People will always be eager to find great warm-weather destinations, however, there’s nothing quite like a New Jersey beach adventure. With beaches such as the iconic Jersey Shore, this state offers experiences that truly rank among the U.S.' best beaches. In New Jersey, after all, every beach has its own unique vibe – the sun and the sand are only the beginning. The shops, the rides, the boardwalks…there’s a lot to do and see. Other beaches are laid-back, offering serene settings, birdwatching and even dolphin sightings.
In this guide, we've highlighted several of the sunniest and sandiest destinations in the state, along with the various amenities that make these getaways feel extra special. This list of the 8 best beaches in New Jersey will prove that there truly is a beach for everyone.
1. 68th Street Ocean Beach
- Amenities: Restrooms, pavilion, live music
As a Long Beach Island favorite, this destination is truly gorgeous. Highlights include soft white sand, abundant shells and a laid-back atmosphere that many beach-goers find deeply appealing. The trailered restrooms are clean, as is the pavilion. There, you can take in the great views without getting sandy feet — or, better yet, enjoy a picnic lunch as you gaze at the scenery. Visit during the weekend to enjoy live music as part of the Sunday Fundays program.
2. 12th Street Beach
- Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, chair rentals, umbrella rentals, boardwalk access
No discussion of top New Jersey beaches would be complete without at least touching on the tourist extravaganza that is Ocean City. Often referred to as "America's Favorite Family Vacation," Ocean City offers a classic New Jersey beach experience: sparkling water, powdery sand and an abundance of boardwalk excitement.
Among the city's many spectacular beaches: the 12th Street Beach, which offers convenient access to Ocean City's best attractions, along with a variety of amenities to make the beach experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. This is a decidedly family-friendly destination, but parents are pleased to find that they can kick back and relax as their kids build sandcastles. Parking is reasonably convenient, with free street parking often available.
3. Cape May Beach
- Amenities: Cabana rentals, chair rentals, umbrella rentals, foot showers, concessions, restrooms
Recognized by New Jersey as the nation's oldest seaside resort, Cape May has attracted beach enthusiasts for centuries, with visitors having previously arrived from Philadelphia while riding in stagecoaches. The original appeal remains relevant: soft sand and awe-inspiring scenery. These days, there are also plenty of amenities to keep visitors as comfy as possible.
Despite its iconic status, this beach can also be surprisingly quiet. It's the perfect middle ground for those who crave New Jersey beach vibes but prefer something a little more chill than your typical day in Ocean City. The views of the water are unparalleled, but that is only one aspect of the memorable scenery. Many people are just as taken aback by the Victorian structures that line the adjacent Beach Avenue. Another welcome visual? Dolphins, which are frequently visible from the beach.
4. Avon Beach
- Amenities: Restrooms, changing rooms, bottle refilling stations, concessions, playground
Avon-by-the-Sea is one of New Jersey's most underrated beach towns. This is evidenced by the Avon Beach, which is clean and inviting. As one of the top New Jersey beaches, this gem offers a quiet and appealing way to escape the usual beach crowds. Gentle waves make this a wonderful option for swimming, although many visitors stop by to stroll or jog along the shore.
During the summer months, beach badges are needed to access the beach, but regular visitors argue that this modest entry fee is more than worthwhile. In exchange for this fee, visitors receive access to clean restrooms and changing rooms, along with bottle-refilling stations and even a playground for the kids. An excellent boardwalk runs adjacent to the beach and is worth a stroll.
5. Wildwood Crest Beach
- Amenities: Porta-potties, chair rentals, umbrella rentals
As one of New Jersey's widest beaches, Wildwood Crest offers plenty of space to stretch out. Be prepared for a long journey from the access area or the boardwalk to the water — but for many visitors, all that sand makes visiting the beach even more exciting. Because the beach is so large, there's plenty of space for everyone. As a result, it rarely feels crowded.
Another perk of visiting this beach? You can have a blast free of charge — a definite change of pace from the badges that so many New Jersey beach visitors are forced to purchase. Despite this, amenities remain reasonable, albeit not quite as robust as some of the other beaches in this guide. Traveling with a four-legged friend? Don't forget to stop by the Wildwood Dog Beach.
6. Manasquan Beach
- Amenities: Restrooms, playground
Calm and quiet, Manasquan Beach often receives rave reviews for its amazing upkeep: even on the rare occasions when it's busy, this beach is always amazingly clean. The beach extends a full mile and promises amazing views the entire way. The sunset, in particular, is gorgeous and promises a truly romantic experience if you visit with your sweetheart.
There is no traditional Jersey-style boardwalk, but some visitors prefer it this way: there are fewer crowds to contend with and when the beach is this inviting, there really isn't a need for other attractions. That being said, Manasquan offers a playground to keep the kids happy, plus basic amenities such as restrooms. In general, this is a wonderful swimming beach, with many local surfers making the most of the inlet.
7. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
- Amenities: Historic lighthouse, interpretive center, pier, restrooms
At the northern end of Long Beach Island lies the stunning Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, which is best known for its iconic lighthouse but also deserves recognition for its beautiful beach. Although not as expansive as the other New Jersey beaches on this list, this destination is worthwhile because it offers so much more beyond the beach alone. The small interpretive center promises fascinating insights — and you can learn even more as you meander the short loop trail.
This is a bird watcher's dream come true, with shorebirds easily visible from the beach and along the pier. Explore the tidal pools, look for shells or simply enjoy the beach breeze. You'll appreciate the calm atmosphere and the natural beauty.
8. Brick Beach
- Amenities: Restrooms, concessions, toy exchange program
The acclaimed Barnegat Peninsula is home to a series of excellent beaches known as the Brick Beaches. These well-maintained spaces tend to attract young families and, while they aren’t as expansive as some of the Jersey Shore’s better-known beaches, they do the job when you crave a simple, laid-back beach day. Kids will adore this beach due to its toy exchange program, which ensures that there is always a new and exciting way to play in the sand.
Each of Brick's beaches has a slightly different atmosphere along with different amenities, so think carefully before you park and especially before you set up your beach equipment. All the Brick Beaches are wonderfully clean, however and, although a bit crowded on the weekends, they remain reasonably quiet. Brick Beach Two has fewer amenities and is more difficult to access.
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