Jersey Shore Beaches
Find the perfect beach for your trip. From free beaches to family-friendly spots, surfing breaks to quiet getaways. Your complete guide to the Jersey Shore.
Find by Category
Free Beaches
No badge required! Save money at these Jersey Shore beaches.
👨👩👧👦Family Beaches
Kid-friendly beaches with calm water, lifeguards, and nearby amenities.
🧘Quiet Beaches
Escape the crowds at these peaceful, less-touristy beaches.
🏄Surfing Beaches
Best breaks and surf spots along the Jersey Shore.
🐕Dog-Friendly
Beaches where your four-legged friends are welcome.
🐚Best for Shells
Cape May diamonds, sea glass, and the top shelling beaches.
🎫Compare Badge Prices
Find the best deals on beach badges across all shore towns.
Beach Water Quality
97% of NJ beaches have excellent or good water quality
268
Monitored Beaches
221
Excellent Rating
39
Good Rating
8.4
Avg CFU/100mL
Top-Rated Beaches
Featured Beaches
Ocean Grove Beach
Ocean Grove
The centerpiece of this historic Methodist community offers a unique beach experience. The Victorian architecture provides a stunning backdrop, and the waves here are consistently good for bodysurfing. Less crowded than Asbury Park to the north.
- ✓Historic Victorian setting
- ✓Great bodysurfing waves
- ✓Less crowded than neighboring towns
- ✓Beach wheelchairs available
Best For
Tip: Arrive before 10am for street parking. The Great Auditorium concerts are worth checking out after your beach day.
Sunset Beach
Cape May
One of the few places on the East Coast where you can watch the sun set over the water. Hunt for Cape May diamonds (quartz crystals) while the concrete ship SS Atlantus provides a unique backdrop. The nightly flag ceremony is a beloved tradition.
- ✓Free admission - no badge required
- ✓Famous for Cape May diamonds
- ✓Spectacular sunset views
- ✓Historic SS Atlantus shipwreck visible
- ✓Nightly flag-lowering ceremony
Best For
Tip: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to find parking and get a good spot. Bring a bag for collecting Cape May diamonds.
Point Pleasant Beach
Point Pleasant Beach
The perfect combination of beach and boardwalk. Clean, well-maintained beaches with excellent facilities, and direct access to Jenkinson's Boardwalk for rides, games, and food. One of the most family-friendly destinations at the shore.
- ✓Direct access to Jenkinson's Boardwalk
- ✓Excellent facilities and lifeguard coverage
- ✓Beach wheelchairs and Mobi-mats available
- ✓Clean, well-maintained sand
Best For
Tip: Buy a weekly badge if staying more than 2 days. Parking lots fill by 10am on summer weekends.
Island Beach State Park
Berkeley Township
One of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the Atlantic Coast. Ten miles of pristine coastline, dunes, and maritime forest. No boardwalk, no buildings—just nature. No beach badge required, but there is a STATE PARK ENTRANCE FEE per vehicle ($6-20 depending on residency and day). Swimming areas have lifeguards in summer.
- ✓Last undeveloped barrier island in NJ
- ✓10 miles of pristine coastline
- ✓Excellent fishing and kayaking
- ✓Wildlife including osprey and foxes
- ✓No beach badge—just park entrance fee
Best For
Tip: CRITICAL: Park fills to capacity and CLOSES most summer weekends by 9-10am. Once closed, you cannot enter until cars leave. Arrive by 8am on summer weekends or visit weekdays. Bring everything you need—no shops inside the park.
Asbury Park Beach
Asbury Park
The cultural heart of the Jersey Shore. Excellent surfing conditions, a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, and direct access to one of the best boardwalks. The LGBTQ+-friendly vibe and eclectic mix of beachgoers make this unlike any other shore town.
- ✓Best surfing in Monmouth County
- ✓LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere
- ✓Vibrant boardwalk with restaurants and bars
- ✓Live music and cultural events
Best For
Tip: Parking is tough—use the paid lots or come by NJ Transit train. Check out the Stone Pony for live music after the beach.
All Beaches
Wildwood Beach
WildwoodFree Beach
Free, wide beaches with classic boardwalk. The widest beaches at the shore.
Beach Haven
Long Beach IslandBadge: $8/day
Southern LBI charm with Fantasy Island nearby. Great for families.
Stone Harbor Beach
Stone HarborBadge: $8/day
Upscale family beach on Seven Mile Island. Clean, quiet, well-maintained.
Ocean City Beach
Ocean CityBadge: $5/day
America's Greatest Family Resort. Dry town with classic boardwalk.
Sandy Hook
Sandy HookFree Beach
National park beaches with NYC skyline views. Includes clothing-optional Gunnison.
Belmar Beach
BelmarBadge: $12/day
Active beach scene with great bars nearby. Popular with young adults.
Atlantic City Beach
Atlantic CityFree Beach
Free beaches with famous boardwalk and casino access.
