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.
