There are few vacation spots that manage to combine convenience, price and atmosphere as well as New Jersey’s shore communities. They are more easily accessible to the entire northeast than any other coastal region. Jersey Shore towns tend to be far more affordable than other popular coastal retreats. And when it comes to capturing the kind of coastal lifestyle that so many find alluring, few regions have been doing it longer (and better) as the NJ shore communities have.

But how do you find the best ones? How do you settle on a place to stay? How do you make the most out of your hunt for a perfect family vacation, romantic getaway, or weekend away with friends?

It’s easy. And we’re going to show you how.

1) Scope Out Your Destination Towns

There are a lot of great communities along the NJ coast. Selecting which is right for you depends on what you’re looking for. Want a quiet getaway in an historic town? Trying staying in Cape May or Spring Lake, or booking a hotel in Long Beach Island. If you are looking for a family getaway, Wildwood, Ocean City and Point Pleasant are good options. If you want a great nightlife, Seaside Heights, Belmar and Asbury Park are the places to be. Just interested in sunning yourself? Try Lavallette or Long Beach Island.

2) Check For Attractions And Amenities

Before booking your LBI hotel, Seaside Heights condo, or other accommodations, check the maps and tourism guides to see what else is nearby. This will give you a sense for what you might end up doing all week (aside from catching some sun). Some towns boast aquariums. Others rides and attractions. Some are fairly reasonable drives away from theme parks. Others are near historic wine vineyards. Still others have easy access to fantastic nature trails, hiking, and biking. Throw in music venues, clubs, and more, and you can fill your itinerary pretty quickly.

3) Explore Options For Accommodations

If you’re staying at the Jersey shore, good news: you will have a lot of options available to you. There are homes for rent, condos, hotels and motels, roadside inns, bed and breakfasts, and more. You name it, you’ll find it. If booking a hotel in LBI, for example, you’ll find many options available to you. All you need to do is decide what sort of experience you want. Renting a house or bungalow is ideal for families, as you will have a lot of room and will have plenty of distance from your neighbors. A beachfront condo or hotel will give you easy access to the sun and sand. Motels make traveling to area attractions easier. Inns and bed and breakfasts give you a stronger sense of having gotten away and make you feel closer to the place you’re staying. Think about your wants and choose wisely!

4) Take Your Trip!

All that’s left is to hop in the car and go enjoy the sun! So go ahead, book your trip, and enjoy all that vacationing at the shore has to offer.