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USA Today
26-06-2025
- USA Today
A guide to South Jersey Shore beach towns: Top stops and insider tips
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is a quintessential South Jersey Shore experience – Photo courtesy of Visit Atlantic City Is there a more perfect way to kick off the summer than with a trip down the Shore? From New Jersey's most southern point in Cape May to the glitzy casinos of Atlantic City, the South Jersey Shore offers award-winning beaches, the nation's best boardwalks, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. We combined USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Award winners with insider tips from a South Jersey native to help you make the most of your time at the Jersey Shore. The best part? No matter which shoreside town you make your home base, all of this fun can be found within a one-hour drive. Cape May Cape May on South Jersey Shore is the perfect town for anyone looking to slow down – Photo courtesy of Spirit Catcher Photography Cape May is a charming seaside resort town renowned for its rich history, picturesque Victorian architecture, and stunning Atlantic Ocean views. As America's oldest seaside resort, it offers a unique blend of historic elegance and family-friendly attractions. Advertisement Best things to do in Cape May Sunset Beach is the perfect spot to end the day in Cape May – Photo courtesy of Catherine Smith Besides enjoying some of New Jersey's best beaches, visitors can wander the beachfront promenade, shop at the Washington Street Mall, and discover history at the Harriet Tubman Museum, which made the 10 best list for Best New Museum in our Readers' Choice Awards when it opened its doors in 2021. Nature lovers should check out the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge and the award-winning Salt Marsh Safari on the Skimmer. After a day of adventure, take part in the tradition of catching the sunset behind the World War II Lookout Tower at Sunset Beach. (Get there early, because it gets crowded.) Where to eat and drink in Cape May As one of the best small town food scenes in the United States, Cape May boasts many outstanding dining options within walking distance of the ocean. A must-visit is The Lobster House, a legendary waterfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and picturesque views of Cape May Harbor. Beyond that, the town offers everything from upscale dining to casual breakfast spots, ensuring delectable and memorable meals for every palate. Where to stay in Cape May For your stay, consider the stately Congress Hall (Best Historic Hotel), the nation's oldest seaside resort, which first opened its doors in 1816. This historic hotel boasts a prime beachfront location, luxurious accommodations, multiple dining options, a full-service spa, and plenty of activities. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Wildwoods Unlike most of New Jersey's beaches, The Wildwoods offer free beach access – Photo courtesy of Craig Terry This vibrant Jersey Shore destination, made up of three towns — Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and North Wildwood — is famous for its massive free beaches, award-winning boardwalk, and family-friendly vibe. It's a unique destination where mid-century cool meets classic seaside fun. Advertisement Best things to do in Wildwood South Jersey Shore boardwalk rides are a quick way to get in touch with your inner child – Photo courtesy of Greater Wildwoods Tourism and Development Authority The main attraction is the expansive free beach, The Wildwoods, which made the Best Beach in New Jersey list two years in a row. It's so vast that there are beach taxis that bring you closer to the ocean. In the evening, explore the 38-block boardwalk, packed with rides, games, shops, and water parks. Dive into the area's unique culture at the award-winning Doo-Wop Experience Museum and its Neon Sign Garden. Don't miss out on games, dancing, and live music at Wildwood's Honky Tonk Saloon, among the best new attractions in the country in 2025. Just 15 minutes outside of Wildwood, on your way to Ocean City, you can explore the award-winning Cape May County Park and Zoo. This large zoo is home to a variety of animal exhibits and has a large playground with picnic areas. Enjoy animal encounters and ziplines for an added fee. Where to eat and drink in Wildwood Wildwood is a beer lovers' paradise on South Jersey Shore – Photo courtesy of MudHen Brewing Co Marketing Team Wildwood's dining scene offers something for everyone, especially craft beer lovers. For a full meal, check out MudHen Brewing Company, which has ranked nationally among brewpubs in recent years. The sophisticated yet casual menu includes burgers, cauliflower bites, seafood, homemade Cornish pasties, and an extensive children's menu. Advertisement For creative local brews, check out one of this year's best new breweries, Anglesea Aleworks, where you can bring your food to enjoy alongside unique craft beers, hard sodas, and seltzers. Where to stay in Wildwood For a comfortable coastal paradise, consider staying at Madison Resort Wildwood Crest, one of the 10 best new hotels in 2025. This property boasts gorgeous beachfront views, bright and spacious rooms, and top-notch amenities like a free shuttle service to get around town. