A new attraction stands at the entrance to Surf Road, 29th and 59th Street beaches in Ocean City, NJ. Just across the dunes, a box holds mesh handle bags, with a sign that says, “Borrow a bag to collect trash or pick up shells on your walk.”

The idea for the bags belongs to a group of OC residents who collect trash during their daily walks but don’t always have a bag or ample pocket room. The island’s three current setups are just a pilot, but they’re also a reminder: Time spent downdashore can include good things to do, too, things that contribute to the community or environment.

Which got us to thinking: What other things could beach town guests (and of course locals) do to make the Shore a little better off during our stay? How would it feel, for example, to go home with something other than just sand in your shoes, sunburn on your shoulders, and salt water taffy for the office? To come back with the feeling that you did your part to help wildlife, or support a local musician, small business, nearby farmer, or lifeguard?

If you answer, “Good” to the above question, then you’re in luck. Below, find dozens good things to do at the Shore, organized by towns and islands.

• ALL THE SHORE TOWNS
• DELAWARE BEACHES
• CAPE MAY
• WILDWOODS
• AVALON, STONE HARBOR, SEA ISLE
• OCEAN CITY
• ABSECON ISLAND (LONGPORT, MARGATE, VENTNOR, ATLANTIC CITY)
• BRIGANTINE
• LONG BEACH ISLAND

THINGS TO DO IN ALL THE SHORE TOWNS

TAKE THE BACK ROADS. That’s where you’ll find the best farm stands, small businesses to support and nicest scenery along the way.

CLEAN THE BEACH. That trio of OC beaches had a good idea: Don’t just clean up after your own plot of sand — and please, don’t bury your cigarette butts, fruit peels, or anything other than seashells or Uncle Mike in the sand. Pick up whatever other trash you encounter too, even the little bits. Ditto the bayside and in the water.

TALK TO A LIFEGUARD. Advises one Cape May local, “Take time to meet with a guard and learn more about beach safety.” While you’re at it, thank them for doing their job.

BE KIND TO LOCALS, WORKERS AND EACH OTHER. In summer, beach towns are busy, and chances are, you’re going to have to wait your turn for a restaurant, the rides, the restroom, the coffee shop, no-shower happy hour, pizza, ice cream, etc. Take a breath. Hold the door for the guy behind you. Give an extra $5 to your server. Let someone else have a turn.

DELAWARE BEACHES

SHOP THE SUNDAY NASSAU VALLEY FARMERS MARKET IN LEWES. Mid-May through mid-October from noon to 3pm, a Lewes vineyard invites local farmers to vend all your favorite summer fruits and veggies, with the added incentive of live music and a full sangria bar. 32162 Winery Way, Lewes

GO FOR A RUN (OR A SWIM) WITH THE SEASHORE STRIDERS. Bonus: You can raise money for local causes along the way. The Seashore Striders list mile-long open water swim, laid-back 5Ks, mile walks, etc., between Dewey and Rehoboth. Various days, times and fees

LISTEN IN ON LEWES’ SUMMER CONCERT SERIES. Every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30pm, Stango Park hosts a new band — mostly playing dance-able tunes (with a jazz quintet thrown in there for good measure on July 29). 101 Adams Avenue, Lewes

VISIT ONE OF 17 STATE PARKS. Seven days a week from dawn to dusk, DE state parks preserve the environment and first state history. So, when you forgo, for example, the crowds of Rehoboth Beach for the peaceful waves of Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore or Fenwick Island State Park, you won’t be just basking in natural serenity, you’ll also support good causes. Daily entry fee for in-state vehicles is $5 and $10 for out-of-state. Annual passes run $35 and $70 for Delaware and non-Delaware residents, respectively. Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes; Delaware Seashore State Park, 39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach; Fenwick Island State Park, DE-1, Fenwick Island

BONUS IF YOU MAKE THAT TRAP POND STATE PARK. Also daily from dawn to dusk, this not-that-well-kept secret among Delawarians is well worth the 45 minute-or-so drive inland from Bethany Beach. The park’s 9 miles of water trails run through the country’s northernmost bald cypress swamp, which you can tour via pontoon or kayak. Start at the nature center. The daily entrance fee for a Delaware registered vehicle is $4; $8 for non-instate vehicles. 33587 Bald Cypress Lane, Laurel

DRINK BEER FOR GOOD. July 2 and 16 from 4 to 9pm in Rehoboth and September 28 from 8 to 11am in Milton, Dogfish Head Brewery, which has four DE locations, raises funds towards the more than $500,000 they donate annual to coastal community nonprofits — fire departments, art leagues, Cape Henlopen State Park, Sussex County Land Trust — through Beer & Benevolence. Events include select Wednesday evenings in Rehoboth Beach and Milton’s famous Dogfish Dash. 320 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth; 6 Cannery Village, Milton

