People looking to relax at the shore this Memorial Day weekend got a jump start on their plans to beat the traffic.

A group of college students from Verona drove to Belmar Wednesday night to avoid the Friday rush. Shaun Degnan says they didn't want to be stuck in traffic. He says it's much more fun when you get to enjoy a full five days at the shore.

The owner of TR's Food Court says people coming to the shore early is a trend he is starting to see more and more. He says it has given his business a boost.

Some full-time residents, however, say they dread the noise and the crowds.