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South Jersey Shore Favorites for Sun, Sand & Chill

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The South Jersey Shore is one of my happy places, and this list is filled with the things I always bring along to make the day better. Sun, sand, and a little extra comfort—these favorites are my secret to truly enjoying shore time.
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Restaurants

One of the best parts of shore life is the food. These are our favorite local restaurants near the shore house—the places we keep going back to for great meals, fresh flavors, and a little taste of vacation every time.

 
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The food is amazing. I didn't know I could love a salad so much. Be prepared to take leftovers home.
Carini Restaurant | Best in Wildwood, NJ
 
Colleen Benas profile picture
The food is excellent. Service is on point. The wedge salad is one of my favorites.
The Crab Trap
 
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I love supporting our local pizza place because it never disappoints. Their cheesesteaks are some of the best I’ve had, and the buffalo chicken salad has become my guilty pleasure—it’s fresh, hearty, and always hits the spot.
Walt's Original Primo Pizza
 
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The Custard Hut is our go-to local ice cream spot. Everything is good, but the homemade blueberry ice is on point—refreshing, sweet, and perfect for a summer day.
Custard Hut | Somers Point NJ
 
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We’ll happily drive a few towns over for Jersey Cow Ice Cream—it’s that good.  Creamy, flavorful, and totally worth the gas money. It’s become one of those spots we can’t resist.
Jersey Cow Ice Cream
 
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Carluccio’s Coal Fired Pizza never disappoints. The salads? Delicious every time. The pizzas? Unique and seriously crave-worthy. It’s one of those places that makes you think, “Why don’t we eat here more often?”
Carluccio's Coal Fired Pizza - Restaurant in Northfield, NJ
 
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Hooked on Breakfast is one of our favorite breakfast and lunch spots in Ocean City. The pancakes are fluffy and delicious, the yogurt parfait is fresh and satisfying, and the hot chocolate alone is worth the trip.
Hooked on Breakfast
 
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We love CJ’s Café because there’s truly something for everyone. If I want sweet, the cronut French toast is unforgettable. If I want hearty, the Belly Buster sandwich never disappoints. And when I’m in the mood for something lighter, their Cobb salad...
C J's Corner
 
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A trip to Ocean City isn’t complete without Kohr Bros Ice Cream. Their peanut butter chocolate swirl soft serve is my absolute favorite—rich, smooth, and the perfect mix of sweet and salty. It’s pure nostalgia in a cone.
Kohr Bros Frozen Custard
 
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I’m not a coffee drinker, but even I can appreciate how good their coffee lineup looks. What I do love is their chai tea—it’s on point—and their chicken salad, which was fresh, flavorful, and definitely worth coming back for.
Jon & Patty's Ocean City NJ
 
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Whenever I’m craving comfort food, I head to Varsity Inn for their tomato soup and grilled cheese. Every bite of soup brings that cozy goodness, and the sandwich is gooey, crisp, and just right. It’s my go-to when I want something simple but unforget...
Varsity Inn
 
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Bennie’s Bread is one of those neighborhood gems you want within walking distance. Their wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, famous tomato pie, and fresh-baked rolls are always on point. Plus, their sandwich and breakfast menus give you plenty of solid opti...
Bennie’s Bread

Down the Shore: Our Favorite Points

“Going down the shore” is more than a trip—it’s a tradition. These are the shore points we love to explore, from Ocean City to Cape May (oh, and Atlantic City for a little gambling and nightlife), each with its own must-see, must-eat, and must-relax ...

 
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The Cape May Zoo is one of those rare gems that’s free, easy to visit, and full of charm. With over 550 animals across 250+ species, plenty of shaded walkways, and clean, well-maintained grounds, it’s a perfect spot to escape the sun for an hour.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
 
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Storybook Land in Egg Harbor feels like stepping into a fairytale—one I remember visiting as a kid, and it’s just as magical now. The rides, storybook displays, and free parking make it family friendly, plus during the holidays it transforms into Chr...
Storybook Land
 
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Lucy the Elephant is a six-story, 140-year-old Shore landmark in Margate. You can tour inside, climb up through her leg, and take in ocean views from her back.
Lucy The Elephant
 
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Smithville is one of those spots that’s both nostalgic and still full of surprises. The shops are cute, the food is solid, the scenery peaceful—but there’s enough going on (train rides, paddleboats, events) that it never feels boring. Perfect day-tri...
Historic Smithville