The Jersey Shore is known for being a popular beach destination during the summer. However, the actual best time to visit Cape May County is during September and October. The weather is still warm, there are less crowds, and accommodations are significantly cheaper than high season.

Here is a weekend itinerary in Ocean City, Stone Harbor, and Somers Point, New Jersey.

SATURDAY

1. Arrive in Ocean City, NJ

The best weekend is about to begin! You made it to Ocean City. Head to your accommodations, drop off your bag, and make your way to a much deserved breakfast!

Here is where I would recommend staying in Ocean City:

Coastal Chateau- This boutique hotel is drop dead gorgeous. It is a 100+ year old building that was recently renovated in 2024. Aside from the luxury, coastal chic design, it is also perfectly centrally located spot to spend a night during the off-season.
- Address: 601 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226
- Website: www.coastalchateauocnj.com

2. Have a late breakfast at Jon & Patty’s (Ocean City)

Jon & Patty’s Coffee Bar & Bistro is an iconic breakfast restaurant in Ocean City. With its central location on Asbury Ave, it is the perfect spot to start your day. I would recommend taking advantage of sitting outdoors to soak in the salt air, but if indoors is more of your vibe, they have an eclectic, cozy dining space to enjoy your meal.

**What you should order:**
**Build Your Own 4-Egg Omelet**- It is LARGE but so good. The omelet is served with home fries and toast.
**Sunshine breakfast tacos**- Corn tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs, tomato, avocado, and bacon topped with cheddar cheese served with home fries
**Traditional French Toast**- Two slices of challah bread and dusted with powdered sugar
**If lattes are your thing**- Jon & Patty’s is known for their latte bar offering a long list of lattes from peppermint patty to orange creamsicle. I am a black coffee gal and they sounded so good, I was even tempted to order one!
If you’re not feeling breakfast food, they also offer a large menu of different lunch meals.
**Address:** 637 Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226
**Website**: jonandpattys.com

3. Go shopping on Asbury Ave (Ocean City)

Asbury Avenue in Ocean City is a shopping paradise. It is filled with streets of local boutiques and some brand name stores. September and October is the best time to go shopping on Asbury Ave since most of the stores are having their end of season sales.

**Some stores with awesome sales:**
7th Street Surf Shop Outlet: 40% the entire store (this even included Raybans!)
RonJon- 50% off the entire store

4. Spend some time on the empty beach (Ocean City or wherever your heart desires!)

If the weather is nice, then you most definitely have to go on the beach. If you’ve ever been to Ocean City, or any Jersey Shore beach in the summer, then you know it is extremely crowded and not that relaxing.

September and October is the perfect time to go on the beach since there is barely anyone else around. So grab a cozy crew neck and a good book and spend your afternoon enjoying some peace, quiet and sounds of crashing waves.

5. Drive over to Stone Harbor and wander around 96th Street

Stone Harbor is such a vibe and a must stop on your weekend trip. 96th Street is Stone Harbor’s equivalent to Ocean City’s Asbury Ave with awesome boutiques, restaurants, and candy stores.

**Some must stops to make when visiting 96th Street:**
**Douglass Fudge**- Candy store
**Skirt**- Clothing store
**Seven Mile Pies**- Pizza
**Enchanted Boutique-** Clothing Store
**Paw Prints-** Pet store
**Bread & Cheese Cupboard**- Bakery (closes at 3pm on the weekend)
There was a beer festival going on when we were there over the weekend! Another awesome part of the off-season is that many of the beach towns have festivals. I included a list of the upcoming September and October events below.

6. Have dinner at Spiaggetta (Stone Harbor)

Spiaggetta is a delicious, Italian restaurant in Stone Harbor. They describe themselves as serving up “Real Roman Cuisine at the Jersey Shore" and they are definitely doing that. From the relaxing environment to their handmade pasta, this place is really special. It is also BYOB!

It is hard to narrow down what to order because everything is amazing ,but here are a few recommendations:
**Starters**: Meatballs, Bruschetta, and Calamari (all in the photo)
**Entrees**: Bolognese pasta, Rapini pasta, and Chicken parm
They also host cooking classes if that is something you are interested in: spiaggettanj.com/cooking-classes
**Fun Fact:** Connor and I are having our wedding rehearsal dinner here next May! So I really mean it when I say this place is unbelievable.
**Address**: 9800 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
**Website**: spiaggettanj.com

7. End with ice cream at Springer’s (Stone Harbor)

Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream has been serving the Jersey Shore over 70 flavors of ice cream for the past 90+ years. It is truly an institution and should be on everyone’s list when visiting Stone Harbor.

Springer’s is in my top 3 ice cream places in all of Cape May County (and I’ve eaten a lot of ice cream across the different beaches lol). The flavor and texture is everything you want in a perfect scoop.
My go to flavor is their milk and cookies cheesecake. It’s heaven on earth.
**Address**: 9420 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
**Website**: www.springersicecream.com

SUNDAY

1. Grab breakfast at Asbury Kitchen (Ocean City)

It’s your last morning at the beach and there is no better way to start it than at Asbury Kitchen.

Asbury Kitchen serves up a seriously delicious breakfast. They offer a lengthy list of healthy breakfast options alongside the comfort classics. Their crepe menu is also something really special.
**What you should order:**
**Banana Walnut Pancakes** (photo of the full stack)- Fresh bananas, served with walnuts, syrup and butter
**Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast**- French toast filled with cream cheese and mixed berries
**Salmon Benny**- Smoked salmon, avocado and homemade hollandaise sauce served with home fries
Also, if you are **gluten free**, they have a completely separate gluten free menu!
**Address**: 624 Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226
**Website**: asburykitchen.com

2. Say goodbye to Ocean City and head to Charlie’s Bar for an Eagle’s Game (Somers Point)

If you are staying in Ocean City, you will likely leave the island from the 9th Street Bridge. Somers Point is the first town you will drive through when you do so. If you are a Philadelphia Eagles fan (or even if you aren’t), you have to make a stop at Charlie’s Bar on your way home.

Charlie’s Bar has been a local’s favorite since opening in 1944. It is also quite possible it hasn’t been renovated since 1944 with all the retro decor, but that is what makes this place so special! This no frills bar serves up some of the best wings in the area.
**What you should eat:**
**The wings and bbt combo** (6 wings and 3 boneless chicken tenders)- Order Tailgun sauce, which is basically buffalo sauce. It’s super spicy and super delicious.
**The cheese fries**
**Obviously a cold draft** (or a water if you are driving)
Bring cash! They are a **cash only** business.
**Address**: 800 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ 08244
**Website**: https://charliesbar.com/

If you are looking for some additional inspiration, here are a few September and October 2024 events taking place at the South Jersey Shore to add to your weekend itinerary!

Margate Fall Funfest- September 28, 2024 and September 29, 2024
Ocean City Fall Block Party- October 12, 2024
Avalon Arts & Seafood Festival- October 12, 2024

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The Perfect South Jersey Shore Fall Weekend Itinerary