If someone could please help. I am looking for a weeks vacation with my 4 yr old and my 80 year old grandparents. I want a good beach, some good restaurants and shopping and less than 45 minutes from AC (my gram loves to gamble.) Never been to NJ shores. Thanks for your info.

Cape May has what you are looking for. It's family friendly with a lot to do, close enough to Atlantic City, nice restaurants and places to stay. Of the whole shore I think it has the most to do while still being charming. Pretty sure it has the best restaurants.

I will second that. Also, Spring Lake has some nice B&B's but its further then 45 minutes from AC. I'd check out Cape May first. Have fun.

Long Beach Island can also be a good spot if you can find a room. Lots of low key entertainment, including children's theater, and about 35 miles from AC. Acommodations range from motels and b&bs to house rentals in all sizes.
Great food at a number of restaurants.

Thank you all for your info. I was hoping to stay further north than Cape May so I would be closer to AC - what about Ocean City, NJ (I was thinking the boardwalk would be nice for grandparents walking) or possibly Stone Harbor? I am looking for a beachfront house centrally located.

My parents used to enjoy both Ocean City and Stone Harbor for the relaxed pace and more sedate atmosphere. I've never visited either.

Ocean City would be great for you. Both Grandparents and you four year old will love it and it's close to Atlantic City.

Not sure what time of year you're looking for but I'm partial to Stone Harbor. Family has owned a house there for more than a decade...it's got a beautiful, peaceful beach, some great playgrounds for the 4 year old, a nice main drag for shopping and the Cape May Court House zoo is just down the street (and free). It's about 35-40 min from AC.

Thanks for the info. I was trying to talk myself into OC since it was so close to AC but I think Stone Harbor is going to have more charm. I appreciate all of your info