Jessica Norton A day at the Jersey Shore comes with endless possibilities — beach lounging, boardwalk bites, local events, live music, flea markets, + outdoor adventures, just to name a few. Having the right mobile apps downloaded can be a game-changer for making the most of any and all shore opportunities. From finding hidden hiking trails to reserving dinner spots or checking the surf forecast, apps can make planning and exploring our coastal beach towns a breeze. Access to convenient, insider knowledge + fun can be right in the palm of your hand. Keep reading to discover 19 essential apps for navigating the Jersey Shore.
AllTrails
People at the Jersey Shore can use the AllTrails app to find scenic walking trails, running paths, or quiet nature preserves for hikes that go beyond boardwalk strolls. AllTrails makes it easy to explore hidden coastal gems, maritime forests, and wooded inland routes. Users can filter by activity — like biking, dog-walking, or kid-friendly hikes — and read real reviews for tips and photos of what to expect.
Boatsetter
For those without a boat or access to one through a friend, the Boatsetter app provides an easy way to get some time out on the water, whether it’s for fishing, cruising, or celebrating with friends. After downloading the app, users can search for available boats in locations like Toms River, Brick, or Point Pleasant, filtering by type, price, and whether or not a captain is included. Boat options range from pontoons to luxury yachts.
Read More: A Jersey Shore Transit + Rideshare Guide to Getting Around
ClassPass
ClassPass is a subscription-based fitness + wellness platform that can be used to book classes and appointments such as yoga, pilates, massages, meditation, and haircuts, just to name a few. ClassPass is a great way to explore a variety of fitness and wellness options without committing to a single gym or studio. Locals and visitors can use the app to find and book classes or gym sessions throughout popular shore towns like Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Red Bank.
Eventbrite
The Eventbrite app is a helpful tool for discovering a wide array of local events, from concerts and festivals to workshops and community gatherings. Users can easily browse events by location, date, or category. Tickets to events can be purchased and downloaded instantly via phone.
Using Facebook is one of the easiest ways to be connected with local events, news, and community happenings. Residents + visitors can join neighborhood groups and follow pages dedicated to towns like Ocean City, Bradley Beach, or Margate to get real-time updates on festivals, concerts, beach cleanups, and local meetups. Facebook Event pages make it easy to discover and RSVP to activities, while Facebook Marketplace offers a convenient way to buy and sell everything from beach gear to furniture sustainably + locally. Be sure to join the Jersey Shore Locals | The Jersey Shore Girl Insiders group to stay connected with everything going on DTS.
Instagram is a great way to stay in the loop of local events, breaking news, grand openings, + restaurants to try. People can easily discover live music shows, flea markets, sales, special menu items, and business hours on Instagram. Stories and Instagram Reels often share real-time updates and sneak peeks, making it easy to plan a day out or a weekend adventure. Whether it’s finding a new seafood spot, joining a charity run, or catching a sunset concert, Instagram keeps the Jersey Shore community connected and informed. And, of course, follow @thejerseyshoregirl_ for ALL things Jersey Shore, from food to festivals.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Jersey Mike’s has a notable presence along the Jersey Shore. The first Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurant, originally known as Mike’s Subs, opened in Point Pleasant in 1956. The popular sub shop has locations spread across Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties, providing convenient access to its sub sandwich options for both locals and visitors. There is even a Jersey Mike’s located on the Belmar boardwalk. Sandwiches can be ordered on the app from a beach chair and picked up in the ultimate ‘no shoes, no shirt, no problems’ type of vibe.
Jitney Surfer
The Jitney Surfer app is a game-changer for anyone who wants an easy, affordable way to get around Atlantic City and surrounding towns like Ocean City, Wildwood, and Cape May. It connects users with local jitney drivers — those iconic small shuttle vans that say JITNEY on the side — and makes it easy to catch a ride between popular beach towns, boardwalks, and neighborhoods without worrying about parking or traffic. Whether planning a day hopping between seaside spots or needing a quick ride back after a night out, the app lets people see available rides, track their jitney in real time, and pay seamlessly from their phones. It’s perfect for visitors and locals looking to explore the shore hassle-free and stay connected without the stress of driving.
