Including Jersey Shore, Atlantic City & More
New Jersey, often referred to as the Garden State, is a diverse and vibrant state located on the northeastern coast of the United States. New Jersey boasts over 130 miles of picturesque coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with pristine beaches and lively boardwalks. Explore historic towns like Princeton, home to one of the country’s most prestigious universities and charming colonial-era architecture. Visit Ellis Island and Liberty State Park to learn about New Jersey’s rich immigrant history and enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Discover the natural beauty of New Jersey’s diverse landscapes, from the scenic Delaware Water Gap to the tranquil Pine Barrens and the rolling hills of the Skylands region. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching in state parks and wildlife reserves across the state. Cheer on professional sports teams like the New Jersey Devils (NHL), New York Giants, and New York Jets (NFL), who play at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Attend live sporting events, including minor league baseball games, horse races, and college basketball tournaments.
Major Regions
There is four major regions of New Jersey, all of which both the Family and the DINKs have experienced in some way:
- North New Jersey is the most densely populated region of the state and is part of the New York metropolitan area. It is known for its urban landscape, vibrant culture, and diverse communities.
- Central New Jersey is often debated in terms of its existence, but it’s generally considered to be the area between North and South Jersey.
- Southern New Jersey, comprising Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties, presents a diverse array of activities and attractions to discover.
- The Jersey Shore refers to the coastal region of New Jersey along the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular destination for beachgoers, vacationers, and tourists, offering miles of sandy beaches, boardwalks, amusement parks, and seaside resorts.
The Same
Growing up in Upstate New York, we often spent our summer vacations at the Jersey Shore. While many people think of Atlantic City or The Wildwoods, our family favored Cape May, although we usually ventured to Wildwood for at least one night during our trips.
The Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore, stretching along the Atlantic coast of New Jersey, is celebrated for its iconic boardwalks, sandy beaches, and lively seaside communities. It’s a quintessential summer escape known for its rich history, family-friendly attractions, and vibrant nightlife.
Cape May
Cape May, located at the southern tip of New Jersey, is a charming seaside resort town known for its historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Cape May is famous for its well-preserved collection of Victorian architecture, with over 600 Victorian-era buildings designated as historic landmarks. Enjoy miles of pristine sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Cape May’s beaches are family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months and amenities such as restrooms, showers, and beachfront concessions.
Wildwood
Wildwood, New Jersey, is a vibrant seaside resort town on the Jersey Shore known for its expansive beaches, lively boardwalk, and retro charm. Wildwood boasts some of the widest beaches on the East Coast, offering plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games. The iconic Wildwood Boardwalk stretches for over two miles and is lined with amusement piers, arcades, shops, and eateries. Wildwood is known for its colorful and kitschy Doo Wop architecture, featuring retro motels, diners, and neon signs reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s. For us this beach was fun to visit but a little too busy for the relaxing vacation we were always seeking.
Six Flags in Jackson, NJ
Most people probably don’t think about visiting central N.J. but one of my favorite things to do in New Jersey is there. Six Flags Great Adventure, located in Jackson, New Jersey, specifically the drive through safari is a must when visiting New jersey. The unique drive-through safari experience known as “Six Flags Safari Off Road Adventure“, where you journey through 350 acres of natural habitat, home to over 1,200 animals from six continents. Encounter a wide variety of exotic animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and more, roaming freely in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. Drive your own vehicle or hop aboard a safari-style tour bus for an interactive and educational wildlife experience. We always drove our own. Experience exciting close encounters with some of the safari’s inhabitants as they approach your vehicle, allowing you to feed them or interact with them under the supervision of experienced guides.
Six Flags Great Adventure is home to some of the world’s most exhilarating roller coasters, including Kingda Ka, the tallest and fastest roller coaster on the planet. Enjoy a variety of thrill rides, family rides, and water rides, ranging from high-speed coasters to gentle attractions suitable for all ages. Cool off on hot summer days at Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags Great Adventure’s expansive water park featuring thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and splash zones. Experience live entertainment throughout the park, including musical performances, stunt shows, and character meet-and-greets.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is famous for its casinos, offering a wide range of gaming options including slots, table games, poker rooms, and sports betting. Stroll along the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk, one of the oldest and most famous boardwalks in the United States. Enjoy panoramic ocean views, shop for souvenirs, and indulge in classic boardwalk treats like saltwater taffy, funnel cakes, and frozen custard. Atlantic City offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, including the Steel Pier amusement park with its iconic Ferris wheel and carnival rides. I’ve really only visited the casinos here so not sure how the beach is because it’s hard to see it at night walking from Casino to Casino on the boardwalk.
Local Cuisine
New Jersey’s culinary scene is diverse and influenced by its location between major cities like New York and Philadelphia, as well as its own local traditions.
- Diners: New Jersey is famous for its diners, which serve everything from pancakes and omelets to burgers and Greek specialties like souvlaki. Diners are a part of New Jersey’s culinary culture.
- Atlantic City Salt Water Taffy: A sweet treat originating from Atlantic City, saltwater taffy comes in various flavors and colors, and it’s a popular souvenir from the Jersey Shore.