Beaches by Region
Northern Shore
Sandy Hook to Belmar
Closest to NYC. Mix of quiet towns and active beach scenes.
- • Sandy Hook (free, national park)
- • Asbury Park (surfing, culture)
- • Ocean Grove (Victorian charm)
NJ Transit accessible. Parking can be challenging.
Central Shore
Point Pleasant to LBI
Classic Jersey Shore with boardwalks and family beaches.
- • Point Pleasant (Jenkinson's)
- • Island Beach State Park (wild)
- • Long Beach Island (upscale)
Most iconic shore experience. Book accommodations early.
Atlantic City Area
Brigantine to Margate
Casino town beaches and quieter neighbors.
- • Atlantic City (free, boardwalk)
- • Brigantine (quiet alternative)
- • Margate (Lucy the Elephant)
AC beaches are free. Good off-season deals.
Cape May Region
Ocean City to Cape May
Family-friendly to Victorian charm. Best variety.
- • Wildwood (free, wide)
- • Ocean City (family)
- • Cape May (Victorian, sunsets)
Cape May Point for sunsets. Wildwood for budget-friendly.
Beach Tips
Buy Seasonal Badges Early
Many towns offer discounts for badges purchased before Memorial Day. Some offer senior and child discounts.
Arrive Early on Weekends
Beach parking lots fill by 10am on summer weekends. Arrive by 9am or use public transit.
Check Beach Conditions
NJ Beach Reports provides daily updates on water quality, conditions, and lifeguard coverage.
Bring Cash for Badges
Many beach badge booths are cash-only. Some towns now accept cards or have apps.
Consider Off-Season
September and early October offer warm water, fewer crowds, and no badges at many beaches.
Respect Beach Rules
No glass, no alcohol on most beaches. Follow lifeguard instructions and swim in designated areas.
Find Your Perfect Beach
With 127+ miles of coastline, choosing the right beach can be overwhelming. Here's how to find your perfect spot.
Families with Young Kids
Best beaches:
Ocean City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Spring Lake
Calm waves, clean beaches, lifeguards everywhere, nearby bathrooms, kid-friendly boardwalks
Avoid: Surf beaches (Belmar, Manasquan) - waves too strong for little ones
Surfers & Water Sports
Best beaches:
Belmar, Manasquan Inlet, Long Beach Island, Seaside Heights
Consistent waves, dedicated surf zones, rentals available, local surf culture
Avoid: Ocean City - no surfing allowed at many beaches
Budget-Conscious Visitors
Best beaches:
Atlantic City, Wildwood, Strathmere, Sea Isle (weekdays)
Free beaches (no badge required), free parking options, cheaper food nearby
Avoid: Spring Lake, Bay Head - expensive badges and parking
Couples & Romance
Best beaches:
Cape May, Spring Lake, Bay Head, Avalon
Quieter beaches, upscale dining nearby, beautiful sunsets, B&B options
Avoid: Seaside Heights, Wildwood boardwalk area - party atmosphere
Dog Owners
Best beaches:
Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook (sections), Brigantine (off-season)
Dog-friendly areas, off-leash sections, natural beaches
Avoid: Most guarded beaches in summer - dogs prohibited
Party Scene
Best beaches:
Seaside Heights, Wildwood, Belmar, Long Branch
Bar scene nearby, young crowds, nightlife, events
Avoid: Ocean City - dry town, family-focused
🗓️ When to Visit: Seasonal Beach Calendar
Timing your visit makes a huge difference. Here's what to expect each month at Jersey Shore beaches.
| Month | Water | Air | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🌸May | 55-62°F | 65-75°F | Low | Beach walks, early-season deals, avoiding crowds |
☀️June | 62-68°F | 75-85°F | Moderate | Families with school-age kids, budget-conscious visitors |
🎆July | 68-74°F | 82-92°F | Very High | Swimmers, amusement parks, full shore experience |
🌊August | 72-76°F | 80-90°F | Very High | Ocean swimming, boogie boarding, water sports |
🌅September | 70-75°F | 72-82°F | Low-Moderate | Everyone! Best overall beach month for locals |
🍂October | 60-68°F | 55-70°F | Low | Beach walks, photography, Cape May charm |
May
- • Memorial Day weekend kickoff
- • Empty weekdays
- • No badges required (most towns)
💡 Water too cold for most swimmers without wetsuits
June
- • Shoulder season value
- • Water warming up
- • Lifeguards on duty
💡 Last 2 weeks get busier as schools let out
July
- • July 4th fireworks everywhere
- • Peak swimming conditions
- • All attractions open
💡 Book 3+ months ahead. Arrive early for parking.
Perfect Beach Day Timeline
Timing matters at the shore. Here's how to structure the perfect beach day.
7:00-8:00 AM
Early Arrival
💡 Arrive before 8 AM on summer weekends or you'll circle for parking.
8:00-11:00 AM
Prime Beach Time
💡 UV is lower but still apply sunscreen. Best time for kids and photography.
11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Peak Sun (Caution)
💡 Most dangerous UV hours. Consider leaving beach for lunch.
