Best Beaches in New Jersey

In the summertime, nothing beats a day at the beach. Hot sun, cool water, and plenty of waves to surf – these are just some of the perks that come with spending your days on the shore. But which beaches in New Jersey deserve your time?

The following list is by no means exhaustive, but it does offer ten great options for those looking for their next seaside escape.

Beach Haven

Located only about 20 minutes from Atlantic City’s casinos and boardwalk attractions, this family-friendly spot offers calm waters perfect for swimming as well as more than 10 miles of sandy shores lined with salt marshes and tidal pools full of tidepool critters like horseshoe crabs and sea anemones.

Loveladies

For the more adventurous, this beach is located in Harvey Cedars. With calm waters and rock formations offshore plus an unpaved road leading to it, Loveladies gives off a secluded vibe that can be difficult to find these days.

Sandy Hook

If you’re looking for more than just a beach in your day trip, then this seaside park boasts trails, bicycle paths, and even golf courses. The beach offers fantastic views of NYC’s skyline and has a lighthouse that’s worth checking out.

Point Pleasant Beach

With a boardwalk that has been restored from hurricane damage last summer and buildings that date back to Victorian times, Point Pleasant Beach is a great spot for families who want to reconnect with the past while getting their tan on at the same time.

Seaside Heights Beach

In addition to its great beach, Seaside Heights also has one of the best water parks in the state. The Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach is home to five tube slides, a body slide, and other attractions that are perfect for cooling down while getting soaked at the same time.

Island Beach State Park

“Totally privatized” by nature itself, this park offers 11 miles of beach along with forests, marshes, and freshwater pools – all within sight of New York City across the Hudson River.

Atlantic City Beaches

Yes, the casinos and shows are a draw to this part of town, but its beaches along the Atlantic City coastline should not be overlooked either.

Seaside Heights Beach

While this spot offers a boardwalk similar to that of neighboring Seaside Heights, it also boasts a short trail leading down to the shoreline as well as restroom facilities among other attractions.

Lavallette Beach

In addition to boasting one of New Jersey’s best fishing piers, this beach sits right outside Point Pleasant Beach and offers plenty of schools for young surfers. So what are you waiting for? Grab your towel and sunscreen then head out!

Belmar Boardwalk

This popular beach town features a long stretch of boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants perfect for families looking for something less crowded than Seaside Heights or Point Pleasant Beach! Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk before taking advantage of the sand and surf along Avon Beach. There are plenty of restrooms, showers, lifeguards and picnic areas so you don’t have to go far at all for food or fun!

Every beach deserves a chance to be enjoyed by its visitors so if you have the opportunity to explore all of them you should definitely do so!