The 5 Ultimate Jersey Shore Smells That Remind Us It Is Almost Summer

We have finally arrived at the “unofficial” start of summer 2024 and there are so many things that bring back memories of your childhood everywhere you turn. Personally, I love walking the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore and hearing the seagulls while feeling that ocean breeze anytime of the year. The crashing waves and brilliant sunshine reflecting off the water and the sand are magical to my soul. When I think of my childhood I remember vacations to the Gaslight at 7th and Surf in North Wildwood and the Madrid in Wildwood Crest.

The nights on the boardwalk heading to Hunts and Morey’s Pier are sketched in my psyche. It’s the smells though that continue to stimulate my mind every time I arrive off the Garden State Parkway. Which of these Jersey Shore “fragrances” are most memorable to you? I list mine in order of memory. Sadly, our own Connor Thomas has to sit this one out. He can’t smell anything.

The overwhelming winner of the Nose Olympics for me is the smell of COPPERTONE. Yes, the one from the old ad campaign with the sexy blonde in the bikini having her bottom tugged at by a little dog! If you get that reference you most certainly can picture the ad!

That distinct smell is so unique that no other sunscreen smells anything like it. It screams Wildwood Boardwalk to me and all of those summers at the shore as a kid. Back in the day I remember that they either had the number 2 or 4 on the bottle. Things have certainly changed in the sunscreen business! I use nothing less than 70 now!

Is it the sand or the salty sea air? It might be a combination of both. All I know is when I get off the AC Expressway and turn on to the Parkway heading to the Southern shore points I can smell it.

As you approach the bridges into each shore town the windows are down! I love the intoxicating smell and it immediately disconnects me from life back over the bridge to Pennsylvania. Remember the Seinfeld episode where Kramer came up with the idea for a beach cologne? I think Cosmo was on to something.

This fragrance grabs me every single time! I must admit that I am a person that loves breakfast foods at dinner. There is something about the toasty, malted smell of a freshly baked waffle cone that gets my attention and I am not even a big ice cream fan.

When I was a kid it was the two smaller waffles with the square of vanilla ice cream in the middle that my Mom would enjoy every time. There is something that transports me back in time when I encounter that smell. I’m afraid. That if I did like ice cream I would weight 500 pounds on the amount of those waffles and cones I would consume on one vacation.

I love this category because it could actually be two distinctly different aromas. There is the smell of the planks on the boardwalk in the midst of a hot weather stretch when the boards are baked to a balmy crisp. It has a strong wood smell, like walking the lumber aisles at Lowe’s on a Saturday morning.

Then there is the opposite memory, the boardwalk when it’s wet. A storm blows through and the rain pours down. The smell of the damp boardwalk is completely different than the well-cooked version. Both of these are fantastic ways to remember great summer moments of the past.

Sometimes it’s overcooked and other times it’s perfectly toasty. There is nothing like the pervasive smell of boardwalk popcorn. It’s as if the local AMC Theater exploded and you get assaulted with it everywhere. It’s glorious and I can usually catch the smell before any other coming up the ramp at Bob’s Grill.

If you're headed to Wildwood this summer, why not make it a stay? There are wonderful beach motels in Wildwood, New Jersey. We sifted through a bunch of Google reviews to find the best.

It's such a great vacationing area. With the entertaining piers with rides and games, it's a super fun place for families. There are so many awesome restaurants, events, and attractions.

And let's not forget the beaches. They're huge and span for five miles. Plus, they're FREE for all to enjoy. No beach tags are required. How great is that?

Day-tripping is fine, but we highly recommend staying a few days. Yes, it's not too far away and you can go multiple times in one summer. But, there's so much to do and see, you really would get bang for your buck by staying there.

There is a ton to do in the bustling town. From bars and shows, to family fun and sun, Wildwood is a great place to vacation.

So, where to stay? You should probably start planning now if we've thoroughly convinced you to vacation in the Wildwoods. The classic beach town has that classic beach town feel.

The boardwalk is littered with tons of retro-looking beach motels. Inside, though, they are anything but retro. From North Wildwood to the Wildwood Crest, there are some really great motels you and the whole fam can check out.

Park Lane Resort is one of those super classic beach motels. They've been around for a really long time. The charming family resort is located across the street from the beach. Famous Wildwood Boardwalk and other Wildwood attractions are within walking distance. They also boast the "largest" pool on the island.

Armada-by-the-Sea is located in Wildwood Crest, adjacent to Centennial Park and close to the famous Wildwood Boardwalk. they have traditional motel rooms, plus 2- and 3-room suites. Suites have nice kitchenettes, which means less spending on expensive food on the boards (which is awesome!).

Fleur de Lis Beach Resort is just a few steps from the Wildwood Crest beach. The views are very nice from the motel. They are also within walking distance from restaurants and the Wildwood boards. It's said that the owners of the hotel will treat you like family when you stay there.

Acacia Beachfront Resort is a great place for families. They boast very clean and spacious rooms. The staff is happy and pleasant, and there's a nice pool and areas to grill. Some rooms offer kitchenettes which are super helpful for families as well.

Biscayne Family Resort is situated close to the world-famous Wildwood Boardwalk and near the excitement of Morey's Piers. The Biscayne Family Resort is also a less than 20-minute drive from the Cape May Airport. There are 55 suites that can be booked, which seems like a lot, but it gets booked up fast!

The Jolly Roger Motel has a very iconic-looking exterior. However, the inside is renovated and modern with flat-screen TV's and great amenities. The retro decor of this place really takes you back in time, without feeling out-dated.

Waikiki Oceanfront Inn is located in the Wildwood Crest at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. From motel-style rooms and deluxe suites to efficiency units all guests have access to the heated pool and oceanfront sundeck. It's within walking distance of the free Wildwood beaches.