The New Jersey Shore: A Summer Vacation To Please Everyone

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit the New Jersey coast with such destructive force that the cost of the damage it did could hit $50 billion when everything is said and done. The northern coastal town of Mantoloking in Ocean County (See Map) was particularly hard hit, and clean up there still continues eight months after the hurricane. This storm, however, is not the first one to hit the New Jersey coast and cause massive damages. It surely won't be the last. The communities along the Jersey shore from Point Pleasant in the north all the way down to Cape May at the southern tip have been dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes for centuries. Weather records dating back to 1804 show that in October of that year a category 3 hurricane came ashore near Atlantic City. Each time the New Jersey coast has suffered storm damage, it has come back strong. Hurricane Sandy was a monster storm, but as the summer of 2013 begins, most of the towns along the Jersey shore are welcoming tourists from the United States and the rest of the world. These towns have been doing this for many years, and their determination and resilience will allow them to provide visitors with summer fun for many years to come.

Located 129 miles south of New York City and 65 miles southeast of Philadelphia, Ocean City, New Jersey calls itself "America's Greatest Family Resort." Ocean City caters to families with children. The world-famous, seaside boardwalk is filled with thrilling rides, arcades and water parks, and there are a multitude of shops with everything from clothes and jewelry to pizza and homemade fudge. The beach in Ocean City stretches for eight miles, and most of it is protected by lifeguards from the end of June until the beginning of September. If you like to be active on your vacation, Ocean City will not disappoint. There are opportunities for bike riding, tennis, water sports, golfing and fishing. Accommodations are varied and include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, condominiums, apartments and guest houses.

If it's a romantic getaway that you are looking for, then Cape May has just the thing. Located about 33 miles south of Ocean City, Cape May will take you back in time to the Victorian Era. There are almost 600 restored Victorian buildings in Cape May, and the city itself is a National Historic District. It is entertainment to take a walk through the tree-lined streets past the multi-colored structures with intricate woodwork. Besides walking the streets, there are many other things to see and do in Cape May. The city is full of fine restaurants, and the Washington Street Mall has many shops and boutiques that sell some very creative merchandise. There is a pedestrian and bike path that runs along a magnificent beach, and in the evening there are ghost tours that tell the tale of how some of the Victorian houses are haunted. You can also climb to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park or see some exotic birds at the Cape May Bird Observatory.

In the northern part of the New Jersey coast, the town of Point Pleasant Beach stands out as a truly great summer vacation destination. The very famous Jenkinson's Boardwalk sustained heavy damage during Hurricane Sandy, but it has been restored and is ready for the summer of 2013.

Hotels, motels and inns in Point Pleasant Beach range from deluxe oceanfront accommodations to no-frills lodgings for the budget conscious traveler. There is also a wide range of dining options that can appeal to just about any palate. If you like to shop while on vacation, Point Pleasant Beach has many antique shops, gift stores and other types of retail outlets. If you enjoy going out at night after a day on the beach, there are a variety of clubs, bars and pubs that offer good food and a convivial atmosphere.

This hub has been written for the sole purpose of providing information to the reader. It is not intended to replace the reader's own research into the travel destinations that are discussed in the hub. Every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of the statements made herein.