There's something almost cinematic about driving south along the New Jersey coast as the Atlantic catches the morning light. The salty air, the sun breaking over the water, the boardwalks still quiet before the summer crowds — this coastal route from the Jersey Shore down to Cape May is one of the most underrated day trips in the Northeast.

Best of all, it's perfect for a rental. Park your own car at home, pick up a comfortable sedan or SUV from AntVal Rentals in Lawnside, and let the coast do the rest.

The Route at a Glance

The drive runs roughly 75 miles from Asbury Park in the north to Cape May at the southern tip of the state. You can do it in 90 minutes straight through, but the real magic happens when you slow down, pull off, and explore. Set aside a full day — you won't regret it.

  • Start: Asbury Park (Monmouth County)
  • Route: NJ-35 South → Ocean Avenue → Garden State Parkway → NJ-9 South
  • End: Cape May
  • Total distance: ~75 miles
  • Ideal time: Year-round, best April–October

Must-Stop Towns Along the Way

Asbury Park

Start your journey in Asbury Park, where the boardwalk, vintage arcade culture, and excellent coffee shops make a perfect morning launchpad. The iconic Stone Pony is worth a peek even if there's no show. Pick up a breakfast sandwich from one of the boardwalk cafés before heading south.

Point Pleasant Beach

The classic New Jersey shore town experience. The Jenkinson's Boardwalk offers amusements, fresh seafood, and salt water taffy. It's wonderfully retro in all the right ways. Pull over for lunch and a walk along the beach.

Long Beach Island (LBI)

Take the causeway onto Long Beach Island for a detour worth every mile. Barnegat Lighthouse at the northern tip is a bucket-list stop — climb the 217 steps to the top for views that stretch from Sandy Hook to Atlantic City. LBI's quiet neighborhoods feel like stepping into a 1960s summer postcard.

Atlantic City

Whether casinos are your thing or not, the Atlantic City boardwalk is an experience. The Steel Pier, the wide beach in shoulder season, and some surprisingly excellent restaurants make this a worthwhile stop. Skip the rush-hour traffic by visiting mid-morning or late afternoon.

Cape May

Your final destination is genuinely unlike anywhere else in New Jersey. Cape May is a perfectly preserved Victorian beach town — pastel gingerbread houses, manicured gardens, and a beachfront that feels more like New England than the Garden State. Walk the Washington Street Mall, have dinner at one of the legendary inns, and watch the sun set over Delaware Bay. It's the kind of town that makes you want to stay the night.

Tips for the Drive

  • Beat the shore traffic. Leave before 8am in summer months to avoid the weekend crush on the Parkway. The early coastal light is worth it anyway.
  • Pack beach chairs. Your rental trunk has room. Many of the beaches along this route are free or low-cost in the shoulder season.
  • Download offline maps. Cell service can be patchy on some barrier island roads.
  • Fill up before LBI. Gas is noticeably pricier on the island.
  • Book Cape May parking in advance. The town has limited street parking in peak season. The Welcome Center lot near the bridge fills quickly.

Best Rental Vehicle for This Drive

For a solo trip or a couple, a mid-size sedan from our Avis fleet works perfectly — comfortable, fuel-efficient, and easy to park in tight shore-town spots. If you're bringing the family or planning to haul beach gear, step up to an SUV. You'll appreciate the extra cargo room after a day of collecting shells and boardwalk souvenirs.

Book through our AntVal location for the best local rate on Avis and Budget vehicles — powered by the Avis Budget Group network with South Jersey service you can count on.