labor day weekend vacation ideas - jersey shore?

[Anonymous]

well we're not much of a planner but do know we're taking a few days off next week before the school starts. we're thinking jersey shore but have never been. any particular beach with decent hotel options? i know about cape may and ocean city but wonder if there's other places further up north? we don't mind driving as long as the beach and fun are worth it.

thanks!

[Anonymous]

Consider Long Beach Island. (about an hour north of Cape May, but only 30 minutes further by car). I also like Sea Isle City and Avalon down south.

LBI has several towns (Beach Haven, Surf City, Barnegat, etc.). Some are busier than others, but none have high-rise hotels. For me, it is a perfect mix of quiet beach towns, with enough to do (mini-golf, boutique shops, etc.). I hate Ocean City, MD, and Virginia Beach, VA... so if those are your preferred type of beach town, you wouldn't like LBI. It's mostly houses to rent (relatively few hotels), so I don't know if that is what you're looking for or not.

[Anonymous]

I second LBI. Great beaches, lots of family stuff (a small amusement park, bay beaches, a nice light house). We rented a house in Ship Bottom this year, but I also like Surf City and Beach Haven.

[Anonymous]

Lovely little uncrowded beach towns.

[Anonymous]

thanks for the great info.

would you say three-day-two-night lodging deal possible in LBI?

[Anonymous]

the traffic to get there can be horrid. I have gone many times to Stone Harbor, and I would not travel peak times. For 4th of July (Friday was the holiday), I drove Friday leaving at 5 am, and returned Monday leaving at 5 am, and had not problem.

Leaving Friday after work, on Labor Day weekend. . ..

Expect a very long trip