Best Beaches Near Philadelphia
The Jersey Shore is just an hour away from Philly. Whether you want a quick day trip or a week-long vacation, these beaches are calling.
1 hr
Closest Beach
2
Free Beaches
10+
Beach Towns
🛣️
AC Expressway
🏆 Top Pick for Philly Day Trippers: Ocean City
Ocean City is the most popular shore destination for Philadelphia families, and for good reason. Its just one hour via the AC Expressway, features a classic 2.5-mile boardwalk, and as a dry town, its perfect for families. The beach is well-maintained and the boardwalk has rides, games, and food without the party atmosphere.
All Beaches by Distance from Philly
Ocean City
60 milesAmerica's Greatest Family Resort - dry town, 2.5 mile boardwalk
🚗 Drive Time
1 hr
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Route 52
Best For:
FREE beach, massive boardwalk, widest beaches on the shore
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway South
Best For:
FREE beach, casinos, and 24/7 entertainment
🚗 Drive Time
1 hr
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway (direct)
Best For:
Margate
62 milesHome of Lucy the Elephant - upscale, quieter alternative to AC
🚗 Drive Time
1 hr
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Margate
Best For:
Sea Isle City
75 milesFree beach Wednesdays, lively bar scene, family-friendly
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway to Route 625
Best For:
Avalon
78 milesUpscale "Cooler by a Mile" beach with pristine sand
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway to Avalon
Best For:
Stone Harbor
80 milesBird sanctuary, upscale boutiques, quieter vibe
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway to Stone Harbor
Best For:
Cape May
90 milesVictorian charm, historic B&Bs, southernmost point
🚗 Drive Time
1.5 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway South (end)
Best For:
Long Beach Island
70 miles18-mile barrier island with diverse beach towns
🚗 Drive Time
1.5 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Route 72 East
Best For:
Brigantine
65 milesQuieter alternative to Atlantic City, natural beaches
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway through Atlantic City to Brigantine
Best For:
Driving Routes from Philadelphia
Atlantic City Expressway
The main artery to the shore from Philly. Fully cashless toll road (E-ZPass or toll-by-mail) that takes you directly to Atlantic City in about an hour. Connect to Garden State Parkway for points north or south.
Destinations:
Atlantic City • Ocean City • Margate • Brigantine
Route 42 to AC Expressway
From South Philly, take I-76 to Route 42 South, then connect to AC Expressway. Slightly longer but can avoid some city traffic.
Destinations:
All shore points
Route 55 to Cape May
Alternative route from Philly area to Cape May County. Take I-295 to Route 55 South, then Route 47 to the shore.
Destinations:
Wildwood • Cape May • Sea Isle City
Route 72 to LBI
From AC Expressway, take Exit 44 to Route 72 East. The only bridge to Long Beach Island.
Destinations:
Beach Haven • Surf City • Ship Bottom
Philly Day Trip Tips
Beat the Traffic
- • Leave before 7am on weekends
- • Friday evenings are the worst - avoid if possible
- • Return Sunday evening after 6pm
- • Consider going mid-week for empty beaches
What to Bring
- • E-ZPass for cashless tolls (AC Expressway is 100% cashless)
- • Cash for beach badges and parking meters
- • Cooler with snacks and drinks
- • Chairs, umbrellas, and towels
Save Money
- • Wildwood and Atlantic City have FREE beaches
- • Sea Isle City is free on Wednesdays
- • Most beaches are free before 9am & after 5pm
- • Weekly badges save money for multi-day trips
Insider Tips
- • Wawa stops are along every route - grab hoagies
- • Gas is cheaper before the shore - fill up early
- • Avoid the GSP around exits 98-100 on weekends
- • Download the ParkMobile app for meters
Day Trip vs. Weekend Getaway
Day Trip (Best Options)
- ✓Ocean City - 1 hour, full day of activities
- ✓Atlantic City - 1 hour, free beach + boardwalk
- ✓Margate - 1 hour, see Lucy the Elephant
Weekend Getaway (Worth the Drive)
- ✓Cape May - Victorian B&Bs, dining, historic tours
- ✓Wildwood - Full boardwalk experience, free beach
- ✓Long Beach Island (Beach Haven) - Beach house rentals, island life
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