The 17 Best Beaches in New Jersey
Each summer, when city folk are sweltering amid New York's concrete and glass, we turn our gaze south toward the Jersey Shore, which has some of the best beaches in the region. Since many beloved shore attractions were closed last year due to the pandemic, travelers are more eager than ever to see their favorite exits fly into view on the Garden State Parkway. It's summer, finally, and we're back at the beach, revisiting our favorite mini-golf courses, guzzling milkshakes at our boardwalks of choice, and settling in for an epic tan. These are the 17 best beaches in New Jersey—the spots worth planning a trip "down the shore" for.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
GettyAsbury Park
Garden State Parkway exit: 102
Why we love it: These past few years have witnessed a true Asbury Park renaissance, starting with its boardwalk stocked with high-end food trucks and stalls like you’d find in Brooklyn or Austin; stays like the sleek new Asbury Ocean Club Hotel; a thriving music scene born of Bruce Springsteen; and dog-friendly beaches with “Yappy hours.”
What to do: Grab blue crab beignets at the beach town’s New Orleans-themed eatery R Bar before heading up to Salvation, the buzzy rooftop bar at the Asbury Hotel, and one of the best late-night scenes in town.
GettyLong Beach Island
Garden State Parkway exit: 63
Why we love it: Long Beach Island (or LBI to the locals) is where Jersey Shore natives go to vacation, bouncing from northern beaches to this slightly more southern barrier island that competes with Cape Cod and the Outer Banks in terms of beloved beach getaways. Though numbers swell in the summer, the beaches are wide and welcoming—and it’s a great place to learn how to surf.
What to do: LBI is big—18 miles long, to be exact—and comprises six different municipalities. For a spot with more action, we like Beach Haven, which has plenty of shopping and dining options to choose from as well as an amusement park. For a quieter lazy week, stay on the north end, which is home to the famous Barnegat Lighthouse. Pro tip: Roll yourself out of bed a little earlier than usual for the fresh-out-of-the-fryer donuts at Marvel’s Bakery.
GettySpring Lake
Garden State Parkway exit: 98
Why we love it: This tiny seaside town is just south of New Jersey’s own Lake Como (not an exact match to Italy's famous one, but it will give you a sense of the vibe). It's a quieter beach, the antithesis to hard-partying Seaside Heights, and a prime spot to rent a home for the summer with a few friends or family.
What to do: Hit Mossuto’s Market, down in Wall Township, for a Fat Lip pizza or Frito pie before heading to the beach (if, that is, sand-side eating is your thing), and make sure to stop in for a scoop or three at Hoffman’s, which serves some of the best ice cream this side of the Taylor ham-pork roll divide.
AlamyPoint Pleasant
Garden State Parkway exit: 98
Why we love it: Those in the know skip Seaside and head to the slightly more low-key boardwalk attractions at Point Pleasant. You can get your Skee-Ball and saltwater taffy fix without feeling like you're reliving an episode of Jersey Shore.
What to do: You didn’t head to the beach to spend your day indoors—but we think you should make an exception (at least, for a few hours) for the Vintage Automobile Museum of New Jersey. Stop in to ogle some of the most iconic vehicles of old—you might even catch a glimpse of a 1917 Ford Model T, or a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. There’s also the Jenkinson’s Aquarium, which is home to adorable penguins. So, even if you run into some rain, you’ve got plenty to keep you busy.
Andy Kazie/GettyAvon-By-The-Sea
Garden State Parkway exit: 98
Why we love it: Despite the Jersey Shore's reputation for overcrowded beaches, Avon-By-The-Sea remains a quiet and hidden gem. The sprawling white sand beaches offer ample space to relax and soak up the sun in peace. Even after sunbathing, visitors can still enjoy themselves with the boardwalk and several local eateries scattered throughout the area.
What to do: Anglers can cast their lines in the surf, while foodies will love the variety of dining options. While Avon Pavilion was the go-to spot for seafood and live music events for three decades, a new unnamed spot will open in the location this spring. It will feature fine dining, sushi, and shopping. Speaking of fine dining, the Columns serves up fresh seafood and classic American fare in a Victorian mansion. Meanwhile, The Cashelmara Inn is a restored historic bed and breakfast with its own quaint movie theater.
