With reopened beaches, many day trippers and weekend warriors are itching to get back down the shore this year – although it may look a little different due to the novel coronavirus.

In general, the boardwalks are made up of small businesses, so the opening and distancing rules of each establishment will vary, and some will likely be closed altogether this year.

Even shore icons like the Wildwood tram car, which has bluntly asked boardwalk strollers to “Watch the tram car, please” for over 70 years, will return with plexiglass dividers and a twice-per-hour wipe down.

But, the Jersey Shore has already proved its adaptability once before after rebounding from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Despite the recent changes, Jersey's beaches still offer an easy coastal vacation that offer plenty of appeal, both in summer and the less crowded off season, which sees lower prices.

And if you're wondering if travel is safe, experts consider private vacation homes, such as those on Airbnb, as one of the safer places to stay, especially when compared to hotels. This is because you are often booking an entire home protected from interaction with others.

Airbnb also announced rigorous new procedures including the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, which includes guidelines on personal protective equipment for hosts or cleaners, approved disinfectants, and mandatory waiting periods in between guests and cleanings.

Of course, without a vaccine, there is no firm guarantee with regard to safety. It's crucial to follow guidelines and advice from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practice safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. Additionally, consider your own level of risk, and whether you're traveling from or to a hotspot, so as not to increase the rate of infection.

But, with big swaths of sand, like Wildwood's remarkably long 500-yard wide beach, there's plenty of room for everybody to stay six feet apart and practice safe social distancing.

Traveling elsewhere on the East Coast?

If you do decide to take a jaunt down the shore, we searched the most popular Jersey beach towns for Airbnb listings that stood out for being impeccably clean, close to the beach, and well-reviewed. The area has mostly shaken its party reputation, and towns like Asbury Park and Ocean City are excellent for families. Though, if the Point Pleasant house from MTV's hit is what you're looking for, it's bookable, too.

We chose Airbnbs that fit the following criteria:

  • Airbnb listings are for the entire home, so you don't have to worry about sharing a bathroom or keeping distance.
  • The home is affordably priced, ranging from $110 to $325, with availability to book as of publishing time.
  • All are highly-rated Airbnb listings with a review score of 4.8 or higher.
  • Properties are unique and modern with free parking and offer close proximity to the beach.

Although not a perk offered by all of these Airbnbs, ask your host if beach badges will be included. They are required to access most beaches in New Jersey and can save you from paying a pesky fee.

It's also worth noting that cleaning and service fees vary widely from one Airbnb to another, especially post-pandemic, and many homes are also enacting minimum night stays and strict cancellation policies.

These are the best Airbnbs on the Jersey Shore, sorted by price from low to high.

Cozy oceanfront condo with amazing views in Atlantic City, $88

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this oceanfront condo starting at $88 per night

Wake up and see nothing but blue. With a panoramic window overlooking the ocean, this high-rise studio condo in Atlantic City is a chic and minimalistic alternative to a room at one of the casino hotels. With parking included, you won't need to worry about where to keep your car and can enjoy direct access to the boardwalk. The listing also mentions a shared gym and pool in the building, but these may be closed currently.

One unique design element of this apartment is the window above the Jacuzzi tub, which lets in a lot of natural light, but can also be covered up for more privacy.

This Airbnb has scattered availability in fall, but more nights open up in November.

Rating: 4.86

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are mentioned, but the apartment has an average cleanliness score of 4.9 and the host is a Superhost.

Cozy beach cottage in Beach Haven, $155

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this cottage starting at $155 per night

This adorable studio-sized cottage is small but makes for an idyllic romantic getaway within walking distance of both the beach and the bay, plus area shops and restaurants.

There's a Queen-sized Murphy bed, well-equipped kitchen, dining area, and a nice patio. The bayside location also means you'll be able to enjoy some spectacular sunsets. Your stay even includes complimentary bikes, as well as beach chairs and beach badges, plus the use of an outdoor shower for a quick rinse before stepping inside.

The cottage is mostly booked until mid-September.

Rating: 5.0

COVID-19 cleaning procedures:No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

Beach block apartment in Atlantic City, $157

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this beach block apartment starting at $157 per night

This second-floor studio apartment was recently remodeled and includes a parking pass that will allow you to park on the street.

Inside, you'll find a modern kitchen, smart TV, and nice tile work in the shower. It's a relatively new listing, but the space feels fresh and up to date. Ideal for couples or solo travelers, the location is this listing's biggest draw. You can see the boardwalk and beach from the first-floor patio (which guests have access to).

Weekends are booked up through the end of August, but this apartment has a lot more availability beginning in September, at the time of publishing.

Rating: 5.0

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: A newer listing, it doesn't have that many reviews yet, but guests who stayed in June 2020 note that this listing was sparkling clean and has a cleanliness rating of 5.0.

Family-sized home on the lagoon in Mystic Island, $175

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this home on the lagoon starting at $175 per night

With three bedrooms and room for six, this huge house on the Mystic Island Lagoon, between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island, is great for a family-focused getaway with water views.

