Best Surfing Beaches in New Jersey 2026
Discover the top surf spots at the Jersey Shore—from beginner-friendly breaks to expert-only peaks. Find the perfect wave for your skill level.
14
Surf Spots
4
Regions
7
Free Beaches
Why Surf in New Jersey?
New Jersey might not have the reputation of California or Hawaii, but the Garden State has a dedicated surf community and surprisingly consistent waves. The Jersey Shore stretches 130 miles from Sandy Hook to Cape May, offering breaks for every skill level.
Fall is prime time. Hurricane season (September-November) sends swells up the East Coast, and the summer crowds disappear. Water is still warm from summer, and the waves are at their best. Winter surfing is hardcore but rewarding—smaller crowds, powerful storms, and serious sessions for those with the right wetsuit.
Monmouth County is the epicenter of NJ surf culture, with Manasquan Inlet, Belmar, and Asbury Park drawing the most dedicated surfers. LBI offers a more relaxed scene with free beaches and consistent breaks. The southern shore has family-friendly spots where beginners can learn without the intense localism of the north.
Monmouth County - The Surf Capital
Home to the most consistent waves and strongest surf culture in NJ
Manasquan Inlet
Badge: $10Top PickThe premier surf spot in New Jersey. Powerful waves break off the north jetty, creating the most consistent and challenging surf on the shore. Expert-level spot with a devoted local crew.
Belmar Beach
Badge: $12Top PickHome to one of the strongest surf communities in NJ. Consistent beach breaks up and down the mile-long stretch. The annual NJ Sandcastle Contest draws crowds, but the waves are the real attraction.
Asbury Park
Badge: $7Top PickRevitalized beach town with a vibrant surf scene. The Convention Hall area offers solid waves with easy access to food, music, and the arts scene after your session.
Long Branch
Badge: $10Long stretch of beach with multiple surf spots. Pier Village area offers good waves with convenient access to shops and restaurants. Great for beginners during summer.
Sea Girt
Badge: $12Quiet, upscale beach town with solid surf. Less crowded than Belmar or Manasquan, making it a local secret for uncrowded waves.
Ocean County & LBI
Long Beach Island and northern spots with uncrowded breaks
Ship Bottom
Free BeachTop PickLBI's central hub with consistent surf and laid-back vibes. Less intense than Monmouth spots, perfect for intermediate surfers looking for uncrowded peaks.
Harvey Cedars
Free BeachTop PickNorthern LBI spot with quality waves and small-town charm. The narrowest part of the island means you can surf and grab lunch on the bay in minutes.
Point Pleasant Beach
Badge: $10The inlet creates good wave shape, and the boardwalk offers post-surf entertainment. More accessible than Manasquan with similar potential during swells.
Surf City
Free BeachThe name says it all. Central LBI location with solid waves and the island's largest concentration of restaurants and shops.
Atlantic County
Surf with a casino backdrop and surprising uncrowded peaks
Atlantic City
Free BeachSurfing with a casino backdrop. The beaches near the Inlet offer the best waves. Less crowded than you'd expect—most visitors are inside gambling.
Brigantine
Free BeachIsland just north of AC with a more relaxed vibe. The north end near the jetty offers the best waves. Less developed than other shore towns.
Cape May County
Family-friendly breaks in the southern shore
Ocean City
Free BeachTop PickAmerica's Greatest Family Resort also has surprisingly good surf. The street beaches offer consistent waves, and the town's dry policy keeps the atmosphere family-focused.
Strathmere
Badge: $5Tiny, locals-only beach town between Sea Isle and Ocean City. Uncrowded waves and no tourists make it a hidden gem for South Jersey surfers.
Wildwood
Free BeachWide beaches (1/4 mile to water!) mean you need to walk, but the surf can be good when swells hit. The famous boardwalk is a bonus.
Surfing Tips for New Jersey
🏄Check the Forecast
Use Surfline, Magic Seaweed, or Swellinfo for swell forecasts. NJ needs swell direction from the east or southeast for the best waves. Fall hurricane season produces the biggest swells.
🏄Respect Local Etiquette
Manasquan Inlet and Belmar have dedicated local crews. Don't drop in on locals, wait your turn, and be respectful. Earn your spot through consistent surfing, not aggression.
