Explore The Sandy New Jersey Beaches On Your Vacation

A colourful beach scene with a boat on the sand, clear blue water, and palm trees in the sun.

New Jersey beaches are among the most popular summertime attractions along the entire East Coast of the United States. The state has an impressive 220 kilometres of coastline, featuring all kinds of beaches to suit different tastes. Tourist attractions include Atlantic City, Wildwood, and Cape May, which offer tourists the expected beach, fun, nightlife, family attractions, and history. New Jersey’s seashore is adorable because of its variation. You can visit crowded beaches and entertainment parks, or you can rest on pleasant stretches of sand away from the crowd.

Top 10 Beaches In New Jersey

Here are ten famous beaches in New Jersey, each offering its charm and attractions:

1. Cape May Beach

Scenic view of waves crashing on the shore, representing famous beaches in New Jersey.

Photo: MemoryCatcher / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Cape May Beach is renowned for its historic charm and charming splendour. The quiet, clear seas of this sandy shoreline are perfect for beachcombing, swimming, and snorkelling. The famous Victorian architecture of Cape May surrounds visitors, giving the beach town a distinctive feel. A variety of boutique stores, charming eateries, and the well-known Cape May Lighthouse can be found next to the shore. Cape May Beach is ideal for a calm seaside getaway because of its quiet surroundings and pleasant atmosphere.

Things To Do: Visit the historic Victorian district, enjoy birdwatching
Location: Cape May, NJ

2. Wildwood Beach

Sunny day at North Wildwood Beach, one of the popular beaches in New Jersey, with calm waves.

Photo: Jibreel23 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Wildwood Beach, a famous beach in New Jersey, is celebrated for its expansive sandy shore and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its lively boardwalk, the beach offers endless activities, from thrilling amusement rides and water parks to classic arcades and food stands. Wildwood’s wide beach is ideal for sunbathing, beach sports, and water activities like jet skiing and boogie boarding. The popular destination draws visitors with summer events, live entertainment, and notable vintage motels, making Wildwood Beach a classic and energetic choice for an East Coast getaway.

Things To Do: Stroll along the Wildwood Boardwalk, ride amusement park
Location: Wildwood, NJ

3. Asbury Park Beach

A Vintage 1978 view of Asbury Park, NJ, with a boardwalk, beach, and amusement rides.

Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Asbury Park Beach combines classic boardwalk charm with a trendy arts scene, making it a standout along the Jersey Shore. Known for its lively music venues and vibrant murals, Asbury Park attracts beachgoers looking for more than just sand and sun. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games. As one of the best beaches in New Jersey, it offers a special mix of cultural events, eclectic eateries, and shopping.

Things To Do: Explore the arts scene, visit the boardwalk
Location: Asbury Park, NJ

4. Ocean City Beach

Ocean City's Music Pier and boardwalk with beachgoers enjoying one of the popular beaches

Photo: Hans A. Rosbach / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Ocean City Beach, a hidden treasure in New Jersey, has gorgeous sands and a lively promenade packed with entertainment. Visitors can go surfing, sunbathing, and do a range of seaside activities such as mini-golf and amusement attractions. The boardwalk, surrounded by charming shops, different cafés, and bustling arcades, provides a pleasant environment for people of all ages. With this beach town’s clean, idyllic shoreline and diverse entertainment options, Ocean City Beach has earned its place as a famous beach in New Jersey.

Things To Do: Boardwalk, visit amusement parks
Location: Ocean City, NJ

5. Point Pleasant Beach

 Panoramic view of Point Pleasant, New Jersey shoreline with sandy beach, boardwalk, and blue ocean.

Photo: Gary Miotla / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Point Pleasant Beach, a famous beach in New Jersey, is celebrated for its charming atmosphere and lively boardwalk. Located along the northern Jersey Shore, it offers an attractive sandy shoreline perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is a highlight of the area. It features an aquarium, arcades, mini-golf, and a variety of dining options, making it a popular spot for both kids and adults. With its clean beach, engaging activities, and vibrant nightlife, Point Pleasant Beach is a must-visit destination for a classic Jersey Shore experience.

