OT: Need advice on NJ beaches

[fortcampers]

Forgot about the Cape May Zoo----very nice---and last time we were there, it was still free. Cape May is very nice. My aunt and her husband and 3 kids used to live there and they ran a jewelry shop out of their victorian home not far from the beach. Very nice town with lots of beautiful houses. If you go to Cape May, you have to go to the Lobster House for lunch or dinner. My parents go all the time and eat out on the deck---a whole lot cheaper than dining inside for dinner! You can watch the boats come in and unload their catch and get a great meal. Wildwood is too wild for our taste. Back in the 80's and 90's when we were still living there, it was a teen/young adult hang out with drinking and lots of loud and unruly behavior. That's where the kids at my high school went for a good time. OC is a family beach/town. The OC beaches are usually very clean, although once in awhile you get a lot of jellyfish in the water and washing ashore---but not that frequently.

 

[djp0630]

Another vote for Ocean City, NJ. I've gone there all my life and I love the boardwalk, especially now with kids. Plus it's nice to walk and people watch.

 

[mommymeg]

Another vote for OC NJ...

So many things to do both on the boarwalk and in the town...

It is a "dry" town... no bars or stores that sell liquor, which I think helps to keep it more family oriented. If you desire adult beverages, there are stores just over the bridge... The beach is not free, but tags are reasonably priced. I personally prefer to be on the beach in the later afternoon hours when it is not as crowded and it's a little cooler... It does get a little crowded during peak season.

The nice thing about the whole area is that everything is a quick drive away. Cape May, zoo, Wildwood (bigger rides for older kids, but a tougher crowd.) and of course Atlantic City are all less than 30 minutes up or down the Parkway...

We love building memories at the shore every year...O.C is definitally one of our favorite places to spend the summer!

 

[bnhasak]

I'm posting from the edge of Avalon/Stone Harbor, NJ. We are here for a long weekend. It is wonderful and relaxing and very family oriented. The beaches are wide and clean and the people are kind and friendly. I have been coming here since I was a kid. I have tried other beaches (Hilton Head, Ft. Myers, Sanibel, etc...) but nothing compares to the small town feel of Stone Harbor/Avalon.

I hope you have fun no matter where you pick.

I love the beach!

 

[dolfinjuls]

My personal fav is Ocean City! It's where I grew up going, so I might be a bit biased! It's definitely family friendly and has a little bit of everything. Nice beach, some rides and games, cute shops, good restaurants. Cape May is nice but not as good for the little kids IMO.