities), but going to the beach itself may require money for parking lots or meters (varies by town).

Bike rentals are available at almost every Jersey Shore destination. Get the beach feel riding around on your Beach or Boardwalk Cruiser! Also, some beach spots have Surrey rentals.

Atlantic City features such means of getting around as Trolley tours, Royal Rolling Chairs and Jitney Shuttles.

See

Summer after summer, the Jersey Shore lures travelers with its blue skies, refreshing breezes and 127 miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches. It is one of the most desired year-round travel and vacation destinations on the East Coast. For the excitement of fun and fast nightlife, there’s Atlantic City with its many casinos and night clubs. For laid back, family fun, enjoy famous boardwalks like Wildwood, and Ocean City. Whether it’s Sandy Hook, Cape May or one of the diverse shore areas in between, you’ll find world-famous resorts, an abundance of historical sites, legacies and breathtaking scenery at the Jersey Shore.

• Barnegat Light [2] - "Old Barney" is located 45 miles south of Sandy Hook, at the north end of Long Beach Island, at Barnegat Inlet. This 40 foot tower stands in a well-maintained park, and the is open daily for climbing.

• Monmouth Battlefield State Park - Site of a 1778 battle in the Revolutionary War. There is typically a reenactment of the battle in mid to late June.

• Island Beach State Park[3] - Ten miles of undeveloped barrier island. You can enjoy the swimming beach, surf fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and kayaking.

• Gateway National Recreation Area: Sandy Hook Unit

Fort Hancock - this historical attraction was once a strategic site for naviational and defense purposes.

• Sandy Hook Lighthouse - the nation's oldest lighthouse still in operation. Constructed in 1764 to curtail growing number of shipwrecks.

• Other historical buildings and structures - Sandy Hook Museum, History House, Guardian Park Nike Missile Display

• Ghost Tours - tour haunted areas in Ocean City

• Dune Walks - Avalon has one of the only remaining high dune systems on the east coast. Guided Dune Walks are offered by Wetlands Institute staff

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Do

Beach Tags Most of the beaches on the Shore require a "beach badge" to enter. The badges are purchased for a fee, and are only good for the town in which they were purchased (e.g. a badge bought in Belmar would not be good in Seaside Heights). These fees go towards beach maintenance. Some hotels may offer guests complimentary badges as a perk. A few communities do not charge for the beach, most notably Atlantic City and Wildwood.

Greetings from Asbury Park

• Allenhurst - Stately 19th century homes, magnificent beaches and residential neighborhoods give Allenhurst a unique “hometown" feel. The beaches feature bathhouses, a promenade, and snack bars.
• Asbury Park - A rock Mecca of the 1970’s and 1980’s, this seaside town is enjoying a cultural renaissance. This modern day "ghost town" is the home of many abandoned buildings standing from the early 1900's. Also the home of "The Boss", Bruce Springstein, Asbury has a boardwalk and a fishing pier.
• Avon-by-the-Sea - Avon-by-the-Sea is a four season, New Jersey Victorian beach community surrounded by three different bodies of water. Enjoy a snack bar and fishing on the beach.
• Belmar – Belmar is a draw for young families and singles. This beach has a boardwalk twenty blocks long and snack bars. More than 100,000 seafood lovers gather in Belmar every year at the New Jersey Seafood Festival.
• Bradley Beach – Bradley Beach is one of the best surfing spots in NJ. It features a half-mile boardwalk and such attractions as mini golf.
• Deal - The attraction and charm of Deal lies in its beautiful, well-kept mansions. Beach snacks can be enjoyed at a snack bar there.
• Highlands - The Highlands are river beaches and do not require purchasing beach tags. One can enjoy picnicking and fishing here.
• Keansburg - Keansburg beach is a bay beach and there is no fee to bathe. Keansburg features fishing, a bathhouse, a boardwalk, and amusements and entertainment.
• Loch Arbour - Ranging only two blocks wide and five blocks long, Loch Arbour is a charming residential area with an oceanfront pavilion with a snack bar, outdoor showers and a small commercial area.
• Long Branch - Long Branch was one of the earliest and most glamorous seaside resorts in the country from the 1860’s to World War I. Long Branch features a bathhouse and a snack bar.
• Manasquan - Manasquan has been a popular destination for the under-30 crowd for many years, with its beautiful beaches and hip club scene. Manasquan's beach has fishing, a snack bar and tennis courts.
• Monmouth Beach – This beach destination features four different beaches to chose from, with snack bars.
• Ocean grove – Ocean Grove is a tree-lined ocean beach town with some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture north of Cape May. Beaches feature a snack bar and tennis courts.
• Sandy Hook - There is no beach fee in Sandy Hook, but there is a daily parking fee for visitors. Sandy Hook is a National Park that is also home to a military base and lighthouse. The beach features a bathhouse, snack bar, sufing, fishing and bayside wind surfing.
• Sea Bright - Only an hour and ten minutes from New York City, Sea Bright is a popular destination throughout every season. Sea Bright is home to an abundance of bluefish, albacore, weakfish and stripers for those who enjoy fishing. Sea Bright’s beach has a snack bar.
• Sea Girt – This beach community features clean ocean beaches, fabulous restaurants, upscale shopping , an old-fashioned boardwalk, and the Victorian Sea Girt Lighthouse, dating back to 1896. Sea Girt has a snack bar and a boardwalk.
• Seven Presidents Ocean Front Park - The town of Long Branch was placed "on the map" in 1869 when President Grant made the city the nation's "Summer Capital," a tradition followed by Presidents Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley, and Wilson. Visitors have an abundance of activities from bumming on the beach, to testing their extreme sports ability in the “Skateplex” concrete skate park.

