10 Best Beaches In New Jersey, USA: Complete Guide 2024
New Jersey is known for its diverse coastline, and there are several beautiful beaches that cater to different preferences, from family-friendly shores to those ideal for water sports and relaxation. As of my last knowledge here are ten of the best beaches in New Jersey:
- Cape May Beach:
- Known for its Victorian architecture, Cape May offers pristine beaches with a charming backdrop. Sunset Beach is particularly famous for its sunset views and Cape May Diamonds.
- Wildwood Beach:
- The Wildwoods, including Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood, and Wildwood, offer a wide sandy beach and a vibrant boardwalk with amusement parks and attractions.
- Ocean City Beach:
- Ocean City is a family-friendly destination with a well-maintained beach and a lively boardwalk featuring shops, eateries, and amusements.
- Asbury Park Beach:
- Asbury Park is known for its artistic community, live music scene, and a beautiful beach. The historic Asbury Park Boardwalk is a popular attraction.
- Seaside Heights Beach:
- Famous for its boardwalk and amusement rides, Seaside Heights is a classic Jersey Shore destination with a lively atmosphere.
- Point Pleasant Beach:
- Point Pleasant Beach offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a classic boardwalk, amusements, and Jenkinson’s Aquarium.
- Belmar Beach:
- Belmar features a clean, well-maintained beach with a popular boardwalk. It’s known for its events and festivals throughout the year.
- Island Beach State Park:
- Island Beach State Park offers a natural and more secluded beach experience. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- LBI – Long Beach Island:
- Long Beach Island, or LBI, is a barrier island with several attractive beaches, including Surf City, Ship Bottom, and Beach Haven, known for its historic district.
- Sandy Hook Beach:
- Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook offers a long stretch of sandy beach with views of New York City. It’s known for its historic lighthouse.
10 Best Beaches In New Jersey, USA: Complete Guide 2024
Before planning a visit, it’s a good idea to check for any updated information regarding beach access, facilities, and local regulations. Beach conditions and amenities can change, so consulting local tourism websites or park services for the most current information is advisable.
There are countless beach towns along the more than 200 km of coastline, so there are many options to enjoy a day at the beach. Although there are different opinions as to which are the best beaches in New Jersey, everyone agrees that vacationing on the coast is one of the best things to do in New Jersey.
Here you can enjoy the sun, sand and sea, as well as practise a wide variety of water sports. In addition, depending on where you go, you can see dolphins and whales, as well as enjoying some natural landscapes and historical monuments.
After visiting several beaches in New Jersey, I discovered that each one has its own personality and something different to offer. So in this guide, you will find the beach that best suits your travel style, regardless of whether you are looking to party, spend time with your family or relax in the middle of nature.
10 Best Beaches In New Jersey, USA
1. Cape May, One Of The Best Beaches In New Jersey
Cape May is one of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey. Located at the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May is the oldest resort town in the country and the only one considered a National Historic Landmark.
As soon as you arrive you will see what makes Cape May so special: picturesque Victorian mansions, colourful houses, second-hand shops, restaurants. Without a doubt, it is one of the most charming places since the beauty of Cape May combined with its family atmosphere makes Make sure that it offers one of the best beaches in New Jersey.
To access the beach you will need a ticket that costs about $8. After spending the morning on the beach, I recommend that you walk the boardwalk or visit one of the nearby tourist attractions, such as Cape May Point State Park, the lighthouse, the Sunset Beach or one of the wineries. I also recommend Exit Zero, one of my favourite restaurants in town, which has a nice artsy atmosphere and serves delicious food.
Cape May is also great for biking, watching migratory birds, and sports like paragliding. Additionally, dolphins can be spotted from the shore, although I recommend you book a Cape May whale and dolphin tour to get a closer look, like this 2-hour sunset tour.
2. Ocean City, One Of New Jersey’s Family-friendly Beaches
Ocean City is another of the best beaches in New Jersey and it’s easy to see why. The beach is very large, has a lively promenade and a pleasant family atmosphere. Access to the beach has a daily cost of $ 5, a price that is worth paying to enjoy the white sand and the cleanest waters in the area.
This is also one of the beaches in New Jersey, USA, most popular for its boardwalk, which can be cycled. Although if you want to go around the boardwalk by bike, I advise you to do it in the morning, which is when the temperatures are lower and there are fewer people.
The ride has a total of 4 kilometres and includes two amusement parks, game rooms, miniature golf courses, shops, restaurants and other tourist attractions. In fact, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier is almost 100 years old and is a must-see.
In Ocean City, you can also enjoy nature, kayak, skydive or paddle, and watch dolphins. You will also find numerous hotels, as well as various B & Bs and campsites. In general, OC is one of the best beaches in New Jersey, although remember that it is a “dry” city, so you will not be able to buy alcoholic beverages.
3. Island Beach State Park, Most Beautiful Beaches In New Jersey
Island Beach State Park is another place to visit on the Jersey shore. It is located in Barnegat Bay and is one of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey for its open and natural spaces.
