Top 10 Ways to Savor a Jersey Shore Summer

There’s something about summer at the Jersey Shore that feels larger than life.

The salt air, the sound of waves, the boardwalk lights at night — everything moves a little slower and a little louder at the same time. Whether you’re here for a full beach week or just a quick escape, the shore has a way of turning ordinary days into memories that linger long after the sand is gone.

From Brigantine to Cape May, these Jersey Shore beach sessions capture the joy, connection, and laughter of summer on the sand.

Here are a few of my favorite ways families make the most of a Jersey Shore summer — the moments that naturally lend themselves to joy, connection, and photographs that feel like summer itself.

1. Wake Up for a Sunrise

Soft skies, salty air, and a little girl dreaming big at sunrise—Jersey Shore mornings were made for moments like this.

Early mornings at the shore are quiet, pastel-colored, and peaceful. Before the crowds arrive, the beach feels endless — perfect for slow walks, deep breaths, and moments that feel calm and unhurried.

2. Wander the Boardwalk at Night

A magical moment between mother and daughter under the Atlantic City sky—captured right in front of the iconic Steel Pier Ferris wheel.

Boardwalk evenings are pure magic. Neon lights, laughter, shared snacks, and the kind of energy that only exists after sunset. These moments are full of movement and personality — the kind families talk about long after summer ends.

3. Say Yes to Local Festivals

Pure happiness in motion—this twirling moment on the Atlantic City beach captures the carefree spirit of summer.

From art shows to small-town markets, shore towns are full of spontaneous adventures. Lemonade stands, music drifting through the air, kids clutching treasures they picked themselves — these are the unscripted details that make memories feel real.

4. Explore Beyond the Beach

Because the best family portraits don’t always involve posing—just pure laughter and love on the beach in Atlantic City.

Summer doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Flower fields, orchards, and open landscapes just inland offer a completely different kind of magic — softer, quieter, and perfect for letting kids explore at their own pace.

5. Embrace a Little Make-Believe

Twirling through summer days in Wildwood—where every spin feels like pure joy by the shore.

Summer is the season of imagination. Whether it’s mermaids, fairytales, or simply twirling in the sand, kids lean into creativity this time of year — and those moments are always worth remembering.

6. Take a Boat Day in Cape May

Seeing dolphins or whales has a way of turning an ordinary day into a core memory. There’s something about salt spray and wide open water that leaves everyone smiling a little longer.

7. End the Day Slowly

Golden hour is where the magic softens. The light warms, conversations quiet down, and families naturally lean into one another. These moments never need to be rushed.

8. Dine Outdoors Whenever You Can

Big smiles, sandy toes, and sweet snuggles—this Jersey Shore family portrait is what summer memories are made of.

Dockside dinners, bayfront views, and sandy shoes under the table — summer meals at the shore feel relaxed and celebratory all at once.

9. Visit the Lighthouses

Soft evening light and a little glow—this portrait captures the magic of Jersey Shore evenings and quiet moments by the sea.

Lighthouses carry a sense of history and adventure. They’re perfect for families who like to explore, wander, and see something a little unexpected.

10. Leave Room for the Messy, Joyful Moments

Wind in her hair, magic in the air—this portrait celebrates the wild, beautiful spirit of the Jersey Shore.

Ice cream drips. Windblown hair. Giggles that turn into belly laughs. The most meaningful summer memories are rarely planned — they just happen when everyone slows down enough to notice them.

Summer at the Jersey Shore isn’t about checking off a list. It’s about presence — being together, letting kids be kids, and allowing the season to unfold naturally.

If you’re drawn to photographs that feel like real summer memories — full of movement, connection, and light — you can explore more of my Jersey Shore family portrait work here.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, Brigantine, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Sea Isle, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Wildwood, Cape May, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Survival Guide: Kids' Beach Photo Shoots at Jersey Shore

(Because "Just One Cute Picture" Is a Lie We Tell Ourselves)

So, you’ve booked a beautiful family beach photo session at the Jersey Shore—maybe in Ocean City, Cape May, or Wildwood. You’re picturing golden-hour light, breezy smiles, and a final gallery of frame-worthy images that will make your mother-in-law weep with pride.

Playing on the beach at the Jersey Shore.

Reality check: Someone will get sand in their eyes. Someone will suddenly refuse to participate. If you have multiple kids, at least one will dramatically collapse like they’ve just hiked the entire boardwalk in July.

Welcome to the Parental Survival Guide for Beach Photo Shoots, where I’ll help you embrace the chaos, keep your sanity, and still walk away with stunning portraits (even if it means rewarding yourself with a post-session margarita).

Flip of the hair and having fun in the ocean.

Step 1: Accept the Chaos. Embrace the Mess.

First things first—let go of the idea that everything will go perfectly. Kids + sand + an attention span shorter than a seagull’s meal plan = unpredictable energy. And you know what? That’s exactly what makes the best photos!

Instead of stiff, posed shots, expect running, jumping, and spontaneous bursts of laughter. Some of the most treasured images come from those unexpected moments—windblown giggles, sandy toes, and the way your little one tugs at your hand as the waves roll in.

Just playing in the sand and being free. Wearing Tutu Du Monde. Check out their dresses!

Step 2: Bribery Is Not Only Acceptable—It’s Encouraged

Your child isn’t here for the memories. They’re here because you promised them something. And that’s fine! Smart parents know how to negotiate.

Top-tier bribes that work every time:
✔️ Ice cream from their favorite boardwalk stand
✔️ A special toy from a Cape May boutique
✔️ Extra screen time (no shame, we’ve all been there)
✔️ A new beach bucket set (so they can promptly bury their sibling in the sand)

Fishing Pier in Ocean City!

Step 3: Dress for Success (a.k.a. Avoid the Outfit Meltdown)

For those classic, timeless beach portraits, I always recommend light, neutral tones—soft blues, whites, pastels. But here’s the thing: If your toddler is known for rejecting clothing at random, bring them in pajamas and change on-site. Trust me, fighting about a dress at home is a battle you won’t win.

Finding Seashells on the beach!

Also, bring backup clothes. If your child is anywhere near water, assume they will end up soaked.

The waves beckon.

Step 4: Manage Parental Expectations (a.k.a. Don’t Stress)

I know you’re thinking, “I just want one good picture.” Here’s the thing—you’ll get more than one. But the best ones? They’re not always the perfectly posed, everyone-smiling-at-the-camera shots.

Some of the most heartwarming images come from the in-between moments:
✨ The way your little one clings to you when the waves rush in
✨ A belly laugh as they chase seagulls
✨ That sweet moment of sandy hand-holding between siblings

Laughing and having fun!

Your family’s real personalities and real joy shine through in those moments—and that’s what makes your photos truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Celebrate Your Survival

The session is over. Your kids had a blast, you only had to use three of your planned bribes, and no one was permanently lost to the ocean. That’s a win.

Now, go enjoy that ice cream (yes, you too). Or if you’re like me, grab a well-earned drink, sit back, and get excited for your stunning, hand-edited portraits—because I promise, they’ll be worth every sandy, snack-demanding moment.

Running towards toward the waves.

Book Your Family Beach Session Now!

Because in a few years, you’ll miss the days when they built sandcastles instead of asking for car keys. Let’s freeze these memories in time.

📍 Location: Jersey Shore | Ocean City | Cape May | Wildwood

📅 Availability: Limited spots for 2025
📸 Book Now: www.shootingstarsouthjersey.com

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee