Best LGBTQ+-Friendly Jersey Shore Towns
16 towns across 4 counties
Best LGBTQ+-Friendly Jersey Shore Towns
NJ Shore Guide
The Jersey Shore has long been a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. These towns have queer-owned businesses, Pride events, and inclusive beach culture. Asbury Park is the most well-known, but several other towns have their own welcoming communities.
π³οΈβπ LGBTQ+-Friendly Towns
Asbury Park
monmouth County
Where Music Meets the Sea
- βAffordable beach badges ($7/day)
- βNJ Transit accessible
- βKnown LGBTQ+ destination
Belmar
monmouth County
Something for Everyone
- βNJ Transit accessible
Bradley Beach
monmouth County
Classic Shore Town Charm
- βNJ Transit accessible
Highlands
monmouth County
Twin Lights and Clam Bars
- βFree beaches - no badge required
- βNJ Transit accessible
Long Branch
monmouth County
Historic Resort Reborn
- βAffordable beach badges ($6/day)
- βNJ Transit accessible
Sea Bright
monmouth County
Narrow Strip, Big Views
- βNJ Transit accessible
More LGBTQ+-Friendly Towns
Sea Girt
monmouth County
Quiet Elegance by the Sea
- βNJ Transit accessible
Spring Lake
monmouth County
The Irish Riviera
- βNJ Transit accessible
Bay Head
ocean County
Quiet Elegance on the Shore
- βNJ Transit accessible
Point Pleasant Beach
ocean County
Family Fun on the Boardwalk
- βNJ Transit accessible
Seaside Heights
ocean County
The Famous Jersey Shore Boardwalk
- βNJ Transit accessible
Atlantic City
atlantic County
America's Playground with Free Beaches
- βFree beaches - no badge required
- βNJ Transit accessible
Book Your LGBTQ+ Getaway
Find the perfect accommodation in these lgbtq+-friendly towns.
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Planning Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers
When to Visit
Peak summer (July-August) offers the full shore experience. For fewer crowds, visit in June or September when weather is still excellent.
How to Get There
16 of these towns are accessible via NJ Transit from NYC or Philadelphia. If driving, expect heavy traffic on summer Friday afternoons.
Beach Badges
4 of these towns have completely free beaches. Others require beach badges ($5-15/day). Weekly and seasonal badges offer savings for longer stays.
Local Tip
Asbury Park's South End Beach is the unofficial LGBTQ+ beach. Pride events happen throughout summerβcheck local calendars for dates.
Beach Day Essentials
Beach day must-haves
Get it before you go
Must-haves for your shore trip.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.
Canpsky
Canpsky Portable Beach Chair for Adults, Outdoor Camping Chair Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Reclining Chair with 5 Positions, Headrest, Cup Holder, Heavy Ocean Striped
Canpsky
Canpsky Portable Recliners Chair for Adults, Outdoor Camping Chair Lay Flat Folding Backpack Reclining Chair with 5 Positions, Headrest, Zipper Pouch, Cup Holder, NEW Srtiped
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. Some NJ beaches require anchors.
PASAMIC
PASAMIC 7ft Beach Umbrella for Sand with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ Protection Beach Umbrellas for Heavy Duty Wind Portable with Carry Bag and Hook, for Patio Garden Pool, Light Blue Stripes
PASAMIC
PASAMIC 7ft Beach Umbrella for Sand with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ Protection Beach Umbrellas for Heavy Duty Wind Portable with Carry Bag and Hook, for Patio Pool, Dark Blue StripesοΌRandom patternοΌ
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.
BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Cap Technology - Fragrance Free, 3 oz. Tube
BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, 100% Mineral Sunscreen, UVA/UVB Protection, Infused with organic Aloe Vera, Soothes and Hydrates, 5 fl oz
Beach Cart / Wagon
Haul all your gear across the sand.
Old Bahama Bay
2-in-1 Beach Cart with Big Wheels for Sand, Folding Utility Wagon with Chair Holder, Mesh Storage, 4 Cup Holders, Umbrella Rack, Supports 100 lbs, Compact & Portable for Beach, Camping, Shopping, Blue
EASYGO PRODUCTS
Beach Umbrella Wagon Cart Deluxe β Heavy Duty Folding Ocean Utility Cart β Large Sand Wheels β Holds 4 Beach Chairs β Storage Pouch -Holder βRemovable Bag - Solid Blue
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