If you are lucky enough to live in an area that is surrounded by the best beaches in the country or are planning a trip to the shore, check out any of these four. You won't be disapointed.
1. Long Beach Island.
As someone who lives in central Jersey, LBI is not only the closest beach but one of the best in regards to actual beach quality. It may not have a boardwalk or fancy rides but that's what makes its beach so great! LBI is just one beautiful strip of beach where you can get away to relax without the chaos that most Jersey beaches possess. It's a great spot for family vacations and getaways for students of all ages. One of the most notorious hot spots on this beach is the restaurant Chicken or the Egg which almost all New Jersians look forward to each summer. Near the north end of the island you can also fine Barnegat lighthouse which is a must see for adventure and history enthusiasts alike!
2. Atlantic City.
When people hear "Jersey Shore" this is exactly what they're talking about. Atlantic City is the hub of all south Jersey beaches and definitely the most popular. Atlantic City offers not just a board walk and beach, but casinos and restaurants which makes for a good time for older students. It's guaranteed that everyone knows at least one person or has personally been to AC to celebrate their 21st, and it makes sense why. With the casinos, clubs and restaurants, this combination is the perfect way to celebrate losing your v-card (aka the vertical license which now becomes horizontal, woot woot!). Atlantic City is a great scene for those looking to have a good time and go out, but you might want to leave the kids at home if you're planning to get loose.
3. Wildwood.
Probably the stomping ground for most kids that grew up in Jersey, Wildwood is always a great time for high school and college students. Known for the vast amount of attractions, Wildwood is notorious for its boardwalk and night life. Morey's Pier is just one of the many must see spots when planning a trip to this beach offering pretty much every beloved carnival ride we love - yup including roller coasters. On the off chance that you're the person who would rather turn in their shoes for some flippers then fear not because they also have a water park too. It might seem redundant since the beach is right there, but on summer days that get too crowded and chaotic, a dip in the pool is the second best thing.
4. Ocean City.
Similar to Atlantic City, Ocean City also has an eclectic night life just without the casino scene. It's like the perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment, the well aged blend of wine that is the Jersey Shore. It offers not only a luxurious beach, but amusement parks and fine restaurants as well. It's not a surprise that Ocean City is praised for its boardwalk which offers not one but TWO amusement parks. Gillian's Wonderland is quaint spot for the younger generation, yet Playland's Castaway Cove is the hub of the beach offering various rides and thrills for all ages. Ocean City also offers an exceptional variety of food with its many restaurants located by the shore. Beloved by many for its authenticity, Liquid Assets is one of the most popular restaurants to enjoy good cuisine and fine wine.
Although there are many other shores that Jersey has to offer, these are just a few personal favorites in the South Jersey Area that I have been to. Despite whether they are featured or not one thing is absolute: the Jersey shores are not like any beach in the country. We may not all pump our fists here, but we love our shores and wouldn't want to visit anywhere else in the summer.
