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Before there was "Jersey Shore" there was.... the Jersey shore.

New Jersey's famous coastline runs for miles along the Atlantic, and also remains the New York City area's unofficial summer backyard, providing welcome hot weather fun to metro-area residents.

Today, ferries from midtown Manhattan whisk New Yorkers from the urban heat to the cool sands of Sandy Hook, a first stop on any complete tour of the Jersey shore.

From the famous boardwalk in Altantic City to the quaint charm of Cape May, more fun beckons as cool Atlantic breezes beckon millions every year to swim, sunbath (and, YES, surfing -- at the Jersey shore's surfing mecca, Seaside Heights.)

In between, you'll find white sandy beaches in state-run parks like Island Beach State Park, (photo top left) along the state's 130 mile-long Atlantic coastline.

Have fun!

A bird's eye view of the Jersey shore.

New Jersey beach water quality hotline: 1-800-648-SAND

What's the weather like today? New Jersey beach web cams:

Asbury Park

Atlantic City

Ocean City

Monmouth Beach

Wildwoods

Official seashell of the Jersey shore.

DID YOU KNOW? New Jersey beach fun facts:

• Stretching for four miles, the Atlantic City boardwalk is the longest in the world.

• This being the Garden State, three New Jersey wineries can be found along the state's Atlantic coast for summer wine tastings at Cream Ridge Winery, Four JG’s Vineyard, and Laurita Winery.

• Cape May is the oldest seaside resort in the nation and has been welcoming visitors since the mid-1700's. Today, Cape May boasts the nation's second largest collection of Victorian-style homes after San Francisco.

• The state seashell is the knobbed whelk (commonly called a conch shell), found on every beach in New Jersey.

More about New Jersey beaches around the Web:

NJ Tourism - New Jersey Beaches - Check out a complete online Shore Tour with driving directions plus separate virtual tours of Tuckerton Seaport, Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park.

New Jersey Divison of Parks and Forestry - News, event calendar, online tours in iPIX, Real Media video, and photo galleries, including virtual looks at Cape May Pointe State Park, Island Beach State Park, and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.

Hopatcong State Park - With info on swimming, fishing and canoeing at the park's focal point, Lake Hopatcong ... including amenities, fees, and rules and regulations FAQ, driving directions and contact details.