New Jersey #2
The Jersey Shore Drive
This public beachfront drive stretches 127 miles like a pointing finger along the Atlantic Ocean from the Sandy Hook Peninsula in the north to Cape May at the southern tip. Hop on the Garden State Parkway at Sandy Hook Peninsula and head south down the shore. Sandy Hook Peninsula showcases the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the country, and the Gateway National Recreation Area, which offers a glimpse of the historic New York City skyline. Recreational activities and quintessential seaside amusements will greet you at every turn.
Grab a pole and enjoy some saltwater fishing from the pier, bridge, dock or boat. Water sport enthusiasts will be in heaven, while nature enthusiasts can catch a ride on a charter boat for some bird, whale and dolphin watching. Slip on your walking shoes or grease those bicycle chains for a stroll, or a ride, on the ubiquitous wood-plank or concrete boardwalks. Travel from town to town along beaches and boardwalks while enjoying the overwhelming view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue south on the parkway until you reach Atlantic City and the excitement of the casinos. You can still see some of Atlantic City's famous ocean amusement piers, including the Central Pier and the Garden Pier, which has been converted to an art center and is home to the Atlantic City Historical Museum and Cultural Center. This wonderful trip ends in Cape May, which offers Victorian bed and breakfasts and the Cape May Lewes Ferry. Cape May is also home to another lighthouse, the Cape May Point Lighthouse, and the Cape May Point State Park. Not far from the lighthouse is Sunset Beach, where you can watch the sun set over Delaware Bay. Magnificent! This drive offers something for all walks of life and interests, and will easily fill a day with fun seaside attractions, water sport recreations and beautiful scenery all along the serene Garden State Parkway.
Starting Point:
Sandy Hook, PA
Distance of Drive:
127 miles
Must Eat:
Dock's Oyster House
2405 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: 609-345-0092
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round
Points of Interest on Drive:
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Gateway National Recreation Area
Atlantic City Historical Museum and Cultural Center
Cape May Point Lighthouse
Sunset Beach
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