Love it or loathe it, social media has become a part of everyone’s life in some capacity. That’s why it’s no surprise that small businesses, restaurants, and venues now consider fun aesthetics and props to entice people to stop by to take a picture. As for the visitors, there’s nothing better than going somewhere for the first time and finding a fun backdrop for a photo. Keep reading for a guide to Instagrammable locations at the Jersey Shore that The Jersey Shore Girl believes were made for social media.

Carousel Building | 104-108 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park

Asbury Park’s Carousel Building is a 5,000-square-foot landmark along the waterfront. It is now part of the Wooden Walls Project, a non-profit initiative in Asbury Park. It originated in 1929 as part of the Casino Building. Here’s why it made our list: Bruce Springsteen performed directly in front of it, filmed music videos with the Carousel Building as the backdrop, and there are plenty of photographs of the beloved singer using the location as the background. If Springsteen thinks it’s important enough to get photographed, JSG agrees it’s a location that belongs on Instagram.

Avon-by-the-Sea Shark River Inlet | Avon-by-the-Sea

The Avon-by-the-Sea Shark River Inlet acts as a border between Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea. It makes the list because visitors can get a unique photo of the beach, with the inlet providing a pretty addition to the ocean photo. The inlet is also a popular fishing spot, and charter boats often pass through, providing additional fun options for pictures.

Read More: 25 Activities For Your Jersey Shore Summer Bucket List 2024

Bar Anticipation | 703 16th Avenue, Lake Como

Bar Anticipation is an indoor and outdoor entertainment facility known for its diverse day and nightlife. Often referred to as Bar A, this hangout spot makes the list because it has plenty of different options for taking pictures with friends for Instagram while out. There are VIP cabanas in the sand, shot wheels, stages with live performances, and a festive beach aesthetic. But don’t take it just from JSG: producers from Love Island USA chose this spot for a casting call this past June, giving you another reason to want to take a picture here.

Cape May Victorian Houses | Cape May

Anyone who has been to Cape May knows that Victorian houses are hard to avoid. Rows of Victorian-style houses are made into bed and breakfasts and boutiques, which are perfect spots to take a photo that makes one feel transported out of the Jersey Shore. JSG picked this location as the Victorian-designed town is a cute opportunity to take a picture on a girls’ day out.

Dale + Dollops | 69 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove

 

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Dale and Dollops is a vegan diner in Ocean Grove. It serves breakfast, wraps, burgers, salads, sundaes, and milkshakes, all of which are Instagrammable. But JSG loves that the decor has fun photo opportunities. There is a unique retro aesthetic here, with neon signs and old-school arcade games — all of which are good backgrounds for snapping a shot of the food.

Exit Zero Filling Station | 110 Sunset Boulevard

Exit Zero Filling Station is a restaurant in Cape May serving shareables, burgers, and sandwiches. It is known for its ‘curries’, which are the Filling Station’s spin on Indian dishes and Thai cuisine. Exit Zero Filling Station made the list because it has a dining experience that will be hard to resist putting on social media. This restaurant has a Chevy Truck converted to have a table that can seat up to eight people, complete with an electric fire and fun decor. It also has a 1958 airstream bubble trailer, styled with props from the ‘50s and ‘60s, reminiscent of a midcentury living room.

Hatch 44 Cafe | 401 Main Street, Bradley Beach

Hatch 44 is a cozy brunch and breakfast restaurant in Bradley Beach. Hatch 44’s specialty lattes, mocktails, and teas are always garnished with a fun flare. The pancakes, french toast, and salads here look like they were made for Instagram, and the coastal decor is just as pretty as the food.

Historic Smithville | Smithville

Historic Smithville is a picturesque town with over 60 specialty shops and seven eateries. It hosts over 30 free events a year, like parades, festivals, and fairies — all of which are fitting opportunities for a social media post. The cobblestone streets and footbridges give an old-fashioned vibe that is eye-catching for Instagram.

Lake Como | Lake Como Park, Spring Lake

Lake Como is a picturesque lake between Spring Lake and South Belmar. Lake Como Park feels like a little oasis, with waterfront houses surrounding the lake and walking paths that make it accessible. There is a butterfly garden, and the landscaping surrounding the lake makes for a cute spot to take a picture after date night.

The Local Market + Kitchen | 604 Central Avenue, Ship Bottom

 

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The Local is a cafe in LBI serving baked goods, sandwiches, and snacks. The specialty coffees here are Instagramable. There’s always an option with loaded whipped cream topped with a treat like a rainbow cookie or mini churro. Besides the fun lattes, The Local’s patio has an Airstream trailer, wine barrels, and farm-style decor that are picture-worthy.

Murals at Asbury Park | 1300 Ocean Avenue

Murals have become one of the most Instagrammable attractions, and Asbury Park is no exception. Asbury Park’s street art is part of the WoodenWalls Public Art Project. There are murals around town in Asbury Park, but the ones on the boardwalk are JSG’s favorite, as it’s easy to hit each one while strolling for a walk after the beach. JSG recommends checking out the Eat My Cake mural by the Sixth Avenue beach entrance. After checking out the murals on the boardwalk, just steps away is The Wonder Bar, which has a mural of the beloved Tillie, the local mascot of Asbury Park.

The Pig + Parrot | 201 Union Lane, Brielle

 

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The Pig and Parrot is a restaurant and bar serving island-style dishes and tropical drinks. It is a good location for pictures as it has water views and an aesthetic that makes visitors feel like they are in Key West. Palm trees and bright-colored seating make for a fun, island-themed Instagram post.

Renault Winery | 72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery is a resort, wedding venue, and winery. The grounds feel like they belong in the French countryside. It’s no surprise that the vineyards and gardens are used for wedding photos, which means they are also a good choice for Instagram. Renault Winery also has a Historic Tour + Taste, which includes chances to take pictures while tasting curated pairings of wines.

See More: Restaurants With the Coolest Interiors in Hoboken + Jersey City

The Stone Pony | 913 Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park

 

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It would be hard to have a list of Instagrammable spots at the Jersey Shore without including The Stone Pony. The Stone Pony has been an anchor of the Asbury Park music scene since 1974. The venue has hosted performers like Bruce Springsteen, The Ramones, and Blondie. JSG recommends taking a picture outside the venue for fans of live music.

The Whitechapel Projects | 15 2nd Avenue, Long Branch

 

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The Whitechapel Projects is a restaurant and wedding venue in Long Branch. It serves salads, pastas, pizzas, cocktails, and craft beer. The Whitechapel Project made the list for its artsy aesthetic, which includes exposed brick walls and string lights, which are pretty choices for a picture.