🏄Gear Up for the Season
NJ water is cold most of the year. A 3/2mm wetsuit handles summer-fall, 4/3mm for late fall-spring, and 5/4mm or 6/5mm with booties/gloves/hood for winter. Don't underestimate winter cold.
🏄Know the Rules
Most beaches restrict surfing to designated areas and off-peak hours (before 10am, after 5pm) during lifeguard season. Check local rules before paddling out.
🏄Start with a Lesson
If you're new to surfing, take a lesson at a reputable surf school. Belmar, Manasquan, and Ocean City all have quality instruction. A 2-hour lesson ($75-125) will get you up faster than struggling alone.
🏄Stay for the Dawn Patrol
The best conditions are often early morning before the wind picks up. Dawn patrol sessions mean smaller crowds and cleaner waves. Many surf spots have nearby coffee shops for post-session fuel.
Essential Surf Gear
Quality gear makes a difference in cold NJ water. Here are our picks for surfing at the Jersey Shore.
Soft-Top Longboard (8-9ft)
Forgiving, stable, catches small waves. Perfect for beginners.
Wetsuit (3/2mm)
Summer suit for June-September. 3mm body, 2mm arms.
Wetsuit (4/3mm)
Fall suit for October-November and late spring. 4mm body, 3mm arms.
Wetsuit (5/4mm)
Winter suit for December-March. 5mm body, 4mm arms for cold NJ water.
Surf Booties
Keep feet warm in cold water. 5mm-7mm for winter surfing.
Surf Gloves
Essential for winter surfing. 3mm-5mm keeps hands functional.
Surf Hood
Keep your head warm in winter. Works with non-hooded wetsuits.
Surf Leash
Matches your board length. Don't cheap out - safety first.
Rash Guard
Sun protection and prevents board rash.
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FAQ
What is the best surfing beach in New Jersey?
Manasquan Inlet is widely considered the best surf spot in New Jersey. The jetty creates powerful, consistent waves that draw experienced surfers year-round. For intermediates, Belmar and Ship Bottom (LBI) offer excellent waves with fewer crowds.
When is the best time to surf in New Jersey?
Fall (September-November) offers the best surfing conditions in NJ, with consistent swells from Atlantic storms and warm water from summer. Hurricane season brings the biggest waves. Winter surfing is possible with proper wetsuits, and spring/summer offer smaller, cleaner waves ideal for beginners.
Do I need a wetsuit to surf in New Jersey?
Yes, for most of the year. Summer (June-August) you can surf in board shorts with water around 70°F. Fall needs a 3/2mm wetsuit. Winter requires a 5/4mm or 6/5mm wetsuit with booties, gloves, and hood—water drops to the low 40s. Spring is 4/3mm territory.
Are there beginner-friendly surf spots in New Jersey?
Yes! Ocean City, Bradley Beach, and Wildwood offer gentler waves ideal for learning. Many beaches have designated surfing areas with lifeguard supervision. Surf schools operate at most major beaches during summer.
Do New Jersey beaches allow surfing?
Most NJ beaches allow surfing in designated areas, typically at the ends of the beach or specific street accesses. During summer, surfing is usually restricted to before 10am and after 5pm near lifeguard stands. Check local rules—each town has different policies.
Where can I take surf lessons in New Jersey?
Surf schools operate at Belmar, Manasquan, Long Branch, Ocean City, and most major beach towns. Summer camps for kids run June-August. Expect to pay $75-125 for a 2-hour group lesson including board and wetsuit rental.
What size surfboard should I use in New Jersey?
NJ waves are typically smaller and less powerful than ocean-coast breaks, so volume helps. Beginners should use 8-9ft soft-top longboards. Intermediates often use funboards (7-8ft). Advanced surfers use shortboards (5'6"-6'6") but often keep a longer board for smaller days.
Is surfing in New Jersey worth it?
Absolutely. While NJ isn't Hawaii, the shore has a dedicated surf community, consistent waves (especially fall and winter), and accessible breaks for all skill levels. The convenience of being within 1-2 hours of NYC and Philly makes it a realistic option for regular surfing.
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