South Jersey Is an Outdoor Paradise
You just have to get off the highway
New Jersey isn’t the first place that pops into people’s minds when they think of the Great Outdoors.
But here’s why: when most of America thinks of “New Jersey,” they’re actually thinking of NorthJersey.
Yes, North Jersey, a.k.a. overflow seating for New York City, land of industrial smokescapes, densely-packed counties, and the color gray.
SouthJersey isn’t like that, especially around the Shore.
South Jersey still reflects the “Garden State” moniker in most of its landscape, even within a 15-minute drive of Atlantic City (the entire population of which could fit into a single neighborhood of NYC or Philly).
If you’re looking for a place to live or rent where you can enjoy nature — and not only the beach — here’s your guide to the Jersey most of America doesn’t know about.
From Green to Blue (and Back) in the Same Day
Thing about South Jersey is, it isn’t big.
That means you don’t have to drive far to get from a camp-worthy state forest to a gorgeous beach; you can literally do both in the same day.
In other words, you don’t have to choose between your favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Locals combine a morning surf sesh with an afternoon bike ride through wetlands or a kayak around the bay. You can find places to hunt deer or duck and fish for striper and flounder within a half-hour’s drive of each other.
And if you think the beach is only for the summer, you haven’t pulled your 4x4 up onto the sand in September or October for an impromptu “tailgate” party by the sea.
Seasonally, most locals break it down like this:
Summer: Boating, SUP, beach, kayak
Spring/Fall: Surfing, biking, hiking, golf, camping
Winter: Surfing, hunting
Best Boating Spots
Of course, the Shore is heaven for the nautically inclined, with plenty of places to get the most out of your boat when the weather serves, and excellent options for winterizing and dry-docking in the off-season.
If you own or rent a boat, this place is built for you. Most towns have public ramps to drop in, docks and marinas with dining and entertainment, and an infrastructure designed for spending the day (mostly) on the water.
Somers Point
Boat-friendly culture
Easy walk-up dining and relaxed bar scene
Cape May
Several marinas allow short-term docking
Walkable downtown, restaurants, shopping
Common overnight stop for coastal cruisers
Atlantic City
Large marinas with transient slips
Direct access to boardwalk, dining, and casinos
Best for a more active, urban waterfront experience
Ocean City
Bay-side restaurants and municipal slips
Family-oriented, quieter
Easy bike and walking access once docked
Long Beach Island
Bay-side docking options
Common to dock, eat, and spend the afternoon
Margate
Bars & restaurants on/near the bay with transient docking
Bonus for boat enthusiasts who don’t want the hassle and expense of owning: Freedom Boat Club’s Somers Point location allows members to use a wide variety of fishing and power boats by reservation.
Hiking & Biking
Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, there’s plenty to enjoy on dry land, whether you’re an experienced hiker/biker or just looking to get an hour or two’s worth of fresh air. Check out:
Wharton State Forest
Flat, sandy trails suitable for walking, trail running, and gravel biking.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Miles of driveable and walkable preserved habitats in Oceanville
Boardwalks
Ocean City, Ventnor, and Atlantic City are perfect for walking, running, and casual cycling. Biking is limited to off-peak hours in the summer.
For Swingers
South Jersey has a stronger golf scene than most people realize, with a dense concentration of courses in Atlantic and Cape May counties.
Not only are courses like Linwood Country Club, Atlantic City Country Club, Twisted Dune, and Cape May National gorgeous, they’re easier to get a tee time at than major metro-area courses. Summer weekends are busy, but don’t miss the shoulder seasons for the best conditions.
Surf Spots
When the conditions are right, surfing in South Jersey is some of the best on the East Coast. It’s not Montauk, but there are still plenty of places to scratch that itch (and loads of surf shops to gear up). You’ll find strong surf scenes in:
Ocean City
Ventnor
Long Beach Island
Cape May Point
Depending on your favorite flavor of outdoor living, there’s a place for you in South Jersey and its shore and shore-adjacent areas. All you have to do is look a little closer.
