Best Beaches in New Jersey
From wide free beaches to pristine family shores, find the perfect Jersey Shore beach for every occasion.
Top 5 Beaches Overall
Cape May Beach
$8/dayBest overall experience
- Pristine sand
- Victorian backdrop
- Cape May diamonds at Sunset Beach
Long Beach Island Beaches
$5-10/day (varies)Best variety
- 18 miles of beach
- Multiple communities
- Less crowded than south
Ocean City Beach
$12/dayBest family beach
- 8 miles of clean beach
- Boardwalk access
- Family atmosphere
Spring Lake Beach
$10/dayBest upscale beach
- Pristine conditions
- Non-commercial boardwalk
- Upscale vibe
Wildwood Beach
FREEBest free beach
- Widest beach (1000+ ft)
- No badge required
- Boardwalk adjacent
Best Free Beaches
No badge required!
Best Family Beaches
Kid-friendly with activities nearby
Best Surfing Beaches
Top breaks for all skill levels
Quietest Beaches
Escape the crowds
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
Spring (May)
Fewer crowds, lower prices. Water still cold (55-60°F). Great for boardwalk walks, fishing, and exploring without summer chaos.
Best for: Budget trips, photography
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season. Warmest water (68-75°F), all amenities open. Busiest weekends, highest prices. Book accommodations months ahead.
Best for: Swimming, full beach experience
Fall (Sep-Oct)
Hidden gem season. Water still warm (65-70°F in Sept), crowds thin dramatically. Best surfing conditions during hurricane swells.
Best for: Surfing, romantic getaways
Winter (Nov-Apr)
Off-season charm. Many businesses closed, but great for beach walks, dog-friendly visits, and Atlantic City casinos. Lowest prices.
Best for: Dog owners, casino trips
Beach FAQ
Which Jersey Shore beaches are free?
Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Atlantic City, and Strathmere all have free beaches with no badge required. These are among the best free beach options on the East Coast.
What is the best beach in New Jersey for families?
Ocean City is consistently rated the best family beach in New Jersey. It's a dry town (no alcohol), has a classic boardwalk with rides, clean beaches, and was named "America's Greatest Family Resort." Stone Harbor and Avalon are also excellent upscale family options.
Where is the best surfing at the Jersey Shore?
Manasquan Inlet is considered the best surfing spot in New Jersey due to consistent waves created by the inlet jetty. Belmar (16th-18th Ave) and Long Branch are also popular. Fall hurricane season brings the biggest swells.
Which NJ beach has the widest sand?
Wildwood has the widest beaches on the Jersey Shore, often exceeding 1,000 feet from boardwalk to water. Barnegat Light on LBI also has exceptionally wide beaches. The wide beaches mean more room for activities but a longer walk to the water.
What are beach badges and how much do they cost?
Most New Jersey beaches require daily or seasonal badges to access the sand. Daily badges typically range from $5-15, while seasonal badges cost $25-100. Free beaches include Wildwood, Atlantic City, and Strathmere. Badges fund beach maintenance, lifeguards, and amenities.
When is the best time to visit Jersey Shore beaches?
Peak season runs Memorial Day to Labor Day with the warmest water (70-75°F) in July-August. For fewer crowds, visit weekdays or September when water is still warm. Spring (May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather with significantly lower prices and crowds.
Are dogs allowed on Jersey Shore beaches?
Most beaches prohibit dogs during summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Off-season, many beaches allow leashed dogs. Year-round dog-friendly beaches include portions of Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, and some LBI beaches during off-hours. Always check local rules.
What should I bring to a Jersey Shore beach?
Essentials include sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours), beach chairs or blankets, umbrella or tent, cooler with water/snacks, and beach badge (if required). Don't forget cash for boardwalk vendors and parking meters. Many beaches have rental stands for chairs and umbrellas.
Which beaches have the best boardwalks?
Atlantic City has the oldest and longest boardwalk (5.5 miles). Wildwood offers the most rides and games. Ocean City is best for families. Point Pleasant has Jenkinson's entertainment complex. Seaside Heights has the classic Jersey Shore experience.
Are Jersey Shore beaches safe for swimming?
Yes, guarded beaches are safe for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty at most beaches from 10 AM to 5 PM during summer. Swim only in designated areas, heed warning flags (red = no swimming), and be aware of rip currents. Water quality is monitored daily at popular beaches.
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