Day Trip from NYC
Escape the city and hit the beach. The Jersey Shore is closer than you think - trains, ferries, and easy drives put you on the sand in under 2 hours.
Train to Beach
NJ Transit from Penn Station
6+ Hours Beach Time
Leave early, back by dinner
Free Beaches Available
Sandy Hook is a National Park
🚂 Getting There by Train
Line: NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line
From: Penn Station NYC
Frequency: Hourly (more frequent summer weekends)
Cost: $15-20 one-way (varies by station)
Pro Tips:
- • Buy tickets on the NJ Transit app
- • Weekend fares are cheaper than weekday
- • First train ~6:30am, last return ~10:30pm
- • Sit on right side for ocean views heading south
Best Day Trip Destinations
Sandy Hook
Monmouth County
Car, Ferry (Seastreak)
Natural, uncrowded, nude beach option
Beach badge: Free (National Park)
Best for: Nature lovers, NYC escapists, budget day-trippers
Tip: Take the Seastreak ferry from Manhattan for the most scenic route.
Asbury Park
Monmouth County
NJ Transit train
Artsy, music scene, LGBTQ+ friendly
Beach badge: $7-10/day
Best for: Music fans, foodies, LGBTQ+ travelers, young professionals
Tip: Train station is a 10-min walk to beach. Grab brunch at Toast.
Long Branch
Monmouth County
NJ Transit train
Upscale, Pier Village shopping
Beach badge: $10/day
Best for: Couples, shopping lovers, upscale day trip
Tip: Pier Village has restaurants, shops, and beach access in one spot.
Belmar
Monmouth County
NJ Transit train
Classic Jersey Shore, party scene
Beach badge: $10/day
Best for: Groups, party seekers, classic shore experience
Tip: D'Jais and Bar A are legendary. Beach is a short walk from station.
Spring Lake
Monmouth County
NJ Transit train
Elegant, quiet, Victorian
Beach badge: $10/day
Best for: Couples, families, those seeking quiet elegance
Tip: The most refined beach town. Pack a picnic - limited food options.
Point Pleasant Beach
Ocean County
NJ Transit train
Family boardwalk, classic shore
Beach badge: $10/day
Best for: Families with kids, classic boardwalk seekers
Tip: Jenkinson's Aquarium is great for a break from the beach.
Sample Day Trip Schedules
Asbury Park Day
Tip: For a late night, catch a show at Stone Pony and take the 10:30pm train.
Sandy Hook Day (Car/Ferry)
Tip: Sandy Hook has no boardwalk food - pack a cooler with lunch and snacks.
Belmar Beach Day
Tip: Belmar has the best balance of beach + bars for a lively day trip.
What to Pack (Train Travel Edition)
Pack light - you'll carry everything from train to beach. Wear your swimsuit under clothes.
Essential
- ✓ Sunscreen
- ✓ Towel (lightweight for train)
- ✓ Swimsuit (wear under clothes)
- ✓ Cash for beach badge
- ✓ Water bottle
- ✓ Hat/sunglasses
Nice to Have
- ○ Phone charger
- ○ Change of clothes
- ○ Flip flops + walking shoes
- ○ Snacks
Day Trip Budget Breakdown
What to expect to spend on a day trip from NYC.
| Expense | Budget | Moderate | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Transit round trip | $30 | $35 | $40 | Off-peak is cheaper |
| Beach badge | $0 | $8 | $12 | Sandy Hook is free |
| Lunch | $12 | $20 | $35 | Boardwalk vs. restaurant |
| Drinks/snacks | $5 | $15 | $30 | Bring water, buy treats |
| Dinner (optional) | $0 | $25 | $50 | Eat before returning |
| Extras (arcade, rentals) | $0 | $20 | $50 | Chair/umbrella rentals |
| Total (per person) | $47-50 | $120-125 | $215-220 |
Station to Beach Walking Guide
Know exactly how to get from the train station to the sand.
Long Branch Station
🚶 5 minRoute: Exit station, walk east on Broadway to Pier Village
Landmarks: Pier Village shops visible from station
💡 Easiest walk of any shore station
Asbury Park Station
🚶 10-12 minRoute: Exit station, walk east on Cookman Ave to boardwalk
Landmarks: Pass shops, restaurants, then see Convention Hall
💡 Cookman Ave has breakfast/coffee spots for the walk
Belmar Station
🚶 5-7 minRoute: Exit station, walk east on 10th Ave to beach
Landmarks: Small downtown, then beach
💡 Quick walk. Buy badge at booth near beach entrance
Spring Lake Station
🚶 10-15 minRoute: Exit station, walk east through town to non-commercial boardwalk
Landmarks: Beautiful homes and gardens en route
💡 Scenic walk through Victorian neighborhood
Point Pleasant Beach Station
🚶 10 minRoute: Exit station, walk east to Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Landmarks: Follow signs to boardwalk/aquarium
💡 Boardwalk is the destination - beach is right there
🚗 Driving? Traffic Tips
Friday evening departure
HeavyLeave by 3pm or after 8pm. 4-7pm is worst. Add 30-60 min to drive time.
Saturday morning
HeavyLeave by 7am to beat crowds. After 10am, add 45+ min. Train avoids all traffic.
Sunday return
Very HeavyLeave before 2pm OR after 8pm. 3-7pm is brutal. Consider staying for dinner.
Holiday weekends
ExtremeDon't drive. Take train or ferry. Or go the Friday before/Tuesday after.
Day Trip Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' experiences.
❌ Missing the first train▼
What happens: You lose 1-2 hours of beach time. Trains run hourly.
✓ Fix: Aim for 7-8am departure. Set multiple alarms. Buy tickets night before on app.
❌ Bringing too much stuff▼
What happens: Heavy bags are miserable on the train and walk to beach.
✓ Fix: Wear swimsuit under clothes. One small backpack max. Rent chairs at beach.
❌ Forgetting cash▼
What happens: Many beach badge booths, boardwalk vendors, and parking meters are cash-only.
✓ Fix: Bring $50-75 in small bills. ATMs near beaches often have high fees.
❌ Not checking train schedule for return▼
What happens: Miss the last train and you're stranded or paying $100+ for Uber.
✓ Fix: Screenshot the return schedule. Set phone alarm 30 min before last train.
❌ Underestimating the walk from station▼
What happens: Some stations are 10-20 min walk to beach. Add that to your time.
✓ Fix: Research your destination. Asbury Park station is 10 min; Belmar is 5 min.
Coming from Philadelphia?
Philly residents have even easier access to the southern shore. Atlantic City, Ocean City, and Cape May are all within 1-1.5 hours by car or bus.
Planning to Stay Longer?
Planning a trip to Asbury Park? Book your accommodations and activities.
Secure booking • Free cancellation on most reservations