ABOVE PHOTO: Wildwood, New Jersey
By Afea Tucker
Now that the summer season is in full effect and shore season has officially begun, the Philadelphia Sunday Sun has curated a short list of interesting shore destinations that has a little something for everyone on it.
From Atlantic City to Wildwood and some locations in between, you’ll find a wide variety of activities, to do, places to visit, and a hint of nostalgic charm. With summer being in full effect and it’s officially shore season there’s much to do on the ocean fronts.
Whether you want to bring the family along, travel alone, or make it a party for two, the following shore destinations can accommodate both tourists and residents.Whether you want to bring the family along, plan a solo outing, or make it a party for two, the following shore destinations are prepared to meet both tourists and residents summer needs.
Atlantic City
As Philadelphia’s closest shore location, Atlantic City has become a flourishing tourist destination that is rapidly expanding with new businesses and signature hot spots. For instance, after much expansion over the years, there’s a lot of the action taking place on North Beach.
North Beach Atlantic City Boardwalk — home to Resorts Hotel and Casino, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and Ocean Hotel and Casino — is booming with new attractions, eateries, family fun activities and an exciting night life.
Resorts Hotel and Casino
If being a part of a murder mystery is on your bucket list, then you don’t want to miss “The Case of the Beach Ball Butcher: A Murder on the 13th Floor” at Resorts Hotel and Casino. Catch the one of its-kind interactive murder mystery show now through the end of summer. You will be set loose in a race to gather clues and solve the case. Unlike some murder mystery shows, the audience becomes a huge part of the action during this hour-long event. The show will definitely get your adrenaline going. Energize yourself and eat a good meal before attending.
While there are plenty of places to dine, The Resort’s Mushaki is one of the most authentic Japanese cuisine restaurants in town. Located near the Resort’s boardwalk entrance, Mushaki offers fresh sushi and a variety of Japanese delicacies.
If you wish to grab a frozen treat before hitting the Boardwalk, try an “Attitude Adjustment” or one of the various novelty concoctions from the Wet Willies, the famous East Coast adult slushie hotspot. Or relax at the Landshark — it’s one of the largest beach bars on the boardwalk and it provides some shelter from the food snatching seagulls.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Here’s another tourist attraction alert:. iInside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City lies one of the largest music memorabilia collections in the United States.
Collectables range from some of Lady GaGa’s most iconic costumes customs and signed music memorabilia to Elvis Presley’s Rolls Royce and other rare gems. Checking out this collection is worth the trip to Atlantic City alone.
Ocean’s Hotel and Casino
The Eclipse indoor/ outdoor pool at Ocean’s Hotel and Casino has earned the reputation of being one of the best pools on North Beach. The year-round, indoor & outdoor pool overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and adapts to the climate. It also offers an adult swim hour and is open daily to 10 p.m.
Each of Ocean’s rooms has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ocean. Visit the brand-new Top Golf Swing Suite or at night, or swing by the HQ2 Nightclub and Beachclub. The American Cut Steakhouse is highly recommended for dinner.
The Boardwalk
Beyond the casinos and beaches, Atlantic City’s most iconic attraction is the Atlantic City Boardwalk, which stretches five miles along the Atlantic Ocean’s coast. The Steel Pier Amusement Park is a top Atlantic City attraction. Located adjacent to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the 1,000-foot-long amusement park is packed with thrills.
Long Beach Island
About 30 minutes north of Atlantic City you’ll find the white sandy beaches of Long Beach Island. This family friendly and surfer beach town is also known as a lover’s paradise island off the southern coast of New Jersey. If you are looking for pure relaxation and some good laid-back fun, then this is the place for you. We found two standouts with lots of action. One just a block away from the beach and the other sits across from the Marina.
Daddy O’s
One block off the shore is a modern, chic boutique hotel where you can have a choice of cocktails or mocktails at the Garden Patio and Rum Bar or enjoy live music and appetizers at the rooftop bar. The best thing of all is the “no shower happy hour.” This happy hour encourages guests to come as they are, even if it’s straight from the beach. Their Rooftop O Bar is open Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m. and all day on the weekend. The Garden Patio and Rum Bar is open, weather permitting. There is also live music at the inside bar on Wednesday at the signature Daddy O’s Restaurant.
Tucker’s Tavern
Tucker’s Tavern in the heart of the island, just off the shore. They also offer a No Shower Happy Hour Weekdays 3 to 6 p.m.PM. Tucker’s Tavern is known for their oversized and shareable drinks and generously portioned appetizers. The shareable cocktails are nearly as big as a human head and the views from the patio and rooftop are serene. The rooftop is a great place to cool down and enjoy the breeze.
Top attractions in LBI include: Surflight Theatre, Museum of NJ Maritime History, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Long Beach Island Historical Museum and Thundering Surf Waterpark.
Wildwood
On Wildwood’s 38 block long boardwalk you’ll find a variety of stores and shops, restaurants, live entertainment, multiple amusement piers and even a water park. There are over 100 attractions here and you’ll see everything from surfing to boogie-boarding to Frisbee tossing to people reading in the shade. There’s even a dog beach for furry friends. There is one unique activity that popped up this summer and it’s gaining popularity.
Kick Back Tiki Cruises
Kick Back Tiki Cruises in Wildwood, New Jersey are a new sensation.
Two shore locals and pandemic friends, Vineland native Captain Tim Merighi and Ocean City business partner Matt Sawyer, have teamed up to bring their passion project to the waves off of Wildwood.
Their new tiki boat and floating bar offeroffers private chartered BYO cruises departing several times a day from their dock at 626 W. 26th Avenue.
Kick Back Tiki Cruises come with a Coast Guard licensed captain, an on-board private bathroom, Tahitian inspired thatched straw roof, spacious bar, comfortable bar stools, rocking soundbar, USB chargers and open-air layout.
Guests can BYO both food and beverages, or order bites and have it delivered right to the dock courtesy of catering partner The Salty Mermaid Bar and Grille. The Salty Mermaid is prepared to cook up delicious options that can meet passengers at the dock.
Cruise options will include Rise N Shine, Mid-Day, Afternoon, Happy Hour, Sunset and Wildwood by Night for up to six people at a time. Sail in the morning with your bagel and coffee, or party to mMidnight with champagne and lite bites — or better yet, bring a full dinner and watch the sunset over the water.
Other top attractions and interesting places to visit include: the Sundown Dolphin Cruise, Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market, Adventure Amusement Pier, Raging Waters Water Park, Oyster Creek, Maui’s Dog House, and Dragon Lair’s Miniature Golf.
Cape May
The city and seaside resort at the tip of southern New Jersey’s Cape May Peninsula is known for its grand Victorian houses such as the Emlen Physick Estate, now a museum, the shops and restaurants lining the Washington Street Mall, which is three pedestrianized blocks of Washington Street and the Cape May Lighthouse, which provides views across the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille and Montreal Beach Resort
Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille is firing up exciting changes for summer! The Cape May hot spot next to Montreal Beach Resort is proud to announce new ownership, a brand-new executive chef and a brand-new menu.
The restaurant boasts one of Cape May’s largest, seven-day-a-week music and live entertainment programs, both on the famous roof deck and in the restaurant itself. Look for live music seven days a week, every single day this summer. Other news for the summer includes expanded hours, breakfast service, room service for Montreal guests, weekly food specials, beach food service and more.
Other things to do in Cape May: whale and dolphin watch, there are plenty of day trips and excursions, sightseeing, rejuvenating on Sunset Beach, or plan a trip at the zoo.
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