MARCO Ocean Maps
The Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University developed an app that shows commercial fishing grounds, marine life habitats, recreation hot spots, local boat ramps, vessel traffic patterns, and aquatic information. “Using the MARCO app, a beachgoer can browse our maps, for example, to identify something interesting they see offshore, or a family out fishing on their boat can look for nearby reefs or wrecks,” MARCO Executive Director Avalon Bristow said in a press release. Data featured on its website and app comes from a combination of sources, including federal providers such as MarineCadastre.gov (a collaboration of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management), the Coast Guard, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Mindbody
The Mindbody app connects users to a wide range of local wellness services, from hot yoga classes to spin studio sessions. The app makes it easy to discover + book fitness studios, salon appointments, and wellness experiences nearby. Filters on the app include location, time, and type of class to help streamline the search. It’s especially handy for visitors or part-time residents who want to stay on their wellness routine while visiting the shore.
NJ TRANSIT Mobile App
Whether heading to the beach, visiting nearby towns, or commuting to New York City, the NJ Transit Mobile App allows users to buy and display train + bus tickets right from their phone. Having access to real-time schedules, service alerts, + station information is especially helpful when planning around busy summer weekends. Plus, it is easy to track arrivals and departures. For Shore residents and visitors alike, the app simplifies getting around without needing a car or dealing with parking.
ParkMobile
The ParkMobile app makes parking easier in Atlantic City + Brigantine. Instead of searching for coins or waiting in line at a meter, drivers can pay for parking directly through the app on their phone. It also sends alerts when time is running out and allows for quick extensions without returning to the car.
ShopRite
ShopRite is a grocery chain with locations all along the Jersey Shore, from Hazlet all the way down to Rio Grande. The ShopRite app makes grocery shopping easy and convenient, allowing users to browse weekly circulars, create + manage shopping lists, and clip digital coupons for extra savings. With features like online ordering and curbside pickup or delivery, it’s ideal for busy beach days or vacation stays. The app also helps locate nearby ShopRite stores along the Shore, making it easy to plan a grocery run whether staying in a rental, beach house, or just visiting for the day.
Surfline
The Surfline app is a must-have for surfers and beachgoers at the Jersey Shore. The app provides real-time surf reports, wave forecasts, and live beach cams so users can check conditions before heading out. Whether planning a morning surf session in Manasquan or just wanting to know the best time to hit the beach in Avalon, the app helps track swell size, wind direction, and tide times. With expert forecasts and personalized surf alerts, it’s a reliable tool for anyone looking to make the most of the waves or simply enjoy safer + smarter beach days.
NewForm
The NewForm app connects people with a supportive sober community through free events centered around fitness, wellness, and social connection at the Jersey Shore and beyond. Whether it’s dance fitness in Belmar or a meditation session, locals and visitors alike can join in. The app makes it easy to find + RSVP to events, meet others living substance-free, and stay motivated in recovery while still having fun at the shore.
Ticketmaster
The Ticketmaster app is a convenient way for people at the Jersey Shore to find + purchase tickets for concerts, comedy shows, festivals, and sporting events happening up and down the coast. Whether it’s grabbing lawn seats to a concert at PNC Bank Arts Center or seeing a show at The Stone Pony Summer Stage, the app makes it easy to browse events, select seats, and store tickets digitally. It also allows users to receive event alerts, transfer tickets to friends, and access mobile entry at venues.
TikTok
TikTok is a great app to discover fun things to do, trending spots, + local hidden gems at the Jersey Shore through short, engaging videos. From beach day vlogs and food reviews of popular boardwalk eats to behind-the-scenes looks at the lines getting into Parker House, TikTok provides a real-time view into what’s happening in the area. Locals + visitors can share their favorite activities, tips, and moments – making it easy to get inspired + find new places to explore.
See More: 18 Essential Apps You Need in Hoboken + Jersey City That Aren’t Dating Apps
Too Good To Go
The Too Good To Go app helps people at the Jersey Shore save money on food while also reducing waste by connecting users with local restaurants, bakeries, + cafes that have surplus meals at the end of the day. Users can browse nearby spots offering surprise bags filled with fresh, unsold items at a discounted price. From bagels and pastries to sushi and deli meals, the app makes it easy to enjoy great food while supporting local businesses + sustainability efforts along the coast.
Venmo
The Venmo app is a quick and user-friendly way for people to send and receive money while hanging out with friends or family. Whether splitting the bill at a beachfront restaurant, chipping in for a group Airbnb, or paying someone back for beach chair rentals or boardwalk snacks, Venmo makes cashless transactions simple. With just a few taps, users can pay each other instantly + keep track of shared expenses throughout the trip. Some markets and stores at the Jersey Shore accept Venmo as a form of payment at checkout.
