Visiting the best New Jersey beaches is an essential New Jersey activity. The only challenge is that there are so many beaches to choose from!
As a New Jersey local, I can confirm that our beaches vary in activities, facilities, and the crowds they cater to. Thereβs literally a New Jersey beach for everyone.
So what are the best New Jersey beaches? In this article, weβll go through some of the best beaches the Garden State has to offer. And for more trip-planning goodies, be sure to save my guides on the best destinations in New Jersey.
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
21 Best Beaches In New Jersey
Diamond Beach
Wildwood Crest, NJ
π Google Maps | Parking: Paid parking lots, metered street parking, as well as some free street parking | Best Nearby Hotel: ICONA Diamond Beach
Wildwood Crest is home to a variety of pristine beaches, including the stand-out favorite Diamond Beach. Itβs an outlier from the rest of Wildwoodβs beaches partly because Diamond Beach is private and requires a fee for entry.
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 youβll ever feel. Diamond Beach is also home to its namesake; small diamond-like pebbles that many beachgoers love to collect.
π Pro Tip: Certain parts of Diamond Beach arenβt private, so you wonβt 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
π 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 | Best Nearby Hotel: Paradise Oceanfront Resort of Wildwood Crest
Wildwood Crest Beach is one of the most popular of Wildwoodβs white-sand beaches. Itβs one of the best-maintained NJ beaches and even features a newly expanded boardwalk.
The beach is free to enter and, if you donβt mind a longer walk, you can also find free parking. Parking closer to the beach is scarce unless youβre staying at one of the hotels along 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, do bring your own beach gear.
π Pro Tip: The boardwalk is pretty long, but there is a tramcar that offers rides for $3.50/person.Β
Poverty Beach
Cape May, NJ
π Google Maps | Parking: Free street parking | Best Nearby Hotel: La Mer Beach Front Resort
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 thereβs nothing poor about this beach.
Beautiful white sand graces this expansive beach. Itβs one of those beaches in New Jersey 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.Β
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!
ποΈ Read Next: Staying in Cape May (Best Areas & Places)
Ocean City BeachΒ
Ocean City, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: There are both paid (monitored lots) and free (unmonitored lots) in the area | Best Nearby Hotel: Biscayne Suites
Often confused with Ocean City in Maryland, Ocean City Beach is located near Cape May. We love it because itβs 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 thatβs what you prefer.
The beach and sand at Ocean City are nice and clean, and the boardwalk offers great choices for trying some of the best local New Jersey foods. If youβre looking for an ice-cold beer, however, youβll have to look elsewhere. Because of its family-oriented nature, Ocean City is dry, so no alcohol is served here.
π Need a set of wheels?Discover Cars is my go-to rental service every time I need a car when Iβm on the road.
Stone Harbor Beach
Stone Harbor, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Free street parking closer to downtown. Paid lots closer to the beach between 94th and 96th streets. | Best Nearby Hotel: ICONA Avalon
Stone Harbor Beach is a great stretch of sand with facilities. Though it can get crowded at times, it still has enough space that youβll be able to find a nice relaxing spot away from other people.
Lifeguards are also super vigilant about keeping everyone safe and, compared to most beaches, the walk to and from restrooms and the parking lot is short β itβs great if youβve got a lot of beach gear in tow.
Stone Harbor locals are like their town β friendly and welcoming. This adds up to a great beach day all around.
π Pro Tip: Thereβs a convenient rental truck on 95th Street where you can get chairs and umbrellas.
Ocean Grove Beach
Ocean Grove, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Free street parking | Best Nearby Hotel: Majestic Hotel
Another great spot if youβre looking for a quiet beach day, Ocean Grove Beach (and the nearby boardwalk and town) is calm and relaxing. This makes this beach a popular choice for beachgoers who donβt want to deal with massive crowds and busy boardwalks.
Itβs also a small NJ beach, 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.
π Pro Tip: Some visitors have trouble finding the bathrooms and think that there arenβt any. However, if you go to the far end of the boardwalk, youβll find clean, well-kept bathrooms.
Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ
π Google Maps | Parking: Free parking lots and no cost to enter the beach | Best Nearby Hotel: Private Beach Bungalows
My favorite beach of all, parking at Sandy Hook Beach is convenient, the bathrooms are always nice, and the beach is clean and well-kept. Thereβs no boardwalk, but thatβs truly part of the appeal.
Itβs a great beach if youβre 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 youβve tried out all the fun activities in Newark.
π 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 youβll find more residential vacation homes such as Vrbo rental homes and apartments.
Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Paid lot $10/day for NJ residents, $20/day non-NJ residents | Best Nearby Hotel: Hotel LBI
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 itβs got something for everyone.
The white sands and clean waters are only a part of the attraction here as there are 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 accordingly.
π Donβt forget to pack: Sunscreen,bug spray,a microfiber towel,and a lightweight travel umbrella are all great items for a New Jersey beach day.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
Long Branch, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Paid lot, $10/car. Metered street parking, use pay stations, and read signs carefully | Best Nearby Hotel: Beach House On the Shore
Another beautiful and quiet beach, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is located in Long Branch, NJ β about 20 minutes from Sandy Hook. Itβs more-or-less off the beaten path, so it doesnβt get as crowded or rowdy as other beaches.
Thereβs even a nice park for kids to play in thatβs divided into two groups β 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 at about $8 each.
Point Pleasant Beach β Jenkinsonβs Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Free street parking further from the beach. Paid lots and metered street parking closer to the beach | Best Nearby Hotel: Beach House with pool
One of the most popular beaches in New Jersey, Point Pleasant Beach attracts a younger crowd. Teens, twenty-somethings, and young families are creatures of habit here. Jenkinsonβs Boardwalk is especially popular because of the many activities available, and thereβs even an aquarium.
Point Pleasant Beach is one of the beaches I frequented as a child and the first beach I ever took my daughter to. Itβs a lively center of activity during peak beach season but calms down in the late afternoons and evenings as beachgoers head home.
π Donβt Forget to Pack: Sometimes the free parking spaces are a bit far from the beach. Because of that, I recommend a good beach cart like the . It can handle all of your beach gear in an easy-to-roll style. See our full beach essentials packing list for more.
Atlantic City Boardwalk & Beach
Atlantic City, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Paid parking lots and metered street parking close to the boardwalk. Parking lots average $10/day | Best Nearby Hotel: Ocean Casino Resort
Of course, this list has to include the iconic Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk! To be honest, the beach here is not the best of all the New Jersey beaches, but it certainly is a good time and it made my list of the best New Jersey activities for a reason.
The boardwalk alone is what draws in tourists every year. The beach doesnβt require a badge, which is a plus for many.
Keep in mind that the beach can get crowded, but the main attraction is the boardwalk. It features great restaurants, shopping, and sometimes entertainment. Thereβs even free Wi-Fi if you connect to AC Boardwalk while youβre in the area.
Be sure to check out my epic list of the 27 best things to do and see in Atlantic City.
π Pro Tip: The seagulls here can be pretty aggressive. As tempting as it may be to feed them, donβt. That is, unless, you want to be chased down for the rest of your stay.
Brigantine Beach
Brigantine, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: All lots require permits, about $25. Thereβs also free, but limited, street parking. | Best Nearby Hotel: Legacy Vacation Resorts β Brigantine Beach
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 Cityβs 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 at Brigantine.Β
There arenβt many stores close by, so be sure to pack a lunch if youβre going to enjoy a day at Brigantine Beach.
Seaside Heights Beach
Seaside Heights, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Free parking in the Sumner Avenue lot. Metered parking along the streets | Best Nearby Hotel: Hershey Motel
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.Β
The beach here isnβt 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 youβre 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 BeachΒ
Seaside Park, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: A mix of paid and free lots | Best Nearby Hotel: Four Bedroom Beach Home
Down the shore from Seaside Heights is Seaside Park Beach β a much quieter location. Both are close to each other, but the Heights caters to a livelier crowd. Youβll hear both names used interchangeably but remember β 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.
For more quiet outdoor spots, see my guide to the .
