20 Incredible Beaches In New Jersey

New Jersey has more than 130 miles (209 km) of beautiful, pristine coastline stretching along the Atlantic. Sometimes referred to as Jersey Shore, the beaches of New Jersey begin in Perth Amboy in the north of the state and run down to Cape May Point in the south. There are approximately 60 beaches in New Jersey to explore, varying from tourist destinations to hidden gems.

Visiting a beach in New Jersey is perfect for a day out or a more extended vacation stay in one of the state’s many seaside resorts. Many beaches have enviable white sands, which draw visitors to explore the shore. Most beaches have safe waters for swimming, body surfing, scuba diving, and sailing, with some having regular lifeguard services too. For a day filled with activities, head to New Jersey’s beaches in The Wildwoods, Seaside Heights or Ocean City.

The boardwalks are packed with shops, restaurants, entertainment and plenty of family-friendly activities. For a more relaxing beach experience, explore Ocean Grove and Cape May. Along New Jersey’s shore are numerous historical attractions, lighthouses and links back to America’s founding fathers. There are plenty of natural attractions, such as nature reserves and hidden islets. New Jersey has a beach suitable for everyone. So here are 20 of the best beaches New Jersey from Cape May in the south, working your way up the coast to Sandy Hook Bay.

New Jersey Beaches

20 Best Beaches In New Jersey

1- Poverty Beach

Despite its rather unusual and unfortunate name, Poverty Beach is one of the must-visit beaches in New Jersey.

Its name comes from an era when it was designated for use by the lower social class.

The beach is a barrier split, is 2.5 miles (4.02 km) long, and is one of the quietest in New Jersey.

Its sands are white and expansive, with vast stretches of sand between the grassy dunes and the lapping waves.

Poverty Beach is a local’s favourite haunt, and thanks to its quiet nature, it is a best-kept secret.

Poverty Beach is at Cape May, NJ 08204.

Stay at: ICONA Cape May

2- Diamond Beach

For a luxurious beach day in New Jersey, visit Diamond Beach at the southern end of The Wildwoods.

The private beach has an entry fee, but this ensures that the number of visitors is limited, even on the busiest of summer days.

The beach is named after the Cape May ‘diamonds’, pebbles gathered from the local beaches and cut and polished to resemble the precious stone.

As Diamond Beach is privately owned, the sands are pristine and inviting.

There are sand dunes to explore, or lie back on a sun lounger for a more restful day and relax.

Diamond Beach is at Lower Township, NJ 08260.

Stay at: ICONA Diamond Beach

3- The Wildwoods Beaches

The Wildwoods consists of three municipal cities: North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest.

You’ll find a boardwalk and amusement rides in Wildwood and North Wildwood. The Wildwood Beach Ultimate Frisbee Tournament and the Thunder on the Beach Monster Truck Race are vibrant events on the beaches of Wildwood.

So, if you are visiting when these events are on, expect it to be busier than usual but with plenty of additional activities to add to your day.

“Wildwood by the Sea” is a fantastic family destination with an excellent boardwalk with over 100 rides, amusements, food stands and access to the beach, and its boardwalk is free.

Wildwood Crest Beach is at the southern end of Wildwood, stretching down towards Diamond Beach and covering five miles (8.05 km) of golden sands.

Stay at: Adventurer Oceanfront Inn

4- Stone Harbor Beach

Stone Harbor is one of the most picturesque of New Jersey’s beaches, with white and soft sand and inviting waters to surf.

Visitors can also access fishing bays and a bird sanctuary from the sands.

Stone Harbor Beach is long and stretches for the entire seven miles (11.27 km) of Stone Harbor itself, often gaining the nickname of Seven-Mile Beach.

The beach is close to the quaint and largely independent shopping district.

Picnics are not allowed on the beach, but there are plenty of restaurants to try nearby.

Stone Harbor Beach is at 9508 2nd Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247.

Stay at: Lark Motel

5- Ocean City Beach

Ocean Cities Beach and resort is billed as ‘America’s greatest family resort’, and it is easy to see why.

While the city has plenty to offer those vacationing on the Jersey Shore, its coastline is Ocean Cities’ biggest draw.

The beach is quiet and far less congested than other beaches in the region.

The sands at Ocean City Beach stretch for eight miles (12.87 km).

Along the beach, you will find families relaxing in loungers while children play, workers stopping by for a bite to eat on the beach, and locals going for a stroll in the sea air.

Ocean City Beach is at 16 E 9th Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226-3444.

Stay at: The Atlantic, BW Signature Collection

6- Atlantic City Boardwalk and Beach

Beyond the lure of the casinos and resorts, Atlantic City has an excellent boardwalk and beach and is well worth a visit when in New Jersey.