In addition to the outdoor seating area, hammocks, fire pit, and grill, this listing includes a huge dock that puts you right on the water. Rent kayaks or use the house's pedal boat free of charge. The home's decor is nautical without being kitschy and the deck views, complete with an outdoor breakfast nook, are lovely.

This listing is booked through until October.

Rating: 5.0

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Newly renovated apartment in Seaside Heights, $190

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this apartment starting at $190 per night

Despite being the epicenter of every Jersey Shore stereotype, there's a reason why Seaside Heights is so popular - it's a lot of fun. And this newly renovated three-bedroom apartment located right on the beach provides a wonderful counterbalance to the boardwalk's gimmicky charm. The interior is tasteful, dressed in light beach tones that make it feel airy and bright. Bookings include beach badges, as well as a shared outdoor space with picnic tables, a grill, and an outdoor shower.

There are four apartments in total in this building, so if you have a large group, you may even consider renting out the whole space. And given the beachside location along Jersey's most famous strip of sand, it's actually quite the steal.

This listing has a lot of availability starting in September.

Rating: 5.0

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

Large house with private balcony and patio in Ventnor City, $195

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this house starting at $195 per night

Not far from Atlantic City and only two blocks from the Ventnor City Beach, this house is so spacious with three bedrooms spread over two floors that there's room for nine guests.

Staying here includes complimentary beach badges and chairs and space for two cars to park. The decor is modern and light, but still beachy with a touch of sophistication. While here, you can gather the crew around the kitchen island or sit out on the big patio and enjoy the salty air. For an extra fee, you can even bring your four-legged friends to join you.

The house is available to rent beginning early September.

Rating: 4.81

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Oceanfront condo in Wildwood Crest, $225

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this oceanfront condo starting at $225 per night

The balcony of this ocean-facing condo overlooks Wildwood's famously large beach, and its location on the crest, south of the main boardwalk, also means it's a quieter alternative to the more boisterous side of town.

The decor is light and calming thanks to the serene tones of turquoise accents, aquamarine walls, and wooden furnishings. This is a small studio apartment ideal for a couple or small family with a Queen-sized bed plus a pull-out sofa that numerous guests have praised for its comfort. A large flat screen TV, board games, and access to a shared pool make it a worthy pick.

This Airbnb has no availability until mid September.

Rating: 4.8

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

Two-bedroom beach apartment in Asbury Park, $250

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this two-bedroom apartment starting at $250 per night

Asbury Park, aka Bruce Springsteen's stomping grounds, is only a two-and-a-half-hour train ride from New York City. This newly renovated two-bedroom apartment is also within walking distance of the beach and the main strip of shops and restaurants, making it a convenient home base.

The kitchen is fully stocked and in addition to the four beach badges provided, guests also are able to borrow beach chairs, towels, and even a beach tent for babies. With hipster flair - think llama paintings and pops of color - and a porch furnished with cushioned outdoor furniture, this Airbnb is as thoughtful as any modern hotel, and certainly more spacious.

At the time of publishing, the best availability begins in September.

Rating: 5.0

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

Townhouse with ocean view in Sea Isle City, $250

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this townhouse starting at $250 per night

With four bedrooms, as many as 11 people can enjoy this huge townhouse located steps away from the Sea Isle City Beach. The decor is clean and bright with a hint of a beach vibe and there's even an indoor fireplace, in case you want to get cozy on chilly nights. Soaring ceilings, a full kitchen, and well-kept bedrooms make it feel extremely liveable.

But the best standout feature is the three-tiered roof deck, which is a prime spot to take in incredible sunsets. Past reviewers also praise how easy it was to communicate with the host.

Openings for this Airbnb start in September.

Rating: 4.82

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Not much is mentioned specifically, but some recent reviews note that the house was clean.

Chambourcin cottage at Willow Creek Vineyard in Cape May, $265

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this cottage starting at $265 per night

Willow Creek Winery lists multiple cottages varying in size on Airbnb, but the second-floor Chambourcin Cottage strikes us as the coziest and offers the best value. The open layout includes a comfortable living area with two plush couches, a nicely-tiled bathroom with walk-in shower, a stocked kitchen, and a Queen-sized bed.

The apartment's two porches overlook 50 acres of grapevines, which you'll be free to walk around throughout your stay. The quaint atmosphere offers a romantic spot for couples looking to nestle in for a weekend.

Although this listing isn't directly on the beach, it's only two miles away from the iconic Cape May Lighthouse.

Availability is limited until mid-September.

Rating: 4.91

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Bay house in Wildwood Crest, $325

Foto: Source: Airbnb

Book this bay house starting at $325 per night

This enormous house might be at the top of the price range, but with four bedrooms, room for 12 people, and a full deck that leads out to a boat dock on Sunset Lake, it's a solid deal.

If you know you're not going to wake up early enough to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic, at least you'll know you'll never miss a sunset with the bay for your backyard. The decor leans beachy, but amenities include everything from paddleboards and kayaks to crab traps and fishing poles.

Guests share the deck with other apartments on the property, but it's possible to book the whole house and property as well if you have a really big group.

The house is booked until early September.

Rating: 4.8

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.