11 New Jersey Shore Towns Locals Claim Are Drowning In Tourists
New Jersey’s coastline draws millions of visitors every summer, filling beaches, boardwalks, and restaurants to capacity. While tourism brings money to these communities, it also creates challenges for year-round residents who watch their quiet neighborhoods transform into bustling hotspots.
These eleven shore towns have become so popular that locals often feel outnumbered by the seasonal crowds.
1. Seaside Heights
Famous for its boardwalk amusement pier and reality TV fame, this town sees massive summer crowds. The population swells dramatically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Parking becomes nearly impossible on weekends, and locals often avoid the boardwalk entirely during peak season. Beach badges sell out quickly as day-trippers flood in from surrounding areas.
2. Wildwood
Retro neon signs and free beaches make this destination incredibly appealing to budget-conscious families. The two-mile boardwalk hosts countless attractions that draw visitors by the thousands.
Traffic jams are common throughout the summer months as cars inch toward limited parking spots. Year-round residents sometimes joke that they reclaim their town only after September arrives.
3. Asbury Park
Once a faded resort, this town has experienced a cultural renaissance attracting music lovers and foodies alike. Weekend concerts and festivals bring huge crowds to the revitalized waterfront.
Restaurant reservations fill up weeks in advance during summer. Locals appreciate the economic revival but sometimes miss the quieter days before the comeback began.
4. Point Pleasant Beach
Family-friendly attractions and a classic boardwalk atmosphere keep this town packed throughout the season. Jenkinson’s Aquarium and amusement rides are major draws for visitors with children.
The small-town streets weren’t designed for today’s traffic volume, creating congestion problems. Beach access points get crowded early, and finding a parking meter becomes a competitive sport.
5. Long Branch
Upscale development has transformed this historic shore town into a trendy destination. Pier Village’s shops and restaurants attract both day visitors and weekend travelers looking for sophistication.
Beach clubs and resort hotels bring steady crowds throughout warm months. Residents navigate around tourist traffic when running everyday errands, especially near the waterfront areas.
6. Ocean City
This dry town markets itself as a wholesome family destination, and that reputation brings enormous seasonal crowds. The boardwalk stretches for miles, lined with shops, eateries, and amusement rides.
Summer rentals book solid months ahead as families return year after year. Locals know which streets to avoid during peak hours and shop early before tourists wake up.
7. Atlantic City
Casinos, entertainment venues, and convention centers bring year-round visitors to this gambling hub. Unlike seasonal shore towns, Atlantic City deals with tourist crowds even during colder months.
The boardwalk remains busy throughout most of the year with both beach lovers and gaming enthusiasts. Residents living outside the casino district sometimes feel disconnected from their own community.
8. Long Beach Island
This eighteen-mile barrier island becomes a summer sanctuary for thousands of vacationers renting beachfront properties. Only one bridge provides access, creating notorious traffic bottlenecks on summer Fridays.
Grocery stores and restaurants operate at maximum capacity during peak weeks. Year-round islanders sometimes need an hour just to drive a few miles during changeover weekends.
9. Red Bank
Though not directly on the ocean, this riverside town attracts shore-bound travelers with its dining and shopping scene. The Count Basie Theater and vibrant downtown pull visitors from beach towns seeking evening entertainment.
Parking meters stay full throughout summer weekends as tourists explore beyond the sand. Local residents sometimes drive to neighboring towns for quieter shopping experiences.
10. Manasquan
Surfers and beach lovers flock to this small borough for its excellent waves and clean beaches. The compact size means even moderate crowds feel overwhelming to permanent residents.
Beach badge checkers stay busy throughout the season as visitors arrive early for prime spots. Downtown restaurants see lines out the door during lunch and dinner rushes.
11. Margate City
Lucy the Elephant draws curious visitors to this quieter alternative near Atlantic City. The residential character attracts families seeking a more peaceful beach experience than neighboring resort towns.
Still, summer rentals fill the streets with unfamiliar faces and vehicles. Locals notice the difference between the calm off-season and the bustling months when beaches reach capacity.
