Best Swimming Beaches in New Jersey 2026
The safest and most enjoyable swimming beaches at the Jersey Shore. Calm waters, lifeguards, and family-friendly conditions.
16
Swim Beaches
4
Regions
2
Free Beaches
Swimming at the Jersey Shore
New Jersey beaches offer excellent swimming conditions from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with professional lifeguard coverage, clear water, and beaches for every skill level. Whether you prefer calm bay waters or refreshing ocean waves, the Jersey Shore has you covered.
Safety is paramount. All beaches listed here have trained lifeguards during summer hours. Pay attention to flag conditions: green means calm, yellow means caution, and red means no swimming allowed. Purple flags indicate dangerous marine life like jellyfish.
Water temperatures peak in late August at 70-75°F. June water can still be cool (60-65°F), so plan accordingly. Bay beaches offer warmer, calmer water ideal for young swimmers and those who prefer gentler conditions.
Monmouth County
Classic shore swimming beaches
Spring Lake Beach
Badge: $10/dayTop PickPristine, uncrowded beach with calm waters and excellent lifeguard coverage. A favorite for serious swimmers.
Avon-by-the-Sea
Badge: $9/dayTop PickSmall, family-oriented beach with gentle waves and excellent swimming conditions.
Sea Girt Beach
Badge: $10/dayClean, well-maintained beach with reliable lifeguard coverage and moderate waves.
Long Branch Beaches
Badge: $10/dayWell-staffed county beach with calm swimming areas and excellent facilities.
Ocean County
Barrier island swimming
Bay Beach - Beach Haven
Free BeachTop PickCalm bay waters perfect for young swimmers and beginners. Warmer water than ocean side.
Lavallette Beach
Badge: $8/dayFamily-oriented beach with consistent lifeguard coverage and moderate swimming conditions.
Point Pleasant Beach
Badge: $10/dayPopular beach with excellent lifeguard team and fun boardwalk nearby.
Harvey Cedars
Badge: $8/dayQuiet, uncrowded LBI beach with good swimming conditions and laid-back atmosphere.
Atlantic County
Classic Atlantic shore swimming
Brigantine Beach
Badge: $8/dayWide beaches with good swimming conditions and fewer crowds than Atlantic City.
Margate Beach
Badge: $10/dayTop PickCalm, family-oriented beaches with excellent lifeguard coverage.
Longport Beach
Badge: $10/dayExclusive, uncrowded beach at the southern tip of Absecon Island.
Cape May County
Southern shore calm waters
Ocean City Beach
Badge: $8/dayTop PickAmericas greatest family resort with gentle waves, excellent lifeguards, and family-first atmosphere.
Avalon Beach
Badge: $10/dayTop PickUpscale beach community with calm waters and excellent swimming conditions.
Stone Harbor Beach
Badge: $10/dayTop PickPristine beach with gentle surf and family-friendly atmosphere.
Wildwood Beach
Free BeachFree, wide beaches with gentle entry and shallow water extending far from shore.
Cape May Beach
Badge: $8/dayTop PickHistoric beach town with calm swimming waters and Victorian charm.
Swimming Safety Tips
🏊Swim Near Lifeguards
Always swim in designated areas with lifeguard coverage. They know the local conditions and can help in emergencies.
🏊Check the Flags
Green means calm, yellow means caution, red means no swimming. Purple indicates dangerous marine life like jellyfish.
🏊Watch for Rip Currents
Look for breaks in wave patterns or discolored water. If caught, swim parallel to shore until free.
🏊Time Your Swim
Ocean water is calmest in early morning and late afternoon. Midday heat can bring stronger onshore winds.
Beach Safety Essentials
Stay safe in the water with these recommended items for swimming at the Jersey Shore.
Adult Life Jacket
USCG approved. Required for paddling beyond bathing areas.
Kids Life Jacket
USCG approved for kids. Check weight rating.
Safety Whistle
Attach to PFD. Required for paddle sports in many areas.
Waterproof First Aid Kit
Compact, waterproof kit for beach and water activities.
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FAQ
Which NJ beaches have the calmest waters for swimming?
Ocean City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor typically have calmer waters due to their southern location and offshore sandbars. Bay beaches like those on LBI offer the calmest conditions.
Are there lifeguards at all NJ beaches?
Most municipal beaches have lifeguards during summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), typically 10am-5pm. State parks and some smaller beaches may have limited coverage.
What beaches are best for kids learning to swim?
Bay beaches on LBI and the protected coves in Cape May are ideal for beginners. Ocean City and Wildwood also have gentle shore breaks suitable for young swimmers.
Are there heated pools at NJ beaches?
Some shore towns have municipal pools with ocean views, including Asbury Park and Atlantic City. Many hotels also have pools as an alternative to ocean swimming.
When is the water warmest for swimming?
Ocean water peaks in late August/early September (typically 70-75°F). July and August are the primary swimming months. June water can still be cool (60-65°F).
What should I know about rip currents?
Swim near lifeguards who monitor for rip currents. If caught in one, swim parallel to shore until free, then swim back at an angle. Never fight the current directly.
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