Going down the shore is an enjoyable pastime for East-coasters of all ages. You know you’ve arrived when that marshy scent envelops your car. You can’t help but crack the windows to let in that salt air and sulfurous stench.

While the rest of the world seems to modernize, the retro motels, boardwalk games, and weathered jetties of the Jersey shore remain relatively untouched since its heyday. There’s something about the simplicity of the rolling waves and flat coastline, with some of the softest and whitest sand in the world. And ending a hot summer day with your favorite treat, whether that be Kohr Bros soft serve, Johnson’s caramel popcorn, or salt water taffies.

“every day’s a holiday and every night is a Saturday night”

— Wildwood Days by Bobby Rydell

I have too many favorite places to list, so I created a custom Google Maps travel guide showcasing where to dine, play, and stay from flashy Atlantic City to America’s oldest seaside resort destination, Cape May. Between these two beach towns, the family-friendly Ocean City, the upscale Avalon and Stone Harbor, and the carnival-like Wildwood each appeals to a different type of traveler. Though, they all share an allure that’s steeped in nostalgia.

My Custom Google Maps Southern Jersey Shore Travel Guide

I’ll continue to add bars, restaurants, hotels, and beaches as I keep exploring, but this is an excellent start. What shore traditions do you keep year after year?

xx Kathryn