Why visiting the Jersey Shore after Labor Day is a cost-saving alternative
Spend time in Cape May in October to save on oceanfront properties. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Denis Tangney Jr.
Skip the summer traffic, crowds and sky-high hotel rates by booking a getaway in shoulder season — the period sandwiched between peak season and off-peak at a popular destination. For Long Islanders looking to save, that means the smarter time to visit the Jersey Shore is after Labor Day.
Looking at eight properties in Jersey Shore hot spots, we found that booking a stay in September or October at high-end hotels or budget-friendly motels can lead to savings of up to 76% compared to peak summer rates. That can make a getaway to the Shore much more doable as travel costs continue to climb. The U.S. Travel Association’s July Travel Price Index shows travel costs have increased 29% since 2019, making off-peak trips a smart way to save.
The bonus? The ocean is warmer, the beaches and boardwalks are less crowded, and the frantic pace of peak season gives way to a more relaxed Shore getaway.
You can reach these hot spots in under four hours from Long Island.
Cape May
Best savings: Stay in October to save up to 76%
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: About 3½ hours, depending on traffic and route.
Experience Cape May's Victorian charm and save up to 76% on hotel stays by visiting in September or October. Credit: Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts
Cape May is known for its Victorian architecture, gaslit streets and status as the nation's oldest seaside resort town, drawing visitors for its beaches as much as its history.
A look at three Cape May properties shows rates fall as much as 76% between peak summer and the shoulder season of September and October, based on the lowest published rates for weekday (Monday through Thursday) and weekend (Friday through Sunday) stays.
Higher-end properties offer the most dramatic savings.
Sandpiper Beach Club
A stay at Sandpiper Beach Club costs about $809 per night during peak summer, compared with $278 in September, a savings of about 66%. In October, rates drop to $196.
- Best savings: Save 76% by booking an October weekday.
- Lowest savings: Save 47% on a September weekend.
- More info 800-732-7816, caperesorts.com
La Mer Beachfront Resort
The resort costs about $649 per night during peak summer, compared with $407 in September, a savings of about 37%. In October, rates drop to about $184.
- Best savings: Save 72% by booking an October weekday.
- Lowest savings: Save 29% on a September weekend.
- More info 609-770-4810, capemaylamer.com
Jetty Motel
Motels still offered as much as 27% in savings. A stay at the motel costs about $305 per night during peak summer, compared with $255 in September, a savings of about 16%. In October, rates drop to about $145.
- Best savings: Save 53% by booking an October weekday.
- Lowest savings: Save 16% on a September weekday.
- More info 609-884-4640, jettycmnj.com
Notable spots
Beyond the beach, visitors can spend a weekend exploring the town's historic homes, strolling Washington Street Mall, visiting Cape May Lighthouse or booking a whale-watching excursion. The town's restaurants and bars also make it easy to build a trip around food rather than simply beach time.
Long Beach Island
Best savings: Stay in October to save up to 70%
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: About 2 to 2½ hours, depending on traffic and route.
Enjoy Long Beach Island's uncrowded beaches and save up to 55% on accommodations by planning your visit for September or October. Credit: Getty Images/Haizhan Zheng
Long Beach Island, or LBI, is known for its 18 miles of uncrowded beaches, the Barnegat Lighthouse and a laid-back, small-town feel that draws repeat visitors every summer.
A look at three LBI properties, both high-end and affordable, shows a similar pattern of discounts up to 55% after Labor Day.
Hotel LBI
The hotel costs about $658 per night during peak summer, compared with $345 in September, a savings of about 48%. In October, rates drop to about $209, though weekend availability that month is limited.
- Best savings: Save 68% by booking an October weekday.
- Lowest savings: Save 44% on a September weekend.
- More info 609-467-8000, hotellbi.com
Spray Beach Hotel
A stay at the hotel costs about $569 per night during peak summer, compared with $279 in September, a savings of about 51%. In October, rates drop to about $169.
- Best savings: Save 70% by booking an October weekday.
- Lowest savings: Save 42% on a September weekend.
- More info 609-492-1501, spraybeachhotel.com
Engleside Inn
A night at the inn costs about $415 per night during peak summer, compared with $222 in September, a savings of about 47%. In October, weekday and weekend rates both settle at about $187, a 55% savings from peak summer weekday pricing.
- Best savings: Save 61% by booking an October weekend.
- Lowest savings: Save 28% on a September weekend.
- More info 609-492-1251, engleside.com
Notable spots
Beyond the beach, visitors can climb Barnegat Lighthouse, known locally as Old Barney, browse the shops and galleries at Viking Village, take in a show at Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven or spend an afternoon kayaking the calmer bay side of the island.
