The Jersey Shore is a natural wonder, but often times the northern beaches get all of the attention. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the most beloved southern shore towns and the barrier islands of New Jersey.
This fun-filled weekend trip showcases the best of the southern shore – so, what are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Google Maps To get started, check out our New Jersey Shore Road Trip Map.
Day 1: Island Beach State Park and Long Beach Island
Flickr / Nesster Island Beach State Park, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734, USA
Start off with a peaceful morning driving through Island Beach State Park.
Flickr / Ellen & Tony You’re likely to see plenty of wildlife, from shorebirds to foxes!
If you want to wake yourself up a bit, hike through the park’s trails, around the dunes, and to the ocean itself.
Flickr / Garden State Hiker
For breakfast, we’re heading to the Chegg on LBI.
Facebook / Chicken or the Egg The Chicken or the Egg, 207 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, USA
They’ve got the best breakfast at the beach! Try the cinnamon roll french toast, if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
Facebook / Chicken or the Egg
The rest of your day on LBI is up to you! You could easily spend hours on the beaches…
Flickr / sk
…shop ’til you drop up and down the island…
Facebook / LBI Book Swap
… or spend all day playing games and enjoying carnival rides at Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Google Local / Fantasy Island
One thing is certain, though, you’ve got to go see Ol’ Barney, The Barnegat Lighthouse is located on the far northern tip of the island.
Flickr / D. Fletcher Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006, USA
It will likely be dinner time when you make it back to the car, so head right across the street and dine at Kubels.
Tripadvisor / BizzieBee83
Eat locally caught seafood here - Kubel’s clam chowder is top notch, and the local Barnegat Light scallops are fantastic.
Tripadvisor / management
Day 2: Ocean City and Sea Isle City
Flickr / LabyrithX
It’s always hard to leave LBI, but you’ll be spending the night in Ocean City, so get back in the car and get heading south!
Facebook / Flanders Hotel
While there are lots of boutique hotels and rentals in OC, we love the Flanders Hotel in particular.
Tripadvisor / JeanetteP86 It’s a bit haunted… but the ocean view, boardwalk location, and history is hard to beat! Feel free to sleep in, because you’re going to want to have a big appetite by lunchtime.
Your lunch stop on Day 2 is none other than the famous Manco and Manco Pizza.
Facebook / Manco and Manco
Grab a few slices or a whole pie and head to the beach, where you can stuff your face shamelessly.
Facebook / Manco and Manco Stop by a few of the candy shops on the OC Boardwalk, too, before you head down to your final barrier island destination…
… Sea Isle City! Sea Isle is a peaceful town with a quiet, residential vibe… unless you head to a party at the OD! Sea Isle is a quiet, less-crowded retreat than Ocean City, and it makes for a great spot to wrap up your weekend.
Flickr / Simon After spending time on the beach or shopping along the Promenade, it’s time to enjoy one last delicious dinner before heading home.
The best place to catch a sunset and a delicious dinner is Sunset Pier!
Facebook / Sunset Pier
Their outdoor seating offers some of the best waterfront dining in New Jersey…
Facebook / Sunset Pier
… and the food is out-of-this-world good. Plus, you’ll have an unobstructed view of sunset, if you stay long enough!
Facebook / Sunset Pier
New Jersey’s barrier islands are so beautiful and so welcoming - and this two-day weekend trip shows off the best of our most popular beach towns.
Flickr / Jonathan Grado
Seafood, shopping, shore birds, and sunbathing – is there any way to make this beautiful weekend trip any better? We don’t think so!
Google Maps
To get started, check out our New Jersey Shore Road Trip Map.
Flickr / Nesster
Island Beach State Park, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734, USA
Flickr / Ellen & Tony
You’re likely to see plenty of wildlife, from shorebirds to foxes!
Flickr / Garden State Hiker
Facebook / Chicken or the Egg
The Chicken or the Egg, 207 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, USA
Flickr / sk
Facebook / LBI Book Swap
Google Local / Fantasy Island
Flickr / D. Fletcher
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006, USA
Tripadvisor / BizzieBee83
Tripadvisor / management
Flickr / LabyrithX
Facebook / Flanders Hotel
Tripadvisor / JeanetteP86
It’s a bit haunted… but the ocean view, boardwalk location, and history is hard to beat! Feel free to sleep in, because you’re going to want to have a big appetite by lunchtime.
Facebook / Manco and Manco
Stop by a few of the candy shops on the OC Boardwalk, too, before you head down to your final barrier island destination…
Flickr / Simon
After spending time on the beach or shopping along the Promenade, it’s time to enjoy one last delicious dinner before heading home.
Facebook / Sunset Pier
Flickr / Jonathan Grado
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