06/01/2026
The 25 best Jersey Shore towns, ranked, for 2026
The Jersey Shore is once again open for business.
Which means it’s time to brave the inevitable traffic apocalypse on the Garden State Parkway and head for our favorite towns, beaches, and boardwalks.
What would we do without the Shore? I’d have to move, for one, because I’ve lived there nearly half my life. I’ve lived all over the state but keep returning to the Shore, despite all the maddening qualities that seem guaranteed to keep everyone away.
In the best and worst of times, there is something about all that water, and sand, and sky, that beckons.
We all have our favorite beaches — and towns. Here is my list of the 25 best Shore towns. There are 100 or so places that could call themselves Jersey Shore towns: those on or within reasonable distance of the ocean, from Highlands to Cape May. Those would include sections of larger municipalities, the Ocean Groves, Bayvilles and Manahawkins of the world.
Boy, was this a tough assignment. I love every Jersey Shore town (seriously!) for varying reasons. The Shore town where I live now didn’t even make the cut. And I love my town.
What factors went into this ranking? Live-ability, charm, curb appeal, shopping, neighborhoods and food scene, among others. In the end, it came down to, “Could I live here, and live here a long time?” For each town, I give a brief rundown — history, description, appeal — plus a list of must-visits.
Many extremely popular and hyper-publicized Shore towns did not make the list — sorry about that. Let me be clear: This is not a ranking of the best Shore towns to visit as much as the best towns to live in. And you don’t need to have an ocean beach to qualify as a Shore town. My top-ranked town is one you’ve probably never visited.
The 25 best Jersey Shore towns, ranked
4. Brigantine
Brigantine may always be Atlantic City’s little brother, but the former wouldn’t have it any other way. No casinos or clubs, no high-end restaurants, no gigantic boardwalk, no industry — Brigantine bills itself as “An Island You’ll Love for Life.” Legend goes that Captain Kidd once buried a treasure chest here. Good luck finding it. One cool thing: You can drive on the beach with four-wheel drive, as long as you obtain a permit.
Visit: Aversa’s Bakery (the Shore’s best rolls and sticky buns); Ernest & Son (for steak sandwiches); Marine Mammal Stranding Center; The Cove.
https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2026/05/the-25-greatest-jersey-shore-towns-ranked-for-2026.html
