Even the most seasoned beachgoers might be surprised by these little-known facts about New Jersey’s 130 miles of coastline. Here’s a look at some intriguing aspects of the Jersey Shore you may not know.
In 1943, instead of heading to Florida, the New York Yankees held their spring baseball training at a newly constructed field at Asbury Park High School in the trendy New Jersey shore town of Asbury Park.
Known to many for Lucy the Elephant, the sunny beach town officially called Margate City was originally known as South Atlantic City. For elephant lovers, after visiting Lucy, you can see real elephants at NJ’s zoos.
According to local legend, pirate Captain William Kidd buried treasure in the sands of Cape May, which now hosts a Captain Kidd Treasure Hunt annually. For treasure hunters, Lambertville offers rare finds as the “Antiques Capitol of New Jersey.”
In 2005, Fox aired a brief series called “Point Pleasant,” set in the New Jersey town of the same name, featuring supernatural events linked to a mysterious teenage girl. For more family fun, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk remains a top choice.
Avalon is called “Cooler by a Mile” as it extends about a mile farther into the Atlantic Ocean than other barrier islands and is named after the mythical town in the Legend of King Arthur.
Sea Isle City has chosen Sara the Turtle as its official mascot to alert drivers of the diamondback terrapins emerging from marshlands. To see more aquatic creatures, visit the Adventure Aquarium in Camden.
Named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast, Cape May was mistakenly named due to a clerical error but has since become a beloved destination.
Brigantine, named for the numerous shipwrecks involving brigantines, a 1600s sailing vessel, offers calm waters perfect for kayaking and canoeing.
The original Monopoly board game was inspired by the streets of Atlantic City, turning it into a gaming resort icon.
The “Original” Ron Jon Surf Shop, which opened in 1961 on Long Beach Island, started as a small surfboard shop and has grown into a famous landmark.
The Wildwoods are known for the largest collection of “Doo-Wop” commercial architecture in the U.S., making it a vibrant hub of 50s and 60s Americana.
The first Miss America Pageant took place in 1921 in Atlantic City to extend the tourist season into Labor Day Weekend, crowning Margaret Gorman from Washington D.C.
Ocean City has been dubbed “America’s Greatest Family Resort” for over 85 years, originally serving as a fishing and grazing area known as Peck’s Beach.
The remains of the S.S. Atlantus, a World War I concrete ship, can be seen at Sunset Beach, also famous for its polished quartz crystals known as Cape May “diamonds.”
The name of Bruce Springsteen’s “E Street Band” comes from “E” Street in Belmar, where the band practiced in their early years.
These facts only scratch the surface of what makes the Jersey Shore a unique and beloved destination. For more information and to plan your visit, check out the official travel guide on VisitNJ.org.
Photo: Doors to nowhere in Cape May.