NJ Beaches? Avalon, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle

[talulabelle]

We are planning summer vacation late this year and I think I would like to try a beach in NJ. We have always stayed in the Outer Banks of NC or in Bethaney Del. or OC MD. NJ beaches would be close and a new adventure for us. One day I 'd like to try Hilton Head, but that is a bit far of a drive for us now with a little one.

Does anyone have any tips, suggestions, realty companies, or any other infor that would help me? I know it is late in the game, but I'm hoping I can find a place that hasn't been rented yet for a discount sinc it is last minute. Which NJ beach do you prefer?

 

[eliza61]

We are planning summer vacation late this year and I think I would like to try a beach in NJ. We have always stayed in the Outer Banks of NC or in Bethaney Del. or OC MD. NJ beaches would be close and a new adventure for us. One day I 'd like to try Hilton Head, but that is a bit far of a drive for us now with a little one.

Does anyone have any tips, suggestions, realty companies, or any other infor that would help me? I know it is late in the game, but I'm hoping I can find a place that hasn't been rented yet for a discount sinc it is last minute. Which NJ beach do you prefer?

Not much luck on getting a discount. Jersey Beaches are doing fairly well this year and this is their busy season. I went to Cape May and Ocean city last week and every thing was booked. Now I didn't want to go for the entire week which makes it a little harder because lots of places do weekly rentals.

Remeber also that on Jersey Beaches you have to purchase beach tags for every one I hate that but I think Wildwood is the only beach that's free. They are usually $5.00 bucks per person for the day and you can get weekly or monthly tags.

We stay at the Beachcomber Resort in Avalon and love it.

http://www.avalon-beachcomber.com/

 

[dreamalittledream]

I really depends what you are looking for. Each town is different. I have visited them all and each has a different feel. We have stayed in Sea Isle for over 10 years through all phases of life, younger and party time, to vacationing with many children in the house.
There is a family friendly feel and a seperate part that have the bar crowds at night. We still try to get out to the bars one night a trip if possible.

There is no boardwalk but they have a black top promenade that runs along the ocean for about 30 blocks and has shopping, arcades, food and alot of nightly family activities, movies under the stars, concerts etc. The 4th of July fireworks are wonderful!.

They just added small scale amusements near the bridge last season. there is a wonderful newer playground at 60th st. with a skate park, tennins courts etc.
There is a real grocery store right on the island, which is handy. MANY icecream shops and take out places. Oogies is the best. Bike rentals, Mini Golf, beach combing , we never lack of things to do.

The beaches are a good size, not to big that you have to walk forever to the water like Wildwood can be at points. very clean and well patrolled.

PM me if you are looking for a week rental, I know of at least 2 houses that rent and can get you info if the week is still open. Otherwise there are a few Hotels that are nice too.

 

[eliza61]

The beaches are a good size, not to big that you have to walk forever to the water like Wildwood can be at points. very clean and well patrolled.PM me if you are looking for a week rental, I know of at least 2 houses that rent and can get you info if the week is still open. Otherwise there are a few Hotels that are nice too.

Walking to the water at wildwood can feel like the Battan death march.

 

[jagafen]

FWIW, we like avalon, but go to Wildwood for the boardwalk festivities.

 

[jx3smom]

Ocean City is "the worlds greatest family resort". Check out various websites and you can get a ton of info. Not much discounted though but there maybe something. OC has a really nice boardwalk with 2 amusement piers, 1 water park and lots of mini golf. The town is a "dry" town and us locals love it! There is no public drinking. You can do it in the privacy of your home (porch yard,etc but no byob). It is fairly quiet and I have lived here my whole life. We are 1 island south of Atlantic City.

 

[dgthree]

We used to go to Avalon for a week every summer to celebrate my mom's birthday on July 2nd. We always stayed at the Golden Inn, and were happy with it.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. =)

 

[Arkansan]

Oh, I miss the Jersey Shore! We went every summer when we lived in PA. Now we're too far away! It's been two summers since we've been.

Anyway, we always stayed in Stone Harbor. Such a cute, family friendly town. There is a beautiful big park and there was usually a huge craft fair in early Aug. We stayed in a hotel, because our kids were little and they preferred the pool for the first few years we went. Now they're older and love the ocean! (Good thing, too, because our favorite place went condo the last year we were there and we had to move across the street.) Most hotels will give you free beach tags with a deposit. We always returned the tags and got our deposit back so they were free. The shops are cute there, too. Also the zoo--almost forgot about that. Cape May County zoo is right there at Stone Harbor (off the highway). It was a really nice zoo--they had giraffes and zebras roaming on the grass like AK.

Make sure to go to Uncle Bill's for pancakes! (several locations in Stone Harbor, Avalon, and OC) Also Springers for homemade ice cream--about 50 flavors. And for pizza, Mac and Manco's on the OC boardwalk is the best!

Have a fun trip! (and some chocolate ice cream with marshmellos from Springer's for me!)

 

[kimbac3]

Walking to the water at wildwood can feel like the Battan death march.

That is so true!!! I have lived in Cape May county all my life. Know Alvalon, Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood all those places well. In fact I remember as a child the ocean coming under the piers on the Wildwood boardwalk!! My kids can't even fathom that now!!

I live one county up now and avoid my hometown like the plague in the summer!! LOL! I'm just so over it!

Personally, I like Cape May and Stone Harbor the best. Then Ocean City. Avalon is kind of boring. Wildwood is fun but crazy - not much relaxing going on.

 

[It's A Small World]

Long Beach Island. Very family oriented. Spent all my summer's their as a child, worked summer's, and now spend the summer with my family there. Love it!

 

[bnhasak]

We love Stone Harbor/Avalon and when we don't go a whole week we LOVE the Beachcomber.

Renting a house from a realtor or vrbo is the way to go if staying a week plus.

Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[ilovepooh]

I know many listings for house/condo rentals include beach tags for your length of stay. I don't think the motels do though.

 

[momejay]

Another family oriented spot is Point Pleasant, NJ. There's fireworks, movies for kids, dance parties, boardwalk games, showers, changing rooms & of course the beach. Look at Jenkinsons online for more info.

 

[Benducci]

Love, love, love the Avalon/Stone Harbor area! We have stayed at the Beachcomber, Gold Inn, and a bunch of other places- we also try the house rentals or townhouse rentals. Might have to walk a little further to the beach but not bad either. Just google Avalon beach rental & all the agencies pop up. What time are you looking to go? Lat August & early September are cheaper