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Ocean City The Ocean City Boardwalk ranked eighth in the country in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards for Best Boardwalk – Photo courtesy of Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Ranked as one of the best summer travel destinations in the country, Ocean City provides families with clean beaches, a fun-filled boardwalk, and wholesome entertainment that attracts multigenerational visitors year after year. Best things to do in Ocean City The beloved 2.5-mile Ocean City Boardwalk, among the 10 best boardwalks in the country, is packed with carnival rides, arcades, shops, mini-golf, and endless treats. Most noteworthy are the rides at Playland's Castaway Cove and the many concerts, children's plays, and magic shows hosted throughout the week at Music Pier. For a classic boardwalk experience, try Johnson's Popcorn and Shriver's Combo for popcorn and saltwater taffy goodness. Advertisement Away from the boardwalk, Ocean City's main street — Asbury Avenue — offers a number of boutique shops with unique gift and souvenir ideas, including books and candles, clothes, and housewares. I particularly enjoy perusing all the locally made goods at Stainton's. Lucy the Elephant is older than the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge – Photo courtesy of Catherine Smith Between Ocean City and Atlantic City, you'll find America's No. 1 Best Roadside Attraction for 2025 – Lucy the Elephant – in the town of Margate. This beloved National Historic Landmark, built in 1881, stands six stories tall and was originally built to help attract visitors to the island. Tours are available most days throughout the year. Where to eat and drink in Ocean City Not pictured is the seagull that stole my donut right after this photo was taken – Photo courtesy of Catherine Smith Located about a quarter mile apart on the north end of the boardwalk, Oves Restaurant and Browns Restaurant are two iconic Ocean City eateries offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you're on the boardwalk early in the morning, try their donuts! Folks line up early (cash in hand) for a taste of these hot and fresh treats. Advertisement Beyond the many boardwalk treats and tasty restaurants on Asbury, visitors can find more dining variety and local nightlife just over the 9th Street Bridge in Somers Point. Along Bay Avenue and Shore Drive in Somers Point are local dive bars (Ocean City is a dry town) and restaurants. The Point, a fun tiki bar on the bay, features tropical drinks and bites, while Gregory's Restaurant & Bar serves up quality pub fare and is the originator of Taco Tuesday (No joke. There was even a lawsuit with Taco Bell!) Meanwhile, the town's newest hot spot, Squares & Fare, is my ultimate favorite. Owner Dominic Russo started making his mouthwatering deep-dish pizzas in his home kitchen during the Covid pandemic. Curious foodies (myself included) booked pizza appointments months in advance and then showed up in his driveway at a designated time. Now with a permanent location, a pie from Squares & Fare is the perfect meal to pick up on your drive into Ocean City or to take with you to the award-winning Somers Point Beach Concert Series. This Friday night concert series takes place at William Morrow Beach, less than a block from Squares & Fare. While not required, I highly recommend booking your pizza time slot ahead of time. Where to stay in Ocean City Visitors can rent charming single-family homes on quieter streets, condos with ocean views, or hotel rooms just steps from the bustling boardwalk and the downtown shopping district. Scarborough Inn is a highly rated boutique hotel proudly owned and operated by lifelong locals. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Forum Ocean City is a reasonably priced and family-friendly motor inn between the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Atlantic City There's always fun to be had in Atlantic City on the South Jersey Shore – Photo courtesy of Visit Atlantic City Atlantic City offers a vibrant mix of seaside fun and thrilling nightlife. Famous for its world-class casinos and iconic boardwalk, AC (as the locals call it) provides a perfect getaway with its wide, sandy beaches and endless activities. Insider tip: If you're coming from Philadelphia, take the train to Atlantic City from 30th Street Station. The NJTransit ride costs about $12.35, takes about an hour and a half, and includes a free shuttle to the casinos. Advertisement Ranked as one of the best boardwalks in the nation, you'll find plenty to keep you busy in Atlantic City. In addition to ranking third this year in the Best Beaches in New Jersey awards, Atlantic City is also home to Island Waterpark at Showboat, an award-winning indoor water park. After a day of splashing in the surf, get your thrills at Steel Pier amusement park. Bally's Atlantic City, ranked among the 10 best casinos outside of Las Vegas, is one of the city's nine casinos. Loved for its prime boardwalk location, breathtaking ocean views, lively casino floor, and diverse dining experiences, Bally's delivers a memorable experience. This tribute band to The Beatles, The Doors, and Led Zeppelin will take you on a trip – Photo courtesy of Joe Kelly Between all of the casinos, clubs, and bars, there's always a high-quality show to catch in Atlantic City. Don't miss the Magical Mystery Doors at Ocean City Resort. This tribute band to The Doors, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin is the only casino show outside of Vegas to win first place in the Readers' Choice Awards for Best Casino Show. Advertisement Atlantic City is home to a variety of noteworthy dining options. Ranked among the 10 best new casino restaurants, Capriccio at Resorts Casino Hotel offers exceptional Italian dining overlooking the boardwalk. There's also Amada at Ocean Casino Resort, an award-winning restaurant that serves up authentic Spanish tapas and grilled seafood with ocean views. And award winner Kuro, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, offers expertly crafted sushi and tempura.
New York Post
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Seas the Summer: Family Fun and Memory-Making Moments in Atlantic City
Summer has officially kicked into high gear – so it's time to turn up the heat with an unforgettable trip to Atlantic City, a destination that truly offers something for everyone. 'Whether you're here for the beach, the music, the food, or the fun, there's no better place to celebrate and create summer memories than right here in our iconic seaside destination,' said Gary Musich, President and CEO of Visit Atlantic City. Here is your guide to making lots of memories this summer in Atlantic City. For more information, Visit Atlantic City. A-list talent is descending upon Atlantic City this summer: visitors can stop by the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City and catch rock veterans Incubus, pop legends Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and country mainstay Sam Hunt. Or head to Ocean Casino Resort and laugh out loud when comedy queens Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are in town. Lastly, head to Spiegelworld for The Hook, a hilarious, adults-only homage to Atlantic City's golden age. Family-Friendly Activities Advertisement Edward Lea There is fun waiting to be had at any age in Atlantic City! Families can enjoy a day at the Atlantic City Aquarium, where guests can engage with sea creatures in one of the six hands-on touch tanks. They can also learn about the local native species like the Loggerhead sea turtle and horseshoe crab. Don't forget to book your tickets to the Atlantic City Cruises where you can get an up close and personal view of the locals on the Dolphin Watching Adventure. Kids will also have a ball climbing the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, the Absecon Lighthouse. After an afternoon at the Aquarium and lighthouse, head to the Atlantic City Boardwalk and Steel Pier for a stroll down the iconic boardwalk, and experience the thrills of the boardwalk rides like the Flying Dutchman or The Wheel, the third-largest observation wheel of its kind in the United States. Bring the kids over to the Showboat Resort where they can enjoy Island Waterpark, the largest indoor beachfront waterpark. After they dry off, hit up Lucky Snake Arcade and enjoy go-karting, roller skating or one of the many other arcade you leave Atlantic City, be sure to visit Lucy the Elephant, a six-story high National Historic a little family competition going and fit in a round of mini golf at North Beach Mini Golf and Bike Rentals. Relax and Recharge Sit back and lounge the day away in a cabana by the pool at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. If you're looking for a pool with a view, head to the Eclipse Indoor/Outdoor Pool at Ocean Casino Resort, or enjoy a rooftop view from the pool at Tropicana Atlantic City. For further relaxation, make an appointment to rejuvenate your mind and body at Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Atlantic City, or Rock Spa & Salon at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Advertisement Photo courtesy of Visit Atlantic City Some of the coolest new restaurants and bars in the country are descending upon Atlantic City, and you don't want to miss out on this citywide culinary journey. From celebrity chef restaurants to hidden gems loved by locals, there's a table for every tastebud and occasion. The ByrdCage packs in vibrant energy as the first LGBTQ+ establishment in Atlantic City in nearly 20 years, offering entertaining brunches, happy hour specials, a piano bar, drag shows and so much more. Meanwhile, famed restaurateur Stephen Starr is putting his mark on Ocean Casino Resort with two new restaurants opening this summer! One will be French forward, while the other will have an American flair serving up comfort food like a Thanksgiving dinner all year round. Recharge from the night out and start your day with brunch reservations at the Cardinal, who offer up indoor and outdoor seating. Other fun things to do in Atlantic City Photo courtesy of Visit Atlantic City The Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival is a full week of excitement, running from Monday, July 14 through Sunday, July 20. Enjoy a dynamic mix of entertainment all week long, featuring high-flying aerial acts and engaging events throughout the city. The free, family-friendly air show will take place July 15-16 over the beaches at Atlantic City from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 'The Soar and Shore Festival Air Show brings together the best of summer entertainment elements,' said Herb Gillen, President of Herb Gillen Airshows. 'Crowds will be treated to top-tier air show performances by state-of-the-art aircraft in a festive atmosphere on a gorgeous beach and all free of charge. There is truly nothing like the Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival, and we can't wait for the fun to begin.' Atlantic City Accommodations Advertisement There are many options for where to rest your head each night in Atlantic City: visitors can stay at one of the nine casino resorts along the iconic Boardwalk or situated along the back bays of the Marina District. Visit Atlantic City, where every celebration is unforgettable, and every visit is an opportunity to create memory-making moments and celebrate life's greatest adventures.
CBS News
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Partial lineup for Wildwood New Jersey's Thunder Over the Waves Airshow announced
Over 400,000 aviation enthusiasts are expected to take over the beaches in Wildwood, New Jersey, as the Thunder Over the Waves Airshow makes its debut this September. The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA), along with David Schultz Airshows, said the two-day show will feature 11 headlining acts and kick off on Sept. 5. The first day of the airshow, Sept. 5, will be a practice day, while Sept. 6, will be the main event, GWTIDA announced in a news release Friday. The airshow will be four hours long and feature flyovers by the NJ Air National Guard, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and Dover Air Force Base, and performances by the Fighter Jets Inc. MIG-17PF Jet Team, ACEMAKER Solo Aerobatic Demos in the T-33 Shooting Star, Jerry Conley in the DH-115 Vampire Jet, plus many more awe-inducing aerobatic performances, according to GWTIDA. Guests can also witness incredible appearances by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the U.S. Coast Guard. Event organizers said the airshow is expected to boost the local economy and extend the Wildwoods' tourism season from the summer into the fall, according to GWTIDA. While the event lineup is subject to change, here is the current timeline for the 2025 Thunder Over the Waves Airshow per GWTIDA: But the Thunder Over the Waves Airshow isn't the only summertime event making headlines this week. Recently, Visit Atlantic City announced the city's airshow is back on after officials said last year the event was canceled. "We are reimagining this event and incorporating a festival concept. It's different than the larger airshow we put on in 2023," said Karina Anthony, the executive director of marketing for Visit Atlantic City. Visit Atlantic City will fund their new show, which will now be called the Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival. Visit AC will partner with Herb Gillen Airshows for the big event.
