Best Beaches for Seniors in New Jersey 2026
Accessible, comfortable beaches for older adults. Easy parking, beach wheelchair access, calm waters, and nearby amenities.
17
Accessible Beaches
4
Regions
3
Free Beaches
Beaches for Every Age
The Jersey Shore welcomes visitors of all ages with beaches designed for comfort and accessibility. Many towns offer beach wheelchairs, accessible ramps, and nearby parking to make your beach day enjoyable and stress-free.
Calm bay beaches are perfect for gentle swimming. If ocean waves feel too rough, the bay sides of LBI and Cape May County offer extremely calm water with minimal current. Water is warmer too, making it more comfortable.
Ocean City and Cape May lead the way in accessibility, with beach wheelchair programs and multiple access ramps. Many towns offer senior discounts on seasonal beach badges. Call ahead to reserve beach wheelchairs on busy summer weekends.
Monmouth County
Classic boardwalk beaches with easy access
Spring Lake Beach
Badge: $10/dayExcellent AccessQuiet, elegant beach town with accessible boardwalk, nearby parking, and peaceful atmosphere.
Ocean Grove Beach
Badge: $8/dayExcellent AccessHistoric Victorian town with flat boardwalk, calm atmosphere, and well-maintained beach.
Avon-by-the-Sea
Badge: $9/daySmall, quiet town with easy beach access, calm waters, and unhurried pace.
Long Branch - Pier Village
Badge: $10/dayUpscale area with accessible beach, nearby dining, and excellent facilities.
Ocean County
Barrier island beaches with calm bay options
Bay Beach - Beach Haven
Free BeachExcellent AccessExtremely calm bay waters perfect for those who prefer no waves. Easy access and warm water.
Lavallette Beach
Badge: $8/dayQuiet family beach with easy access, good facilities, and relaxed atmosphere.
Point Pleasant Beach
Badge: $10/dayBoardwalk beach with good accessibility, benches for resting, and plenty of nearby amenities.
Harvey Cedars
Badge: $8/dayQuiet, uncrowded LBI beach with peaceful atmosphere and easy parking.
Atlantic County
Free beaches and resort amenities
Margate Beach
Badge: $10/dayExcellent AccessCalm, family-oriented beach with good facilities and famous Lucy the Elephant nearby.
Brigantine Beach
Badge: $8/dayQuieter alternative to Atlantic City with wide beaches and less crowded conditions.
Atlantic City Beach
Free BeachFree beach with boardwalk access to casinos, restaurants, and entertainment.
Cape May County
Best accessibility and calm waters
Ocean City Beach
Badge: $8/dayExcellent AccessExcellent senior amenities with beach wheelchairs, accessible ramps, and calm family atmosphere.
Cape May Beach
Badge: $8/dayExcellent AccessVictorian charm with accessible promenade, beach wheelchairs, and gentle atmosphere.
Stone Harbor Beach
Badge: $10/dayExcellent AccessUpscale, quiet beach with beach wheelchairs and excellent facilities.
Avalon Beach
Badge: $10/dayExcellent AccessBeautiful Seven Mile Island beach with calm waters, beach wheelchairs, and refined atmosphere.
Wildwood Beach
Free BeachFree beach with wide, flat sand making it easier to navigate. Beach wheelchairs available.
Sea Isle City Beach
$8/daySea Isle City
Promenade beach town with flat walking paths, good facilities, and relaxed atmosphere.
Tips for Senior Beachgoers
♿Reserve Beach Wheelchairs
Call beach patrol or town hall ahead to reserve a beach wheelchair. They fill up quickly on busy days.
♿Go Early or Late
Beat the heat and crowds by visiting 8-10am or after 4pm. Parking is easier and conditions more comfortable.
♿Check Badge Discounts
Many towns offer senior discounts on seasonal badges. Ask at the beach badge booth about available savings.
♿Bring Comfort Items
A good beach chair with back support, umbrella for shade, and plenty of water make the day more enjoyable.
Comfort Essentials
Make your beach day more comfortable with these essential items for a relaxing experience.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable with cup holder. Look for rust-resistant aluminum.
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. 7ft diameter covers 2-3 chairs.
Beach Cart / Wagon
Wide wheels for sand. Hauls chairs, cooler, umbrella in one trip.
Beach Canopy / Shelter
Pop-up shade for families. UPF 50+ protection, fits 4-6 people.
Umbrella Sand Anchor
Screw-in anchor keeps umbrella secure in windy conditions.
Beach Blanket
Sand-free, waterproof bottom. Packs small with stakes.
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FAQ
Which NJ beaches have beach wheelchairs?
Ocean City, Wildwood, Cape May, Avalon, and Stone Harbor offer free beach wheelchair loans. Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park also have them. Call ahead to reserve.
Are there senior discounts for beach badges?
Many towns offer senior discounts on seasonal badges. Ocean City, Wildwood (free), Atlantic City (free), and Cape May offer reduced rates. Weekly or seasonal passes often provide best value.
Which beaches have the closest parking?
Spring Lake, Avon-by-the-Sea, and Ocean Grove have street parking near beach entrances. Ocean City and Wildwood have lots within short walking distance. Handicap parking is available at all beaches.
What beaches have the calmest water?
Cape May County beaches (Ocean City, Avalon, Stone Harbor) typically have calmer waters. Bay beaches on LBI are extremely calm. Early morning generally offers calmest conditions.
Are there benches and shade at NJ beaches?
Boardwalk beaches offer benches and shade. Ocean City, Spring Lake, and Cape May have promenades with seating. Some beaches allow small canopy tents for shade.
Which beaches are best for morning walks?
Spring Lake, Ocean Grove, and Cape May have beautiful morning walking conditions. Their boardwalks/promenades are flat and well-maintained. Wildwood has wide, flat beaches.
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