This park is actually a preserved barrier island, hence its virgin state. To access you must pay $ 6 per car, $ 12 for non-residents of New Jersey.
I recommend you go through the interpretation centre of the island and the Fisherman’s Walkway, a wooden path that leads directly to the beach. Of course, keep in mind that the bathroom is only allowed in a specific section.
Island Beach is one of the calmest beaches in New Jersey, as well as an ideal place for walking and biking. In addition, there are many opportunities to observe wildlife along several marked trails, as well as taking a canoe or kayak to watch birds. The park has one of the largest osprey colonies in New Jersey, so I recommend keeping your eyes wide open.
This New Jersey beach is adjacent to the Sedge Island Wildlife Management Area, a place where you can learn more about dunes, salt marshes, and coastal forests.
4. Asbury Park, One Of The Liveliest Beaches In New Jersey
Asbury Park has become one of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey, as well as one of the liveliest during the summer months.
The beach is in northern New Jersey, so getting there is a bit more difficult. Of course, it is well worth it for its promenade, for the Silverball museum on pinball and for its restaurants, theatres, art galleries and the Carousel Building, a historical place of Beaux-Arts style music.
All of this is what makes Asbury Park one of the most popular New Jersey beaches. Also, as a curiosity, The Stone Pony, which opened in 1974, hosted Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and other artists. Some other places of tourist interest are the Supper Club and the Wonder Bar, within the same promenade.
This Jersey seaside town is very family-friendly, with several beach play areas and a water park, among other things, making it ideal for a weekend getaway.
To access the beach area it is necessary to get a ticket that costs $ 6 during the week and $ 9 on the weekend. In addition, in the far north, dogs are allowed access. I advise you to check the Asbury Park event calendar, as there are many festivals held throughout the year.
5. Lbi, One Of The Quietest Beaches In New Jersey, USA
Long Beach Island or LBI is a barrier island of almost 30 kilometres with some of the best beaches in New Jersey. So if you want a day at the beach to enjoy the surf, sand and sun along the LBI coastline, I definitely recommend that you visit it.
After crossing the Manahawkin Bay Bridge you can head north, which is where the most luxurious tourist spots are, or south, which is where some of the most popular vacation spots are located. I assure you that every beach in this place is worth visiting.
If you go north you will arrive at Surf City, a quiet New Jersey beach located on Harvey Cedars Bay. There is also Barnegat Light, at the north end of LBI, a beautiful city with a 150-year-old lighthouse and many options if you are interested in water sports.
In the south is Ship Bottom, as well as picturesque Long Beach. But if you go further south, you’ll find Beach Haven, a family-friendly resort with great picnic spots and LBI’s only amusement park.
If you are travelling with friends or family and want to enjoy very diverse water activities and the boardwalk, Beach Haven is one of the best options. For those seeking tranquillity, the northern beaches of LBI are better.
6. Manasquan, One Of The Best Coastal Cities In New Jersey
Manasquan is one of the most beautiful New Jersey beaches located in the north. As a curiosity, Bruce Springsteen refers to it as his “happy place”. Here is good food, a beautiful boardwalk, fine white sand and much more.
The mile-long stretch of beach is a haven to relax in. The area is perfect for families, it even has bathrooms. In addition, and as a plus, this is one of the few beaches in New Jersey that is not excessively commercialized.
In addition to being very friendly locals, it is also very common to see young foreigners here, especially in the bars and clubs near Main Street. Manasquan also has a lot of artistic cultures, so there are things to do both during the day and at night.
To access the beach you need to pay $10. Best of all, you can walk from there to the southern end of the coast to see surfers at the Manasquan Inlet. The Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, a place for bird and wildlife viewing, is also worth a visit.
During your time in Manasquan, you will be very close to other beaches in New Jersey, such as Ocean Grove, Asbury Park and Spring Lake.
7. Sandy Hook, One Of The Public Beaches In New Jersey
There are not many public beaches in New Jersey, as most are paid, but Sandy Hook is one of these. It is the ideal place for lovers of outdoor activities and the beach in general.
Here you can canoe or kayak tours, hike and bike, even enjoy some of the many trails that run through wildlife, salt marshes, and holly forests. In addition, you can also go windsurfing or kitesurfing.
In addition to the 11 kilometres of coastline, this is where the Gateway National Recreation Area is located. Heading north you will find landmarks such as Fort Hancock, Battery Mills, Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site, with remains of military history.
Sandy Hook is a barrier peninsula that extends to New York Harbor, making it a bit difficult to get to this New Jersey beach. However, once there, you can enjoy the views of Manhattan, catch a ferry to New York or stay in Jersey and enjoy the ocean and the beaches of the bay.
To all this, we must add that this is one of the few free beaches in New Jersey, although you will have to pay to park your vehicle. I also want to tell you that if you go north you will find the best nude beach in New Jersey, Gunnison Beach.
8. Avalon, One Of The Southern New Jersey Beaches
Avalon is another of the beautiful beaches in New Jersey for those who want to sunbathe or enjoy the sea. It is undoubtedly one of the best beaches to go to with the family or spend a quiet weekend.
