10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Jersey Shore That You Shouldn't Miss

January 31, 2022 Ying Subia

The Atlantic coast of New Jersey, with its beaches and boardwalks, stretches from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south. Fresh ocean breezes fan 127 miles of sandy beaches. Drive between cities or catch a NJ Transit bus or Atlantic City jitney bus. Atlantic City packs people in to nightlife venues and casinos. Wildwood's boardwalk is well-trod. Asbury Park is once again popular, particularly with gays and lesbians. Cape May's restaurants and Victorian inns lure tourists to the historic town.
Restaurants in Jersey Shore

1. Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury Park

1000 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712-6289 +1 732-774-4994 [email protected] https://www.silverballmuseum.com/asbury-park/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 624 reviews

Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury Park

The Silverball Museum Arcade, located in Asbury Park NJ is a living, breathing and blinking tribute to our pinball and video gaming past. With 600 games* in rotation, we are sure you will find your favorites while getting to know and enjoy some new machines. So, next time you are down at the Jersey Shore – stop in and experience a great piece of Americana.

Reviewed By JeaZas - New York City, United States

The Silverball Pinball museum has tons of pinball machines to enjoy ranging from the 1950 to present day. Great for a rainy day or even a break from the sun. Better to purchase the half-day ticket to play all the games, including Pac Man, Frogger, Super Mario Brothers, Pong, Air Hockey, Skeet Ball, and the multitude of Pinball machines. Fun - Fun - Fun!

2. Jersey Shore Alpacas

521 Route 47 S, Cape May, NJ 08204-5101 +1 609-889-4957 [email protected] http://www.jerseyshorealpacas.com
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 550 reviews

Jersey Shore Alpacas

IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY WITHOUT VISITING OUR WEBSITE FIRST for complete schedule information. Closed Sundays. Due to COVID, we will be open BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, but we are booking well in advance. Fleece and Fun for Everyone! Jersey Shore Alpacas is a small, friendly farm located in Green Creek, just north of Cape May, NJ (about 3 hours from NYC). Please see our website for more information on visiting the farm. :) You'll love meeting our curious alpacas and browsing in our shop for soft, warm alpaca clothing and cuddly toys! We also carry more than 20 different types of alpaca yarn from Blue Sky Fibers, Alpaca Yarn Company, and farm yarn (when available). Hope to see you soon!

Reviewed By elwood18974 - Warminster, United States

So worth the trip - we were staying less than 10 minutes away and I decided to surprise my family. We'd never been to an Alpaca farm before so my wife and two teenage sons were very surprised - and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Jim was our host - he had the necessary handwashing and sanitizing station prepared. After a short introduction, he provided us bags of carrots (teats for the Alpacas) and walked us to the pen to see the male Alpacas, followed soon after by female Alpaca in their pen. Jim was an awesome host, answered all our questions, and taught us all about Alpaca - they are such friendly animals. This visit was definitely worth the time and money!

3. Cape May Lighthouse

215 Lighthouse Avenue Cape May Point State Park, Cape May, NJ 08204 +1 609-884-5404 [email protected] http://www.capemaymac.org
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,078 reviews

Cape May Lighthouse

The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is fully restored and visitors can climb 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The original Oil Storage Building is accessible and houses a Museum Shop and accessible displays. Open daily from April through November and weekends in the shoulder seasons. Evening trolley tours and Full Moon Climbs offered during the summer season. The Cape May Lighthouse has been restored and is managed by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture). While located at Cape May Point State Park, it is not affiliated with State Park System. The State Park is open sunrise to sunset and offers many opportunities for nature lovers, including the Hawk Watch platform and well-marked nature trails. Summertime programming is offered to introduce visitors to the history of the Lighthouse and is free of charge. The beach is free but swimming is not allowed. The park is “carry in, carry out;” please do not litter.

Reviewed By O33TP - Jekyll Island, United States

The lighthouse is a must see stop. Even if you don’t climb the stairs to the top it truly is amazing. Great history lesson and information from the kindest gentleman (Jim) working the gift shop. Adequate parking. Easily accessible. Clean restrooms.

4. Seven Mile Beach

Stone Harbor, NJ +1 800-227-2297 http://stoneharbornj.org
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

Seven Mile Beach

Avalon and Stone Harbor are the two towns on this barrier island.