• Discovery Seashell Museum - A museum located in Ocean City with over 10,00 species of the most finest and rarest sea shells. They also carry an extensive collection of nautical gifts.
• Historic Cold Spring Village - This Village brings to life the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey during the “age of homespun". Visitors can make a personal connection between the past and present through the interactive, educational, and hands-on family activities.

Victorian style homes in Cape May

• Wetlands Institute - "The Natural Place to have fun." They promote the conservation and preservation of coastal ecosystems by providing a fun and educational experience for families, school groups and vacationers of all ages.
• Laura's Fudge Shop-Complete your visit to the shore with a pound of Laura's Fudge, Ocean City, NJ.
• Cape May Bird Observatory - They are dedicated to research in bird conservation and education.
• Cape May County Park & Zoo - Has 200 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles totaling nearly 550 animals
• Elaine's Victorian Inn & Dinner Theatre - located to other attractions in Cape May
• Morey's Piers - Three different Amusement Parks along the boardwalk of Wildwood
• Sunset Hydrofest - Hydroplanes and flat bottoms compete on the beautiful bay area of Wildwood Crest.
• Delaware River & Bay Authority - A way of traveling between Delaware and New Jersey
• Original Fudge Kitchen - They make Home-made fudge for centuries now with a variety of 18 different flavors. This is located in many of the boardwalks located in New Jersey.
• Sensia Therapy - A store that specializes in aromatherapy, independent music and arts & crafts.
• Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts - Authorities in charge of events, tours and activities
• NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum- They want to restore Hangar #1 at the Cape May County Airport, Lower Township, New Jersey, into an aircraft museum honoring the 42 Naval airmen who perished while training there during World War II.
• Splash Zone Waterpark - A family-friendly water park with the biggest and intense water rides in the East Coast. It's just steps away from the boardwalk.
• Cape May Jazz Festival - Cape May Jazz Inc, a non-profit organization, develops and implements a jazz event to show great appreciation for this genre of music. It is scheduled annually in the Spring and Fall.
  

  

  Morey's Peir in Wildwood
• Cape May County Culture & Heritage - They promote public interest in the arts and history and help create an environment that appreciate arts and history.
• Cape May Beach - A more quieter beach for the residences in the area. It has a promenade filled with food vendors, gift shops, and restaurants.
• Wildwood Beach - A more hip beach with a boardwalk including games, amusement parks, food, and restaurants.

• Nightlife – Many fine Atlantic City restaurants transform to night clubs after hours. There are also plenty of trendy night clubs, like the 40/40 Club, owned by rapper Jay-Z, the Blue Martini, Casbah Nightclub, The House of Blues, and the brand new Eden Lounge.
• Atlantic City Surf – See the Surf, AC’s baseball team, play May through October at Bernie Robbins Stadium on the Black Horse Pike.
• The Walk – AC features The Walk, an outlet shopping venue with brand outlet stores, great restaurants, and unique entertainment.
• Steel Pier – Boardwalk attraction features amusements and entertainment.
• Central Pier – home to NASCAR Go-Kart racing and “Shoot the Geek” paintball range.
• Atlantic City Boardwalk Arcade – the largest redemption arcade in AC.
• Absecon Lighthouse – With 228 steps, it is the tallest of NJ’s lights.
• Atlantic City Aquarium – aquariums, touch tanks, and interactive exhibits
• Ripley’s Believe it or Not – The amazing, interesting, and just plain weird, right on the AC Boardwalk

