For a beachside experience that combines dance-til-you-drop nightlife with a vibrant local community, look no further than the fun-filled Jersey Shore.

Flecked with colorful umbrellas, athletic beachgoers, and families pitching in to create that first big sandcastle, every one of the Jersey Shore’s many beaches offers an ideal place to get away from it all. Try a soothing sunbathe at Long Beach Island or the Cape May Beaches, where the crowds thin out and families come to test the waves and play in the sand. Just a short drive away, the 217 steps of the Barnegat Lighthouse rewards climbers with sweeping views and a peek back in time to one of the older lighthouses on the Eastern coast. And, of course, strolling the Ocean City Boardwalk means hours of the Jersey Shore’s signature entertainments: seaside shops, arcade games, slices of fresh pizza, and the party atmosphere of Music Pier.

For another taste of the Shore, Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks offer gallons of water-based fun. In operation since 1969, Morey’s has over 100 rides and has packed multiple beachside blocks with amusements, restaurants, and water games for all ages. Visitors who’d like an escape from the sun will enjoy the aviation history on display at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum or the decades of pinball wizardry collected at the Silverball Pinball Museum.

Hungry after a long day of lounging on the beach? Sample everything from hand-pulled taffy to eggrolls at one of the bustling arcades, or splash out for fine dining on seafood classics at one of the Jersey Shore’s many restaurants. The arcades have got you covered for shopping, too, or pop over for a quick day trip to Atlantic City, where every visitor has the chance to hit the jackpot. Indulge your inner culture buff during summer vacation and snap up tickets for popular, original stagings at the Cape May Stage Professional Equity Theatre or East Lynn Theater Company. On the flipside, whether you’re craving a casino lounge, a packed club spinning tunes by the world’s best DJs, or a relaxed deck side bar, the Jersey Shore nightlife is famous for catering to just about anyone.

Be ready for all the family fun and exploration you can handle when you book up your summer at one of the Jersey Shore’s beautiful properties. From warm cottages that open up on beach views to refreshing private pools, everything you need for the summer of a lifetime is right at your fingertips.