Jersey Shore
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Jersey Shore

Iconic boardwalks, historic lighthouses, and miles of sandy Atlantic coastline.

Arrival airport
EWR
Airport drive
1 h 15 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–5 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Standard sedans are ideal for shore towns; high-clearance vehicles are not required for paved coastal roads.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Jersey Shore

Know before you go

Seasonal Beach Parking

Public lots in towns like Ocean City fill quickly by 10 AM in summer. Many municipalities require the use of mobile payment apps for street parking near the boardwalk.

Reliable Coastal Coverage

Cellular service is generally excellent throughout the developed shore towns. You may experience slight drops in the interior trails of the Pine Barrens or remote marsh areas.

Parkway Service Areas

Fuel stations are frequent along the Garden State Parkway, but New Jersey law prohibits self-service. Wait for an attendant to pump your gas at all stations.

Summer Weekend Traffic

Southbound traffic on Friday afternoons and northbound on Sunday evenings is extreme. Allow double the estimated travel time when using the Parkway during these windows.

Local Beach Tags

Unlike most states, NJ beaches are often not free; you must purchase a tag from a booth or roving inspector. Prices and requirements vary significantly between adjacent towns.

Check current conditions:Visit NJ Official Tourism

2RVs, campervans & cars near EWR

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
American N952AA Boeing 737-900 Takeoff CLT0225.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to EWR

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at EWR
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at EWR

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at EWR
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at EWR
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at EWR

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at EWR
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Jersey Shore

  1. 01

    North Shore Music and Victorian Architecture

    Suggested: 10 AM from Asbury Park

    • Asbury Park Boardwalk

      Walk the historic waterfront to see the Convention Hall and vibrant murals that define this musical hub.

    • Ocean Grove Tent City

      Explore the unique Victorian cottages and the Great Auditorium in this historic religious retreat.

    Walking within towns; 15-minute local drives between hubs

    Parking in Asbury Park uses a metered app system; check signage for zone details.

    Pick up your vehicle at EWR →
  2. 02

    Maritime Forests and Barnegat Views

    Suggested: 9 AM from Seaside Park

    • Island Beach State Park

      Traverse self-guided nature trails through the last remaining undeveloped barrier island dunes in the state.

    • Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

      Climb the historic 'Old Barney' for views of the Atlantic and the commercial fishing fleet at Viking Village.

    Allow 1.5 hours; traffic on Route 72 can be heavy during peak summer hours

    Island Beach State Park often reaches vehicle capacity by mid-morning on sunny weekends.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Southern Tip History and Nature

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Ocean City

    • Cape May Point State Park

      Visit the lighthouse and walk the freshwater marsh boardwalks popular for migratory bird watching.

    • Sunset Beach

      Search for 'Cape May Diamonds' near the concrete remains of the SS Atlantus, a WWI-era shipwreck.

    Allow 1 hour; conditions vary on the Garden State Parkway

    Cape May is a National Historic Landmark; many streets are narrow and best explored on foot or by trolley.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Beach Tags and State Park Entry Systems

Most Jersey Shore beaches require daily or seasonal 'beach tags' for access during the summer months; these are sold locally by each municipality. State parks like Island Beach require a vehicle entry fee, and capacity limits may apply during peak weekends. Accommodations should be booked months in advance for July and August stays.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

EWRJersey Shore

Newark Liberty International Airport · 1 h 15 min drive

Find flights to EWR

Plan your road trip

From Newark Liberty International Airport

1 h 15 min

about 54 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Jersey Shore on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Jersey Shore on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Jersey Shore

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Jersey Shore

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Jersey Shore

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Jersey Shore

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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