Best Beaches in New Jersey
New Jersey boasts 130 miles of coastal beauty, offering numerous premier beaches for sunbathing and sand castle building. You’ll find everything from lively boardwalks to quiet retreats here – the Garden State truly has something for everyone.
Island Beach State Park, situated on a narrow barrier island, is one of New Jersey’s best natural beaches. An entry fee may be applicable; however, you will find superbly clean sand and calm waters at this amazing beach!
Atlantic City
Atlantic City, New Jersey is often called the ‘Las Vegas of the East,’ yet this bustling seaside destination boasts much more than gambling activities such as blackjack and craps. Situated along an expansive barrier island alongside the Atlantic Ocean, this resort town is famed for its wide beaches and iconic boardwalk as well as upmarket hotels with lavish pool areas.
Atlantic City is well known as an inviting maritime village and offers visitors plenty to keep them occupied during a visit, from museums and theatre performances to amusement parks offering plenty of fun-filled experiences that could easily fill an entire weekend getaway.
The Atlantic City Aquarium is an enjoyable sight, featuring submerged displays that allow visitors to get close up with everything from fish and coral to sharks. There is also a touch tank and daily animal shows available for enjoyment.
For stunning views of Atlantic City, head to Gardner’s Basin. Its picturesque lake provides spectacular vantages of this vibrant city while providing a tranquil respite. Here you will find restaurants and bars, plus some Atlantic City cruises visit.
Atlantic City resorts live up to their reputation, boasting luxurious pools, movie theaters, and every cuisine possible imaginable. Some even feature pampering mega-spas with endless buffets or show performances by top performers!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is an exciting destination with incredible exhibits to see and do, always drawing visitors of all ages in. Kids and adults alike flock to Ripley’s, while its famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not attraction often draws crowds; booking ahead is recommended due to high levels of visitorship; alternatively, Atlantic City Art Center features constantly-evolving exhibits with sculpture and paintings on display that makes an appearance essential.
Bradley Beach
New Jersey beaches offer plenty of fun activities for daytrippers or extended beach vacationers alike, from surfing and rafting to paddle-boarding and dolphin watching – so whatever you do when visiting them you know you will find some incredible stretches of sand in this state! But you must know where to look in order to locate the most enchanting shorelines.
Bradley Beach in Ocean Grove, New Jersey is an idyllic retreat away from the crowds and boardwalks found elsewhere in seaside resorts. Offering volleyball courts, mini golf, a playground for children, and more; its tranquil ambiance makes the visit worthwhile.
Make time to visit all the local restaurants and shops along the boardwalk, as well as the Showroom Cinema – a three-screen theater offering first-run films.
Inlet Beach is an excellent surf spot for beginners or experienced surfers alike, thanks to its enormous jetties that corral incoming waves into long, glorious breaks. Though summer swells may make this spot busy with surfers and beachgoers alike, Inlet Beach remains well worth a trip for both surfers and beachgoers alike.
The Wildwoods is an iconic summer beach destination, known for its combination of clean-cut fun and wild partying. Along the two-mile boardwalk, you’ll find rides and games at massive amusement piers as well as food and drinks at beach bars and cafes lining its two miles. But it’s not all about beaches: be sure to visit Manasquan for its charming artsy downtown with delicious seafood restaurants as well as daily beach tags at only $10!
Brigantine
Brigantine Beach is an island located north of Atlantic City that’s bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Brigantine Inlet and Absecon Inlet. Renowned for its pristine beaches, designated fishing and surfing spots, and protected dunes – Brigantine Beach has long been called “Watamoonica,” or summer playground by Lenape natives.
Brigantine Beach is a perfect family destination, with low rents and an informal environment. Brigantine’s popular restaurants serve local seafood and delicious American fare; families also love visiting the Brigantine Historical Museum which showcases pre-colonial artifacts; many visitors also enjoy boating on both bay and ocean waters – there’s even an ocean inlet and bayside marina that allows Hobie Catting, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing!
Brigantine Beach offers several attractions for visitors to explore, such as its weekly Farmer’s Market, Brigantine Beach Historical Museum, and four-wheel-drive beach access in certain areas. Summer beachfront homes and condo rentals fill up quickly while year-round rentals remain available year-round – particularly beachfront properties available through Beachfront Homes & Condo Rentals Brigantine is also home to Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge as well as Marine Mammal Stranding Center for your marine mammal stranding needs!
Long Beach Island beaches such as Beach Haven, Surf City, and Barnegat Light offer endless entertainment and relaxation for families of all ages. Fantasy Island amusement park and Thundering Surf Water Park in Beach Haven provide entertainment for young children while shopping, dining and entertainment options abound within this bustling resort town.
Cape May
Although most of New Jersey’s finest beaches become overrun with visitors during summer, New Jersey’s oldest seaside resort remains an all-year destination. Visitors come for its historic Victorian homes decked out in festive holiday lights; for its fall festival; or simply to observe shorebirds nestle among horseshoe crab eggs that emerge each spring.
Cape May is an idyllic destination for strollers, offering wide sand beaches and first-rate attractions such as the Cape May Lighthouse jutting up from its beach location, boutique shops, cozy inns and delightful accommodations all lined with charming streets.
Visit Higbee Beach for a relaxing swim, or head over to Sunset Beach to watch the sun set. Sunset Beach also has a tourist strip offering souvenir shops and mini-golf, so families can spend the day taking advantage of everything this scenic coast has to offer.
The Nature Center of Cape May is a family-friendly attraction that emphasizes education. Beach walks and coastal safaris for guests of all ages are also offered, while whale and dolphin-watching cruises and fishing experiences can also be taken advantage of by visitors.
If surfing is your passion, head over to Inlet Beach where its immense jetties corral incoming waves for long breaks during the usually flat summer doldrums. Perfect for both beginners and advanced surfers alike – be sure to check the water conditions prior to heading out on your surfing adventures here – you will need both patience and fearlessness as you ride the waves here!
Ocean City
New Jersey boasts over 130 miles of pristine shoreline, popularly referred to as “the Jersey Shore.” These coastal resort towns provide everything from lively nightlife and family fun, all the way up to quieter getaways that offer serene relaxation. New Jersey beaches have something special in store for everyone from day trips and vacations alike!
Ocean City lies at the southernmost tip of New Jersey and provides a relaxing Jersey Shore experience. Dubbed as America’s Greatest Family Resort, its appeal cannot be denied despite being dry town – there’s plenty to keep families occupied here and it offers a peaceful retreat from Atlantic City’s noise and bustle.
Attractions here include the popular boardwalk, which extends for three miles along the beachfront and features restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. A ride on the iconic Ferris wheel is an absolute must to get a bird’s-eye view of this breathtaking shore.
Ocean Grove beach offers beautiful, clean sand and quieter crowds for an ideal relaxing beach getaway experience, ideal for surfing, rafting and paddleboarding activities. Play volleyball or tennis on the sand while enjoying delicious seafood restaurants and nearby playgrounds for children to play on. For the more energetic, there are also nearby golf courses and water parks where you can test yourself further. Beach tags cost just $5 a day and lifeguards are on duty daily during summer months. There’s plenty to see and do, including Fantasy Island Amusement Park and Barnegat Lighthouse, plus plenty of accommodations in Ocean City including hotels near the beachfront as well as Vrbo rental homes that are spread out around town.