4 Things To Do At The Jersey Shore On Bad Beach Days

As the annual migration from Philadelphia to all New Jersey shore points south of Atlantic City has begun for the 2023 summer. As the saying goes, "A bad day at the beach is still better than a good day at work", but some days at the beach aren't conducive for actually being on the beach. Maybe it's raining, cold, or even just a bit too grey and windy. There are still things to do when you're down there. If you've got kids and need to hang on to the last bit of sanity some of these might be good for you. If you are childless and looking to get out of the house there is plenty to do, most of these involve drinking.

Like the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pa., the Cape May Zoo is the perfect size if you are with children. It's an easy walk for the kiddos and they can see lions, cheetahs, bears, alligators, giraffes, zebras, etc. There is face painting and you can feed some goats and a cow. Parking and admission are free, but you can (and should) make a donation upon arriving at the gates. Worth the trip to get the kids out of the house on a rainy day.

No better thing to do on a rainy day than head a few shore towns over and spend some money. Hit up some great little shops on Washington Street, grab a bite to eat, go check out the Cape May Lighthouse and take a peek at the SS Atlantus concrete ship wreckage before she is fully submerged in the coming years.

We did this for the first time last summer and I was pretty skeptical about how this was going to be. Turns out it was really cool to learn the history at the airfield, to see the different types of planes, and the progress/experimentation from war to war. It's a really impressive place and definitely a hidden gem for a rainy day. We had a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old with us who loved it. Visitors are able to sit in the cockpit of some of the aircraft they have in the museum.

Leave the kids, bring the kids, and get some really good beers inside the tap house, or outside in their Brewtanical Gardens. In the gardens, there are picnic tables, umbrellas, and yard games. Most importantly stop in for the beers on a rainy day, because the shore is made for day drinking, and it is still day drinking in the rain.

If you're a dog owner you may be wondering if there are dog-friendly beaches in this area. There are, and they're right at the Jersey Shore!

Yes, you and your pup are welcome, even during summer. Typically, dogs are not allowed on the beach during the on-season. For good reason, too. Crowded beaches with people who may or may not like dogs are probably not a god idea for your pup. In order to prevent issues, beach towns tend to only allow dogs on beaches from (roughly) October to April.

But, there is a way for you to take your dog to the beach without freezing solid. And that is the beautiful world of dog-friendly beaches. A world of sand and sun and happy doggies frolicking in the water. These beaches are close enough for a day-trip from Philadelphia, and your dog will thank you. The spring and summer get pretty dang hot. It's only fair to let your fur-baby get in on the fun of a shore trip.

A tip, though. Be prepared for sand, and a lot of it. As long as you account for a wet and sandy puppy, it'll be a good time. But that's the fun of it, right? Letting your dog enjoy something you enjoy, too. It's okay that they get a bit messy on ya!

If you're looking to make a vacation of it, don't fret. There are also dog-friendly rentals in every shore town. So you and your furry friend can stay and lounge in style. Make the trip to check out one of these awesome dog-friendly beaches.

Longport Dog Beach is an off-leash dog beach located at Malibu Beach Wildlife Management area in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Dogs of all sizes are allowed to play in the sand and water, unrestricted. It's open year-round for your pup to play. But of course, what makes it paw-mazing is that you can visit during the summer months. A rarity at the Jersey Shore!

Look for the giant fire hydrant sculpture. There you will find a doggy heaven. Wildwood Dog Park and Beach in Wildwood, NJ is a dog-friendly spot where owners can walk their dog under the boardwalk and access the beach. There is plenty of room for you and your fur-baby to bask in the sun and take a swim. Dogs must be leashed on the beach itself, but the fenced-in dog park is leash-free!

The Eighth Avenue Dog Beach in Asbury Park, NJ welcomes pups all year long. From September to May, you dog is free to play all day long. In the summertime, though, you and your doggo should plan an early morning or evening visit. Dogs are prohibited between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm. But when your dog can step on the beach, an off-leash run at this popular beach will be in order.