I grew up summers in Avalon, and still go down once or twice a year. Of the ones I have played in South Jersey in priority:
1. Twisted Dune, 6-7 on Doak scale, very nice.
2. Atlantic City Golf Club, which I played pre-Doak restoration. One of the casinos owns the course now and that is the only way to get on, I think. Used to be the great old club at The Shore, but may have changed. I would assume the Doak restoration would make it worth the trip, but you may have to lose your shirt at the casino to get on.
3. Blue Heron Pines - West is very nice, have not played the East. West is links, East I think is more tree lined.
4. Seaview - 2 old, traditional course Ross courses, worth a play and it is closest to AC.
5. Sand Barrens - I can't say it is my favorite Shore course, but it may be worth a look.
5. Wildwood CC - Same category as Sand Barrens. More open than SB. It is private, but you used to be able to get on during the week.
6. Stone Harbor - It has been toned down since the original Desmond Muirhead design. Bizarre is a good way to describe the original design by Muirhead. If you like to see "different" types of architecture try it, otherwise, I would pass.
7. Cape May National - nice but many better on the way from AC.
8. Avalon GC - I used to work there as a kid. Back then it was the only game in town, now I would pass.
Heard good things about but have not played:
1. Hidden Creek - just opened, Coore & Crenshaw, walked a few holes in April.
2. ShoreGate - just opened
3. Galloway National