Chic Summer Getaway: Jersey Shore

Let’s face it. As young women, whether we're college students or new strugglers in the professional world, the majority of us are broke. As the warmer days roll around with their lazy golden sunlight and comfortable clothing, we all crave a vacation. At this stage in life, fancy vacations abroad seem to provide nothing but headaches over prices, intensely precise travel plans, and the over-tight security at airports. Why not skip the headaches of planes and plans and take a few days at the New Jersey Shore?

Despite its mediocre reputation and nickname of “the dirty jersey,” the beaches of New Jersey actually contain some very beautiful spots ideal for relaxation on the beach or a wild party, depending on what the vacationer seeks. The Jersey Shore is a very logical choice for a quick vacation for young people that involves minimal planning and low prices. Each shore point has a different feel to it, which caters to different crowds.

Those who seek a quieter, more natural experience can head all the way south on the Garden State Parkway to Cape May, New Jersey. The southernmost tip, Cape May Point, is a woodsy, natural area famous for its bird-watching. Cape May Point has many wildlife preserves, a beautiful lighthouse, and is in close proximity to the quaint town and shopping area of Cape May. Miniature golf courses and mid price-range restaurants, such as the Lobster House and Cabana’s Karaoke Bar adorn the town, but don’t expect anything too fancy. The emphasis of Cape May is put on its small shopping area and excellent wildlife.

A bit north of Cape May is Wildwood. A foil to Cape May, Wildwood boasts a large boardwalk with several amusement parks and large-scale roller coasters. Bars and restaurants adorn the streets in close proximity to the boardwalk. As its name suggests, Wildwood attracts a younger, wilder crowd seeking a diverse bar scene. Travelers to Wildwood should not expect a great deal of class or cleanliness, but are guaranteed a few nights they will never forget.

North of Wildwood, the best shopping on the parkway is arguably found in Stone Harbor, about ten miles north of Cape May. An abundance of quaint streets of shops make Stone Harbor, also called Seven Mile Beach, famous, but don’t forget your wallet! Many fancy boutiques here are not cheap, however there are a large range of stores, some less pricey than others. Stone Harbor also contains decent beaches, larger housing, and fine dining.

Avalon, New Jersey is the next stop north on the Garden State Parkway. With its luxurious beach mansions, immaculate beaches, and fine dining, Avalon attracts an older, wealthier crowd. Restaurants such as Café Loren, the Concord Café, The Mirage, and Rock ‘N Chair guarantee an excellent dining experience. Avalon is also home to The Princeton Inn, a famous bar which has survived for decades and evolved to each new generation. Its crowds are thinner than Wildwood, Ocean City, and Atlantic City, which improve the beach experience. Avalon can provide relaxation or a party, but is a pricier option than the rest of the shore points.

Sea Isle City, which is just a few miles north, is a bit cheaper and a bit younger than Avalon. It has clean beaches and housing options in every price range, including several hotels, some high rise. Sea Isle City is a logical choice for young people over twenty-one, because it has reasonable prices and a lively bar scene. Ocean Drive, nicknamed “The O.D.” is a bar which attracts young people from all shore points with its young music and cheap drink specials. Sea Isle, like Avalon, is a good choice for either relaxation or wild nights.

Ocean City is the island directly over the bridge from Sea Isle. As long as locals can remember, Ocean City has been a dry town rich in tradition. From its large housing on the south end to its lively downtown area, Ocean City caters to a wide variety of income levels. Its famous boardwalk full of miniature golf courses, Johnson’s Popcorn, Mack and Manco Pizza, and amusement parks attracts a mostly teenage crowd.

The dining in Ocean City is mostly quick and casual, but nicer meals can be found on Asbury Avenue, a small but original shopping area located towards the north of the island. Casa Del Dolce, a restaurant, deli, and pastry shop, has been on the island for decades. Its authentic Italian entrees, delectable pastries, and friendly service make it a popular dining choice of Ocean City. The local laws prohibit bars or B.Y.O.B. restaurants, but vacationers who wish to relax with their friends are guaranteed to have a good time. Those over twenty-one who wish to drink can have their alcohol delivered by the Circle Liquor Store, which lies directly across the Ninth Street Bridge.

North of Ocean City are the towns of Ventnor and Margate. These towns are similar to Sea Isle City and to each other, with different price ranges and several bars. To the north of Margate is Atlantic City, the Las Vegas of the east coast. Atlantic City is home to many casinos, including the Borgata, the Trump Marina, Caesar’s, the Tropicana, and others. This town is unquestionably the biggest party destination in New Jersey. The casinos have a variety of shows and concerts which attract different crowds each night. Its huge variety caters to the needs of every price range. The emphasis of Atlantic City is its nightlife, which is fabulous; however it is not the best choice for a laid-back beach vacation. Vacationers who wish for a more natural destination should avoid Atlantic City.

All shore points have their own feel and emphasis which make the area a diverse vacation option. Each town is easy to access from the others. It is reasonably easy to spend the day in the natural beaches of Cape May Point, head to Avalon for a fancy dinner, and then up to Atlantic City for a night of dancing, drinks, and gambling. When planning your next get away, consider the Jersey Shore, where everyone can find what they want for the price they are willing to pay for it.

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