Atlantic City boardwalk and beach is a short walk away from many of the resort’s most popular hotels, bars and restaurants and is close to the casinos.

The boardwalk is considered an American icon.

Constructed in 1870, the boardwalk is the perfect place to take an after-dinner stroll or marvel at the waves lapping the shore.

Activities on Atlantic City Beach include surfing, fishing, and kayaking.

Atlantic City Boardwalk and Beach is in Atlantic City, NJ.

Stay at: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

7- Brigantine Beach

For the typical windswept sands and gently sloping dunes of the American Atlantic Coast, spend a day at Brigantine Beach.

The beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the soft sands and is remarkably quiet, given its well-connected location.

Brigantine Beach is a short drive from the lights and noise of Atlantic City and less than two hours from New York City.

Brigantine is a typical beach town, with many ocean-view restaurants serving freshly caught fish and plenty of hotels and tourist attractions.

Brigantine Beach is at Brigantine, NJ 08203.

Stay at: Legacy Vacation Resorts – Brigantine Beach

8- Long Beach Island

Long Beach Island is one of the best New Jersey beaches because it has approximately 345 days a year of sunshine, making it a great year-round destination.

Long Beach Island is close to Island Beach State Park, a perfect destination for nature lovers.

The beach is 18 miles (28.97 km) long and is an excellent destination for fishing and boating.

While exploring Long Beach Island, look for Old Barney, the Barnegat Light House.

The lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction at the beach’s northern end.

Long Beach Island is at 4603 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, New Jersey 08008.

Stay at: The Hideaway Hotel

9- Island Beach State Park

Island Beach State Park is a must-visit beach in New Jersey for nature lovers.

The beach was gradually formed and shaped by storms and the tide creating a narrow barrier island.

The beach through the state park is 9 miles (14.48 kilometres) in length and dotted with dunes home to various marine plants and wildlife.

The state park consists of dunes, freshwater wetlands, maritime forests, and tidal marshes.

When visiting the park, look out for osprey and peregrine falcons.

The beach is dog friendly, however, it is advisable to keep your four-legged friend on a leash due to the wildlife in the park.

Island Beach State Park is at 2401 Central Avenue, Seaside Park, NJ 08752.

Stay at: Renovated Seaside Park Cottage Steps to Beach

10- Seaside Park Beach

The small town of Seaside Park has one of the best beaches in New Jersey.

Seaside Park beach is two miles (3.2 km) long and has a small section of boardwalk dotted with food stalls and games.

The beach is only a short walk to the amusements and rides of Seaside Heights, however, draws fewer tourists making it the ideal destination to relax and unwind on the sands.

Like many of New Jersey’s beaches, you must purchase a beach badge before access to the beach is permitted.

Seaside Park Beach is at 1701 North Ocean Avenue, Seaside Park, NJ 08752.

Stay at: Ocean and Beach Views from Five Decks in Ortley Beach

11- Seaside Heights Beach

Seaside Heights Beach is the heart of the Jersey Shore and is a must-visit beach destination for families.

The beach is wide and sandy, with lifeguards regularly on duty, making a dip in the sea more inviting.

The boardwalk is a break from the sand and filled with entertainment, from arcade games to rides that stretch along Casino Pier.

Make sure to ride on the famous giant Ferris wheel to catch incredible views over the beach and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

On the boardwalk are numerous food stands, including the Sawmill, where you can sink your teeth into gigantic slices of pizza.

Seaside Heights Beach is at Seaside Heights, NJ 08752.

Stay at: Aztec Ocean Resort

12- Point Pleasant Beach

Sharing a name with its town, Point Pleasant Beach is a great destination for families.

The boardwalk is 1 mile (1.61 km) long and has plenty of shops, a fun house, a Victorian ice cream parlour and Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Amusements, a Point Pleasant Beach institution.

There are three miniature golf courses close to the beach and an aquarium on the boardwalk to keep little ones engaged.

During the summer, weekly firework displays are held on the beach, and daytime events such as arts and crafts and hermit crab races are held.

Point Pleasant Beach is at 18 Trenton Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742.

Stay at: Shore Point Motel

13- Sea Girt Beach

Sea Girt Beach is one of New Jersey’s best beaches and is open year-round.

During the summer, visitors can make the most of the cool waters of the Atlantic or recline on a sun lounger.

The boardwalk offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and has plenty of benches and restaurants overlooking the blue waters.

Begin your visit to Sea Girt Beach at the historic Sea Girt lighthouse before heading south along the sands.

