Jersey Shore

In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazzano believed he discovered the New Jersey coastline, but it was already inhabited by the Native Americans. New Jersey continued to grow over the next couple hundred years while being fought over by the Dutch, Swedes, and English. It was not until the 1900s that the New Jersey shore became prosperous and popular. In 1916, there was a deadly heat wave that hit the New Jersey area. Thousands of people flocked to the shore for a break from the heat. But in July of that year, 4 people were killed and one injured in shark attacks. Although these attacks scared off some tourists, the New Jersey shore was already a favorite among many others. During the Great Depression, the shore became an ideal vacation spot for both the rich and the poor. While the poor usually traveled for day trips, the rich could relax in the shore's most luxurious hotels.

In the late 20th century, the New Jersey shore became a popular destination for families and young adults looking for a great time during spring break for schools and colleges.

Some Northern New Jerseyans and Philadelphians talk about going "down the shore." The locals simply say they're going "to the beach."

The natives tend to be extremely wary of the out-of-towners, or Bennies, who invade their beaches, make too much noise, litter, destroy property, trample dunes, and otherwise damage the natural environment. Bennies can officially be defined as a tourist who visits the Jersey Shore from Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark, or New York. At shore towns in southern NJ (ex: Ocean City, Sea Isle, etc), you may hear the term shoobie to describe aggressive out-of-towners from Pennsylvania and New York (named for their stereotypical habit of bringing lunches from home in shoeboxes).

Guido is another popular term associated with the Jersey Shore. Often used interchangeably with "Benny", a Guido refers specifically to out-of-towners in their 20s who are loud, obnoxious, drink, and are generally considered meat heads (As seen on TV). As oppose to Bennie which can be referred to any out-of-towner from the New York Area. A Guido is a specific kind of benny that locals can not stand. Do not associate with these idiots, locals are trying hard to prove to the rest of the country that they are not like the buffoons the media likes to call them.

But if you are polite and respectful, they will respond. They might even point you in the right direction to have a good time. Don't try to use any beach slang. There is none. Also, the "New Jersey Accent" is mostly found in North New Jersey, most people along the Jersey Shore have a standard American accent and will take offense if you start imitating Tony Soprano.

Most shoregoers will travel by car, usually on the Garden State Parkway (from North Jersey/New York) and the Atlantic City Expressway (from South Jersey). The Garden State Parkway is 173 mi (278 km) long and runs north and south along the state’s eastern seaboard from Cape May north and ultimately connects to the New York State Thruway. The Atlantic City Expressway operates 47 mi (76 km) of roadway and connects the Delaware Valley and Philadelphia metropolitan area with Atlantic City and other South Jersey communities. An alternate route for travelers from the northwest to the southern shore points is to use Route 55, which runs from the Camden/Philadelphia area to the Millville area, not far from Cape May and Wildwood. Travelers from the west can take I-95 to I-195 east to Route 138 toward the shore points.

Parking Street parking at many of the beaches north of Atlantic City is free. South of A.C., and including A.C., the streets close to the beach are metered. There are also lots that charge daily and nightly fees.

The N.J. Transit operates buses to some Jersey Shore destinations from New York, North Jersey and Philadelphia. Some routes are run more frequently or are only available during the summer. Coach buses can also be accessed with Academy Bus Lines, Coach USA, and Suburban Trails Bus Co.

Shore points from Long Branch to Bay Head are accessible by New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line, which runs from Penn Station. The Atlantic City Line also serves the area, offering service from Philadelphia. For more information, see NJ Transit's website . Since a number of stations are small, you will need to arrange for transportation to your destination.

The closest International airports are Atlantic City International ACY ^IATA, Philadelphia International PHL ^IATA, and Newark International EWR ^IATA. Smaller airports for private planes, small corporate jets, forest fire planes, the Civil Air Patrol and emergency services aircraft include RJ Miller Airport, Central Jersey Airport, and Monmouth Executive Airport.

