Sights & Attractions in New Jersey Shore with Atlantic City

New Jersey Shore with Atlantic City Sights

The northern part of New Jersey's shore comprises Monmouth and Ocean counties. There are close to three dozen beaches here, among them the Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area, where you can mix history with your nature walks and sunning. Many of the state's 23 lighthouses are here, including the Sandy Hook Lighthouse.

Farther south are Atlantic and Cape May counties. Atlantic City itself, roughly two-thirds of the way down the coast, has been a gambling mecca since its first casino, Resorts Casino Hotel, opened in May 1978; now there are 13 casino-hotels and more in the planning stages. Although most visitors have traditionally been day-trippers from around the area, Atlantic City developers are broadening their scope, with a world-class convention-center complex, better boardwalk attractions, and a citywide revitalization project.

South of Atlantic City is Ocean City, which has a 2½-mile boardwalk of rides, food, and fun; the Ocean City Music Pier; more than 200 holes of miniature golf; unique shops; and parades and festivals throughout the year. A bit farther south, the shores of Sea Isle City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor offer wide, pristine beaches and wetlands for bird-watching. Wildwood is known for its four amusement piers and wonderful, wide, 3-mile beach.

At the very end of the shore is the classic Victorian town of Cape May, itself a National Historic Landmark featuring 600 restored Victorian homes.

Activities along the shore include saltwater fishing from the pier, bridge, dock, or boat (licenses not required); all kinds of water sports; bird-, whale-, and dolphin-watching; and bicycling or strolling on the ubiquitous wood-plank or concrete boardwalks. Windsurfing is especially good in the calm waters of the open bays.

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