NJ Beach Towns That Are Nothing Like 'Jersey Shore'

Unless you ’ve live in a Tibetan monastery for the past decade , you ’re plausibly aware of the overly tan reality show star who ’ve establish the Jersey Shore a bad name . Yes , some shore spots are more democratic among the GTL set , but plenty of other township are laid - back , idyllic , and the very epitome of small - town Americana . In no special order , here are six Jersey Shore towns that feel a stack less … shoring - y. Do n’t worry , there will still be tidy sum of Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi no matter where you go .

Beach Haven

Further out and less accessible than most beach , boardwalk - less Beach Haven is really a local ’s beach . It ’s part of an 18 - international nautical mile - tenacious roadblock island jazz as Long Beach Island , which is household to six municipalities ( including 17 neighborhoods ) that are far more Norman Rockwell than Snooki and JWoww . The largely moneyed Beach Haven is made up of a mix of local homeowners and others from the tri - state area with second home base . Here , days are spent riding bikes down tree diagram - lined streets , grabbing lemonade at a 10 - twelvemonth - old ’s viewpoint , eating fresh seafood atBlack Whale , and capping it all off with a drink at local dive bar faveHudson House . If you witness yourself miss the boardwalk , revere not . you could easily head over toFantasy Island Amusement Parkto get your share of arcade and rides .

Manasquan

muted , clean , and relaxing , Manasquan could n’t be more picturesque if a Bob Ross house painting vomited on the town . The boardwalk is for the most part non - commercial and amusement park - free , which intend next to no tourists and no lines when you endeavor to range a slicing at the only beachside pizzeria , Gee Gee ’s . Watch stand - up paddleboarders make their style through Stockton Lake and Watson Creek ; cycle ride past honest-to-goodness puritanical home ; and , if you ’re a surfer , take on the wave at Manasquan Inlet . The inlet is know for being one of the best places to breakers on the East Coast , attracting hardcore local anesthetic , newbies , and even somepros . Bars , like the lively yet place - backLeggets , just one block from the beach , and the more upscale , gastropub - likeThe Irish Rail , keep thirsty ( and hungry ) beach - goers think of until the wee hours of the morning .

Cape May

We named Cape May theJersey Shore ’s No . 1 townfor a understanding . Sweeping prim mansions and unspoiled beaches make this historic town saint for a amatory getaway or a restful weekend trip with friends . The Cape May Lighthouse extend gorgeous panoramic views of the country ; nature devotee can chaffer the bird observatory or go whale - watching ; and adventuresome types can goparasailingorjet boat . It ’s also home to an one-year Strawberry Festival , with vendors sell just about anything strawberry - come to , including pottery , T - shirt , stained glass , smoothies , crape , and strawberry beer . If you ’re looking for something a fiddling more live , pedestrian - onlyWashington Street Mall , lined with charming boutiques and eating place , is a overnice alternative to the boardwalk .

Ocean City

NamedCoastal Living ’s Best Beach 2016 ( though it fared a little less well in ourshore town ranking ) , Ocean City is a pop vacation spot for families , with the 2.5 - mile boardwalk filled with the stuff beach - townsfolk dream are made of . Grab some taffy or fudge atShriver ’s ; charter a motorcycle , ride down the boardwalk , and grab a doughnut atBrown ’s Restaurant ; or check out the rides atPlayland ’s Castaway CoveorGillian ’s Wonderland Pier . The only downside ? Ocean City is a wry town – but you could always pick up spirits in nearby Strathmere .

Stone Harbor

Located on Seven Mile Island , Stone Harbor is known for its Cape Cod - esque houses and small - township spell . Hoy ’s 5 & 10 has been the Ithiel Town ’s universal store since 1935 , and sells everything you could possibly need for the beach , from toy dog to hats to sunblock . The beach itself is almost never crowded , and since the township is only four block , you ’re never far from the pee . If you get bored place in the sand all day , you could moderate out local wildlife on a salt marsh safari withSkimmer . If boats are n’t your thing , impose theWetlands Institute , a non-profit-making conservation institute and educational museum teach visitors all about the natural wetlands of New Jersey . crest it off with a max atSpringer ’s Homemade Ice Cream , a Stone Harbor go - to since the 1920s , with playful relish like “ Bumpy Road ” and “ Emotionally Nuts . ”

Spring Lake

With large , formal dwelling house and quieter beaches , Spring Lake is one of the more sophisticated spots on the Jersey Shore . believe less funnel bar and more shrimp cocktail . A exacting no - intellectual nourishment - or - drinkable insurance policy mean no litter , pristine beaches , and less chances for a seagull plan of attack . Go for a sunset stroll and take in the exuberant , wholesale verdure , giant priggish hall you ca n’t afford , and perfectly manicured lawns ( and of course , the lake ) . If you ’re sticking around for the night , account book a stay atThe Breakers , a hotel built in the 1800s , which harkens to a foregone era with wraparound porches and dramatic chandelier . The boardwalk here is completely noncommercial , leaving it wide unfastened for joggers and walkers . In the daylight , you’re able to go fish at the lake , or play golf atSpring Lake Golf Club . descend eve , head out for a fancy dinner atBlack Trumpet , or grab a slicing atJo Jo ’s .

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Cape May New Jersey beaches