Sandy Hook is located in the north region of Jersey shore on a thin peninsula. Close to the lower New York Harbor, Sandy Hook has plenty of ocean and bay beaches for water activities such as swimming, surfing, scuba diving, fishing and wind surfing. Visit the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area for nature hikes and wildlife viewing; 300 species of birds can be seen in the park. Another attraction is the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. The lighthouse is located in Atlantic Highlands at the northern end of the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.
The central Jersey shore offers plenty of beach access and water sports activities. Visit Point Pleasant Beach on Ocean Avenue and enter the public access area marked by a small blue sign across the Dunes Motel. Lounge at the sandy beach, then take a walk along the boardwalk. Attractions such as rides, games, miniature golf and dozens of eateries and restaurants lines the boardwalk. If visiting in September, don't miss the annual Festival of the Sea, a street fair and seafood festival on Arnold and Bay avenues with local offerings of crab cakes, lobster, shrimp skewers and seafood paella.
A seaside resort and a major tourism attraction on the Jersey shore, Atlantic City attracts 33 million visitors each year. Aside from the beach, boardwalk and resorts, visitors can indulge in various headline entertainments, gaming casinos, pampering spas and championship golf. Try your luck at casinos like the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort and Harrah's Atlantic City Casino Resort. Entertainers you may see in Harrah's include David Hasselhoff, Ronan Tynan, Boz Scaggs and Nicki Minaj. Sample the saltwater taffy, an Atlantic City original which started back in 1883. Bring the entire family and make a stop at the Historic Steel Pier for amusement rides, games, boardwalk fare food, music entertainment and helicopter rides.
Take a trip to Cape May on the south shore of New Jersey and enjoy attractions like classic jazz festivals and historical sights. Cape May, also referred to as a historic Victorian seaside gem by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, boasts 600 preserved Victorian buildings. Visit the well-preserved 1879 Emlen Physick Estate to admire Victorian architecture and to learn more about Cape May's history. Guests can relax at Sunset Beach or get active along the biking and jogging paths by the water. Beachcombers can search for the coveted polished quarts onshore, also known as Cape May diamonds.