Typical beach activities such as swimming, fishing, and surfing are accessible from designated beach areas.

Sea Girt Beach is at Ocean Avenue, Sea Girt, NJ 08750.

Stay at: Sea Girt Lodge

14- Belmar Beach

Belmar Beach is one of New Jersey’s best beaches and is a popular destination for locals and vacationers.

The beach is clean and well-maintained and has a boardwalk running for just over a mile (1.61 km).

Belmar is constantly improving its beach area and has recently renovated its boardwalk using a material that does not cause splinters, making a barefoot stroll more pleasant to visitors.

The waters at Belmar Beach are calm, creating a perfect environment for swimming, surfing, fishing and sailing.

Along the boardwalk are numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops to explore.

Belmar Beach is at Ocean Avenue (From First to Twentieth Avenues), Belmar, NJ 07719.

Stay at: Mayfair Hotel

15- Avon-by-the-Sea Beach

Avon-by-the-Sea has a small and pleasant beach that locals consider to be a hidden gem.

The beach is overlooked by the Avon Pavilion, an important landmark of the town.

The pavilion serves a range of food and drinks with scenic views over the Atlantic Ocean.

The boardwalk has regularly positioned benches looking out to sea across the golden sands.

Once you have purchased your beach badge, which gives access to the beach area, find the perfect spot to relax in or head straight into the sea to surf.

Avon-by-the-Sea’s beach is open year-round, with lifeguards stationed on weekends.

Avon-by-the-Sea Beach is at Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ 07717.

Stay at: Beachliner Hotel

16- Bradley Beach

Bradley Beach is named after the small town it borders and is another of New Jersey’s quieter, hidden gem beaches.

The beach itself features especially soft sands and relaxing waves.

A playground on the beach makes it a fantastic place for families looking to spend more time relaxing together and away from busy amusements and rides.

Bradley Beach has areas dedicated to volleyball and mini-golf.

Across the boardwalk, the town of Bradley Beach is friendly and well worth exploring.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops.

Bradley Beach is at 60 Ocean Avenue N, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720.

Stay at: The James Bradley

17- Ocean Grove Beach

Ocean Grove Beach is away from the crowds and busy boardwalks of other New Jersey beach destinations.

The beach is ideal for quiet and relaxing beach days.

Ocean Grove Beach only stretches for 1 mile (1.61 km) and lies between Bradley Beach and Asbury Park.

Despite its small size, there are still facilities nearby, including restrooms and food stands with reasonable prices.

If you’re visiting Ocean Grove Beach during the summer, you can expect a range of activities, including a sandcastle contest and family movie nights.

Ocean Grove Beach is at Ocean Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.

Stay at: Beachliner Hotel

18- Asbury Park Beach

Asbury Park is a popular New Jersey location for seafront shopping and dining, and its wide expanse of golden sands only increases the allure.

The boardwalk has a range of restaurants serving everything from Korean fusion to Italian ice cream.

Like many other New Jersey beaches, Asbury Park beach has amusements, classic games and plenty of shops.

The beach itself is clean and safe, and the waters are lifeguard-monitored.

Stop by the Jazz Festival or Oyster Festival if you visit Asbury Park Beach during the summer.

Firework displays are also held regularly during the summer.

Asbury Park Beach is at 1300 Ocean Avenue N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.

Stay at: Asbury Ocean Club Hotel

19- Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park pays homage to Seven of America’s presidents who spent time in the local area, including Ulysses S. Grand, Woodrow Wilson, Chester A. Arthur, and Rutherford B. Hayes.

The park is a protected natural habitat, as the dunes provide a vital home for various birds and plants.

The dunes on the beach also act as a natural barrier to storms.

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is the perfect New Jersey beach to visit if you are interested in birds.

The park is home to threatened and endangered birds such as the Least Tern and Piping Plover.

Both species now breed in the park, seeing their numbers increase greatly.

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is at 221 Ocean Avenue N, Long Branch, NJ 07740-7562.

Stay at: Ocean Place Resort & Spa

20- Sandy Hook Beach

Sandy Hook beach is close to New York, making it ideal for a cross-state trip.

It is easily accessible by ferry from New York City and free parking is available close to the beach for those staying in New Jersey.

The beach is popular with dog owners as the beach is dog friendly from September to March.

There is no boardwalk at Sandy Hook beach, so pack a picnic and make the most of your day.

There are local kayak, and canoe rental stands for those wanting to get out on the water, or if walking is more your speed, there are plenty of easily accessible trails from the beach.

Sandy Hook Beach is in Middletown Township, Monmouth County, NJ.

Stay at: Little Haven

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