hmvsdog

Cape May is a solid choice, that would have been my recommendation too had I seen this thread earlier! On the way home, stop by Ocean City, NJ too for a mooch around.

I tend to give Atlantic City a wide berth. The wife got red flags when she saw perspex boxes instead of hooks on the back of the toilet doors, so your bags don't get snatched from over the top of the door! Good airshow (Thunder on the Boardwalk) annually though.

Englishmum

Great - I hope you enjoy your trip! Our suite had a fridge freezer and a microwave. It was on the top floor (only 3 or 4 levels) and had a great view of the beach

Obviously at this time of year the open-air pool is closed, as is the Tiki-bar and the restaurant was closed too....not a problem as there are plenty of places to eat within an easy walking distance.

They do offer a continental breakfast but it was very basic, just bagels/toast, yoghurt, coffee and juice etc,

RollingStones

Oooh I understand Ocean City of beautiful. We're in Philly 'burbs too, and I'm keen to go. Alsi, I've been led to believe Avalon is the posh part, but that may be heresay ?!?

NYer

Ocean Grove. Lovely.

Rete

You do realize that this post was started in September 2017. I'm sure your input is appreciated but at the moment unnecessary.

NYer

As is your remark, lol.

Englishmum

What grates with me is that between Memorial Day and Labor Day you have to pay $7 or $8 per person access almost all NJ beaches (exception being at Atlantic City where the casinos are and a pretty seedy area) and at the State beaches you pay per car.

My b-i-l came out from the UK with wife and 3 kids...they were shocked at how expensive it was for a day on the Shore, especially when also having to pay for parking plus the usual ice-creams etc.

The beach they usually go to in England is at West Wittering on the south coast (East Sussex?) and I would say is on a par with any of the beaches on the Jersey Shore....and of course there is no charge to go to beaches in the UK.

Some of the Jersey beaches have strict regulations as they used to be resorts for religious groups eg. Methodists, Baptists and you can’t buy alcohol in the towns. One place we went to (I think it may have been Avon-by-the-Sea or possibly Ocean Grove) won’t allow you to take a picnic cooler box onto the beach...!

NYer

Ocean Grove is actually OWNED by the Methodist Church. We "owned" a condo there - we actually leased it for 99 years. Beautiful town. It is a completely dry town and during the summer Methodists take over the gorgeous tents surrounding the Great Auditorium. It certainly keeps the riff-raff of Belmar out. The Jews of Bradley Beach used to call it "Ocean Grave" (which it absolutely is!) but it is great for families and you can drink in Asbury Park. Keansburg Beach is free with a great old-fashioned boardwalk (although a fire took out the ancient haunted house ride). Also, Sandy Hook is free although there is a parking charge. I believe there are buses that can take you from the Seastreak ferry to Sandy Hook. My memory is that Sea Bright was free but I could be wrong. Before May and after Labor Day, all of the beaches are free.

Rete

Wasn't always like this. We would rent a cottage in Seaside Heights every summer when the kids were young. Never any charge for beach use. As of 5 years ago there was none at Belmar beach either. My niece when to high school at St. Rose of Lima in Belmar. But then it might have all changed since the last hurricane. Was always a treat to head to NJ beaches when I was a teenager. Then I found Jones Beach on Long Island and much prefer that to the NJ shore.

NYer

Seaside Heights was wrecked in Sandy. The damage that storm caused was amazing. We lost power for about a month. Jones Beach is lovely.