By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Travel + Leisure Magazine just listed the Jersey Shore as one of the Top 50 places to visit in 2023, and we couldn’t be less surprised.
The magazine listed the Jersey Shore under the category of ‘Best Beach Vibes,’ along with Maui, Riviera Maya in Mexico, the Virgin Islands, Coastal Uruguay, Guadalupe, the Cayman Islands, and Bermuda.
The article dismisses the reputation established by the MTV show with the same name and encourages travelers to explore the classy beauty of the Mid-Atlantic coastal region.
“Even Atlantic City is now substantially more chic, after many casino resorts, including Bally’s, Caesars, and Ocean, used the pandemic-induced dip in visitors to undertake hundreds of millions of dollars in renovations,” the article reads. “The area as a whole has had a bit of a renaissance,” Distefano said.
The Travel + Leisure editors address the highlights of the Jersey Shore, which has had a significant role in beach culture in America across decades. Summer nights strolling the boardwalk, riding roller coasters on amusement piers, iconic treats like funnel cake, lobster rolls, kettle corn, and boardwalk fries, and breathtaking ocean views are all foundational parts of the Jersey Shore stay.
Our area is listed among fantastic destinations such as Havana (in Cuba), California’s wine country, Madrid (in Spain), Kyoto (in Japan), New Zealand, and Vienna (in Austria).
In September, the magazine listed a guide to the perfect trip to Cape May, highlighting the enchanting, Victorian mansions, Washington Square Mall, Emlen Physick Estate, and Congress Hall. “Cape May represents the best of the Jersey Shore,” wrote Lindsey Cohn, author of the piece.
“Cape May (or the Jersey Shore) is so much more than a summer spot,” said Cohn. “There’s a mix of nostalgia and novelty, with ample year-round attractions, and the town really comes to life around Christmas, with Congress Hall transforming into a proper winter wonderland.”
In a 2021 article on the best towns along the Jersey Shore, Travel + Leisure gave a shout-out to Atlantic City, Wildwood, and Ocean City (along with Asbury Park and Seaside Heights). The magazine listed Ocean City as the best family resort with tens of activities for kids of all ages, Atlantic City’s rich history through the Absecon Lighthouse, Steel Pier, and speakeasies like the Knife and Fork, and Wildwood’s thrilling boardwalk.
Tell us something we don’t know! As locals and lovers of the Jersey Shore, we hope that more and more folks take part in the wonder of our beach towns and boardwalks.
Sarah Fertsch was born and raised in Egg Harbor Township, and holds a dual degree in public relations and political science. Prior to joining Shore Local full-time, she worked at a CSPAN affiliate, writing about Pennsylvania legislation. When she isn’t writing, Sarah enjoys painting, horseback riding, and Crossfit.
