8 Best Beaches in New Jersey

If you’ve never been to a New Jersey beach before, drop any preconceived notions you may have based on any ah-hem particular shows that may’ve come out on MTV around 2010. New Jersey is home to an array of gorgeous beaches, all with their own personalities. 

You can find family-friendly beaches packed with things to do in the nearby vicinity. You can find calmer beaches where you’re unlikely to run into many crowds unless it’s peak vacation season. You can find beaches with locals-only vibes and beaches that attract tons of travelers from Philly and New York.

Plus, if you’re situated in the Northeast or New England (like me), you’ll appreciate that the New Jersey beaches and their waters begin to heat up well before those that you may find in more northerly beach vacation destinations, like Maine.

So, which NJ beaches should be on your radar? Consider one of these 8 top picks.

Belmar Beach is my personal favorite New Jersey beach, one I frequented nearly weekly during summers when I lived in Philadelphia, and one I continue to return to today, for annual getaways from upstate New York.

The huge expanses of sandy shoreline provide a beach that is very clean, and well-maintained restroom facilities are situated along the boardwalk at regular intervals, for added convenience. Sure, the beach can get crowded in the height of summer, but if you arrive in the morning hours, you’ll be able to find a spot to set up camp for the day with no problem. (Another plus of getting there early? You’ll more easily be able to find parking close to the beach, versus needing to park in a nearby neighborhood and walk.)

The actual town of Belmar doesn’t feel tourist-overrun, either. There’s no amusement pier or similar big flashy attractions right on the water (though if that’s your thing, hold on—I’ve got suggestions for that, too). Most of your accommodation options are going to be Airbnb rentals. Still, if you want to get in a little shopping or go out for dinner and drinks every evening, you definitely won’t be left wanting for options. You can even find a party scene if you prefer that vibe (while also easily avoiding it if you don’t).

Cape May has long, long been a favorite vacation destination and you can quickly see that via the historic hotels and Victorian-era homes that dot the streets. For travelers who prefer to combine their beach days with a little bit of historic exploration, this is the New Jersey beach for them.

Technically, Cape May refers to its long stretch of sand as “beaches,” with multiple beach names, but they’re all the same connected shoreline. The name just basically tells you where you enter the beach from the street.

When you’re not kicking back on the family-friendly, clean beach, there are museums to visit, a historic lighthouse, a nearby zoo, and ample shopping on the pedestrian-friendly Washington Street Mall.

If you visit, consider taking advantage of the historic accommodations. Even if that’s not a good pick for you (maybe you want the privacy, space, and quiet of a home rental), be sure to stop in for a meal. You can find plenty of upscale dining options situated inside the Victorian-era inns and repurposed residences.

Just slightly to the north, the Wildwoods encompass five miles of beach. These beaches are very family friendly, include dog areas, and come with a long boardwalk. There are seaside amusement piers and three waterparks. All in all, you’ll find more than a hundred rides and attractions.

However, one of the main things that really makes these beaches stand out? They’re free.

A lot of New Jersey beaches are not free to enter during the summer months, and you’ll have to buy a beach tag in order to access the beach. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can really add up! For example, at Belmar, the daily fee is $12 per person aged 14 and up—so if you’ve got multiple teenagers in your party, plus a few adults, you could be spending $60 or more per every day of your vacation!

At the Wildwoods, that’s not a worry.

Of course, considering the fact that the beach is free and there’s so much to do right off the sands, from waterparks to rollercoasters, you can expect this beach to be a bit more crowded than some others you might visit.

Asbury Park may be best known as the home of Bruce Springsteen, the town where he launched his career, but if that’s all you know about this New Jersey destination, it’s time to rectify that.

Yes, the town has a great music scene, even still (for the Springsteen connections, check out The Stone Pony rock venue). However, it also offers so much more. Asbury Park almost has a bit more of a city feel to it than some other beach towns, like nearby Belmar. It has a ton of great restaurants (so definitely a good pick if you consider yourself a foodie traveler), plus a lot of really unique, local shopping, whether you’re hunting for a new beach read or an antique that you won’t find anywhere else.

Of course, though, you’re not coming to Asbury Park for the city if you’re planning a New Jersey beach vacay. That’s just a plus. On the beach, you’ll discover a vibrant boardwalk and a mile of sand that attracts plenty of beachgoers and surfers. 

You’ll also spot several nice hotels within walking distance of the beach, such as the Asbury Ocean Club hotel and the (more affordable) Asbury Hotel.

When you look at a map of New Jersey, you’ll see a thin string of barrier islands right off the coast. The one situated about smack-dab in the middle of the state is Long Beach Island, and it offers 18 miles of beautiful beach, much of which isn’t overcrowded.

This short expanse of land offers a lot of variety. There are quieter, neighborhood-style beaches; beaches with some nice dunes; great spots to surf, paddle, or fish; and beaches with adjacent wildlife refuges.

For a quieter atmosphere, try the island’s North Beach or Loveladies Public Beach. For something with a little more activity, try Beach Haven, which has its own amusement park and water park.

Definitely a little more on the active side, Point Pleasant Beach boasts a very popular boardwalk that’s packed with things to do. Beyond the many amusement rides, arcades, and carnival games, and tons of options for summer fair-like food (cheese fries, anyone?), the boardwalk even has its own aquarium.

So, come for the day, spend your morning on the sand, and then when the sun gets high in the sky and you’re ready for some shade, hit the boardwalk. Just be sure to bring plenty of cash. I’ve spent more than I’d like to admit on rides and games at this playground for all ages.

Between Atlantic City and Wildwood, Ocean City is another top pick for families fleeing to the beach from nearby major metropolises, such as Philly and Baltimore. In fact, the city has really built a reputation on its family friendliness. 

Just how family-friendly is it? Well, if you’re worried about the occasional party scene you might spot in other Jersey beach towns, rest assured you’re less likely to find it here. Ocean City is “dry,” so you can’t even buy alcohol within the city limits.

The eight miles of beachfront are well-maintained and, lining them, you’ll find boardwalk, piers, and more. There are likewise a lot of activity and recreation options beyond just enjoying the beach, in case you’re worried about keeping the kiddos entertained. Paddling, wind surfing, jet skiing, cycling, golf, and more are all on tap. You’ll also find regular family-friendly events occurring throughout the year.

And on the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Atlantic City. 

Okay, I’ll let you have it: No one’s going to Atlantic City because they want to have a nice relaxing time on the beach, all day every day. They are, however, going to Atlantic City if they want the option of going to the beach, while also gambling, partying, dining, drinking, and shopping to their heart’s content. Plus, if you like a lot of huge resort-style accommodation options—well, you’re really not going to find them anywhere else other than AC.

Atlantic City was historically a favorited beach destination on the East Coast, and then it obviously fell into repair, but it’s truly been on the upswing. While we went through a period there of resorts and casinos closing left and right, and some being left to deteriorate, more recently, investors have come in and brought new life to the city.

So, if you want to stay in a luxury suite, party the night away, then snooze in the sun and on the sand during the day, before heading out to a nice dinner and then doing it all again, Atlantic City is a good bet.