Jenna Giustino
Once spring hits, it’s hard to resist dreaming of a Jersey Shore summer. That’s why now is the best time to start planning for peak season — whether it’s selecting beach badges, shopping for bathing suits, or scheduling Jersey Shore events. Read on for our guide to how to prep for a Jersey Shore summer.
Buy Beach Equipment
To have a successful summer at the Jersey Shore, planning for beach equipment in advance (before prices spike) is essential. Once you’re ready to shop, decide specifically which items, such as surfboards, beach chairs, and paddleboards, you want. Then, research and choose stores or rental companies in the area. JSG Tip: For added convenience, Beach Bum Rentals delivers beach supplies directly to your location.
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Get a VIP Card
Those who love the nightlife at the Jersey Shore in the summer (or who love a good beach party) find VIP cards come in handy. Many famous bars, like DJais, Bar A, Jenks, and Parker House, have over-the-top lines. The VIP, in turn, becomes a necessity for those who frequent these staple locations.
Make Reservations
During local summer and beyond, residents can often pop into restaurants and bars at the last minute. However, during the peak summer season, the vibe shifts — and securing a table can be trickier. To help, JSG recommends making reservations in advance. Most venues post updates on their social media accounts, and many accept reservations through OpenTable.
Mark the Calendar for Fireworks
Jersey Shore summer isn’t complete without fireworks. From boardwalks and restaurants to beaches and more, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to catch these displays throughout the season — not just on the Fourth of July. To get a sense of last year’s lineup, click here.
Plan Your Parking
During the warmer months, the Jersey Shore is flooded with thousands of people. With that, of course, comes the traffic, which is why finding a go-to parking spot is critical. JSG recommends a side/block off the beaten path that will provide easy access to the beach.
Prep for a Dog-Friendly Summer
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Fur babies thrive during the summer at the Jersey Shore. As a dog parent, it’s essential to plan which dog parks are available and which restaurants welcome dogs. For a list of dog-friendly beaches + day trips in New Jersey, click here.
Prep the Shore House
For those who are renting a shore house this summer or are just getting their own house/apartment ready for the summer, there are many things to consider. JSG suggests starting by getting the outdoor furniture ready, such as setting up the porch with Jersey Shore summer-themed decor. For Jersey Shore home decor ideas, click here.
Purchase a Bike
There’s something about riding your bike at the Jersey Shore that just hits different. Whether biking to the beach or downtown, having a bike in time for summer here is a must. If you need help, Asbury Park Cyclery is one bike store to check out.
Purchase Beach Badges
Everyone knows a beach badge is necessary when spending time at the Jersey Shore this summer. Around Memorial Day (pre-season starts earlier), beach badges can be purchased in person at town boardwalk booths and municipal halls. Some beloved shore towns now use apps like Viply app while others have a booth stationed before the beach to pay for the visit. To read a guide to 2025’s beach badges, click here.
Purchase Concert Tickets
The Jersey Shore is home to iconic concert venues. From the Stone Pony to PNC, you’ll find great outdoor concerts all summer long. To get the best seats, purchase your tickets early.
Select a Summer Read
A quality summer read is a necessity. Luckily, at the Jersey Shore, there are plenty of cute bookshops with curated selections of summer reads. Click here for a list of our favorite bookstores at the Jersey Shore.
See More: Could New Jersey Bring Back The Classic Blue License Plates?
Shop Bathing Suits
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The summer provides yet another reason to go shopping — this time, for a new swimsuit. There are plenty of Jersey Shore boutiques that have coastal living wear, such as B+B, Brave New World, Ron Jon Surf Shop, and more. For a complete list of recommended beachwear stores, click here.
Visit Your Favorite Bars + Restaurants
As much as a Jersey Shore summer is a classic experience, locals miss the area’s serenity once visitors arrive, which means those beloved bars and restaurants are quickly packed. To make the most of the quieter months, JSG suggests visiting your favorite spots before the summer rush starts. To find recommendations for bars and restaurants to visit, click here for more tips.
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