The Jersey Shore doesn’t shut down after summer is over. Our coastal beach towns remain vibrant and thriving after Labor Day into the off-season, which residents call “Local Summer.” Local Summer has the best parts of summertime at the Jersey Shore — great weather, beach days, live music, and outdoor fun — without the crowds, traffic, and chaos of peak tourist season. This time is cherished by locals who can finally enjoy their beaches, boardwalks, and towns at a slower, more relaxed pace. Fall at the Jersey Shore provides a fun array of activities and events as well as stunning natural scenery and gorgeous weather. Read on to learn more about the best things to do at the Jersey Shore after Labor Day.
Enjoy the beach without bennies or badges.
After Labor Day weekend, beachgoers no longer have to pay admission or show a season badge to access the beach. September and early October are often warm and sunny with cooler, comfortable evenings, great for sunbathing or taking a relaxing walk along the shoreline. During local summer, the ocean is still warm enough for swimming and surfing. Fall provides some of the best surfing conditions at the Jersey Shore, with consistent swells and fewer people in the water. Plus, many beaches lift their summer restrictions on dogs, which allows furry friends to have more access to hang out at the beach with their owners. Take advantage of the Jersey Shores quieter, off-season beaches for sunbathing, walking, or reading by the ocean.
Shop local.
Support small businesses and enjoy off-season sales by shopping locally at the Jersey Shore. Residents and visitors can explore the charming downtown areas of beach towns like Ocean City, Cape May, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Spring Lake, and Asbury Park — just to name a few — to shop unique gifts, clothes, antiques, and collectibles. Shops often use the off-season to clear out inventory, making it the best time to stock up on discounted bathing suits, beach chairs, and accessories for the next summer season. It’s also never too early to start Christmas shopping…
Read More: 15 Fall Events at the Jersey Shore That Will Cure Your End of Summer Blues
Eat local.
From farm-to-table dining experiences to local seafood and Italian restaurants, the Jersey Shore has a plethora of unique and delicious food options. Now is the time to try all of the places that were too busy and crowded to go to during the summer. With fewer people down at the shore and fewer customers during the off-season, restaurants, and small eateries can often provide more attentive service at a more relaxed pace without the long wait times or full reservation lists. Many restaurants at the Jersey Shore have seasonal menus highlighting local seafood and fresh fall produce.
Go for a hike.
Hiking the peaceful, uncrowded trails at the Jersey Shore in September and October is a fantastic way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and vibrant fall foliage. Plus, the cooler weather and lack of humidity makes outdoor activities, like hiking and walking, way more enjoyable. Here are some of the best scenic walks and hikes at the Jersey Shore.
Go on boardwalk rides + play arcade games.
With fewer “bennies” (a local slang term for Jersey shore tourists) at the shore, local summer is a great time to enjoy iconic boardwalks, amusement parks, and arcades like Morey’s Piers in Wildwood and Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant. Boardwalk amusement parks and arcades stay open on weekends throughout September and October so locals can still enjoy summer activities without the crowds and long lines. It’s a great time for families with young children to visit without the overwhelming summer crowds. Be sure to check the boardwalk’s official websites and social media accounts for updated, off-season hours.
Say goodbye to Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.
After 94 years, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier — the iconic amusement park on the Ocean City Boardwalk — will close at the end of the 2024 season. Visitors are welcome to use up any remaining tickets and ride the Ferris wheel and coasters one last time. Gillian’s Wonderland Pier will be open through the local summer, officially closing on October 12th, 2024.
Visit local farms + orchards.
One of the greatest things about the Jersey Shore is that it is close to both the city and the countryside. During the fall, there is no shortage of opportunities to indulge in U-Pick pumpkins and sunflower fields as well as hayrides, apple picking, and photo op’s at the many local farms, orchards, and garden centers at the Jersey Shore. Farms often host harvest festivals featuring seasonal produce, live music, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities during the fall season. Don’t miss out on corn mazes at Happy Day Farm, food trucks at Holland Ridge Farm, or the pumpkin smash at Kula Urban Farm, just to name a few.
See More: Your Guide to Pumpkin + Apple Picking in New Jersey
Attend outdoor concerts + live shows.
The Jersey Shore has a vibrant music scene all year round and locals are lucky to be able to enjoy live music al fresco at local venues and outdoor spaces into the month of October. Asbury Park’s annual Porchfest will take place on Saturday, September 28th. Porchfest is a free, all-day event that showcases local talent on residential porches all over town. PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel wraps up its 2024 concert season with The Doobie Brothers on Wednesday, October 2nd while the final Stone Pony Summer Stage concert of the year will be headlined by country artist Brett Young on October 11th. Be sure to check out the event calendars of local venues at the Jersey Shore to see which artists and bands you can see outdoors during the local summer season.
Visit local wineries + breweries.
Wineries and breweries at the Jersey Shore provide the perfect blend of natural beauty, delicious wines and beers, and festive events during the beginning of the off-season. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable outdoor wine and beer-tasting sessions. Many wineries and breweries set up fire pits or outdoor heaters to keep guests warm as the weather cools down, which is an ideal situation at nighttime. From Jessie Creek Winery in Cape May to the Beach Bee Meadery in Long Branch, here are some idyllic wineries at the Jersey Shore to check out this fall. From IPAs and stouts to lagers and sour ales, there is no shortage of unique options at the breweries located in our seaside towns.
