9 Best Places to Shop in New Jersey Shore, New Jersey

A large, friendly place, the Centre sells Irish imports—sweaters, capes, pottery, and collectibles. Numerous special events here let you meet Irish artists, painters, print-makers, and potters.

Stand just outside the candy kitchen in this small shop, smell the ambrosia, listen to the candy makers' chatter, and then order the succulent fresh creams (such as dark chocolate filled with orange or peanut butter), chocolate-coated fruit, and finely molded candy.

This very small women's boutique is noteworthy in that it's one of the few outlets anywhere to carry Ladybeads jewelry, which is fashioned out of antique Venetian crystal. In past summers, the boutique's flirty and sophisticated clothing has been modeled at weekend fashion shows in the restaurant at the Breakers.

Located on the casino floor of Ocean Casino Resort, you'll find just about everything you'll need for a Vegas stay including a Starbucks, Bottled wines and spirits, Flying Point Surf Shop, and the Core shops that have everything from souvenirs to sundries. There are even a few splurge-worthy shops if you score big at a slot machine or craps table. 

Six square blocks of stores connected by brick pathways and found behind the Wild West and Caesar's casinos. Nearly every clothing chain you might find in malls and factory outlets has an outpost here, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and Coach.

The shop makes offbeat, playful candy creations, as well as traditional sweets. Plus it sells small children's toys. Try the crisp and nutty chocolate turtles, which, unlike others, won't hold your teeth for ransom.

Take a bit of summer with you from this shop that specializes in wicker and rattan chairs, colorful linens, upholstered and painted wood furniture, glasswork, woven area rugs, outdoor pillows, and shell art. Their items can be found in many of the beach houses in town, but can work just as well in mountain cottages, back porches, and sun-drenched apartment corners.

Positioned in the heart of Cape May's historic district, this outdoor pedestrian mall's stores and restaurants occupy old town buildings. More than 80 vendors hawk clothing, souvenirs, gifts, toys, beachwear, ice cream, candy, coffee, and just about anything you would come to expect in a vacation town. On most summer evenings, free concerts are held at the adjoining Rotary Bandstand, and autumn brings sidewalk sales and art shows.

There are a number of giftshops in Cape May, but everyone's favorite for the last 35 years has been Whale's Tale, located in a small brick building in the. The stock includes beach jewelry, ornaments and glassware from local artisans, handcrafted toys, and books detailing the history, culture, and nature of coastal New Jersey. If you don't find the perfect shell on the beach, you will certainly find it here.