BASK IN REHOBOTH BEACH PRIDE. Not June but July 16 through 20, all of Rehoboth, which is already kinda famous for their LGBTQ+ love, puts on summertime Pride to support LGBTQ+ communities in Sussex County. Don’t miss their free, family-friendly festival, July 19 from 9am to 2pm. Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Avenue

WORK OUT ON BETHANY BEACH. Just about any day between 6 and 8am or from 7 to 8:15pm you can exercise al fresco and seaside, at beach by Garfield Boulevard, Parkwood Street, Hollywood Street or Central Avenue — which host sunrise (or sunset) yoga, bootcamp, or pilates. $10-$25

CATCH LIVE MUSIC IN DEWEY BEACH. Just a block away from the ocean, the legendary and practically historic Bottle & Cork hosts live music all summer long with original artists, tribute bands, country, and rock. Their Saturday Jams series offers club vibes. For those 21 and over only. $15-$70. 1807 DE-1, Dewey Beach

THINGS TO DO AT NEW JERSEY BEACHES

CAPE MAY

LISTEN TO MUSIC IN THE PARK. Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday through September 7 at 7pm, Rotary Park on the north end of Washington Street Mall hosts a free performance by a live band: jazz, bluegrass, country, Celtic, folk, what have you. BYO seating, or just plan to spend a few minutes standing around, savoring summer tunes. Free. 400 Lafayette Street

GAZE AT STARS AND METEORS. June 27, July 6 and 26, August 11 and 23, September 6 and 20 for two hours past sunset, the historic Cape May Point Arts and Science Center invites astrophysicist and professor Dr. Frank Toriello and the public into its exhibit hall, then to its courtyard lead a viewing of the firmaments. Free. 101 Lehigh Avenue, Cape May Point

JOIN IN HARBORFEST. June 28 from 10am to 5pm, all kinds of local vendors, crafters, cooks, naturalists and musicians gather along the peninsula’s bayside for a day of snacking and purchasing and hanging out — a charming representation of the bohemian / Victorian seaside Cape May community itself. Free. Delaware Avenue

WATCH BIRDS. National Geographic doesn’t just declare any old place as the world’s top birding destination, but it did so for Cape May, where thousands of birders flock (ha) during fall and spring migration. But in summer, there are plenty of turtles, east terns, American oystercatchers, piping plovers, black skimmers and loads more nesting shorebirds to watch. All free entry:

• • • 218 pedestrian-only acres of the Nature Conservancy’s South Cape May Meadows. Off Sunset Boulevard between Bayshore and West drives
    • NJ Audubon Society’s Cape May Bird Observatory with weekly walks, so many workshops, and plenty to see. 701 E. Lake Drive, Cape May Point
    • 1,100-acre Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, where the wildlife includes a reputation for au naturel human sunbathers. New England Road

THE WILDWOODS

LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC 4 NIGHTS A WEEK IN WILDWOOD CREST. Saturdays through September 20 and Wednesdays through August 20 at 7pm, Centennial Park (Fern Road and Ocean Avenue) hosts family-friendly bands, including lots of tributes. Wednesdays, food trucks pull up there too from 4 to 9pm. Mondays through August 25, at 7:30pm in July and 7pm in August, Sunset Lake Park (800 Bayview Avenue) hosts acoustic performances. Tuesdays through August 19 at 7pm, Crest Arts Pavilion (6301 Ocean Avenue) hosts local bands playing original music. Free.

CLEAN THE BEACH WITH YOUR NEW FRIENDS AT LOVE BLUE INC. Every summer Saturday from 8 to 10am, volunteers gather at Heather or Rambler Road beach access points to pick up trash from the beach. Safety gear and sustainable refreshments provided. Look for the blue tent. Wildwood Crest

SHOP THE DOWNTOWN WILDWOOD FARMERS MARKET at Bryne Plaza on Saturdays through August 30, from 8am to 12:30pm, where local farmers but also lots of vendors of stuff, this being Wildwood and all, sell their wares. 3400 and 3501 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood

DO YOGA ON THE BEACH — BURK AVENUE BEACH. Every day at 9am, for 75 minutes. BYO mat or beach towel. Behind the Convention Center. $8.50.

MAKE ART IN A PARK. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, a rotation of three Wildwood Parks hosts family-friendly nature arts and crafts or painting sessions BYO blanket or beach chair. Free. Holly Beach Park, 123 E. Andrews Avenue; Jack Morey’s Solcow Park, New York and W. Poplar avenues; Scott’s Park, New Jersey and Magnolia avenues.