AlamyWildwood
Garden State Parkway Exit: 4A
Why we love it: The town’s retro hotels, billed by gaudy neon signs, might be a little too kitschy for some—but with a massive boardwalk that houses more than 100 rides and attractions, we’d be hard-pressed to take a pass on a night here. Just skip that cotton candy before a ride on the adrenaline-pumping SpringShot, the boardwalk’s massive slingshot.
What to do: Follow the scent of fresh funnel cake and taffy to Mariner’s Pier (one of the handful of piers within the larger Morey's Pier complex) and hop on the massive carousel for a welcome hit of nostalgia.
Denis Tangney Jr/GettyBelmar
Garden State Parkway exit: 98
Why we love it: Located just south of Avon-By-The-Sea, Belmar is a charming beach town that offers a bustling atmosphere thanks to its year-round boardwalk and vibrant downtown. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities, including swimming, surfing, kayaking, and fishing. But the town's charming center, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, truly sets this sandy stretch apart.
What to do: Belmar may not be the most prominent destination on the Jersey Shore, but it certainly packs a punch in terms of things to do. With its beautiful beach and mile-long boardwalk, there's plenty of space for swimming, surfing, and kayaking. But if you're looking for more than sun and sand, head downtown, where numerous culinary options await, from authentic Italian cuisine at La Dolce Vita to delicious Southern fare at Simply Southern. For the shoppers, chic boutiques, art galleries, and home decor specialists line Belmar's Main Street, while surf shops and souvenir stores abound on Ocean Avenue. And make sure to check out the Belmar Arts Center, which hosts rotating exhibitions of local artwork.
GettyAvalon
Garden State Parkway exit: 13
Why we love it: A little more secluded than its Seven Mile Island neighbor Stone Harbor, this stretch of sand is known for its tucked away mansions, preppy adolescents, and generally well-heeled guests. Don’t blink if you see diamonds and designer swimwear during your morning laps.
What to do: This half of the island is home to one of our favorite mini golf spots—practically an Olympic sport in these parts—Pirate Island Miniature Golf. For a shopping hit, stop at the Preppy Palm to stock up on Lilly Pulitzer swag; you’ll blend in in no time.
GettyCape May
Garden State Parkway exit: 0
Why we love it: There’s lots to love about Cape May, all the way at the very tip of the Parkway: A perfect marriage of charm and history, the town’s historic Victorian district, and miles of intricate, candy-colored manses make for prime early-morning-stroll viewing.
What to do: Why stroll past the stunning architecture when you can immerse yourself in the history by booking a tour at the Emlen Physick Estate? The first and second floors of the 18-room mansion, built in 1879, are now open to visitors. Plus, there are several tours available throughout the summer, including an interactive murder mystery as well as magic- and haunted-themed ones. Book the combined tour and trolley experience to get 1.5 hours of Cape May history and architecture.
Andy Kazie/GettyKeansburg
Garden State Parkway exit: 117
Why we love it: Nestled along the scenic Raritan Bay, Keansburg offers a quick and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This charming beach town is just a stone's throw away from the iconic Jersey Shore, but it has a distinctive vibe all its own.
What to do: Keansburg Amusement Park has been a beloved local attraction entertaining visitors for over a century. This park is iconic, from classic rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel to thrilling roller coasters and water attractions. And the area has not one but two amusement parks, the other being Runaway Rapids Waterpark, home to more than 18 waterslides. After a day of outdoor adventure and amusement, be sure to stop by the family-run Rocco's Original Italian Ices for over 200 flavors of ice and creams. If you want to participate in the Taylor ham pork roll battle, Jillaney's Luncheonette is a go-to.
GettyStone Harbor
Garden State Parkway exit: 10
Why we love it: Top-notch ice cream at Springer’s (try ‘Emotionally Nuts’), a pristine, generally uncrowded beach, and a downtown thick with upscale fashion and five-and-dimes—plus the local Wetlands Institute, where you can sneak in some summer—make this blip near the end of the parkway an ideal family-friendly destination.
