Hi Everyone!

What would be the most interesting part of the NJ Shore to show someone whose never been there?

I want to take my friend somewhere in NJ that has really intersting nature hikes; also we love unusual architecture and small historical/art museums.

Not in to the usual beach-and-boardwalk scene. Definitely not Atlantic City!

Would the PINE BARRENS be a good choice? Is CAPE MAY too touristy?

Thanks for your help!

Best day visit beach on the shore is Island Beach State park. The entire southern 3-4mi of the island is park, so there are no houses, no boardwalk. Weekends the place will fill up before noon and they'll close the entrance. Weekdays never a problem.

There are a few trails in the park, but due to habitat restoration and sensitive dunes, what is open or closed can vary. Maybe someone else has info. The problem with the Pine Barrens is that on a hot & humid summer day it can be oppressive. If you do go hiking, get there as early as you can, and be in a pool or at the beach before noon. There are also canoe outfitters in the Pine Barrens but it's been too long for me to recommend a location/outfitter.

J62: Thanks very much! Maybe I can combine a morning visit to Island with an afternoon visit to one of those towns with the Victorian houses. That way, can get the best of both worlds.

Cheers!

Spring Lake has it all

http://www.springlake.org/

Hi mclaurie! Thanks...you are always so helpful!

How about Smithville to stroll around, and then lunch at the Renault Winery.

Budman,

I shall further investigate Smithville...thanks for the tip!

The Edwin D Forsythe (aka Brigantine) Wildlife Refuge is a large area of marsh, beach and forest just north of Atlantic City. There are hiking trails, and lots of birdwatching.
In the Pine Barrens, Batsto Village is an interesting restored village that you can tour.

Thanks, zootsi!

Ocean Grove (exit 100? off Garden State Parkway) is really cute as well. Nice old houses and it's on the water as well. You could walk from there along the boardwalk and go to Bradley Beach or even walk down to Asbury Park (just to say you checked it out!). I like to imagine what it was really like back when it was "alive."

Weldy,

I had the chance to experience Ocean Grove myself last year. Just jumped on a bus from NYC and went straight there...what an interesting discovery!

Loved the houses with wrap-around terraces. We ate at a great restaurant in Asbury Park -- the name of it escapes me now -- it is very popular though.

My only regret was that the beach area was not a little cleaner and nicer.

Thanks for posting!

If you go to Spring Lake, I remember an awesome little place for ice cream....Susan Murphy's. It was near train tracks and had wonderful, homemade ice cream. It's been years since I was there so not sure if it's still around but it was always packed when I went...

There's good Mexican...Think it's in Asbury--Juanito's. Maybe someone can help me out here

Thanks, One!

I just heard from another traveler who discouraged me from Spring Lake because the only thing there is "staring at rich people's homes."

Everyone has their own take on things, right?

You've had some good suggestions with Island Beach, Batso and Brigantine.

Since you asked about Cape May, you can visit Cape May Point State Park and the NJ Audubon Society there. They have 3 miles of marked trails/boardwalks through the marsh. That section of beach is nice to walk, too, and then you can see the houses in the town.

Is this during the summer? Bird migration time in Cape May and Brigantine is amazing. Also, you mentioned natural areas and interesting spots. Do you definitely want the shore or would you consider other inland spots?

Clousie:

We would definitely consider non-shore areas. My friend has never been to the nicer parts of Jersey, so I wanted to show him something pretty and unique.

I also heard a vote here for Manasquan. Have never been there.

I agree that Cape May would be a great place to bring your friend. The town offers both ocean and (quieter) bay beaches. There are lovely natural areas to hike. Clousie mentioned a couple. Higbee Beach on the bay across the canal from the ferry is another. You could drive up Ocean Ave through Wildwood and look at the funky, nostalgic motels and then over to Rt. 9 above Cape May Courthouse to the Cape May Zoo.

Pretty and unique describes Cape May perfectly.

Cape May is, for good reason, an historical landmark. If you really like architecture, you will enjoy it thoroughly. I don't find it touristy at all; it's managed to stay relatively unaffected by hoardes of visitors. Very tiny and sedate boardwalk.

Rent a bike and bike around town and oogle. One of the best community restoration efforts in the country IMHO. Physick House (estate?) is a good choice for a period interior and exterior architectural tour; Cold Spring Village is a few miles out of town, but provides lots of hands on demos for traditional crafts including (the last I was there) blacksmithing, hearth cooking, etc.

Great birding too as noted above.

B/