Affiliate Ad Disclosure: We’re reader-supported. When you buy via our links, we earn commissions. Learn more.
21 Best New Jersey Beaches (By a Local)
Visiting local beaches is an essential New Jersey activity. The only challenge is that there are so many to choose from!
As a New Jersey local, I’m delighted to say that our beaches are amazing, with a wide variety of activities, facilities, and crowds they cater to. There’s really something for everyone.
So what are New Jersey’s best beaches? In this article, we’ll go through some of the best beaches that line the eclectic Jersey Shore. And for more trip-planning goodies, be sure to save my guides on the best destinations in New Jersey.
21 Best Beaches In New Jersey
Diamond Beach
Wildwood Crest, NJ
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Paid parking lots, metered street parking, as well as some free street parking
Wildwood Crest is home to a variety of pristine beaches, including the standout favorite Diamond Beach. It’s an outlier from the rest of Wildwood’s beaches, partly because Diamond Beach is private and requires an entry fee.
However, this is a small price to pay for an exclusive, relaxing experience unsurpassed by other beaches in the area. This private beach has some of the softest sand you’ll ever feel. Diamond Beach is also home to its namesake: small diamond-like pebbles that many beachgoers love to collect.
👉 Pro Tip: Certain parts of Diamond Beach aren’t private, so you won’t have to pay a fee. To avoid the fee, steer clear of sections of Diamond Beach directly behind or on resort property.
Wildwood Crest Beach
Wildwood Crest, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: There are paid parking lots available, as well as metered street parking. Free parking is available just West of Jersey Ave
Wildwood Crest Beach is one of the most popular of Wildwood’s white-sand beaches. It’s one of New Jersey’s best-maintained beaches and even features a newly expanded boardwalk. It’s a dry town, so be sure to leave those alcoholic beverages at home.
The beach is free to enter and, if you don’t mind a longer walk, you can also find free parking. Parking closer to the beach is scarce unless you’re staying at one of the hotels that line the beach.
The Wildwood Crest section is quieter than the main downtown area, which adds to the attraction of this relaxing beach. That said, rentals are pricier than most places, so if you can, bring your own beach gear.
👉 Pro Tip: The boardwalk is pretty long, but there is a tramcar that offers rides for $5/person.
Poverty Beach
Cape May, NJ
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Free street parking
One of the quietest beaches in Cape May, the name Poverty Beach comes from the fact that it used to be designated mainly for those of a lower social class. But there’s nothing poor about this beach!
Beautiful white sand graces this expansive beach. It’s one of those beaches where you can go for a relaxing day without a bunch of people blocking the view. This beach is one that many locals try to keep secret, lest the crowds realize how amazing it is.
Truth be told, this beach is one of the reasons why visiting Cape May made my list of the top places to visit in New Jersey!
🏖️ Read Next: Staying in Cape May (Best Areas & Places)
Ocean City Beach
Ocean City, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: There are both paid (monitored lots) and free (unmonitored lots) in the area
Often confused with Ocean City in Maryland, Ocean City Beach is located near Cape May. We love it because it’s rarely crowded and, if there are ever any crowds, they arrive for New Jersey weekend getaways and stay close to the boardwalk. Go farther north, away from the boardwalk, for a quieter experience if that’s what you prefer.
The beach and sand at Ocean City are nice and clean, and the boardwalk offers great choices for trying some local New Jersey foods. If you’re looking for an ice-cold beer, however, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Because of its family-oriented nature, Ocean City is dry, so no alcohol is served here.
Stone Harbor Beach
Stone Harbor, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free street parking closer to downtown. Paid lots closer to the beach between 94th and 96th streets
Stone Harbor Beach is a great stretch of sand with facilities. Though it can get crowded at times, it still has enough space that you’ll be able to find a nice relaxing spot away from other people.
Lifeguards are also super vigilant about keeping everyone safe. Also, compared to most beaches, the walk to and from restrooms and the parking lot is short – which is great if you have little ones, or if you’ve got a lot of beach gear in tow.
Stone Harbor locals are like their town – friendly and welcoming. This adds up to a great beach day all around.
👉 Pro Tip: There’s a convenient rental truck on 95th Street where you can get chairs and umbrellas.
Ocean Grove Beach
Ocean Grove, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free street parking
Another great spot if you’re looking for a quiet beach day, Ocean Grove Beach (and the nearby boardwalk and town) is calm and relaxing. This makes it a popular choice for beachgoers who don’t want to deal with massive crowds and busy boardwalks.
It’s also small, only about a mile long, nestled between Asbury Park and Bradley Beach. Despite being small, they still have a few shacks that sell food at reasonable prices. For more food options, you can venture into the downtown area.
👉 Pro Tip: Some visitors have trouble finding the bathrooms and think that there aren’t any. However, if you go to the far end of the boardwalk, you’ll find clean, well-kept bathrooms.
Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking lots and no cost to enter the beach
My favorite beach of all! Parking at Sandy Hook Beach is incredibly convenient, the bathrooms are always nice, and the beach is clean and well-kept. There’s no boardwalk, but that’s truly part of the appeal.
It’s a great beach if you’re not into the boardwalk hype. You can grab your friends, pack a lunch, and get ready to enjoy a great day on an expansive, white sandy beach.
Sandy Hook Beach is about 45 minutes from Newark and is a great place to visit once you’ve tried out all the fun activities in Newark.
👉 Pro Tip: Sandy Hook is out a little ways from any hotels, so your best bets for where to stay nearby are Long Branch and Red Bank. Closer to Sandy Hook Beach you’ll find more residential vacation homes such as Vrbo rental homes and apartments.
Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Paid lot $10/day for NJ residents, $20/day non-NJ residents
A popular summertime destination for New Jersey families, Long Beach Island earns the title of being one of the best beaches in New Jersey as it’s got something for everyone.
The white sands and clean waters are only a part of the attraction here. There are also great restaurants and bars, a small amusement park called Fantasy Island Amusement Park to keep the kiddos entertained, and no boardwalk. Of course, the lack of a boardwalk contributes to the fact that the beaches are clean and well-kept.
Long Island Beach sits right in the Atlantic Ocean, giving you great ocean views no matter where you stay on the island. The weekends are busier than the weekdays, so if you can, plan ahead so you’ll get to enjoy yourself without shoving through crowds.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
Long Branch, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Paid lot, $10/car. Metered street parking, use pay stations, and read signs carefully
Another beautiful and quiet beach, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is located in Long Branch, NJ – about 20 minutes from Sandy Hook. It’s more or less off the beaten path, so it doesn’t get as crowded or rowdy as other beaches.
There’s even a nice park for kids to play in that’s divided into two groups – one for the little ones, and another for the older ones. This peaceful beach is family-friendly with clean bathrooms, showers, and great food on the boardwalk.
As with many beaches on the shore, beach badges are required, costing somewhere around $10 each.
Point Pleasant Beach – Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free street parking further from the beach. Paid lots and metered street parking closer to the beach
One of the most popular beaches in the state, Point Pleasant Beach attracts a younger crowd. Teens, twenty-somethings, and young families are creatures of habit here. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is especially popular because of all of the activities available – there’s even an aquarium!
Point Pleasant Beach gives me a nostalgic vibe because it’s one of the beaches I frequented as a child and the first beach I ever took my daughter to. It’s a lively center of activity during peak beach season but calms down in the late afternoons and evenings as beachgoers head home. Personally, the early evening was always my favorite as my friends and I would grab an orange/vanilla ice cream swirl and watch the sun set. Great memories!
Atlantic City Boardwalk & Beach
Atlantic City, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Paid parking lots and metered street parking close to the boardwalk. Parking lots average $10/day
Of course, this list has to include the iconic Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk! To be honest, the beach here is not New Jersey’s best, but it certainly is a good time and it made my list of the top New Jersey activities for a reason.
The boardwalk alone is what draws in tourists every year. The beach doesn’t require a badge, which is definitely a plus.
Keep in mind that the beach can get crowded, but the main attraction is the boardwalk. It features great restaurants, shopping, and sometimes entertainment. There’s even free Wi-Fi if you connect to AC Boardwalk while you’re in the area.
Be sure to check out my epic list of the 27 best things to do and see in Atlantic City.
👉 Pro Tip: The seagulls here can be pretty aggressive. As tempting as it may be to feed them, don’t. That is, unless, you want to be chased down for the rest of your stay.
Brigantine Beach
Brigantine, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: All lots require permits, about $25. There’s also free, but limited, street parking
Down the shore from popular Atlantic City Beach is the much quieter Brigantine Beach. This is the place to go if you want to get away from all the crazy action in Atlantic City’s center. Here you can escape the fanfare but still get a great view of Atlantic City in the distance. Plus, you can even fish in designated areas.
There aren’t many stores close by, so be sure to pack a lunch if you’re going to enjoy a day at Brigantine Beach.
Seaside Heights Beach
Seaside Heights, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking in the Sumner Avenue lot. Metered parking along the streets
Seaside Heights is one of the most popular go-to spots for the young crowd looking to have a good time. Teenagers and twenty-somethings flock here every year, almost as soon as summer break begins. It features amusement park rides and a hip, fun atmosphere.
The beach here isn’t the main attraction, but is still enjoyable. While you can enjoy the other sights of Seaside Heights, it is worth a stop for a refreshing dip.
Seaside Heights is a summer hotspot, so if you’re looking for a peaceful beach visit, this may not be the place for you. It can get especially crowded on summer weekends, but thins out once school is back in.