Trump Taj Mahal

• Atlantic City Hilton – Casino Resort – A boardwalk resort with many rooms and suites, a luxury spa, a world class casino, seven restaurants, and plenty of shopping
• Bally’s Atlantic City – Boardwalk resort with 80,000 square feet of meeting space, a health spa, golf course, and two separate casinos, one being the western themed Wild Wild West casino
• Borgata – an ultra modern resort with a spectacular casino floor and a wide variety of restaurants.
• Ceasar’s Palace – features a health spa, tennis, a pool, eight restaurants, and is located right on the boardwalk
• Harrah’s – A bay front resort with seven fine restaurants, entertainment, a health spa, and an indoor pool.
• Resorts – ocean front casino/hotel
• Showboat – a uniquely themed Mardi Gras casino where the colors and spirit of New Orleans spring alive
• Tropicana Casino and Resort – the home of “The Quarter”, this resort features 200,000 square feet of dining, entertainment, and retail shopping
• Trump Marina – located on the Marina, with four gourmet restaurants, deluxe accommodations, a health spa, and more.
• Trump Plaza Casino/Hotel – Four Star, Four Diamond resort located at the center of the AC boardwalk
• Trump Taj Mahal – Five Star, Five Diamond resort with 140,000 square feet of meeting space including an arena, three ballrooms, twenty-two conference rooms, and 1,250 deluxe ocean view rooms

Eat

When you travel to the New Jersey Shore you will find every type of cuisine. Between cafes, restaurants, and boardwalk shops, one can find exotic international delights, gourmet specialties, seafood, steaks, vegetarian, all American cuisine and traditional takeout.

There are also some great restaurants where one can sit waterside and enjoy the gorgeous view as they enjoy their meal. Try the Pilot House for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. If you prefer fine dining, give the Water's Edge a try, they are right on the bay. Of course when you are on the boardwalk, you have to eat some of the hot dogs, steak sandwiches, pizza, and drink some of the "fresh squeezed" lemonade. Don’t forget the caramel corn and famous salt water taffy, which the original recipe originated in Atlantic City. In Ocean City, visitors can watch salt water taffy being pulled at the store front of Shriver's on the boardwalk. After driving over the 9th Street bridge in Ocean City, you can't miss the Chatterbox, a bright pink restaurant, welcoming visitors to the shore and serving excellent food. Also, don't forget to eat at Mack and Manco's, one of the most popular pizza stops on the boards. A visit to the shore is never complete without a pound of Laura's Fudge, at 9th and Asbury. If you travel to Seaside Heights, you have to try the very large pizza at the Saw Mill or Three brothers. It is excellent and 1 slice is more then enough! Wildwood is home to some fantastic zeppoles and Italian sausage and pepper sandwiches. One big thing about visiting the Jersey Shore and its many boardwalks, promenades and snack bars is that anything can be fried, and it will be delicious. Oreos, candy bars, twinkies and those amazing intertangled webs of dough we know as funnel cakes can all be enjoyed down the shore.

• Seaside Heights has an excellent selection of bars and clubs.

• D'Jais,1801 Ocean Ave in Belmar Beach, [4]. Since 1979 D'Jais in Belmar is one of the Jersey shore's most talked about venues. D'Jais is the perfect place to cool off after a hot day at the beach or for a hot night on the town. D'Jais features a world famous bar and restaurant with a full lunch & dinner menu, with outdoor oceanview seating. At Night, D'Jais is well known for it's diverse atmosphere in which different music can be heard seven nights a week.

• Bar A,703-5 16th Ave, Lake Como, [5].

• Surf Club, 1900 Ocean Ave., Ortley Beach, [6].

Stay safe

Use caution in Asbury Park at night. While the areas around the bars in Asbury are safe, some of the city's residential neighborhoods are less hospitable for outsiders. Also, the highways are extremely dangerous, due to tourist traffic as well as drunk drivers. Police are known to enforce traffic laws vigorously in some smaller towns.

Wildwood, while generally safe near the boardwalk, has some neighborhoods that aren't as nice as those in most other shore towns. Serious crime against tourists is rare, but use common sense and try to avoid walking alone late at night, especially in the unlit neighborhoods more than a block or two from the boardwalk.

Atlantic City has some crime problems, but these areas are far away from the Boardwalk. Homeless people on the Boardwalk may become annoying, since there is so many of them, but if you don't want to give anything, just keep walking. Casinos are safe due to the high number of security personnel and video cameras.

Get out

When you visit the New Jersey shore there are many nearby attractions and destinations to visit. All of these places can be seen in 1 day trips.

• Pick-Your-Own fruits and vegetables at various farms around the Medford Lakes and Hammonton areas.

• Freehold Raceway

• Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids Waterpark
  

  

  Six Flags Great Adventure

• Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, Ocean County

• Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

• Six Flags Wild Safari

• Old Bridge Township Raceway Park

• Philadelphia

• Camden Adventure Aquarium

• Liberty State Park

• New York City

• Lucy the Elephant - a national landmark that you can walk through. Lucy is the mascot of Margate, a six-story pachyderm with guided tours.
  

  

  Lucy the Elephant

• Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township

• 11 different Light Houses located throughout New Jersey's coastline

• Various Sports Venues including the New York Giants and Jets stadium, Trenton Thunder, and Meadowlands Sports Complex (Hosts various events such as concerts and the Disney On Ice series)