New Jersey Travel Guide - New Jersey 2025 Official Travel Guide

Playful Swell & Boardwalk Fun

Welcome to a seaside playground, stretching 90 miles of white-sand beaches and bustling boardwalks. From the hipster-friendly Asbury Park to the family-friendly Point Pleasant, each shore town has its own unique vibe and attractions. Enjoy fishing along Barnegat Bay and birdwatching at Island Beach State Park or grab your board in Long Beach Island, where 16 dedicated surfing beaches await. But the Shore region isn’t just about sun and surf—it’s a lifestyle brimming with amusement rides, waterparks, vibrant nightlife and live music, too. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach day, a lively festival or more sporty pursuits, the Shore Region promises endless summer memories.

CATCH A WAVE

Learn to surf or master stand-up paddleboarding with Summertime Surf & Paddle School, providing fun and educational lessons along Ocean County’s beautiful coastline.

GET NAUTICAL

Dive into New Jersey’s deep maritime history at the NJ Museum of Boating in Point Pleasant, where fascinating exhibits and vintage boats tell the story of the state’s legacy boating heritage.

DINE & DRINK

Savor off-the-boat seafood and salty margaritas aprés surf at D’Jais Bar & Cafe in Belmar, a Jersey Shore institution with oceanfront views and a dance floor since 1959. Known for its live music scene and world-famous Yappy Hour, the Wonder Bar serves up the tunes and good times at the tiki bar—just steps from the Asbury Park Boardwalk.

GRAB TICKETS

Enjoy captivating live performances at Surflight Theatre, a seaside venue in Beach Haven known for its Broadway productions, musicals and comedy nights.

SHOP LOCAL

Support a curated collection of local artisans by shopping at The Shoppes at The Tuckerton Emporium, featuring a mix of coastal decor, antiques, jewelry and crafted goods in a charming setting.

WAKE UP HERE

Pack your suitcase and beach bag for a mix of elegance and relaxation at The Breakers on the Ocean, an iconic landmark hotel in Spring Lake offering luxurious beachside accommodations and sweeping veranda views. Or see a new side of the Jersey Shore at design-driven boutique bungalow The James Bradley, where sophisticated and stylized suites are just one block from Bradley Beach.

EXPLORE WILDLIFE

Visit Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, a sanctuary in Forked River for rescued wildlife where you can learn about conservation and meet its resident wildcats, bears, monkeys, reptiles and more.

GO OFF-ROADING

Squeeze the throttle to zoom through the famous Raceway Park in Englishtown, where NJ ATV Rentals provides the largest fleet of the latest model ATVs.

Catch an Event

SHORE REGION

SPONSORED CONTENT

JERSEY PRIDE FESTIVAL

June 1

Veterans Island on Cooper River Park, Asbury Park

jerseypride.org - The biggest LGBTQ+ Pride event in the state has been here in Asbury Park for more than three decades. Enjoy a parade, rally, festival and food.

CLAMFEST

August

Snug Harbor Beach, Highlands

highlandsnj.com/special_events/clamfest/clamfest.shtml - This long-standing tradition showcases the best seafood at the Shore! Enjoy family activities, delicious dishes and a fireworks show.

SEA.HEAR.NOW MUSIC FESTIVAL

September

North Beach Asbury Park

seahearnowfestival.com - Big names like Springsteen, Dave Matthews, The B-52’s and The Menzingers have all taken the stage here—you don’t want to miss it.

BARNEGAT BAY DECOY AND GUNNING SHOW

September

Tuckerton Seaport

tuckertonseaport.org - The “Duck and Decoy” show, as locals call it, celebrates maritime history and hunting culture in a way that’s fun for everyone. Don’t miss the dock diving dogs!

SIX FLAGS FRIGHT FEST

September and October

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson

sixflags.com/greatadventure - Ride coasters in the dark—if you dare! This spooky Halloween event features haunted mazes, scary shows and specialty food.