A three-day weekend is the perfect time for an exploratory ride along the Jersey Shore to visit its wonderful beach towns and beaches. Here a just a few of the many attractions along the wa.
Morning: The Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook is the perfect start, exploring the park's Multi-Use Pathway, a beautiful five mile walk. Visit historic Fort Hancock with the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters. Watching the sun rise over the beach is a sight not to be missed by early morning explorers.
Afternoon: For lunch, take a 25 minute drive from from Sandy Hook south to Long Branch, where you’ll find a popular spot for hot dogs, charbroiled hamburgers and loaded cheese fries served from an iconic red windmill building. Then cross the street to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park to spend the afternoon on a beautiful beach with a playground the kids will love.
Evening: After your park visit, head south about 20 minutes to Asbury Park, a lovely drive down the Jersey Shore. Stroll along the Asbury Park Boardwalk and take your pick from fresh oysters and other seafood, excellent Cuban cuisine (our favorite), hoagies and hot dogs, great Italian food, and much more. Art shows and street performers often liven the visit.
Morning: From Asbury Park, a pleasant 30 minute drive to Point Pleasant Beach, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk or watching the sea live at Jenkinson’s Aquarium.
Afternoon: After an hour and a quarter drive to Barnegat, the fresh catch of the day awaits you for lunch. Afterwards, enjoy the view from Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. There are beautiful walking paths, and picnic tables with a great view of the ocean.
Evening: An hour drive brings you to the exciting night life of Atlantic City. The various casinos and other hotels provide first class accomodations, and the chance to "strike it rich" is there for the optimistic.
Morning: The world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk is well worth the visit, with its sky-scraping resorts and other fascinating attractions. The Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum is a great stop, and be sure to sample authentic saltwater taffy.
Afternoon: Thirty minutes south brings you to the wonderful family-friendly resort of Ocean City. There are amuseument parks, excellent restaurants, great beaches, shops, miniature golf (one of which is haunted), summer concerts, and much more. All kids love Ocean City. And it's alcohol-free. If you can pack all that into one afternoon, continue 45 minutes South to Cape May, the southern end of the Jersey Shore.
Evening: Cape May is known for its charming inns and fine dining scene, so pick a spot where you can enjoy a gourmet dinner, then stroll among the city’s Victorian era masterpieces. Spend the night at one of many fine hotels or inns.
You'll have spent a great weekend exploring 130 miles of the Jersey Shore. And you've just touched some of the highlights. There is much, much more for you and your family to see and do in this paradise.
