The Jersey Shore Town You Should Visit This Summer, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Think of Belmar sort of the way you would Jacob Riis Park: good beach, very crowded on the weekends and lots of competing music playing as you dig your feet into the sand. Since Aries loves to be social, you’ll definitely appreciate Belmar’s communal party-beach vibe, especially at the popular D’jais Bar. Just be ready for some Jersey Shore–style antics (but as a fire sign, you’re up for anything).

Because of its location on a piece of land that juts out over Sandy Hook Bay toward Staten Island, Sandy Hook boasts spectacular views of the Verrazzano Bridge and southern Brooklyn—but it couldn’t feel farther away from the city. Taureans will find complete solitude just hearing the sound of the waves crashing on the quiet, National Parks–protected stretch. There’s even the swimsuit-optional Gunnison Beach here—Jersey’s only nude beach—which is especially appealing to Taurus, who’s notoriously comfortable in her own skin.

This air sign appreciates a good game, so a town filled with casinos—that also has some of Jersey’s most impressive sand and swimming opportunities—is “shore to please.” With a freshly minted Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy luxe little experiences with a side of music.

Cancer’s intuition will lead her to the right part of LBI, a barrier island with enough beaches and towns to suit any of the crab’s many moods. There’s the historic Barnegat Lighthouse; buzzing Beach Haven, which boasts amusement and water parks; exclusive Harvey Cedars, where you can lie low in a luxe beach house; and Surf City and Ship Bottom, popular spots to take in a serious game of mini golf.

The quintessential Americana beach town, where the bustling boardwalk is filled with amusement parks, arcades, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and ice cream—er, frozen custard (it’s a Jersey thing). But seriously, if you’ve never tried a cone from Kohr Bros., this is the ideal place to do it. Make sure to book early, though: Wildwood’s extra-wide beaches have made it crazy popular—just like Leo—with summer rentals often booked a year in advance.

If you ask anyone who’s been about Spring Lake, the immediate reaction is always positive—and a lot of Jersey folk would even put it at the top of their list, meaning it’s likely to impress a Virgo, who always strives to be number one. This little beach town is tops thanks in part to its proximity to NYC (90 minutes by train), its impressive architecture (read: chic Gilded Age–style mansions) and the grandiose Breakers Hotel, plus its relaxed beaches.

If you like things exclusive and posh, like most Libras do, look no further than the Hamptons of New Jersey. Oprah once was a frequent summer guest, and despite sustaining damage during Hurricane Sandy, much of the town has been rebuilt to its former glory. Located on a sliver of land on Barnegat Peninsula, the narrow town is surrounded by water on both sides, which means ’Gram-worthy photos from every angle. With some of the priciest beachfront real estate in the area, it’s also a great place to do some (voyeuristic) house hunting on Zillow. 

Manasquan is more of a local’s secret, so you’d have to do a little digging—one of Scorpio's fave hobbies—to find out about its many appeals. Located about two hours by train from Penn Station, it’s more casual and less crowded than most of its neighbors, and ’Squan also boasts a “small town America” strip with charming restaurants and shops. Its dog-friendly beach is also ideal for loyalty-minded Scorpios (many of whom prefer their pets to most people).

Immortalized by Snooki, JWoww and the rest of the Jersey Shore crew, only the open-minded Sagittarius could truly appreciate Seaside Heights for what it is. What’s that, exactly? Imagine Coney Island’s equally weird cousin, where a slightly seedy boardwalk includes all the usual trappings—games, rides, pizza, ice cream—but is only half the fun next to the people-watching.

This family-friendly town is suited to Capricorns’ strong familial bonds, so they can enjoy the boardwalk, aquarium and even a pet-friendly brewery with their nearest and dearest. And the goat’s practical side will appreciate that there’s plenty to do if the beach weather takes a turn for the worse, like hunting for treasures at the many local antique shops.

Cape May is an idyllic town located at the southern tip of New Jersey, where the practically perfect streets are lined with Victorian homes. Its location makes it feel somewhat independent from the rest of the Jersey Shore—more of a destination that commands its own special attention, something any Aquarius can get into. With plenty to do and see—including museums, local wineries and even an alpaca farm, Cape May will provide you with plenty of the mental stimulation you crave.

Think of Asbury as the Lower East Side of Jersey Shore towns: a little gritty, a little weird and  quickly evolving after years of being a neglected resort town. What truly makes Asbury special is that it’s a hub for creative types (like, ahem, Pisces), with many music and art venues,including the famed Stone Pony, plus a food scene that’s the finest in all of the shore area. This year, look out for a brand-new luxury hotel, Asbury Ocean Club, with an incredible ocean-view pool and deck you’d expect to find at a fancy Caribbean resort.