Jersey shore destinations can be reached by boat via the New York Waterway. The Belford Terminal ferry can hold 500 cars and runs to Pier 11, Wall Street. The Seastreak serves Atlantic Highlands, Highlands & Pier 11 Wall Street and East 34th Street, NYC. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry runs between Cape May and Lewes, Delaware. It holds both foot passengers and cars and is a seventy minute trip.

The Farley State Marina is located in Atlantic City, NJ and managed by The Golden Nugget. The Marina provides 640 floating docks and can dock yachts up to 300 ft (91 m) in length. It is located 44 mi (71 km) statute from Cape May and 64 mi (103 km) statute offshore from the Manasquan Inlet. The harbor is well protected with no wakes and little current.

• Allenhurst has a "hometown" feel.
• Asbury Park — A rock destination of the 1970s and 1980s, this seaside town is enjoying a cultural renaissance. This modern day "ghost town" is the home of many abandoned buildings standing from the early 1900s. Also the home of Bruce Springsteen, Asbury has a boardwalk and a fishing pier.
• Avon-by-the-Sea — Avon-by-the-Sea is a four season, New Jersey Victorian beach community surrounded by three different bodies of water. Enjoy a snack bar and fishing on the beach.
• Belmar – Belmar is a draw for young families and singles. This beach has a boardwalk twenty blocks long and snack bars. More than 100,000 seafood lovers gather in Belmar every year at the New Jersey Seafood Festival.
• Bradley Beach – Bradley Beach is one of the best surfing spots in NJ. It features a half-mile boardwalk and such attractions as mini golf.
• Deal — The attraction and charm of Deal lies in its beautiful, well-kept mansions. Beach snacks can be enjoyed at a snack bar there.
• Highlands — The Highlands are river beaches and do not require purchasing beach tags. One can enjoy picnicking and fishing here.
• Keansburg — Keansburg beach is a bay beach and there is no fee to bathe. Keansburg features fishing, a bathhouse, a boardwalk, and amusements and entertainment.
• Loch Arbour — Ranging only two blocks wide and five blocks long, Loch Arbour is a charming residential area with an oceanfront pavilion with a snack bar, outdoor showers and a small commercial area.
• Long Branch — Long Branch was one of the earliest and most glamorous seaside resorts in the country from the 1860s to World War I. Long Branch features a two-mile boardwalk and several attractions along its beaches including Pier Village, a shopping and dining center.
• Manasquan has a hip club scene.
• Monmouth Beach – This beach destination features four different beaches to chose from, with snack bars.
• Ocean grove – Ocean Grove is a tree-lined ocean beach town with some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture north of Cape May. Beaches feature a snack bar and tennis courts.
• Sandy Hook — There is no beach fee in Sandy Hook, but there is a daily parking fee for visitors. Sandy Hook is a National Park that is also home to a military base and lighthouse. The beach features a bathhouse, snack bar, surfing, fishing and bayside wind surfing.
• Sea Bright — 70 min from NYC, it is a popular destination throughout every season. Home to an abundance of bluefish, albacore, weakfish and stripers for those who enjoy fishing. Snack bar available.
• Sea Girt – This beach community features clean ocean beaches, fabulous restaurants, upscale shopping, an old-fashioned boardwalk, and the Victorian Sea Girt Lighthouse, dating back to 1896. Snack bar and a boardwalk.

Visitors have an abundance of activities from bumming on the beach, to testing their extreme sports ability in the “Skateplex” concrete skate park.

