Each summer, when city folk are sweltering amid New York’s concrete and glass, we turn our gaze south toward the Jersey Shore, which has some of the best beaches in the region. Since many beloved shore attractions were closed last year due to the pandemic, travelers are more eager than ever to see their favorite exits fly into view on the Garden State Parkway. It’s summer, finally, and we’re back at the Seaside Heights NJ, revisiting our favorite mini-golf courses, guzzling milkshakes at our boardwalks of choice, and settling in for an epic tan.
Cape May
Garden State Parkway exit: 0
Why we love it: There’s lots to love about Cape May, all the way at the very tip of the Parkway: A perfect marriage of charm and history, the town’s historic Victorian district, and miles of intricate, candy-colored manses make for prime early-morning-stroll viewing.
What to do: Why stroll past the stunning architecture when you can immerse yourself in the history by booking a tour at the Emlen Physick Estate? The first and second floors of the 18-room mansion, built in 1879, are now open to visitors. Plus, there are several tours available throughout the summer, including an interactive murder mystery as well as magic- and haunted-themed ones. Book the combined tour and trolley experience to get 1.5 hours of Cape May history and architecture.
Asbury Park
Garden State Parkway exit: 102
Why we love it: These past few years have witnessed a true Asbury Park renaissance, starting with its boardwalk stocked with high-end food trucks and stalls like you’d find in Brooklyn or Austin; stays like the sleek new Asbury Ocean Club Hotel; a thriving music scene born of Bruce Springsteen; and dog-friendly beaches with “Yappy hours.”
What to do: Grab blue crab beignets at the beach town’s New Orleans-themed eatery R Bar before heading up to Salvation, the buzzy rooftop bar at the Asbury Hotel, and one of the best late-night scenes in town.
Long Beach Island
Garden State Parkway exit: 63
Why we love it: Long Beach Island (or LBI to the locals) is where Jersey Shore natives go to vacation, bouncing from northern beaches to this slightly more southern barrier island that competes with Cape Cod and the Outer Banks in terms of beloved beach getaways. Though numbers swell in the summer, the beaches are wide and welcoming—and it’s a great place to learn how to surf.
What to do: LBI is big—18 miles long, to be exact—and comprises six different municipalities. For a spot with more action, we like Beach Haven, which has plenty of shopping and dining options to choose from as well as an amusement park. For a quieter lazy week, stay on the north end, which is home to the famous Barnegat Lighthouse. Pro tip: Roll yourself out of bed a little earlier than usual for the fresh-out-of-the-fryer donuts at Marvel’s Bakery.
Lavallette
Garden State Parkway exit: 98
Why we love it: Less than one square mile in size, the small town on Barnegat Peninsula is ideal for beachgoers looking to avoid crowds but want access to some of the busier nearby spots (Seaside Heights is just two miles away). The “boardwalk” is more of a walking path than an attraction, and rentals are the predominant accommodations.
What to do: Although mostly residential and low-key, there is one bustling spot that we love. The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe is a vaudeville-style show where the performers-turned-serves whip up larger-than-life sundaes while singing a tune.
