Far from New Jersey's freeways and factories lies the often overlooked southern section of the Jersey Shore. You'll find a goldmine of quaint towns, blue-green meadows, back bays, boardwalks and Atlantic Ocean beaches between Atlantic City and Cape May. While banner planes advertise dollar drafts, romantics can build sandcastles by day and adrenaline junkies can gamble at casinos by night. For a cheap weekend getaway to remember, South Jersey towns offer budget-friendly accommodations, activities, eateries and nightlife.
The cheapest lodging options are at the many campgrounds in South Jersey. Ocean View Resort, in the town of the same name, is billed as the state's largest privately owned campground. It has a long list of amenities, including a lake beach with paddle-boat rentals, an Olympic-size pool, two miniature golf courses, two arcades and a stocked fishing pond. Atlantic City and Wildwood have numerous affordable beach-block hotels, such as Days Inn Atlantic City and the Landmark Motel, with seasonal swimming pools and free parking. For the best hotel deals, consider an off-season trip. The Windrift Hotel in Avalon has spring and fall weekend getaway packages. With luxurious accommodations right on the ocean, meal vouchers, seaside dining, five lounges and weekend entertainment, expenses are low and enjoyment is high.
If the best things in life are free, then Wildwood has it covered. Unlike, most of New Jersey's shore towns, you don't have to shell out bucks for beach tags at Wildwood's broad, mile-wide beaches. Visit the free gardens overlooking the ocean at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse while in town, and don't miss the "Concert Under the Stars Series," featuring free live entertainment at the Lou Booth Amphitheater most summer Saturdays. The Cape May County Zoo, with more than 550 animals, picnic areas, playgrounds and nature trails, also is free. Area wineries with free wine tastings make great places to visit when skies are overcast.
South Jersey towns and boardwalks have no shortage of economical eateries -- the boardwalks are lined with them. For people-watching, a taste of nostalgia and some tasty frankfurters, HotDog Tommy's in Cape May is a staple. Grab one of 20 varieties of hot dogs and a cup of coleslaw or baked beans for under $5 as of 2014. Two more restaurants fit the bill as of time of publication. Affordable Italian subs reign supreme at the White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, and the Concord Cafe in Avalon has a bar and reasonably priced sit-down dinners with a menu that features everything from salads and burgers to pizza and pasta.
Productions at the East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May are free for children ages 12 and younger, and, at time of publication, adults can enjoy dinner and a show at cut-rate prices at a number of Cape May restaurants. South Jersey also has a number of long-established nightclubs. As of 2014, Circle Tavern in Avalon has weekend drink specials, and Sea Isle City's Ocean Drive, a dance club known locally as The OD, draws college-age party-goers for its specially priced draft beer. Atlantic City, with its casinos and boardwalk enticements, is another hotbed of cheap entertainment.
