Raise your hand if you’re ready to trade your living room couch for a beach chair in the sand. It’s time to stop dreaming and start planning your summer vacation with a trip to the beautiful beaches of New Jersey. Whether you want a serene seaside escape or an outing jam-packed with family fun, you’ll find your beach in New Jersey. We have the local insight and insider tips to help you pick the one that’s shore to please your crew.
KID-APPROVED
Frequently voted the best destination for families, Ocean City gets the stamp of approval from parents and kids. Enjoy expansive stretches of clean shorefront and attentive lifeguards as you play in the surf. Nearby, discover plenty of family-friendly activities along the boardwalk, including a water park, mini golf, go-karts, and much more.
Meanwhile, the extra-wide beaches in The Wildwoods are the ideal spot for families to enjoy soft sands and endless fun. Boogie board, body surf, and build sandcastles on the FREE beach, or walk the lively boardwalk to explore beachfront waterparks, kid-friendly restaurants, live entertainment, and amusement piers with more than 100 rides and roller coasters.
QUIET AND LAID BACK
Searching for serenity? You’ll find it at the southernmost tip of the New Jersey shoreline. The Cape May coast offers more than 15 beaches, each with their own vibe. For a quiet beach day, skip the crowds and head to the outskirts of town. Find your zen and enjoy some solitude at the lesser-known Poverty Beach. Stay off the beaten path and head south to discover the remote beaches at Cape May Point (Pearl Beach is a great option). Nature lovers can explore a rugged shoreline surrounded by natural dunes at Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area or walk the shoreline, observing the endangered birds that populate the peaceful marshlands at Cape May Point State Park. Before you leave, be sure to catch that golden hour glow as the sun dips below the horizon at Sunset Beach.
Farther north, you’ll uncover another charming seaside town: Spring Lake. Nicknamed the “Jewel Of The Jersey Shore,” this small coastal community is known for its pristine two-mile beach and old-fashioned, non-commercial boardwalk (no neon lights and noisy rides!). Just a few miles from the lively shores of Asbury Park, Spring Lake boasts secluded, quiet beaches a world away from the usual summer buzz.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
While you’ll need to pay for beach badges and parking to enjoy some destinations on the Jersey Shore, you’ll also find plenty of free beaches and low-cost options. For clean (and free!) developed beaches, a kid-friendly atmosphere, and close proximity to boardwalk rides and water slides, Keansburg is a can’t-miss. Here, you can enjoy spectacular views of not only the sea but also the iconic lower Manhattan skyline.
Another of our favorites is Island Beach State Park, a preserved barrier island touting breathtaking natural beauty along unspoiled coastline and marshes. You’ll find plenty of wildlife (osprey, foxes and more), as well as picturesque views of Barnegat Lighthouse, located just across the inlet. In the summer, you’ll only pay one low price by carload.
CHIC SCENE
If you’re looking to be seen on the scene, find a sandy spot along the Atlantic City beach, where you can enjoy sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, beach volleyball and relaxing in style. A great beach for adults, you’ll be right by all the action. Take a stroll down the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, where world-class casinos, shopping, shows and attractions draw visitors from around the world.
One of the coolest beach towns in the state, Asbury Park has become a city escape for the discerning. The downtown, known for its music and arts culture, elevated culinary scene, eclectic shops, and overall it-factor, is just steps from main beach. In the summertime, you’ll find brightly colored umbrellas and beach towels dotting the sandy shoreline where crowds gather to soak up the sun.
SURFER’S PARADISE
With a renowned reputation as one of the best surfing spots along the Jersey Shore, Inlet Beach in Manasquan is a go-to for experienced surfers. You can catch some serious waves here, so beginners beware. You can find the daily surf report here.
Another popular spot for surfing is Belmar, where perfect waves mean year-round surfing. Head to 16th Avenue for the best swells. First time hanging ten? Newbies can take a surfing lesson from Summertime Surf, where you can learn the basics and then test your new skills on Belmar’s legendary stretch of ocean.
SEASHELL HAVEN
New Jersey's coastline isn't just for sunbathing! Beachcombers rejoice because the Jersey Shore boasts hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth might just be the best beach in New Jersey for finding shells. Here, you can find slipper shells, clams, mussels and even the official New Jersey state seashell, the knobbed whelk. Keep your eyes peeled along the high tide line after storms for the best finds.
Once you find your perfect beach, be sure to visit the official website or social media channels to get up-to-the-minute information before sinking your toes in the sand.
