Things to do in Jersey Shore, Jersey Shore: The Best Nature & Parks

March 6, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

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. South Cape May Meadows

Sunset Boulevard, Cape May, NJ http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/newjersey/placesweprotect/south-cape-may-meadows.xml
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 105 reviews

South Cape May Meadows

Considered one of the most important stopovers for migratory birds, this undeveloped oceanfront land contains a bird refuge and freshwater wetlands.

Reviewed By bbbob84 - Staten Island, United States

The rain had ended it was just comfortable enough for a late afternoon hike through South Cape May Meadows. No real elevations so an easy hike. Beautiful swans, rabbits, flowers and water. You can step out to the beach for nice views of the Cape May Coast or take in the WWII bunker. Great photo ops for the Cape May Lighthouse too.

2. Cape May County Park & Zoo

707 N Route 9, Cape May Court House, Middle Township, NJ 08210-1646 +1 609-465-5271 [email protected] http://www.cmczoo.com
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,589 reviews

Cape May County Park & Zoo

Have a wild time as you explore more than 85 acres of beautifully maintained exhibits. With 200 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles and approximately 500 animals, you're sure to see something new. The Cape May County Zoo is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas). Summer Hours: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Winter Hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning November 2nd. No admission fee. That's right! The zoo is free of charge! Donations are GREATLY appreciated! Join the FUN, where the admission is always FREE!

Reviewed By JazzinInJersey - Nutley, United States

All you pay us a donation, free parking and there you go !!! We are on vacation and this is our 3rd visit. It was an overcast day and all the animals were out. We saw giraffes, lion and lioness, bears, snow leopard, cougar, leopard, camels, eagle,zebra.... restrooms galore, food stops,wheelchair accessible

3. Nature Center of Cape May

1600 Delaware Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204-4006 +1 609-898-8848 [email protected] http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionCenters/SectionNCCM/Introduction.aspx
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

Nature Center of Cape May

Located on the Harbor in Cape May City, this learning center and exhibit aquaria is dedicated to providing environmental education for people of all ages.

Reviewed By diane184 - Cape May Court House, United States

The view from the top deck is amazing. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and interesting wildlife viewing and great programs for kids and adults.

4. Sunset Beach

502 Sunset Blvd, Lower Township, NJ 08212
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 592 reviews

Sunset Beach

Reviewed By susank1003

What a great little hidden gem.This small little beach offers the most amazing sunsets.You can visit the grill and have a great burger on the covered deck.The little gift shops always have cute treasures to buy and they have a restroom.There's free parking and no beach tags! Its a win win.During in season if you can go at sunset you will see a flag ceramony that will bring tears to your eyes.Each night a flag is lowered that belonged to one of our Vetrans.The family is usually there and takes part while music is played.Its a great way to honor your country all while sitting in front of the sinking concrete ship on this pebbled beach and ending the day in a beautiful heartfelt way.

5. 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.

6. Manasquan Beach

Brielle Rd and Main St, Manasquan, NJ 8736 http://www.manasquan-nj.com/
Excellent
71%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Manasquan Beach

Located just south of New York City, this beach is known for good swimming and surfing.

Reviewed By Michon21

I've been going to Manasquan Beach since I was ten and am going again tomorrow, forty one years later, because it's a nice quiet family beach where I can nap on the sand, read a book, and enjoy the sound of the waves.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. North Wildwood Beach

North Wildwood, NJ
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 582 reviews

North Wildwood Beach

Reviewed By tvega13 - Avondale, United States

Always have the best time at wildwood beaches, the sand and water are always clean and lifeguards are always so kind and friendly!

10. Poverty Beach

Cape May, NJ 08204
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 90 reviews

Poverty Beach

Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States

This is one of those places that is not as popular since it is not close to any bars, restaurants or activities. That is precisely why I enjoy it so much. The primary entrance is on Wilmington Ave. Once you arrive you'll see a very wide beautiful section of beach. Lifeguards here seem to be sparce compared to Cape May Beach. But there are a lot less people so if you have younger kids it's easier to keep an eye on them. Overall, this is one of the least populated beaches that I've been to in NJ and that has a lot to do with why it is one of my favorites.

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