Bradley Beach
Bradley Beach, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: $1.50/hour from 8 am β 7 pm. Free parking on the west side of Ocean Avenue | Best Nearby Hotel: Two bedroom Guest House
Bradley Beach, named after the small New Jersey town itβs 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.
ποΈ 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
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Free street parking, and metered parking closer to the beach | Best Nearby Hotel: Mayfair Hotel
Belmar is a New Jersey beach town home to another of the best beaches in New Jersey, Belmar Beach.
Belmar Beach is a midway point between the livelier Point Pleasant and the sentient Bradley. The boardwalk isnβt 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 donβt mind a walk. Waves here can get a bit dicey, so be sure to check current conditions before you go.
Island Beach State ParkΒ
Seaside Park, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: $6 weekday and $10 weekend parking for NJ Residents. It may be higher for out-of-state | Best Nearby Hotel: Sea Level Sanctuary
Island Beach State Park is home to the NJ Governorβs Summer Mansion and is an area where many NJ Governors spend their summers. Itβs 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 friend! 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 donβt have to worry about overcrowding. On a clear day, the views of the ocean are magnificent.
π Pro Tip: Since there are really no hotels in Island Beach State Park if you plan on spending the night, check out sites like Vrbo for rentals nearby.Β
Asbury Park Beach
Asbury Park, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Paid parking lots and metered street parking | Best Nearby Hotel: The Asbury
Asbury Park Beach may not be the most popular, but itβs still a great place to enjoy a day by the shore. Itβs quiet, but parking is a little dicey and can get expensive if youβre 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.
π Are you a die-hard beach bum? Our articles on the best beaches in Florida and the top Puerto Rico beaches will give you some serious travel inspiration!
Avon-By-The-Sea Beach
Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Free street parking | Best Nearby Hotel: 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental
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.
π 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. Both are great spots to catch gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and take a dip on a hot summer day.Β
Sea Girt BeachΒ
Sea Girt, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Free parking available along the boardwalk and sidestreets | Best Nearby Hotel: The Hewitt Wellington Hotel
Sea Girt Beach is one of the most private beaches youβll find in New Jersey. Because of that, itβs also one of the cleanest youβll find in the area with plenty of space to spread out.Β
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. Itβs about $10 to get in, which is just a notch above what other beaches charge for a daily beach badge.Β
Honestly, I love the fact that itβs so quiet and peaceful. Iβm not a big fan of crowded, popular beaches, so this one is right up my alley.Β
ποΈ Looking to read more about New Jersey? See my guide to the 15 Places to Live in NJ.
Spring Lake BeachΒ
Spring Lake, NJ
π Google Maps | Website | Parking: Lots of free parking on Ocean Avenue | Best Nearby Hotel: The Ocean House
Not far from Sea Girt is another peaceful beach, Spring Lake Beach. This beach is quiet with a nice boardwalk thatβs perfect for walking, running, and jogging. There are also a few eateries nearby for pizza and ice cream. Restrooms are available.Β
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 hassle such as fines.
Map of the Best New Jersey Beaches
FAQs about Beaches in New Jersey
What is the nicest beach in New Jersey?
With its pristine beaches and smaller crowds, most beaches in Cape May top the list of New Jerseyβs best beaches. Other great beaches include Point Pleasant and Wildwood Crest.
Are New Jersey beaches open?
In general, most New Jersey beaches are open seasonally. Beach season is from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Some beaches also wonβt allow you on the beach unless thereβs a lifeguard on duty β whether youβll be swimming or not.
What is the cleanest beach in NJ?
Cape Mayβs Diamond Beach is the cleanest beach in New Jersey, though Sea Girt and Presidentβs Beach are close contenders. This is due in part to controlled entry. Most beaches that require a beach badge tend to be cleaner, as beach access is limited.
What beaches are closed in New Jersey?
Depending on the time of year, certain beaches in New Jersey are closed or inaccessible to the public, due to there being no lifeguards on duty.
***
The New Jersey Shore has a ton of beautiful beaches. Each of the best beaches in New Jersey 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)