Reviewed By oscarbB7346GJ

Avalon/Stone Harbor Beaches rate among the very best of New Jersey beaches, and actually along the entire Atlantic Ocean. I have been on beaches in every state from Massachusetts to Florida. Seven Mile Beach is definitely among the best 2-3.

5. Absecon Lighthouse

31 S Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401-7760 +1 609-449-1360 [email protected] http://www.abseconlighthouse.org/
Excellent
51%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 505 reviews

Absecon Lighthouse

New Jersey's tallest lighthouse awaits you at Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues in Atlantic City (walking distance from Showboat Casino). Take an amazing journey into time and above it all as you ascend the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. You'll see breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline and up top you'll come face-to-face with the original first-order Fresnel Lens, first lit in 1857.The lighthouse's recent multi-million dollar restoration also includes a stunning replica of the Lightkeeper's dwelling, an educational museum, charming gift shop, Fresnel Lens exhibit in the original Oil House and expansive grounds.The Absecon Lighthouse is on both the New Jersey and National Registries of Historic Places.

Reviewed By LakeMilligan - Mansfield, United States

One of the sites we wanted to see while visiting Atlantic City. Was an awesome view, but like I said in the title it is a workout! It also may not be for people who are scared of heights lol. It's a long way up. Great visit though and I'd recommend it for sure.

6. Wildwood Beach

3500 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260 +1 609-729-4000
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,879 reviews

Wildwood Beach

A wide beach that appeals to families.

Reviewed By stronziger - Carlstadt, United States

Absolutely one of the cleanest, largest and most importantly free beaches in New Jersey. After spending time here you will not want to go anyplace else.

7. Gateway National Recreation Area

Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, NJ +1 732-872-5970 http://www.nps.gov/gate
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 448 reviews

Gateway National Recreation Area

Site of the oldest lighthouse in America.

Reviewed By richardpE7533VU - Easton, United States

This area, in my opinion, has some of the best beaches in America. Lots of history here too. Great place for bike riding along the miles of bike trails. It's a little more crowded this summer because the New York City beaches are closed so those who usually would stay closer to home are coming to Sandy Hook and other New Jersey beaches. I could tell you the least crowded beach on Sandy Hook, but if I did, it would just get crowded. I'm keeping this beach a secret.

8. Ocean City Boardwalk

Ocean City, NJ 08226 +1 609-399-1412 [email protected] http://www.oceancityvacation.com/about-the-island/island-map/custom-boardwalk-map.html
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,842 reviews

Ocean City Boardwalk

With its quaint storefronts, amusement rides and Music Pier, Ocean City is everything you'd expect from the real Jersey shore. This family-friendly town boasts a two-mile boardwalk dotted with amusements, pizza parlors, and seaside stores.

Reviewed By laurie429 - Broomall, United States

Almost Always a great idea. Get great exercise walking or in the morning riding a bike or surrey. If you aren't feeling energized sit on one of the many benches a spend some time people watching. So Much Fun! Stores are great I love Marty's and of course the phenominal food--Johnson Popcorn, Curley's Fries, Funnel Cake, Fudge, Ice Cream, Salt Water Taffy, etc.. ok I love the food. Go into Shriver's and get a fabulous Candy Apple --sooooo good yum

9. Washington Street Mall

401 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204-1425 +1 609-884-0555 [email protected] http://www.washingtonstreetmall.com/
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 550 reviews

Washington Street Mall

Reviewed By SeniorRW - Fort Myers, United States

Great place to stroll with your family spending time to investigate the unique shops and specialty places. Plenty of benches to pause and enjoy the weather and surroundings.

10. Belmar Beach and Boardwalk

Ocean Avenue From First to Twentieth Avenues, Belmar, NJ 07719
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 445 reviews

Belmar Beach and Boardwalk

Reviewed By blairkk25 - New Jersey, United States

I walked on the Belmar NJ boardwalk many times during August 2020. It is about two miles long so a round trip is four miles. To the north end is a bridge between Belmar and Avon by the Sea and the Belmar fishing pier. In the middle is the Taylor Pavilion and Cruz Bay Cafe as well as Silver Lake. To the south are some shops and restaurants and the entrance to Spring Lake. The boardwalk is very wide and it is great for walking and exercise. Sometimes I went very early in the morning - about 7 am and sometimes I went late at about 6 pm. The views of the beach and ocean are very nice. In terms of COVID19 safety, some people wore masks but many did not. If you are alert while walking then you can social distance. All in all the Belmar NJ boardwalk is a great place.

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