Best Beaches Near Philadelphia 2026
Escape the city to the Jersey Shore. The best day trip and weekend beaches within 1-2 hours of Philadelphia.
13
Beaches
6
Free Beaches
4
Under 1 Hour
Escape the City
Philadelphia sits just an hour from some of the best beaches on the East Coast. The Jersey Shore's southern beaches—Ocean City, Wildwood, Cape May—are beloved by Philly families and have been for generations.
Free beaches exist. Unlike most shore towns, the Wildwoods (Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood) and Atlantic City have completely FREE beaches. No badges, no fees—just show up and enjoy.
Ocean City is the classic Philly family destination—a dry town with a great boardwalk. Cape May offers Victorian elegance and world-class birding. LBI provides a more laid-back island experience. Each has its own character.
Closest to Philadelphia (1 Hour)
Quick escape via Atlantic City Expressway
Ocean City
Badge: $10Top PickAmerica's Greatest Family Resort. Dry town with 8 miles of beaches, 2.5-mile boardwalk packed with shops and amusements.
Margate City
Badge: $8Top PickUpscale beach town home to Lucy the Elephant. Beautiful beaches without the Atlantic City crowds.
Ventnor City
Badge: $8Quiet residential beach town between Atlantic City and Margate. Peaceful beaches and friendly community.
Atlantic City
Free BeachFREE beaches plus casinos, boardwalk, and nightlife. Beach by day, entertainment by night.
Free Beaches
No beach badges required—save your money for the boardwalk
Wildwood
Free BeachTop PickFREE beaches, massive boardwalk with amusements, and legendary doo-wop motels. The ultimate value beach destination.
Wildwood Crest
Free BeachTop PickQuieter than Wildwood with same FREE beaches. Family-focused with many pools and a relaxed vibe.
North Wildwood
Free BeachFREE beaches with Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and quieter atmosphere than central Wildwood.
Cape May Area
Victorian charm at the southern tip of New Jersey
Cape May
Badge: $8Top PickVictorian seaside resort with B&Bs, fine dining, and pristine beaches. The most elegant shore destination.
Cape May Point
Free BeachTop PickQuiet residential beach at the southern tip of NJ. Sunset Beach, Cape May Lighthouse, and incredible birding.
West Cape May
Free BeachSmall bayside community with access to Delaware Bay beaches. Great for sunset views and crabbing.
Long Beach Island
18-mile barrier island with diverse beach towns
Long Beach Island
Badge: $8-12Top Pick18-mile barrier island with diverse beach towns from family-friendly Beach Haven to quiet Loveladies.
Beach Haven
Badge: $10Top PickThe main town on LBI with Fantasy Island amusement park, shops, and restaurants. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Barnegat Light
Badge: $8Top PickNorthern tip of LBI with famous "Old Barney" lighthouse, jetty fishing, and pristine beaches.
Getting There Tips
🏄Take the Back Roads
Route 55 to Route 47 avoids AC Expressway traffic. Slower but often faster on peak weekends.
🏄Go to Wildwood for Free Beaches
The Wildwoods are the only major shore beaches with no badge fees. Beaches are also the widest in NJ.
🏄Atlantic City Expressway Has Tolls
Bring cash or E-ZPass. The expressway is fastest to Ocean City, AC, and Margate but tolls add up.
🏄Arrive Before 10am
Parking fills fast on summer weekends. Early arrival means better spots and less stress.
🏄Try Shoulder Season
After Labor Day, crowds thin but water stays warm into September. Many beaches go badge-free.
🏄Book Accommodations Early
Cape May and LBI book up months in advance for summer weekends. Reserve by March for July/August.
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FAQ
What is the closest beach to Philadelphia?
Ocean City, NJ is the closest major beach to Philadelphia at about 1 hour via the Atlantic City Expressway. Wildwood and Cape May are about 1.5 hours. Atlantic City is 1 hour but focused more on casinos.
Which Jersey Shore beaches are free?
Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and North Wildwood have completely FREE beaches—no badges required. Atlantic City beaches are also free. Most other shore towns charge $8-15 for daily beach badges.
Is Ocean City or Wildwood better for families?
Both are excellent. Ocean City is a dry town (no alcohol) with a family-first focus—ideal for young kids. Wildwood has free beaches, bigger amusement rides, and water parks—better for older kids and teens.
How long does it take to drive from Philly to the Jersey Shore?
Ocean City: 1 hour. Wildwood/Cape May: 1.5 hours. LBI: 1.5-2 hours. Atlantic City: 1 hour. Add 30-60 minutes for summer weekend traffic.
What is the best beach for a day trip from Philadelphia?
Ocean City for families, Wildwood for free beaches and boardwalk fun, Cape May for couples and Victorian charm, Atlantic City for beach plus casinos/nightlife.
Is there a train to the Jersey Shore from Philadelphia?
PATCO connects Philly to South Jersey, but there's no direct train to the beaches. NJ Transit's Atlantic City Rail Line runs from 30th Street Station to Atlantic City (1.5 hours). For other beaches, driving is best.
When is the best time to visit Jersey Shore beaches?
Late June through Labor Day is peak season. September offers warm water, fewer crowds, and better rates. Memorial Day weekend kicks off the season but water is still cold (60°F).
Are Jersey Shore beaches crowded?
July and August weekends are very crowded. Arrive before 10am for parking. Weekdays are much calmer. Wildwood has the widest beaches so crowds spread out more.
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