It is located in Cape May County, in southern New Jersey, and its sand is clean, with dunes and free parking. To access you need to pay $6. The best thing about this beach is that it is very quiet and not overcrowded, so it is ideal to enjoy a heavenly place and rest. In addition, you can enjoy surfing, rafting, rowing and beach volleyball, even eating something in one of its cafes and ice cream parlours.
Avalon is located on Seven Mile Island and shares a region with its sister beach, Stone Harbor. Both are beaches to go to with children in New Jersey, although Stone Harbor has a much more luxurious atmosphere. In addition, as both towns are close, it is feasible to visit both.
To all this, we must also add that Avalon has many attractions and entertainment, such as shops, miniature golf courses and restaurants. It is also one of the most popular New Jersey beaches for weddings.
9. Brigantine, A Laid-back New Jersey Seaside Town
Brigantine, also known as “the island,” is a natural beauty that can be easily reached from Philadelphia. Although there are not many tourist attractions in this place, it is ideal for those seeking relaxation.
It is one of the beaches in southern New Jersey, very pleasant and quiet, so it becomes an oasis for those looking to disconnect from the city. Here you can go kayaking, jet-skiing, surfing and swimming. In addition, the beach is of fine sand and is very clean, so it is perfect to enjoy the sun.
Something that makes Brigantine one of the best beaches in New Jersey is its history of shipwrecks. Between 1700 and 1800, hundreds of ships sank here. In addition, there is a legend that the Scottish pirate Captain Kidd fell in love with a local woman and left a buried treasure in the area. Of course, if you cannot find that gold, do not be discouraged since at least you can visit the Brigantine lighthouse, which is almost 100 years old.
Brigantine is hands down the best beach in New Jersey near Atlantic City as you can see AC drawn on the horizon. Although AC’s glory days are long gone, if you’re interested in visiting the casinos or the iconic boardwalk, it’s a pretty feasible visit to make from Brigantine.
10. The Wildwoods, Another Of The Best Beaches In New Jersey
The Wildwoods is a place many people have precious memories of, as this resort town has one of the best boardwalks in New Jersey. It is about 4 kilometres long and includes three piers with numerous recreational areas and two water parks.
There is a lot of entertainment here: tourist attractions, miniature golf courses, beach bars, galleries, cafes, the popular tram. In addition to its wide beach, which covers more than 1.5 kilometres. Best of all, it is one of the public beaches in New Jersey.
This is one of the best places to go with the family, in addition to being one of the most popular places among tourists and people looking to party. For those who want tranquillity, better go to Wildwood Crest or North Wildwood.
I recommend that during the day you try to make the most of the beach, which has gentle waves. Plus, delight in its rich 1950s Doo-Wop heritage and neon hotel signs. There is also a Doo-Wop museum and quite an interesting bus tour.
Wildwood is close to AC and Cape May, but there is so much to do in this New Jersey seaside town that you won’t want to leave.
Frequently Asked Questions: 10 Best Beaches In New Jersey, USA
What is the nicest beach in New Jersey?
- Brigantine Beach.
- Long Beach Island.
- Point Pleasant Beach.
- Belmar.
- Seaside Park.
- Lavallette.
- Spring Lake.
- Sea Isle City.
What is the cleanest beach in New Jersey?
Today, we will focus on Stone Harbor at 96th Street, the cleanest beach in New Jersey. Stone Harbor is a charming borough in Cape May County, at the southern end of Seven Mile Island. The 96th Street Beach in this small town offers beautiful, clear water in New Jersey. You’ll never want to leave.
Does NJ have white sand beaches?
The Underrated Beach With The Whitest, Most Pristine Sand In New Jersey. Island Beach State Park is a narrow barrier island spanning 10 miles and located between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Flickr/Shinya Suzuki. Island Beach is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the north Atlantic coast.
What is the most expensive beach town in New Jersey?
Sea Girt. Located in southern Monmouth County, Sea Girt tops the list of rich beach towns in New Jersey. This small community of about 2,000 boasts beautiful seaside estates at a median sales price of $2.4 million.
What is the least crowded beach in NJ?
Named one of the least crowded beaches in NJ by USA Today, Pearl Beach is located at the southernmost tip of NJ in Cape May. You won’t find a boardwalk or any concessions here, but there are plenty of butterflies, birds, dragonflies, and little-bitty crabs in the sand.
Related Searches:
best beaches in new jersey with a boardwalk
best beaches in new jersey for families
Atlantic city beach
best beaches in new jersey 2021
free beaches in new jersey
cleanest beaches in NJ
new jersey beaches map
jersey shore beaches map
10 Best Hotels In Newport, Rhode Islands: Places To Stay 2024
11 Best Beaches In California: North to South 2024
Best Time To Visit Galapagos Islands: Weather & Wildlife by Month 2024
Best Time To Visit London: Weather, Temperature, Climate 2024
10 Best Hotels In Tampa, Florida In 2024: Ultimate Guide