What to do: Fuel up with a local landmark-themed pie at the legendary Mack’s Pizza (a staple since 1953) before renting a set of wheels at Harbor Bike & Beach Shop. Then steer south to check out the sprawling bird sanctuary off Second Avenue. Conk out early in a room at the Reeds at Shelter Haven, one of our favorite area hotels.
AlamyLavallette
Garden State Parkway exit: 98
Why we love it: Less than one square mile in size, the small town on Barnegat Peninsula is ideal for beachgoers looking to avoid crowds but want access to some of the busier nearby spots (Seaside Heights is just two miles away). The “boardwalk” is more of a walking path than an attraction, and rentals are the predominant accommodations.
What to do: Although mostly residential and low-key, there is one bustling spot that we love. The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe is a vaudeville-style show where the performers-turned-serves whip up larger-than-life sundaes while singing a tune.
AlamyMargate
Garden State Parkway exit: 36
Why we love it: At just a mile-and-a-half long and a mile wide, the immaculate Margate beach is an excellent alternative to the maxed-out sands of nearby Atlantic City—and among the masses of families, teenagers, and lone tanners, you can almost always find a spot to raise your umbrella.
What to do: Take a picture with Lucy the Elephant, a quirky, six-story landmark built beachside in 1881, and test your water obstacle course skills at Island Aqua Park. Oh, and make time to try the fried lobster tail at local favorite Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay.
RSW85Ocean City
Garden State Parkway exit: 30
Why we love it: Sure, Ocean City’s no secret among New Jersey beachgoers—but it deserves all the attention it gets for its circa-1902 wooden boardwalk, its well-trafficked but family-friendly beaches, and its wealth of great F&B options (personally, we dig the Mahi Mahi tacos at the delightfully offbeat OC Surf Cafe).
What to do: Wait for the sun to go down before you hit the historic Gillian's Wonderland Pier. Built in 1929, the spot is home to rides including a carousel, a log flume, and a swing ride. If you want to trigger your adrenaline, we like the Drop Tower, which releases you from 120 feet up in the air, reaching speeds of a throttling 47 miles per hour.
AlamyOcean Grove
Garden State Parkway exit: 100B
Why we love it: This quaint Victorian town (in fact, it’s the largest assemblage of authentic Victorian architecture in the country) is quite the charmer. Once known as a summertime religious retreat, it’s now home to a large LGBT community—and with one of the best beaches in NJ that’s rarely overcrowded.
What to do: Grab a diner-style breakfast on the garden patio at The Starving Artists at Days before heading to the beach. Then head to Bürbelmaiers to pick up a sweet and savory Brit-style pie (we dig the curried lamb) for your beachside lunch pack.
Jorge Moro/GettySea Girt
Garden State Parkway exit: 98
Why we love it: With its pristine beaches and charming Victorian architecture, Sea Girt competes with the likes of Cape May and Ocean Grove in terms of seaside nostalgia.
What to do: For those seeking adventure, Sea Girt’s waves offer a great place to learn how to surf. Then take a break from the sun and sand to explore the quaint downtown area, where you'll find unique boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Don't miss the historic Sea Girt Lighthouse, built in 1896 and open for tours. In the evening, head to one of the town's popular seafood restaurants, like Scarborough Fair or Parker House, to savor fresh local catches and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
andykazieLong Branch
Garden State Parkway exit: 105
Why we love it: This beach town deserves a spot on every sun-seeker’s list when the temperatures rise, not least because the parking is easy (and won’t leave too big a dent in your wallet), the beach isn’t too crowded, and, maybe most importantly, there are public restrooms that are readily accessible and clean.
What to do: Sure, you can grab a playa bowl over in Pier Village, Long Branch’s hive-like, attention-drawing retail and housing complex; but we suggest you hit Max’s Bar & Grill and WindMill Hot Dogs, two long-competing businesses in the town’s West End, to see who makes the better frank. If hot stones are more your thing than hot dogs, head to The Spa at Ocean Place for a top-notch massage before chilling out in the oceanfront relaxation room.
