2026-02-02 08:33:21
Welcome to a seaside playground stretching 90 miles of white-sand beaches and bustling boardwalks. From hipster-friendly Asbury Park to family-friendly Point Pleasant, each shore town has its own vibe. Climb the lighthouse or cast a line at Barnegat Bay, spot shorebirds at Island Beach State Park or grab a board on Long Beach Island, home to 16 dedicated surfing beaches. Beyond the surf and sand, the area pulses with roller-coaster rides, water-park cool-downs and concerts echoing through the night. While summertime shines, the Shore Region gives you plenty of reasons to linger throughout the year.
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 coastline.
GET NAUTICAL
Enter the boardwalk at Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum for seaside history, where rustic boats, decoy carving, clamdigging demos and a recreated working maritime village bring baymen culture to life.
DINE & DRINK
Four family generations with an undeniable Jersey touch have mastered thin-crust “bar pies” at iconic dive Vic’s Italian Restaurant in Bradley Beach. For a beloved staple just steps from the Asbury Park Boardwalk, Wonder Bar channels summertime energy with its tiki-bar vibes, beachy cocktails and a lineup of good-time tunes.
STAY CURIOUS
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Art & Sciences brings a bounty of free exhibitions to LBI, plus ceramics workshops, nature therapy walks and yoga classes to keep your curiosity fueled all year long.
SHOP THE SCENE
Stroll the gingerbreadlike cobblestone streets of Historic Smithville Village in Galloway—lined with more than 50 shops, plus places to eat, paddleboats on the lake and vintage charm (it’s especially magical in the fall!).
WAKE UP HERE
Pack your bag for relaxation at The Breakers on the Ocean, a landmark hotel in Spring Lake offering luxury beachside accommodations and sweeping veranda views. Or see a new side of the Jersey Shore at designdriven boutique bungalow The James Bradley, where sophisticated and stylized suites are just a block from the beach.
EXPLORE WILDLIFE
Visit Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, a sanctuary in Forked River for rescued wildlife where you can learn about conservation and meet the resident wildcats, bears, monkeys, reptiles and more.
CHASE THE GLORY
Giddy up at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport for horse-racing events, summertime family fun days, a mini golf course, beer garden and more.
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JERSEY PRIDE FESTIVAL
June 7 Asbury Park
jerseypride.org
Join the largest and longestrunning LGBTQ+ Pride event in the state with a parade, outdoor concerts and a festival that includes a family zone with rides.
HASKELL STAKES
July 18 Monmouth Park, Oceanport
monmouthpark.com/haskell
Watch elite Thoroughbred horses from the Triple Crown thunder down the track in this high-stakes summer showdown for $1 million.
MONMOUTH COUNTY FAIR
July 22-26 Freehold
monmouthcountyparks.com
Classic county fair with carnival rides, 4-H shows, gardening competitions and fireworks.
CLAMFEST
July 31 - August 2 Huddy Park, Highlands
highlandsnj.com
Dig into a weekend of fresh seafood, live bands and a spectacular fireworks display over Snug Harbor Beach.
SEA.HEAR.NOW.
September 19-20 Asbury Park
seahearnowfestival.com
Surf meets sound with big-name music artists, gallery art and a surfing competition along the Asbury Park waterfront.
OLD TIME BARNEGAT BAY DECOY & GUNNING SHOW
September 26-27 Tuckerton
oceancountyparks.org
Celebrate fishing/hunting heritage with decoy carving, duck calls, collectibles, wildlife art and boat rides.
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