A vacation at the Jersey Shore is possibly one of the most iconic summer trips you can experience. For generations, families have been coming to the area to enjoy the wide beaches, classic boardwalks, and kitschy, yet must-see, attractions. Consider glamping at Pine Haven Camping Resort and find out what the famous Jersey Shore is all about. We have a few ideas of things to see and do:
Sandcastles: Of course, you want to take the time to build your own but if you want to let someone else do the heavy lifting, consider checking out the various sandcastle competitions held in the area. July 11 is the date for the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival which celebrates its 13th year this year. This event attracts sand sculptors from around the world and visitors can stroll the sand and enjoy the sculptures or even try their hand at building their own! July 17 is the 37th annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest in Belmar. FYI, according to Matt Long, a professional sand sculpture, the sand at Wildwood Crest is the best for building sand sculptures.
Walk the Boardwalks: There are at least 18 boardwalks along the Jersey Shore, with the most famous being, of course, the Atlantic City Boardwalk. With the distinction of being the first boardwalk in the US and the oldest in New Jersey, dating to 1870, this is a must visit. Don’t miss the Steel Pier, a 1000-foot-long amusement park with a variety of rides, including the thrill ride, the Slingshot, which launches riders 225 into the air. Travel + Leisure magazine named the Wildwood Boardwalk on their list of the “20 Best Beach Boardwalks in America” and it was most recently named the #1 Boardwalk in America in a USA Today readers’ poll. Stretching 38 blocks and roughly 2.5 miles long, this boardwalk has thrill rides, eateries, and shops. The best way to see the boardwalk is a ride on the colorful Tramcar, a trackless train that runs the length of the boardwalk. The Tramcar has been delighting riders for 76 years!
Take a “Wildflower Drive”: The 8-mile Wildlife Drive, located in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, is an excellent opportunity for birding and has two observation towers for observing the Refuge’s wildlife and providing views of Atlantic City. The Refuge also has 8 miles of hiking trails and opportunities for biking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. For hours and more details, visit.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe.
Make time for Museums: There are plenty of museums here, so take a break from the beach and make sure to see some of them, including the Doo Wop Experience Museum, a real blast to the past decades of 1950 and 1960; the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, located inside an authentic World War II hangar featuring military exhibits and aircraft displays; and the Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum which depicts the maritime history of the area.
A Day in Cape May: Possibly the most historic of the Jersey Shore towns, Cape May is also considered the oldest seaside resort in the country. Cape May highlights include the Emlen Physick Estate, a Victorian house museum; the Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859, where visitors can climb the 199 steps to the top; and Washington Street Mall, Cape May’s town square dotted with shops and eateries.
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