Best Jersey Shore Towns for Surfing
12 towns across 1 counties
Best Jersey Shore Towns for Surfing
NJ Shore Guide
The Jersey Shore may not be Hawaii, but it delivers surprisingly consistent surf for East Coast standards. These towns have developed genuine surf cultures with local shapers, dedicated breaks, and communities that live for the next swell. From jetty setups to beach breaks, find your wave.
🏄 Surfing Towns
Asbury Park
monmouth County
Where Music Meets the Sea
- ✓Affordable beach badges ($7/day)
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Designated surf beaches
Atlantic Highlands
monmouth County
Gateway to Manhattan by Sea
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Designated surf beaches
Avon-by-the-Sea
monmouth County
Victorian Charm, Family Values
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Designated surf beaches
Belmar
monmouth County
Something for Everyone
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Designated surf beaches
Bradley Beach
monmouth County
Classic Shore Town Charm
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Designated surf beaches
Deal
monmouth County
New Jersey's Most Exclusive Beach
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Designated surf beaches
More Surfing Towns
Elberon
monmouth County
The Summer White House Legacy
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Designated surf beaches
Highlands
monmouth County
Twin Lights and Clam Bars
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
Long Branch
monmouth County
Historic Resort Reborn
- ✓Affordable beach badges ($6/day)
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
Manasquan
monmouth County
New Jersey's Surf Capital
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
Monmouth Beach
monmouth County
The Greta Garbo of the Jersey Shore
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Designated surf beaches
Ocean Grove
monmouth County
God's Square Mile at the Shore
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Designated surf beaches
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Planning Tips for Surfers 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
12 of these towns are accessible via NJ Transit from NYC or Philadelphia. If driving, expect heavy traffic on summer Friday afternoons.
Beach Badges
3 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
Check surf reports before heading out. Morning sessions are typically best before afternoon winds pick up. Local surf shops rent boards and offer lessons.
Surf Gear Essentials
Boards, wetsuits, and accessories for Jersey Shore waves.
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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