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Lifestyle
Gray's Guides
Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore, with its 127 miles of charming coastline, is made up of wonderfully quaint communities bursting with personality during the summer months. Explore our recommendations for Cape May, Avalon, Long Beach Island, and more.

Stay

From family-run inns to world-renowned luxury resorts, find a welcoming home away from home.

Congress Hall

Established in 1816, Congress Hall is America's oldest seaside resort. Enjoy tasteful amenities alongside Victorian charm.

Beach Plum Farm Cottages

Located on 62 acres in West Cape May, these charming cottages offer an alternative to the classic Cape May beach vacation.

The Virginia

A 24-room boutique hotel housed in an impeccably restored 1879 landmark building. Situated just one block from the beach.

The Reeds at Shelter Haven

58 distinctively designed guest rooms grace this luxury seaside boutique hotel.

The Hugh

Prefer a bed and breakfast? This Victorian home in Cape May, built in 1883, offers 8 unique rooms and modern luxuries.

The Gables Historic Inn

Offering just 5 guestrooms, The Gables is a wonderful choice for those who prefer to stay on Long Beach Island.

Asbury Ocean Club Hotel

Only a minutes walk from Asbury Park Boardwalk this hotel has a wonderful location. With a beautiful pool with a view, a workout facility and a bar, there is truly nothing you can't do here.

Ocean Club Hotel

Next to the water with a restaurant, bar, and pool, this hotel offers countless amenities. It's a 14 minute walk from Cape May Historic District which makes the hotel accessible.

Eat

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant

Offering a seasonal-driven menu in 5 unique dining rooms, this beachfront restaurant (and inn) is an excellent spot for a memorable night.

Blue Pig Tavern

Enjoy farm-fresh American fare at this cozy restaurant located in Cape May's historic Congress Hall.

The Lobster House

No trip to Cape May is complete without a visit to The Lobster House. This casual harborfront seafood restaurant is family-owned and has been in operation for four generations.

Summer Salt

Located in Avalon, this relatively new farm-to-table restaurant offers four-course plant-and-seafood centered tasting menus that change on a bi-weekly basis.

The Washington Inn

This romantic and elegant restaurant and wine bar is housed in a historic 1840 residence in Cape May.

The Gables Restaurant

An absolutely beautiful restaurant exclusively offering a three-course tasting menu for dinner. Note - reservations are required.

The Kitchen at Beach Plum Farm

Offering an ever-changing menu based on what's fresh in the fields, this is an ideal spot for breakfast or lunch. They also offer a popular dinner series.

Mad Batter

A Cape May staple — we recommend the restaurant's delicious brunch offering.

Black Eyed Susans Cafe

A wonderful beach-casual restaurant and tavern situated on Long Beach Island.

Pearl Street Market

Located on Long Beach Island, in Beach Haven, we recommend stopping here for gourmet sandwiches to enjoy on the beach.

Quahog's Seafood Shack

Stop by "the shack" in Stone Harbor for American coastal cuisine with Argentinean influence.

Kohler's Bakery

Since 1949 Kohler's has been serving the best bread, donuts, pastries, and desserts on the shore.

Captain's Inn

Go and enjoy a meal at this seafood eatery with waterfront views. The delicious food and views make it worth your while!

Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant

This indoor and outdoor seafood eatery with views and high energy is a must for a lunch or dinner.

Drink

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Rusty Nail

Named one of America's Top 10 Beach Bars by Travel & Leisure, this Cape May gathering spot is the perfect place to spend sunny summer days.

Schooner American

A fixture at The Lobster House in Cape May since 1965, this 130 ft sailing vessel serves as a wonderful stop for cocktails and lighter fare.

Cape May Brewing Co.

A microbrewery and taproom offering German-style brews, guided tours, and live music.

The Brown Room

Enjoy classic cocktails in Congress Hall's elegant prohibition-era lounge.

Tucker's Tavern

Open year-round, this nautical-themed spot in Beach Haven offers an ever-changing selection of craft beer, as well as a great selection of bar food.

Bird & Betty's

A throwback to the 60s and 70s, this casual nightclub and eatery is a Long Beach Island favorite.

The Princeton

An Avalon favorite, this dynamic bar serves craft cocktails, a wide selection of food, and live entertainment.

Water Star Grille

Located at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, this upscale bayside restaurant also serves as a fantastic place to enjoy a summer spritz.

The Parker House

A Victorian style beach home offers a porch bar, seafood, and an upstairs club.

What to do

Immerse yourself in local activities — including world-class golf courses, beaches, spas, parks, and more.

Cape May City Beaches

Offering 2.5 miles of pristine coastline, there's a Cape May beach for everyone. Surf at The Cove, play beach volleyball at Steger Beach, or pack a lunch and head to Cape May Point.

Ice Cream

Summer and ice cream are synonymous. Enjoy South Jersey's wide selection of shops. Our favorite is Springer's in Stone Harbor.

Whale & Dolphin Watching

Charter a private tour or hop aboard a sunset dinner cruise to see whales and dolphins. Marine mammal sightings are guaranteed.

Visit Spring Lake

Affectionately known as the "Irish Riviera", this charming beach town offers beautiful Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, a long boardwalk, and wonderfully clean beaches.

Cape May County Park & Zoo

Enjoy free year-round admission to this celebrated 85-acre, 550+ animal zoo.

Visit Avalon

Situated along Seven Mile Beach, Avalon is one of the most popular beach destinations on the Jersey Shore, boasting miles of shoreline perfect for swimming, boating, kayaking, and surfing.

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Walk along this historic and popular boardwalk along the water. Most of the shops are souvenir stands but there are many different restaurants to choose from.

Culture

Discover local art museums, theaters, landmarks, festivals, and more.

Cape May Lighthouse

Climb up the 199 steps for beautiful views of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1859.

Historic Cold Spring Village

Visit this living history village dedicated to life in the first years of American independence.

Beach Plum Farm

Located less than 2 miles from Cape May's downtown, explore this working farm. Shop fresh produce, local products, and gifts — plus grab a bite to eat at the Farm Kitchen.

Cape May Trolley Tour

An easy and comfortable way to explore the history of Cape May. Choose from ghost tours, mansion tours, underground railroad tours, and more.

Spring Lake Theatre

Watch Broadway-quality shows in a beautiful setting. The Spring Lake Theatre was established in 1923.