3:00-5:00 PM
Afternoon Return
💡 Water warmest, crowds thinning, good time for water activities.
5:00-7:00 PM
Golden Hour
💡 Some lifeguards leave at 5 PM. Swim with caution. Best beach photos.
Parking Strategies by Region
Parking can make or break your beach day. Here's how to find a spot without the stress.
Monmouth County
$10-25/dayMetered streets fill first. Town lots are better value ($10-20/day). Asbury Park has more options than Spring Lake.
Early Bird
Arrive before 9 AM or after 3 PM
Free Options
Side streets in Belmar (walk further), Bradley Beach residential areas
Ocean County (LBI, Seaside)
$5-15/dayLBI: each town has different systems. Seaside: pay lots fill fast. Point Pleasant has large lots.
Early Bird
Arrive before 10 AM at LBI
Free Options
Some Seaside Park streets, Barnegat Light north end
Atlantic County
$10-20/dayAtlantic City: casino garages ($10-20), cheaper than beach lots. Brigantine has street parking.
Early Bird
Casino garages always available
Free Options
AC residential areas (read signs carefully)
Cape May County
$0-15/dayWildwood is FREE. Cape May has meters + lots. Avalon/Stone Harbor limited but available.
Early Bird
Cape May: arrive before 9 AM
Free Options
All Wildwood beaches, some Sea Isle streets
Download ParkMobile app
Many towns use it. Add time from your phone without walking back to meter.
Check badge booth for parking
Some towns combine badge + parking at a discount.
Consider biking
Many towns have bike racks at beach. Solves parking problem entirely.
Uber/Lyft for day trips
No parking stress. Split cost with friends. Especially good for Wildwood/AC.
Beach Badge Strategy
Beach badges fund lifeguards and beach maintenance. Here's how to navigate the system.
Daily
$5-15
Day-trippers, trying a new beach
Weekly
$15-35
Vacation rentals, staying 4+ days
Seasonal
$35-100
Locals, frequent visitors, homeowners
Money-Saving Tips
- ✓ Buy seasonal if visiting 5+ times—it pays off
- ✓ Some towns honor early-morning swimmers without badges (before 9 AM)
- ✓ Kids under 12 often free—check specific town rules
- ✓ Senior discounts available in most towns
- ✓ Badges from neighboring towns sometimes honored (ask)
Free Beaches (No Badge)
Beach Day Packing List
Don't forget these beach day essentials.
Sun Protection
- ☐ SPF 50+ sunscreen (reef-safe)
- ☐ Wide-brim hat
- ☐ UV sunglasses
- ☐ Beach umbrella or tent
- ☐ Rash guard for extended water time
Comfort
- ☐ Beach chairs or blanket
- ☐ Cooler with ice
- ☐ Reusable water bottles
- ☐ Snacks (fruit, sandwiches)
- ☐ Change of clothes
Entertainment
- ☐ Boogie board
- ☐ Beach toys (kids)
- ☐ Waterproof phone case
- ☐ Book or magazine
- ☐ Bluetooth speaker (volume low)
Practical
- ☐ Cash for badge/food
- ☐ Waterproof bag for valuables
- ☐ First aid basics
- ☐ Baby powder (removes sand)
- ☐ Plastic bags for wet items
Beach Etiquette Guide
Unwritten beach rules that locals know and visitors should follow.
Don't shake your towel near others
Sand goes everywhere. Walk away first.
Keep music at conversation level
Not everyone wants your playlist. Use headphones if unsure.
Fill in holes before leaving
People walk at night. Holes cause injuries and turtle problems.
Don't feed seagulls
Creates aggressive birds for everyone. They'll steal your lunch.
Respect the lifeguard zones
Swim/surf separation exists for safety. Don't cross.
Take all trash with you
No trash cans on most beaches. Pack it out.
Don't reserve spots with empty chairs
Dawn chair dropping is frowned upon. If you're not there, it's not your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Jersey Shore beaches require badges?
No! Several beaches are free including Wildwood, Atlantic City, Sandy Hook, and Cape May Point. Most other beaches require daily or seasonal badges ranging from $5-15 per day.
Which beaches are best for families with young children?
Point Pleasant Beach (Jenkinson's Boardwalk), Ocean City (dry town, family boardwalk), and Wildwood (wide free beaches) are top family picks. All have lifeguards, restrooms, and nearby food.
Where are the best beaches for surfing?
Asbury Park, Belmar, and Manasquan are known for consistent waves. Island Beach State Park offers uncrowded breaks. The Ocean City/Sea Isle area has designated surfing beaches.
Are there beaches where dogs are allowed?
Most beaches allow dogs only in off-season (October-April). Some towns have year-round dog beaches including sections of Sandy Hook and some LBI beaches. Always check local rules.
Closest Beaches to Major Cities
Plan Your Beach Day
Beach Activities
Get Beach Tips & Updates
Free beach guides, badge savings hacks, and seasonal updates.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.