Seaside Park Beach
Seaside Park, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: A mix of paid and free lots
Down the shore from Seaside Heights is Seaside Park Beach – a much quieter location. Both are close to each other, but the Heights caters to a livelier crowd. You’ll hear both names used interchangeably, but remember – Seaside Park is quieter while Seaside Heights is more lively.
This is a simple beach, featuring a boardwalk with food, some shops, and games. The tides can get a little rough here, so be careful when going into the water. It has the potential to get crowded later in the morning, so go early to avoid the crowds.
Bradley Beach
Bradley Beach, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: $1.50/hour from 8 am – 7 pm. Free parking on the west side of Ocean Avenue
Bradley Beach, named after the small New Jersey town it’s a part of, is another quiet beach you can enjoy. It boasts soft sand and beautiful waves. This beach even features a playground right by the beach. This way, you can enjoy beach views while playing with your kids.
There are also areas for volleyball and mini-golf. The town itself is small and friendly and, as a result, the beach and facilities are well-kept and clean.
🛏️ Trying to find accommodation? My article detailing the best areas to stay in New Jersey was designed to help travelers pick great hotels and rentals in the top neighborhoods.
Belmar Beach
Belmar, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free street parking, and metered parking closer to the beach
Belmar is a New Jersey beach town that’s home to another top beach, Belmar Beach.
Belmar Beach is a midway point between the livelier Point Pleasant and the sentient Bradley. The boardwalk isn’t as popular, but still offers your typical beach fare, such as burgers, fries, and ice cream. There are even places to play arcade games.
Parking is similar to Point Pleasant, with free street parking if you don’t mind a walk. Waves here can get a bit dicey, so be sure to check current conditions before you go.
Island Beach State Park
Seaside Park, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: $6 weekday and $10 weekend parking for NJ Residents. It may be higher for out-of-state
Island Beach State Park is home to the NJ Governor’s Summer Mansion and is an area where many NJ Governors spend their summers. It’s located close to Seaside Park but is more sedentary.
One of the main appeals of this beach is that you can bring your four-legged family members! Island Beach State Park is dog-friendly, and you can even drive on the beach with a permit. The 9-mile stretch of beach also means that you don’t have to worry about overcrowding. On a clear day, the views of the ocean are magnificent.
Asbury Park Beach
Asbury Park, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Paid parking lots and metered street parking
Asbury Park Beach may not be the most popular, but it’s still a great place to enjoy a day by the shore. It’s quiet, but parking is a little dicey and can get expensive if you’re trying to park closer to the beach.
The waves are big and the bathrooms are clean. There are great restaurants near the boardwalk as well. This is one of my go-tos every summer. There’s just something about the relaxing vibe here that draws me in every summer. If you visit Asbury Park beach, make sure you pay a visit to Muntiny BBQ for some of the best BBQ, in my humble opinion.
Avon-By-The-Sea Beach
Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free street parking
Avon-By-The-Sea features clean water and soft, well-kept sand. This beautiful beach has a great boardwalk with typical boardwalk fare. The views of the Atlantic Ocean are gorgeous.
If you like to surf, then this is the perfect place. Surfers love the waves. Be sure to check current water conditions before heading out to make sure the waves are surf-ready.
👉 Pro Tip: Avon-by-the-Sea Public Beach is often used interchangeably with Avon Beach. While the two are very close to one another, they are technically two different beaches. But both are great spots to catch gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and take a dip on a hot summer day.
Sea Girt Beach
Sea Girt, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking available along the boardwalk and side streets
Sea Girt Beach is one of the most private beaches you’ll find in New Jersey. Because of that, it’s also one of the cleanest you’ll find in the area with plenty of space to spread out.
Just keep in mind that no eating, drinking, or playing music is allowed. Food can be consumed only in the picnic area, and ball-playing is allowed in designated areas. It’s about $11 to get in, which is just a notch above what other beaches charge for a daily beach badge.
Honestly, I love the fact that it’s so quiet and peaceful. The introvert in me is not a big fan of crowded, popular beaches, so this one is right up my alley.
Spring Lake Beach
Spring Lake, NJ
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Lots of free parking on Ocean Avenue
Not far from Sea Girt is another peaceful beach, Spring Lake Beach. This beach is quiet with a nice boardwalk that’s perfect for walking, running, and jogging. There are also a few eateries nearby for pizza and ice cream. Nice, clean restrooms are available, which is always a plus.
Parking here is free and relatively easy to find. Be aware, though, there are restrictions on coolers and alcohol. Check the website before going to avoid any hassles, such as fines.
Map of the Best New Jersey Beaches
***
The New Jersey Shore has a ton of beautiful beaches. Each of these beaches offers its own unique feel along with beautiful ocean views. Wondering what else the Garden State has to offer? Check out my list of 22 Best Things to Do In New Jersey!
