Sand, sun, and serious savings — New Jersey’s outlet scene runs right along the Shore corridor, making it one of the most enjoyable shopping weekends you can plan. The thing most people don’t realize is that NJ’s best outlet centers are nearly all positioned along the same highway corridors that lead to the Shore. It’s not a detour. You’re already driving past them.
The Jersey Shore Outlet Circuit
New Jersey has three strong outlet destinations near the Shore, each serving a slightly different trip:
Jackson Premium Outlets — Central Jersey Shore Route
Jackson Premium Outlets sits right off Exit 16 of I-195 — the main highway that feeds into the Jersey Shore from the north. If you’re heading to Point Pleasant, Belmar, or Asbury Park, you’re passing within two miles of it. Literally two miles from Six Flags Great Adventure, so it’s also the perfect add-on to a theme park day.
The outlet has about 70 stores — Coach, Kate Spade, Nike Factory, Polo Ralph Lauren, Skechers — and it’s genuinely pleasant to walk around. You can do it in 1.5–2 hours without rush. One insider tip: some stores have additional discounts if you just text a number posted at the register. Military discounts are also available at several stores.
Best combined with: Asbury Park boardwalk and beach — 20 minutes east on Route 35.
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets — Tinton Falls, NJ
Located in Tinton Falls off the Garden State Parkway, this is the upscale choice for Shore-adjacent outlet shopping. More premium brands, a cleaner outdoor layout, and generally a step up in variety compared to Jackson. Good for a longer morning stop before heading south down the Parkway toward Long Branch Island or Cape May.
Best combined with: Long Branch beach or Red Bank for dinner after the beach.
Tanger Outlets Atlantic City — South Jersey Overnight Option
This one’s a different beast — it’s spread across several city blocks right in Atlantic City, walking distance from the boardwalk and casino hotels. The layout is more urban than typical outlets: expect outdoor walking between buildings, which is great in good weather but less fun in August heat or a Jersey Shore afternoon thunderstorm. Worth knowing before you go.
The brands here are solid: Nike, American Eagle, H&M, Kate Spade, Pandora, Chico’s. The Tanger app is worth downloading before you visit — virtually every store has a coupon in it, and you earn points on receipts that roll into more discounts. Some people have gotten seriously good deals by stacking app coupons with sale items.
Best combined with: Atlantic City casino stay overnight, boardwalk walk, dinner at one of the AC hotels.
The Weekend Itinerary That Actually Works
Day 1 — Friday afternoon/evening: Leave North/Central Jersey around 2pm. Hit Jackson Premium Outlets on the way (90 min, tops). Arrive at your Shore rental or hotel by 5–6pm. Boardwalk dinner, sunset drinks.
Day 2 — Saturday: Full beach day. Pack a cooler, bring the sunscreen. You already did the shopping yesterday.
Day 3 — Sunday: If you’re doing a longer weekend: check out, stop at Jersey Shore Premium Outlets in Tinton Falls on the way back north. Back home by early afternoon.
Or the Atlantic City version: Friday night in, Saturday morning Tanger Outlets AC (go early before the boardwalk crowd builds), Saturday afternoon beach/boardwalk, Saturday evening casino. Sunday morning drive home via Gloucester Premium Outlets in Blackwood — just 20 minutes off the AC Expressway and genuinely underrated.
Why Gloucester Outlets Deserves More Attention
Gloucester Premium Outlets in Blackwood is one of NJ’s better-kept secrets. It’s a Simon Premium Outlets property with about 90 stores including Michael Kors, Nike, UGG, Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic Factory, Calvin Klein, and Under Armour. The layout is open-air with nice landscaping, soft seating areas, a fireplace for cooler days, and free WiFi throughout. It feels relaxed and not overwhelmingly large.
The UGG and Nike stores here consistently have good stock and relatively short lines even on busy days. Additionally, it’s incredibly convenient for anyone coming to or from Atlantic City via the AC Expressway or heading up Route 42.
Insider Tips for Shore + Outlet Weekends
- Do the outlets on the way there, not the way back. If you shop on the way home, you’re tired, sunburned, and in a rush. Shop fresh on the way down and you’ll actually enjoy it.
- Download TangerClub before visiting Tanger AC. Every store has a coupon. Takes 2 minutes to set up and saves real money.
- Jackson outlets open at 10am most days, 11am Sundays. Get there right when they open — fast parking, no crowds, full stock.
- Bring a separate bag for your outlet purchases so beach sand and shopping bags don’t share a trunk.
- NJ’s zero clothing tax applies at all these outlets — no exceptions. See our full NJ tax-free shopping guide for details.
Looking for more options? See our full guide to the best malls and outlet centers in New Jersey.
