The 14 Best Weekend Getaway New Jersey Towns For Summer 2024

Whether you are a New Jersey resident or a seasonal vacationer, we all enjoy visiting the Shore Towns during the summer months. More than just great beaches, every Jersey Shore town has its unique character and activities.

The highlight of the Summer season for many people is to visit New Jersey's Shore Towns.  As you plan ahead for what vacations and weekend getaways you will take this summer, there are a plethora of options for you to visit at the Jersey Shore.

The website US News and World Report gathered information from Travel Experts and User Reviews about the amenities, accessibility, and cleanliness of New Jersey Coastal Communities and their Beaches.  We have compiled a list of the highest-rated Shore Towns for your next weekend getaway for the 2024 Summer Season:

The 14 Best New Jersey Beach Towns for a weekend getaway this summer:

14. Ocean City: Garden Parkway Exits 30, 29, 25
With the nickname "America's Greatest Family Resort", Ocean City features almost eight miles of shoreline, and half of it is paired with one of the oldest Boardwalks in New Jersey.  Featuring two Amusement Parks and a Waterpark, plus numerous miniature golf courses, along with a plethora of seasonal shops and restaurants to visit, Ocean City is a great option to take the family for the weekend.

13. Avalon: Garden Parkway Exit 13
The northern town on the Seven Mile Island, Avalon is one of the few Jersey Shore towns that has free parking.  This unique perk allows visitors to spend more time enjoying the Beach and visiting Local Businesses instead of worrying about parking. From the quaint boardwalk to the seasonal restaurants and shops on Dune Drive, it's no surprise that Avalon is a popular South Jersey Destination.

12. Belmar: Garden Parkway Exit 98
A popular destination for locals and vacationers for over 130 years, Belmar is a year-round Coastal Community with a lot to offer.  Featuring small-town charm, history, and a rebuilt boardwalk in the last decade, Belmar is a great choice for a Weekend getaway to the Jersey Shore whether you go for the beach or activities around town.

11. Brigantine Beach: Garden Parkway Exit 38 to Atlantic City Expressway Exit 0
This family-friendly Beach Community is a great escape from the Casinos and congested environment of Atlantic City.  The prototypical quiet vacation destination Shore Town, Brigantine offers miles of clean beaches along with plenty of local shops and restaurants to check out on your next weekend getaway at the Jersey Shore.

10. Long Beach Island: Garden Parkway Exit 63
An 18-mile barrier island is home to six different shore towns and miles of beach to enjoy.  Long Beach Island has plenty of options for your next Jersey Shore Weekend Getaway.  From the historic town of Ship Bottom to the Barnegat Lighthouse to the popular eateries in Surf City, there is truly something for everyone on Long Beach Island.

9. Lavallette: Garden Parkway Exit 82
This small Jersey Shore town is well-known for its kid-friendly beaches and popular dining establishments, making this a great option for a Weekend Getaway.  Lavalette has been a Summer Destination town for over 120 years and the picturesque views around town may remind you of a Hallmark movie.

8. Sea Isle City: Garden Parkway Exit 17
One weekend in Sea Isle City may not be enough to enjoy everything this South Jersey town has to offer.  Whether you want to walk around Landis Avenue to visit the Downtown Restaurants and Shops or go south of JFK Boulevard to enjoy the quiet beaches off Townsends Inlet, there are plenty of options for your next Jersey Shore weekend getaway when you visit Sea Isle City.

7. Spring Lake: Garden Parkway Exit 98
One of the few non-commercial boardwalks in New Jersey can be found in Spring Lake.  This great weekend getaway town at the Jersey Shore is approximately five miles south of Asbury Park.  This quiet Shore Community offers more than just great beaches, but also a Lake as a centerpiece of the activities this Jersey Shore town has to offer.

6. Sea Bright: Garden Parkway Exit 105
Offering both free public beaches for those looking for a quiet day near the ocean or the busier Municipal Beach with Lifeguards and Locker Rooms, Sea Bright offers the "best of both worlds".  Whether you are taking the family to the beach or looking for an adult-only weekend Getaway, there are plenty of options to enjoy this Summer at the Jersey Shore in Sea Bright.

5. Long Branch: Garden Parkway Exit 105
Once the Vacation Home of US Presidents Ulysses Grant, James Garfield, and Woodrow Wilson, Long Branch has been a popular resort town for over 200 years.  A great blend of history and modern amenities, Long Branch is a great option if you want to plan a busy Weekend Getaway with multiple activities for your next trip to the Jersey Shore.

4. Point Pleasant Beach: Garden Parkway Exits 90 and 91
From Amusement Parks and miniature golf to local eateries and seasonal shops, there are a plethora of reasons why Point Pleasant Beach is a popular summer destination. Despite the many restrictions on what you can bring to the beach, don't let that deter you from spending a sunny day on the sands in Point Pleasant Beach and have fun for a weekend at the Jersey Shore.

3. Manasquan: Garden Parkway Exits 90 and 91 or Exit 98
Whether you are driving from the north or south, travelers from both directions come to Manasquan to enjoy the picturesque beaches.  Visitors to this popular Jersey Shore Community also visit the Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, a dog-friendly park with wildlife observation areas.  Just some of the reasons why this is a great Summer Weekend Getaway destination.

2. Cape May: Garden Parkway Exit 0
The southernmost point of New Jersey is also one of the oldest communities in The Garden State.  Vacationers have been coming to Cape May since the 18th Century and today the South Jersey Shore Town is a great destination for a Weekend Getaway.  One day you can visit the beach or Cape May Point Lighthouse and the next day walk Washington Street to eat and shop at the local stores.  You can never go wrong with a Weekend Getaway in Cape May.

1. Stone Harbor: Garden Parkway Exit 10
Despite not having a Boardwalk or Promenade like most Jersey Shore towns, Stone Harbor still has plenty to offer visitors.  With a movie theater plus numerous shops and restaurants around Downtown 96th Street, Stone Harbor offers great options for beach goers too.  If you enjoy wildlife, there is also the Wetland's Insitute to check out right over the bridge.  Plenty of options for for a Weekend Getaway in Stone Harbor.

Speaking of Summertime in New Jersey, how many of these "sounds" are iconic for the Summer Season at the Jersey Shore?