(Featured Image Credit: Gary C. Tognoni / Shutterstock)
good night
thank you so much for this site and the time that you put into it.
looking for a nice beach in NJ where I can relax and my husband can do some fishing and a nice hotel where we can stay for a night or 2.
Hello, are you familiar with a song called, On The Way To Cape May? My uncle Eddie Deane wrote that song. He is New York born song writer and he and my mother Kaye had a wonderful relationship.
What about Avalon Beach? Planing a day trip there soon!
So…. Is the best beach at the top or the bottom of the list on this page?
I have to disagree with Ocean City. The beach is always crowded and the sand is gray and wet, nothing appealing about it whatsoever.
I’m looking to come in from vegas for my son’s 8th Michael Jackson party. I was raised in Jersey but haven’t been back in a while. Which beach would be best to celebrate his birthday where we can reserve an area and bring our own food? Thanks
Hola and glad you’re paying a visit to the Garden State!
So there are a few beaches that come to mind. One would be Island Beach State Park. To get the area reserved, you’d have to contact the New Jersey State Park Service. Then there’s also Brigantine Beach which is really nice and I believe they have a Pavilion you can use for the party as well. You’ll have to contact the municipality itself for a Special Event Permit. Sandy Hook Beach in the Gateway National Recreation Area is also really nice. But definitely try to reserve your spot soon! I hope that helps!
Great article! I’m here because I stayed at a friend’s place and visited nearby Avalon beach. It was so nice! I’m from Philly and usually head to North Ocean City Maryland for my summer beach time. But I was pleasantly surprised with Avalon! Really loved it. Everyone was so friendly. I guess in my mind I thought most NJ beaches were like AC or Wildwood lol. Now I can find quiet, enjoyable beaches closer to home. I will be searching different NJ beaches for my all-time favorite!
No Manasquan?
No Ventnor?
Wildwood Crest beaches are the cleanest in all of NJ. The Public Works crew cleans the beach daily year round. The LoveBlue volunteers have beach sweeps every week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Wildwood Crest is the safest beach with all lifeguards having NJ Lifeguard Certification and NJ State Health Department Certification. Also, Wildwood Crest beach is flat and the widest of all NJ beaches. Easy access to the beach directly from the each street ends and handicap accessible with showers and benches with views of the ocean. A reminder that Wildwood Crest beach is free with “No Smoking” on the beach by NJ State law.
Agree that Wildwood Crest snd Diamond Beach are the best beaches. As a resident of Diamond Beach, we are always described ad being a part of Wildwood Crest or Cape May. Both are wrong. Diamond Beach is a section of Lower Township which is the largest town in Cape May County.
I just want to clarify, as having had a long time family home at Ocean City, NJ. You are correct in that you cannot buy alcohol on the island, but you certainly are allowed to bring it to your home and consume it on the island.
My wife and I visited many New Jersey beaches in the last 5 years before deciding to buy. Fourteen months ago decided to build a vacation home in Diamond Beach. We just love the area. It’s clean, quiet, and friendly. This will be our first summer, and the family is very excited. We feel we couldn’t have made a better choice. Thanks for the article.
Morning, just read your reply, my husband going down same path as you. WE would like to buy in Diamond B, what realtor did you deal with? Appreciate any advice! j
Used to live on LBI. Loved it. Beaches are wonderful and clean. Miss it for sure. Thanks for including my old stomping grounds
I go to Sea Girt every summer.. by far the best beach in central nj as it’s so clean and keeps the riff raff away.
But your info is not correct… there are bathrooms and a concession stand at the north end. Food is allowed and drinks…. but no coolers. Many have beach chairs that have those mini coolers on the back and they don’t bother you with basic sandwiches, fruit and non alcohol drinks
Ocean Grove looks a lot like California
I have spent most my summers In Avalon, New Jersey. And I love Avalon’s Beaches.
We have beautiful sunsets on the Bay And his peace and quiet.
It is not a party town.
Our police are fantastic in Avalon New Jersey, Jessica warned anybody that wants to think they can do whatever they want that is not the case.
It is not a party town.
And it’s going to stay that way!
Great info. But what about NJ bay beaches? Are there any good ones?
Missed one of the best beaches. Lavalette
I am happy that LBI was named since I have a house on the ocean in Surf City and our beach is beautiful but I also have a house in Lavallette and my private beach is beautiful and should definitely have made the list.
Thank you Yvette for naming Wildwood Crest and Diamond beach as the #1 beach to visit at the Jersey shore. Wildwood Crest has been my vacation destination for 40 years so I can tell you from experience that they work very hard to keep their beaches clean, beautiful and free to all. The Crest is the BEST!
Thanks for the write up Yvette. We just bought a house near LBI and reading about Island Beach State Park made my dogs very happy.