RACE A BOOGIE BOARD IN NORTH WILDWOOD. On July 12 at 10am, kids (ages 5-17) and adults paddle out, turn around and ride in an only kind of competitive competition. Registration at 9am at 16th Street beach. Contest at 17th Street beach. Free

STONE HARBOR, AVALON, SEA ISLE THINGS TO DO

SHOP THE STONE HARBOR FARMERS MARKET. Sundays from 8am to 12:30pm through Labor Day weekend, local vendors of produce, spices, sauces, fresh seafood, cut flowers, cool drinks, and pre-made foods set up shop outdoors near the water tower. Free entry. 95th Street and 2nd Avenue

CHECK OUT A SAND SCULPTURE. Weather permitting, on June 21 at 10am, sculptor Brendan Schaffer will reveal his impermanent work of art on 30th Street beach in Avalon. Free.

CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE. June 21 from 5 to 9pm, Surfside Park welcomes a Jimmy Buffett cover band, and sets up so many family-friendly, pay-as-you-go things to do and consume, including homemade grub, beer and wine (for the grown-ups), balloons, face painting and fairy tinsel for your hair. Free entry. 2901 Avalon Avenue, Avalon

SUPPORT AUTISM RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY; HANG OUT WITH EAGLES PLAYERS. Somehow, tickets still remain for Jason and Kylie Kelce’s fourth annual fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation. Yes, the celebrity bartender affair on June 25 from 4 to 8pm at the Ocean Drive sold out right away. But there’s still availability for the sensory- and family-friendly Eagles Takeover at Excursion Park (2 41st Street) on June 25 from noon to 3pm ($25) and for the Beer Bowl at the Sea Isle City Yacht Club (4487 Venicean Road) on June 26 at noon ($250).

WALK TO SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S. July 12 from 8:30 to 10:30am, the 16th annual Flip Flop Walk aims to raise $35,000 to support locals with and national research around the progressive neurological disorder. (But maybe don’t wear flip flops; they’re not great for walking.) $35 per person. Avalon Community Hall down the Avalon boardwalk

LISTEN TO FREE COVER BANDS. Saturdays at 7:30pm through August, Excursion Park hosts bands covering greatest hits of Queen (July 5), Elton John (July 19), yacht rock (August 23), Taylor Swift (August 30), etc. Free. 2 41st Street

OCEAN CITY

PRACTICE YOGA, PILATES, ETC ON THE BEACH. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through August from 8 to 9am, the beach volleyball court near the former Wonderland (RIP) hosts free fitness classes. 6th Street and the beach

JOIN A GROUP WALKING THE BEACH AROUND CORSON’S INLET STATE PARK. Tuesdays at 9am and Wednesdays at 6:30pm, walkers are welcome to join in a trek of the less-tamed beaches of the island’s south end. Free. 59th Street and Central Avenue

SHOP THE OC FARMERS MARKET. Wednesdays through September 3 from 8am to noon, South Jersey growers, plus makers of granola, craft vendors, and the occasional rideable pony do their things in the parking lot of the Tabernacle church. Free. 6th Street and Asbury Avenue

JOIN FAMILIES ON THE BOARDS. Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9pm, an 8-block stretch of the boardwalk welcomes all kinds of performers and characters that bring bigger midweek crowds, and potentially distract the kids from requesting more ice cream, funnel cake, rides, etc. Free. Boardwalk between 6th and 14th streets

WATCH BIRDS FROM THE 9TH STREET BRIDGE. Quite unintentionally, the welcome center at “America’s Greatest (self-proclaimed) Family Resort” has become a spot where nature photographers hang out looking for nesting and hatching herons, ibis and egrets, and the Audubon Society leads tours every Friday from 1 to 2:30pm. 9th Street Bridge

BUY A SECONDHAND BIKE. Every year, the OCPD picks up a bunch of riderless bikes and sells about 115 of them at an in-person auction. This year’s is July 8 at 10am. Pay with check (with id) or cash only. Free entry. Shelter Road (first left off Tennessee Avenue behind the golf course)

SUPPORT LOCAL SURFERS, ARTISTS AND SURFER-ARTISTS. The annual Art of Surfing comes to the Music Pier July 31 through August 2 from 10am to 8pm, bringing original art, super cool locally made gear, clothing, house stuff and boards, plus live music. Free entry. 825 Boardwalk

LONGPORT, MARGATE, VENTOR, ATLANTIC CITY

SHOP THE MARGATE COMMUNITY FARMERS MARKET. Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30am through September 2, a slightly superior summer spread goes on sale outside the very acclaimed restaurant Steve and Cookie’s, who happen to own a farm nearby. Free entry. Amherst and Madison avenues

VISIT LUCY THE ELEPHANT. One of the country’s last wooden follies stands by the sea, thanks to a community that keeps the 144-year-old wooden pachyderm in tip-top shape. Free to look. $5-9 to enter. 9200 Atlantic Avenue

LEARN TO SURF. Literally any surf shop will hook you up with lessons, but we kind of love the services of Margate’s Stacey Alper of Stacey’s Surf & Paddle, a textile designer and mom who started surfing at age 36, and really gets it.