Things To Do: Enjoy the boardwalk, visit Jenkinson’s Aquarium, and try fishing.
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

6. Long Beach Island

Scenic view of the ocean and sandy shore at one of the best beaches in New Jersey.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Long Beach Island (LBI) is a calm coastal destination offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Stretching over 18 miles, it features attractive beaches, charming towns, and a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy surfing, fishing, and boating in the crystal-clear waters or explore the island’s nature reserves and charming trails. LBI is also known for its vibrant shopping and dining scenes, with local seafood and quirky boutiques. With its laid-back vibe and stunning views, Long Beach Island is a true getaway for beach lovers.

Things To Do: Relax on calm beaches, go fishing
Location: Long Beach Island, NJ

6. Belmar Beach

 Wide sandy beach with scattered people and calm ocean waves looking north from Belmar Beach.

Photo: Dough4872 / Wikimedia Commons

Belmar Beach, located along the Jersey Shore, is a popular destination near New Jersey Beach, which is known for its clean, spacious sandy shores and lively atmosphere. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports, Belmar attracts both families and young adults. The beach offers excellent facilities, including well-maintained restrooms, showers, and snack stands. The Belmar Marina is an attractive spot for boating and fishing, while the nearby boardwalk features shops, restaurants, and bars. With its lovely scenery and vibrant energy, Belmar Beach is a go-to spot for a fun day by the ocean.

Things To Do: Surf, play volleyball
Location: Belmar, NJ

7. Hoffman’s Beach

Photo: SimoneVomFeld / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Hoffman’s Beach, located in the charming town of Bradley Beach, offers a quiet and relaxing escape along the Jersey Shore. This is another beach that is not very popular, but it provides precisely what everyone is looking for: a quiet beach to swim and sunbathe in powdery sand. It involves the family. Close to the beach, there are parks for children and many restaurants. Hoffman’s beach is not as crowded as other Jersey Shore’s primary attractions, which means your day on the shore can be filled with calm touches.

Things To Do: Enjoy quiet beach walks, fishing, and wildlife watching
Location: Neptune City, NJ

8. Island Beach State Park

A calm beach with golden sand, gentle waves, and clear blue water under a bright sky.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Island Beach State Park remains one of the few remaining natural Jersey shores, as it is situated on the Barnegat Peninsula. This 16-kilometre untouched sandy coastline is ideal if you want to avoid a human crowd and live close to nature. There are opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and bird watching, and its resources include diverse wildlife from the park’s ecosystem. There is also a dune and a lot of trees, and thus, it is a good place for taking a break and embracing the natural nature of the beach.

Things To Do: Hike the trails, explore nature reserves, and spot wildlife
Location: Seaside Park, NJ

9. Stone Harbor Beach

Mussels and seashells on the sand represent the charm of popular beaches in New Jersey.

Photo: Quangpraha / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Stone Harbor Beach, situated in the southern part of the New Jersey Shore, is a perfect place for relaxation. It is renowned for its pristine sandy shores, featuring fine sand and expansive spaces, complemented by a clear sea that families and nature enthusiasts will adore. It is a large beach that is perfect for swimming and playing sand games. The island town has boutique shops, cafes, and seafood restaurants. Stone Harbor is also blessed with the Stone Harbor Point Natural Area, which contains dunes, wildlife, and other trail walks.

Things To Do: Enjoy kayaking, bike rentals, and exploring quaint shops.
Location: Stone Harbor, NJ

The famous New Jersey beaches offer something for everyone, from lively boardwalks to calm natural escapes. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or delightful fun, New Jersey’s coastline has it all. For a seamless experience and to explore the best coastal spots, consider a tour with TripXL, which provides convenient packages to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, ensuring a memorable trip along the Jersey Shore.

Cover Photo: davidcmiller / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most New Jersey beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day, ensuring safety for swimmers.
Many New Jersey beaches offer rental services for items like umbrellas, chairs, bikes, and paddleboards, especially along popular shore towns.
New Jersey beach towns are known for their diverse dining scene, ranging from casual boardwalk fare to upscale restaurants.
Some New Jersey beaches are dog-friendly, but restrictions may apply. Dogs are often allowed during off-season months or in designated areas. Always check specific beach rules before bringing your pet.
Most popular beach towns in New Jersey offer a wide range of accommodation options, from historic Victorian bed & breakfasts in Cape May to modern hotels in Atlantic City.
Absolutely! New Jersey is known for its fresh seafood, and many beaches feature restaurants offering local dishes like crab cakes, clam chowder, and lobster rolls, especially in areas like Long Beach Island and Cape May.

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