NJ Beach Weekend for Couple?
 

My husband and I are considering going to the NJ shore for a summer weekend getaway, probably in July.
We've both been to LBI and Seaside a million times. Can anyone tell us anything about Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, and the Wildwoods? Any other recommended place? We are looking for an area that has a lot of fun stuff to do (mini golf, delicious but affordable restaurants, and that isn't crazy or loud, but isn't dead either).
We are hoping to find a decent hotel for around $100 (or less!) Help anyone?
We would really appreciate any and all responses.

I have not been to any of the towns you mentioned, but we did stay in Cape May last year. There are probably at least 100 B&Bs to choose from and they have a large number of top rated restaurants. You might want to check it out.

I recommend Cape May for a beach getaway too. However, I don't know about hotels or B&B's under $100. I was there a few years ago and couldn't find anything less than $100, but I also was looking on rather short notice. Be advised that many of the shore hotels have weekend stay minimums - maybe 3 nights.

I'm not familiar with all these towns, but I do know that Wildwood is like 4 Seasides put together, and is a favorite of French Canadians. If Seaside is your cup of tea, you'll love Wildwood.

we've been to wildwood and ocean city. ocean city is a totally dry town and therefore a great family spot for many. lots of great house or condo rentals, not too many hotels. wildwood is really big, great boardwalk, free beaches, lots of bars and hotels.

Ocean City has everything you want, plus the boardwalk, but it is a dry town. Avalon may be too quiet for you. Stone Harbor might be a good choice---lots of restaurants, etc., but no boardwalk. I find Wildwood to have a tacky amusement park feel to it. Wildwood Crest, on the other hand, is very nice, but pretty quiet.

I second the motion for Stone Harbor. No boardwalk but a nice village with some fun shops (great ice cream at Springers) and mini-golf. Good italian restaurant just down rt 9 in Cape May Courthouse at Ninos.

I go to Sea Isle every year. I love it! The beaches are nice and clean. They have a nice promenade/boardwalk with cute shops. There is also a downtown area with shops as well. There are some nice restaurants, including Carmen's for seafood (on the bay) and Garrity's for steaks and such. The Deauville Inn is very good and is just a short drive down the coast.

There is nightlife in Sea Isle and, because it is all mostly in one spot, you can choose to be part of it or be on the outskirts. If you are looking for a hotel, I'd stay at the Sea Isle Inn, which is about 20 blocks from the downtown area. The Coast hotel is okay, too, but is in the center of the action. (I've stayed there many times and have never had a problem.)

The Springfield Lounge has an outside bar and entertainment during happy hour. It attracts people of all ages and is a good time.

Ocean City is okay, more of a family spot, I think. They have a larger boardwalk and an amusement park. It's much bigger than Sea Isle. Dry, no bars.

Avalon is nice. Seems a little more upscale. I've never stayed there myself, but have been there a few times. If you go, there is a super Mexican restaurant on the main road. Very good!

Skip the Wildwoods unless you are Irish and want to stay in North Wildwood.

Finding a hotel for $100 a night in July will be tough in all towns you mentioned except for maybe Wildwood. Have fun!

The hotels in Ocean City, Sea Isle and Avalon/Stone Harbor are no where near $100, even off season in the dead of winter :) Wildwood would be your best bet for that kind of price but it can be crazy and loud depending on the hotel's location. Cape May would be perfect if a B&B there were in that price range, not sure.

If you don't already have reservations, you are probablyout of luck. But WILDWOOD, we stayed in a Days Inn across from the convention center on the beach. The rooms had a kitchenette, LR BR and separate bedroom, on the 2nd floor is a pool, nice seating area to watch the ocean. Easy walk across the street to the boardwalk and awesome sunrises. Had a great NY style pizza delivered to the room from a menu in the room. We were there off season (early October)room was $55 per night. I enjoyed watching the city vaccuum the beach at sunrise. I will return.

I'm butting it with a question too because we have a reservation in Wildwood Crest this August at Aquabeach. Does anyone know anything about it? (We didn't pick the hotel but it looked ok on the website and in the miniguide here).