WEAR SUNBLOCK TO BEACHSTOCK. On June 28 from 8am to 10pm, Margate puts on an epic beach bash, complete with wiffle ball home run derby, competitive cornhole and volleyball, sand sculpting, live music, a tiki bar, a 6:30pm screening of Moana 2, and, no offense other towns, but better food than all the other festivals. Free entry. Between Granville and Huntington avenues

HAVE A POSH BRUNCH TO BENEFIT KB FOUNDATION. July 12 from 11:30am to 2:30pm, the Linwood Country Club (across the bay from Longport) hosts a Summer Social Brunch buffet — complete with mimosa and bloody mary bars — fundraiser for Philly’s own KB Foundation Youth Mentoring. Guests are invited to pack backpacks, bid in a silent auction, and listen to KB Founder, President and CEO Kirk Berry — and some KB kids. $150. 500 Shore Road, Linwood

DO A DUCK DERBY. August 24 from 11am to 1pm, hundreds of rubber ducks — each repping a $5 raffle ticket, a benefit for the community — set from the pier to swim along with the current on a closed bayside course. Winners get gift cards. Every gets invited to take part in duck-theme carnival games and partake in the Chicken Dance. $5 per duck. Free to spectate. Washington Avenue Pier

CLIMB ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE. One of few relics of A.C.’s pre-casino — and pre-Boardwalk — past, NJ’s tallest lighthouse is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Visitors can climb all 228 steps to view the epic Fresnel lens and, on a clear day, England. $5-$10. 31 S. Rhode Island Avenue

BRIGANTINE

SHOP THE BRIGANTINE FARMERS MARKET. Saturdays from 8am to noon, more than 3 dozen vendors offer pretty much everything you need to eat for the week. Free entry. Sheridan Place at Roosevelt Boulevard

SUPPORT THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING CENTER. Unless you’re staff or a trained volunteer, you can’t go inside to see the rescued seals, but you can donate to the cause, and call for help if you see stranded wildlife. They also offer occasional shoreline cruises. (609) 266-0538

BYO BINOCULARS TO WATCH SEABIRDS, TERRAPINS, GHOST CRABS. Brigantine’s north end has two miles of undeveloped beach and a shaded two-story viewing platform for watching wildlife. Look for nesting diamondback terrapins, bottlenose dolphins, black skimmers, oystercatchers, least terns, osprey and clapper rails. Free. E. Beach Avenue and 14th Street N.

VISIT ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK. Dawn to dusk through Labor Day, you can spend the day at the 10-mile barrier island (and best-kept secret between Brigantine and LBI) to get a sense of what the Shore was like before boardwalks. Swim, fish, surf, hike nature trails, take part in educational programs and more. Summer entrance fee ranges from $6 to $20, depending on residency and day.

LONG BEACH ISLAND THINGS TO DO

ROUND UP CRITTERS; REUSE BEACH TOYS, ETC. Island-based Alliance for a Living Ocean sets LBI’s bar for environmental stewardship. All summer, they host kid-friendly workshops called Critter Roundups on Tuesdays from 11am to noon at Sunset Point in Ship Bottom (1201-1299 Bay Terrace) and Thursdays from 11am to noon at Bayview Park in Long Beach (6805 Long Beach Boulevard). The org also sets up and keeps stocked wooden boxes of take-one-and-leave-one beach toys at select beach entrances.

SPEND THE DAY AT HOLGATE BEACH WILDERNESS. Take in one of the Shore’s most beautiful vistas — without Ferris wheels or French fry shacks muddying the backdrop. An excellent spot to do some birding or take a dip, all with the comfort of a public bathroom with showers (and free parking) right on the beach (a rarity down on LBI). Daily entrance fees range from $2 to $4 a day. 11 W. Lincoln Avenue, Long Beach

BECOME AN EXPERT ON MARITIME HISTORY. Every day from 10am to 4pm, learn about shipwrecks, scope out some fossils, and find out how folks navigate the seas at the New Jersey Maritime Museum. This cozy trove of beach-y treasures has an extensive collection of seafaring artifacts. Free admission, but accepts donations. 528 Dock Road, Beach Haven

KAYAK IN GREAT BAY. If big waves aren’t your thing, but you are still up for an adventure, take a kayak into the ocean’s more placid cousin. Rent a kayak at Holgate Marina and explore the wildlife of the bay like fiddler crabs, ospreys and terrapins. From $27 per hour. 83 Tebco Terrace, Beach Haven

BE PART OF LONGBOARD CULTURE. On August 9 at 8am, riders of long (surf) boards hope for clean waves for the 17th annual ALO Longboard Classic. Also a great spot to pick up merch. 68th Street, Brant Beach

MORE THINGS TO DO AND SEE FOR GOOD