Northeast

8 New Jersey Beach Hotels From Asbury Park to Atlantic City and Cape May

These 8 New Jersey beach hotels take travelers throughout the Jersey Shore, from Asbury Park to Atlantic City and Cape May.

In the hit song “Jersey Girl,” Bruce Springsteen famously crooned “down the Shore, everything’s alright,” a motto that’s fully embraced by native New Jersians and visitors alike. Going down the Shore (local parlance for jumping in your car and heading to the beach) is as much a rite of passage as it is a summer ritual for millions of people in the northeast, and something that’s best done as you head south along the Garden State Parkway listening to the Boss at full volume.

Spanning a roughly 140-mile stretch of coastline between Perth Amboy in the north and Cape May to the south, every year like clockwork, millions of people make the pilgrimage to the Jersey Shore. Home to some of the most elegant haunts along the way, lodgings range from a Victorian style beach resort in Cape May to a brand new luxury retreat in Atlantic City and a newly renovated beachfront hotel in Avalon.

Pack the swimsuit and sunblock; here are eight New Jersey beach hotels to check out on your next trip to the Garden State.

On the Banks of Stone Harbor

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Set on the banks of Stone Harbor bay, The Reeds at Shelter Haven is not only one of the Shore’s most charming locales, it’s consistently favored as one of the region’s most beloved beach towns to boot. While the overall vibe of the hotel evokes a home away from home kind of feel, between the elegant décor and spacious guest rooms to dining al fresco in the charming roof garden, The Reeds is a great option for families or couples looking for an upscale Jersey Shore getaway.

Between May 14 and October 8, beach dwellers can enjoy access to complimentary amenities ranging from kayaks and paddle boards to yoga by the bay and the hotel’s very own Hobie Cat. The Reeds signature “Beach Service” and “Bay Service” includes the use of beach chairs, towels, and an umbrella as well as the option to order food and drinks from designated attendants throughout the day.

The Reeds At Shelter Haven

Top rated
Stone Harbor
9.2 Excellent (493 reviews)

Vegas on the Jersey Shore

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Easily the most luxurious property on the Jersey Shore, The Water Club at Borgata is a Vegas-style hotel set in the heart of Atlantic City, wonderfully suited for an upscale romantic getaway. Highlights at The Water Club include a range of fine dining and casual restaurants as well as an on-site beer garden, nightclub, and a two-story Immersion Spa and lap pool on the 32nd floor.

During the summer months, the hotel also offers guests the use of a free beach shuttle on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. to and from nearby Brigantine Beach — a popular spot for swimming and kite surfing. If you prefer to stay on the property, the hotel features a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, gardens, and Jacuzzis so you can soak in the best AC has to offer.

Mgm Tower At Borgata

Atlantic City
8.4 Very good (2034 reviews)

Surrounded By Iconic Landmarks

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Home to iconic landmarks — including Wonder Bar and Stone Pony — Asbury Park has long been one of the Shore’s most venerable beach towns. Opened in 2016 and set just a couples block back from the beach, The Asbury is a mashup of retro chic meets rock and roll. A once-abandoned Salvation Army building, this quirky Asbury haunt is ideal for trendsetters of all ages who want to come and enjoy one of the Shore’s best beach scenes, local restaurants, and bars.

The Asbury Hotel

Top rated
Asbury Park
8.6 Excellent (2015 reviews)

A Luxurious Beachfront Property

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Set directly on the shores of Avalon, New Jersey, ICONA Avalon underwent a major renovation in 2016 and today exists as one of the Shore’s most luxurious beachfront properties. The ICONA Avalon, formerly known as the Golden Inn, now features 159 rooms and suites as well as an excellent beachside brewpub and beach bar.

Guests here have unfettered access to the beach coupled with the use of the hotel’s beach umbrellas and loungers. An outdoor sundeck with cabanas and daybeds are also available in the summer months. One of the properties standout summer features is the Sandbar Village Beach Bar & Lounge boasting a beachfront with live music, cocktails, food and fire pits.

Icona Golden Inn

Top rated
Avalon
9.4 Excellent (366 reviews)

Unwind by the Beach

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One of the newest properties to make its Jersey Shore debut, the Ocean Resort Casino is a massive property with sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring 15 on-site dining options including everything from a steakhouse called American Cut to a kitschy breakfast spot called Cereal Town, this is a great upscale option for couples looking for a place to unwind by the beach.

Take a dip in one the six pools on the property or relax in a cabana on the beach. Don’t miss a chance to experience one of Exhale Spa’s wellness programs that include their signature rhythmic fusion massage.

Ocean Resort Atlantic City

Atlantic City
8.6 Excellent (15544 reviews)

A Victorian Retreat

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Set on the southernmost tip of the Jersey Shore, The Virginia is a Victorian retreat in the seaside hamlet of Cape May. One of the area’s most notable properties, this resort is just a block away from the beach and is excellent for couples and families looking for an elegant beach getaway that harkens back to a bygone era. The hotel, a restored landmark building dating back to 1879, offers guests beach and tent service throughout the summer which comes with the complimentary use of the hotel’s signature red and white umbrellas and sun loungers.

Hotel The Virginia

Top rated
Cape May
9.4 Excellent (879 reviews)

The Summer White House

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Touted as one of the oldest seaside resorts in the U.S., Congress Hall’s nickname “summer white house,” is derived from the notable number of presidents and dignitaries who’ve spent their summers gracing the hotel’s halls. In addition to its rich and storied history, Congress Hall is a fitting choice for families and adults alike.

For adults in need of a little extra pampering, the hotel offers an adults only pool as well as a signature Sea Spa (available to guests of both The Virginia and Congress Hall) and uses all natural OSEA ingredients. Private beach tents can be reserved in advance and include the use of lounge chairs, towels, and coolers as well as food service.

Congress Hall

Cape May
8.0 Very good (209 reviews)

"A Perennially Popular Bed and Breakfast"

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Set between Avon and Belmar, two of the Shore’s most recognized beach towns, The Inn at the Shore has been a perennially popular bed and breakfast for native New Jersians over the years. A family-owned hotel, the Inn is a great option for a romantic getaway or a low-key family vacation.

Guests are provided use of the hotel’s beach bikes to cruise the boardwalk or take a ride in town as well as complimentary towels, chairs, and umbrellas. Come for the beach but stay for the breakfast buffet which is perennially ranked as one of the best in town.

The Inn At The Shore

Top rated
Belmar
9.3 Excellent (25 reviews)

Feature image courtesy of Meet AC