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
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.
Related Guides
Find Your Perfect Beach
Take our quiz or explore beaches by what matters most to you.