- Clams and other seafood: New Jersey’s coastal location means it’s rich in seafood, including clams served raw, steamed, or in dishes like clam chowder or linguine with white clam sauce.
- Taylor Ham (Pork Roll) Sandwich: A breakfast staple in New Jersey, Taylor Ham (also known as pork roll) is a processed meat product served on a roll with egg and cheese. It’s often considered a regional delicacy.
- New Jersey Tomato Pie: Similar to pizza but with a unique twist, New Jersey tomato pie features a thin crust topped with cheese and tomato sauce, where the sauce is spread on top of the cheese rather than underneath.
- Boardwalk Food: When visiting the Jersey Shore, don’t miss classic boardwalk foods such as funnel cake (deep-fried dough topped with powdered sugar), saltwater taffy, and sausage sandwiches.
- Italian Hot Dog: A unique New Jersey creation, the Italian hot dog consists of a pizza bread pocket stuffed with fried potatoes, peppers, onions, and sausage or hot dogs. It’s hearty and satisfying.
- Tomato Pie: Different from the New Jersey tomato pie, tomato pie in Trenton is a rectangular, thick-crust pizza topped with a chunky tomato sauce and sprinkled with grated Romano cheese.
The DINKs
North New Jersey
North New Jersey offers a plethora of attractions and activities, ranging from urban adventures to outdoor excursions. And of course, it’s right across the river from NYC.
Montclair
Montclair, New Jersey, is a vibrant suburban town located just 12 miles west of New York City. Known for its diverse community, cultural attractions, and historic charm, Montclair offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban sophistication. For us it was a pass through on a road trip but north but we did stop for some bites to eat and a brewery
- Jimmy Buff’s is renowned for its iconic Italian hot dogs, a beloved regional specialty that has been satisfying hungry customers for decades. The classic Italian hot dog consists of a deep-fried hot dog (or two) served in a round pizza bread or “pizza roll” and topped with fried peppers, onions, and potatoes. The combination of savory meats, crispy vegetables, and soft, chewy bread makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s unlike any other hot dog you’ve ever tasted. The restaurant’s no-frills approach to dining puts the focus squarely on the food, allowing customers to enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal in a laid-back setting.
- Montclair Brewery offers a diverse selection of handcrafted beers, with a rotating lineup of styles to suit every palate. Enjoy a range of brews, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, sours, and seasonal specialties, all brewed on-site using quality ingredients and innovative recipes. During warmer months, enjoy the brewery’s outdoor beer garden, where you can sip on your favorite brews al fresco and soak up the sunshine. We weren’t sure if we could take our dog through the brewery to the beer garden so we just hung out at one of the tables out front.
Southern Region
Camden
Camden, New Jersey, situated across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, is known for its rich industrial history and cultural significance. Once a thriving manufacturing hub, Camden is now home to prominent institutions such as the Adventure Aquarium, offering diverse marine life exhibits, and the Battleship New Jersey, a celebrated naval museum aboard the historic USS New Jersey. The city also hosts the BB&T Pavilion, a popular venue for concerts and events. Despite economic challenges, efforts are underway to revitalize Camden, focusing on its waterfront development and community initiatives. Camden remains an important cultural and historical destination in the Delaware Valley region.
We actually stayed here while visiting Philly and found it to be a great place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia, PA.
The Family
When visiting the Shore as a family, we obviously avoid Atlantic city and found Point Pleasant a more affordable family-friendly area.
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant, New Jersey, offers a charming coastal experience with plenty to see and do. Relax on the sandy shores of Point Pleasant Beach, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and strolling along the boardwalk. Explore Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, a bustling hub of entertainment featuring amusement rides, arcade games, and attractions for all ages. Don’t miss the Jenkinson’s Aquarium, where you can encounter marine life from around the world. Visit Manasquan Inlet, a picturesque spot where the Manasquan River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Watch boats coming and going, take a leisurely walk along the jetty, or try your hand at fishing. Indulge in fresh seafood and classic boardwalk fare at one of Point Pleasant’s many restaurants and eateries. Browse local shops for souvenirs, beachwear, and unique gifts. Enjoy outdoor recreation at Riverfront Park, which offers scenic views of the Manasquan River. Picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails make it a great spot for families and nature lovers.
Summary
In comparing the two takes on New Jersey, it’s clear that both experiences offered unique and enjoyable aspects of the state. Both grew up frequenting Cape May and Wildwood, with their picturesque shorelines and family-friendly attractions, provided cherished summer memories and a relaxed beach atmosphere. The family visit to Point Pleasant added to their coastal adventures, blending beachside charm with boardwalk fun. On the other hand, the DINKs’ exploration of northern New Jersey, centered around Montclair, brought them closer to the cultural richness and vibrant urban life of the area.
Determining who did it better ultimately depends on personal preferences. For those who cherish beach getaways and seaside relaxation, the Family’s exploration of the Jersey Shore might hold more appeal. Conversely, those drawn to urban adventures and diverse cultural offerings may find the DINKs’ northern New Jersey exploration more fulfilling. Both approaches showcased New Jersey’s diverse attractions and local cuisine, ensuring memorable experiences tailored to different interests and preferences.
Leave a Reply