• Freehold Raceway
• Monmouth Park Racetrack
• Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids Waterpark
• Pick-Your-Own fruits and vegetables at various farms around the Colts Neck and Freehold areas

• Six Flags Great Adventure
• Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach
• Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River

• Nightlife – Many fine Atlantic City restaurants transform to night clubs after hours. There are also plenty of trendy night clubs, like the 40/40 Club, owned by rapper Jay-Z, the Blue Martini, Casbah Nightclub, The House of Blues, and the brand new Eden Lounge.
• Atlantic City Surf – See the Surf, AC’s baseball team, play May through October at Bernie Robbins Stadium on the Black Horse Pike.
• The Walk – AC features The Walk, an outlet shopping venue with brand outlet stores, great restaurants, and unique entertainment.
• Steel Pier – Boardwalk attraction features amusements and entertainment.
• Central Pier Games & Speedway – home to NASCAR Go-Kart racing and “Shoot the Geek” paintball range.
• Central Pier Arcade – the largest redemption arcade in AC.
• Absecon Lighthouse – With 228 steps, it is the tallest of NJ’s lights.
• Atlantic City Aquarium – aquariums, touch tanks, and interactive exhibits
• Ripley’s Believe it or Not – The amazing, interesting, and just plain weird, right on the AC Boardwalk
• Brigantine Beach- A welcoming and warm family beach town. Just a drive over the bridge by Harrah's across the Absecon Inlet, visitors find comfort in gorgeous nighttime views of Atlantic City without the hustle and bustle of the city. The beaches are clean and the community is friendly. There are wonderful restaurants and hotels throughout the small island of Brigantine.
• Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township

• Bally’s Atlantic City – Boardwalk resort with a health spa, golf course, and two casinos, one being the Wild Wild West casino
• Borgata – an ultra-modern resort with a spectacular casino floor and a wide variety of restaurants.
• Ceasar’s Palace – features a health spa, tennis, a pool, eight restaurants, and is located right on the boardwalk
• Harrah’s – A bay front resort with seven fine restaurants, entertainment, a health spa, and an indoor pool.
• Resorts – ocean front casino/hotel
• Tropicana Casino and Resort – the home of “The Quarter”, this resort features dining, entertainment, and shopping

• Discovery Seashell Museum — A museum located in Ocean City with over 10,00 species of the most finest and rarest sea shells. They also carry an extensive collection of nautical gifts.
• Historic Cold Spring Village — This Village brings to life the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey during the “age of homespun". Visitors can make a personal connection between the past and present through the interactive, educational, and hands-on family activities.

• Wetlands Institute — "The Natural Place to have fun." They promote the conservation and preservation of coastal ecosystems by providing a fun and educational experience for families, school groups and vacationers of all ages.
• Laura's Fudge Shop-Complete your visit to the shore with a pound of Laura's Fudge, Ocean City, NJ.
• Cape May Bird Observatory — They are dedicated to research in bird conservation and education.
• Cape May County Park & Zoo — Has 200 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles totaling nearly 550 animals
• Elaine's Victorian Inn & Dinner Theatre — located to other attractions in Cape May
• Morey's Piers — Three different Amusement Parks along the boardwalk of Wildwood
• Sunset Hydrofest — Hydroplanes and flat bottoms compete on the beautiful bay area of Wildwood Crest.
• Delaware River & Bay Authority — A way of traveling between Delaware and New Jersey
• Original Fudge Kitchen — They make Home-made fudge for centuries now with a variety of 18 different flavors. This is located in many of the boardwalks located in New Jersey.
• Sensia Therapy — A store that specializes in aromatherapy, independent music and arts & crafts.
• Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts — Authorities in charge of events, tours and activities
• NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum- They want to restore Hangar #1 at the Cape May County Airport, Lower Township, New Jersey, into an aircraft museum honoring the 42 Naval airmen who perished while training there during World War II.
• Splash Zone Waterpark — A family-friendly water park with the biggest and intense water rides in the East Coast. It's just steps away from the boardwalk.
• Cape May Jazz Festival — Cape May Jazz Inc, a non-profit organization, develops and implements a jazz event to show great appreciation for this genre of music. It is scheduled annually in the Spring and Fall.
• Cape May County Culture & Heritage — They promote public interest in the arts and history and help create an environment that appreciate arts and history.
• Cape May Beach — A more quieter beach for the residences in the area. It has a promenade filled with food vendors, gift shops, and restaurants.
• Wildwood Beach — A more hip beach with a boardwalk including games, amusement parks, food, and restaurants.