Exploring the South Jersey Shore: Beaches, Adventures, and Family Fun

Making our way to the Jersey coast for a 10-day adventure, our travelling caravan was excited to be near the beach again and reunite with our other traveling friends, the Close Family! However, traveling isn’t all sunshine and sandy toes. Life doesn’t stop when you’re on the road, and our arrival in Jersey proved just that.

Unfortunately, 3 out of 4 of us came down with a nasty cold that turned out to be COVID, grounding us for the first five days of our trip as we quarantined ourselves. Once we recovered, we were ready to dive into all the South Jersey Shore had to offer. With our friends being locals to the area, they had a fantastic list of must-see spots, which made planning easy. Here are some of our highlights:

Brigantine Beach

One peaceful morning, D took the boys to Brigantine Beach while I worked. They practically had the beach to themselves! Although there were signs about requiring an entrance ticket, no one checked, nor did D spot a booth to purchase one. It's worth noting that many Jersey beaches require paid admission, so keep this in mind if you plan to visit. Quiet, sandy, and serene, this beach was the perfect introduction to our South Jersey adventures.

Jenkinson’s Beach Boardwalk and Aquarium

We spent an entire day exploring the lively Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. The kids couldn’t get enough of the amusement park rides, racing from one to the next with beaming smiles. However, after refilling the ride card for the third time—and racking up $70 in 30 minutes—we decided to pump the brakes! Lesson learned: set a budget for rides.

Next, we cooled off in the air-conditioned arcade, where the kids were just as entertained pretending to play games. To wrap up our day, we visited the Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Though small, the aquarium impressed us with its massive tanks filled with sharks, jellyfish, and playful penguins. The highlight? Watching a sea lion feeding session!

Despite the pricey rides, we felt like we had ticked off a quintessential Jersey Shore experience.

The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe

This was one of the most unique and entertaining stops of our trip! The Music Man is an ice cream shoppe where the staff sings and performs Broadway songs, often interacting with the audience. We visited on Disney Day, and the kids loved singing along to familiar tunes. The ice cream was delicious and came in generous portions, with options for everyone, including a dairy-free acai sundae for me. Singing and ice cream? Definitely a win!

Lucy the Elephant

No trip to Jersey would be complete without visiting Lucy the Elephant, a quirky roadside attraction and National Historic Landmark. This six-story elephant was once used as living quarters! We toured the inside and climbed to the observation area (called the howdah) for spectacular views of the Jersey Shore. Fun fact: Lucy is the oldest surviving roadside attraction in America. A must-see for anyone exploring the area!

Insectropolis

Insect lovers (and skeptics alike) will enjoy this bug-themed museum! Insectropolis is home to walls of fascinating insect specimens and interactive exhibits that teach kids the importance of bugs in our ecosystem. The highlight of our visit was the live Touch Show, where the boys got to handle giant cockroaches, millipedes, and even a tarantula. They were hesitant at first but quickly became brave bug enthusiasts!

Cape May: Aviation Museum, Nature Center, and Downtown Charm

Our final stop was Cape May, a charming seaside village full of unique attractions. We began at the Cape May Aviation Museum, where the boys climbed into old planes and helicopters for a hands-on experience. Next, we visited the Cape May Nature Center, a cozy spot with a wraparound balcony for birdwatching and a hands-on table filled with shells, pelts, and fossils. The boys’ favorite part? A play kitchen tucked under the stairs in the gift shop!

For lunch, we headed to the Rusty Nail, a family-friendly spot with a sandy outdoor area perfect for kids to play while the adults relaxed. With construction trucks in tow, the boys spent hours digging and building in the sand. Before heading back, we explored downtown Cape May and treated ourselves to Peace Pies—ice cream sandwiches with layers of pie filling. Delicious!

Final Thoughts

Despite a rocky start to our trip, the South Jersey Shore delivered memorable experiences and unique adventures. From quiet beaches and nostalgic boardwalks to quirky roadside attractions and charming seaside towns, this area has something for everyone. We can’t wait to return for more fun and relaxation—minus the unexpected quarantine next time!