Instant Alert: 6 New Jersey beach towns that are nothing like 'Jersey Shore'

Posted On // Leave a Comment

Your Message Subject or Title

  MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE
 
 
 
 
 

6 New Jersey beach towns that are nothing like 'Jersey Shore'

by Rachel Khona on Jul 28, 2016, 12:40 PM

cape may jersey shoreUnless you've lived in a Tibetan monastery for the past decade, you're probably aware of the overly tan reality show stars who've given the Jersey Shore a bad name.

Yes, some shore spots are more popular among the GTL set, but plenty of other towns are laid-back, idyllic, and the very epitome of small-town Americana.

In no particular order, here are six Jersey Shore towns that feel a lot less … shore-y. Don't worry, there will still be plenty of Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi no matter where you go.

SEE ALSO: 25 of the most luxurious homes you can stay at around the world

DON'T MISS: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on facebook!

Beach Haven

Further away and less accessible than most beaches, boardwalk-less Beach Haven is truly a local's beach. It's part of an 18-mile-long barrier island known as Long Beach Island, which is home to six municipalities (including 17 neighborhoods) that are far more Norman Rockwell than Snooki and JWoww. The largely affluent Beach Haven is made up of a mix of local homeowners and others from the tri-state area with second homes. Here, days are spent riding bikes down tree-lined streets, grabbing lemonade at a 10-year-old's stand, eating fresh seafood at Black Whale, and capping it all off with a drink at local dive bar fave Hudson House. If you find yourself missing the boardwalk, fear not. You can easily head over to Fantasy Island Amusement Park to get your share of arcades and rides.



Manasquan

Quiet, clean, and relaxing, Manasquan couldn't be more picturesque if a Bob Ross painting vomited on the town. The boardwalk is largely non-commercial and amusement park-free, which means next to no tourists and no lines when you try to order a slice at the only beachside pizzeria, Gee Gee's. Watch stand-up paddleboarders make their way through Stockton Lake and Watson Creek; bike ride past old Victorian homes; and, if you're a surfer, take on the waves at Manasquan Inlet. The inlet is known for being one of the best places to surf on the East Coast, attracting hardcore locals, newbies, and even some pros. Bars, like the lively yet laid-back Leggets, just one block from the beach, and the more upscale, gastropub-like The Irish Rail, keep thirsty (and hungry) beach-goers entertained until the wee hours of the morning.



Cape May

We named Cape May the Jersey Shore's No. 1 town for a reason. Sweeping Victorian mansions and unspoiled beaches make this historic town ideal for a romantic getaway or a relaxing weekend trip with friends. The Cape May Lighthouse offers gorgeous panoramic views of the area; nature lovers can visit the bird observatory or go whale-watching; and adventurous types can go parasailing or jet boating. It's also home to an annual Strawberry Festival, with vendors selling just about anything strawberry-related, including pottery, T-shirts, stained glass, smoothies, crepes, and strawberry beer. If you’re looking for something a little more lively, pedestrian-only Washington Street Mall, lined with charming boutiques and restaurants, is a nice alternative to the boardwalk.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider


 
Share the latest business news with your network:

Facebook Share Twitter Share Email Share
Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe

Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy

Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
Sailthru

0 comments:

Post a Comment