Over the past couple of weeks, we've been out and about at two of New Jersey's most popular summer destinations...the Asbury Park Boardwalk and the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

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There's just something about the Jersey Shore: the salty ocean air, suntan lotion, the boardwalk fries, the funnel cakes, the pizza, and all those familiar smells that instantly take you back to all those summer memories.

Photo by Oscar Bonilla on Unsplash
Photo by Oscar Bonilla on Unsplash

The Summer Smells That Bring You Back In Time

We asked on the air: what's that one summer smell that takes you right back, maybe to your childhood, or just a smell that you absolutely love this time of year?

From fresh-baked Italian bread at the bakery down the street to freshly cut grass, or even that amazing smell of rain after a summer storm, there are so many smells that can bring back a memory in an instant.

Pine Barrens To The Shore, The Summer Smells New Jersey Loves

You had such great answers!

"I used to love the smell of funnel cake at the Burlington County State Fair and on the Boardwalk! Smells like childhood!!!" 

"I love the smell of RAIN on the pavement. Reminds me of being a kid and breaking out my bicycle for the time of the season."

"Definitely the smell of suntan lotion and salty air."

"The best smell is the bay at low tide….you know you’ve made it to the shore when that smell hits your nose."

"The fresh pine trees in the Pine Barrens."

"Johnson's Popcorn in Ocean City!!"

Read More: Love sunflowers? You won’t want to miss this NJ festival

I remember those rides home from watching the Phillies play, driving along 295 and passing the Cherry Hill exit, where the Melitta Coffee Roasting Plant is located, and the smell of freshly roasted coffee would fill the car.

I love how quickly a smell can bring back a memory and take you right back to one of your favorite summertime moments in New Jersey!

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Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

Delaware Bay Beaches in Cumberland & Salem Counties

Saturday February 21, 2026 was a gorgeous day along the Delaware Bay in Cumberland and Salem County NJ. It was the calm before the storm. When everyone else was attacking the supermarkets, I had a quiet day snapping photos along what I call Jersey's forgotten south west bay shore.

Gallery Credit: Eric "EJ" Johnson

Best coffee shops & cafes near NJ beaches

When it comes to food, New Jersey is known for many things such as pizza and pork roll. Don't count us out when it comes to coffee.

With all the hustle and bustle involved in the average New Jersey resident's day, coffee is essential. It doesn't matter whether you're living in the cities of North Jersey or the vacation spots at the shore.

In fact, as the former owner of two Jersey shore coffee houses, Coffee Dot Comedy in Sea Isle City and the Daily Grind in Ocean Grove, I know firsthand how much people at the Jersey shore love their coffee.

With respect to that, I asked my social media following where the best coffee houses at the Jersey Shore were, especially since my two places no longer exist.

Below is what they came up with. (And see this other article for their coffee shop and cafe recommendations for Central Jersey.)

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson

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