With 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, New Jersey could reasonably be called an underrated beach state — although those in the know certainly know all about long, languid days spent “down the shore.” We’ve gathered the top 10 unbeatable New Jersey beaches that you truly don’t want to miss next time you make your way through the garden state.
New Jersey Beaches
The Beach at Avalon
The Beach at Avalon offers a slower-paced look at the shoreline life, and is characterized by a beautifully diverse ecosystem. Backed up by a complex of teeming wetlands, this beach offers all the classic white sands and blue waters, but within an easy day’s drive of some beautiful marshlands that are filled with plenty of unique local flora and fauna.
Things to do Near The Beach at Avalon
If you’re curious to learn more about this stretch of New Jersey oceanside, head to the Avalon History Center for plenty of photos, artifacts, and information, including a real-life boat from circa 1925. And, of course, the wetlands themselves are a major draw here, so be sure to save some time to stop by the Cape May Wetlands Wildlife Management Area. Here are some great area campgrounds to check out.
Ocean City
When it comes to a New Jersey beach, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Ocean City. This is the family-friendly answer to the wilder Atlantic City, and is home to a stunning, shimmering beachfront. It also boasts several distinct amusement parks, making it an uber-popular option for those with kids.
Things to do Near Ocean City
Playland’s Castaway Cove includes both thrill rides and a fun arcade experience, and the OC Waterpark is the perfect place to head if you’re looking for yet another way to cool off under the hot summer sun. There’s even a haunted indoor mini-golf course, which is not an attraction we’ve seen in many other places!
Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park is exactly what it sounds like: a well-preserved, natural landscape of sea and sand, surrounded on multiple sides by waterfront views. Because it’s a nature preserve, this state park offers visitors the opportunity to lounge in lush, natural surroundings.
Things to do Near Island beach State Park
There are plenty of other nearby wildernesses to explore. Head inland to the Forked River Mountain Wildlife Management Area or Double Trouble State Park, which features cranberry bogs, a preserved 19th-century town, nature trails and more.
Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights is known for its casinos, its scenic pier with amusement park rides, and for its status as home to the Jersey Shore house — yes, as in that “Jersey Shore.” The town offers the perfect combination of high-quality attractions for prices that won’t break the bank, and there are plenty of restaurants, night clubs, and other amusements to keep you entertained for your entire trip.
Things to do near Seaside Heights
As mentioned, there is a nearly endless procession of tourist destinations in the city of Seaside Heights itself. It’s also conveniently located within an easily drivable distance of other, quieter locales. Head south toward the state park listed above for a more serene beach experience, or head inland toward preserves like Cattus Island County Park for some greenery.
Point Pleasant Beach
Point Pleasant Beach offers a great combination of fun and relaxation. The town is populated with plenty of fun to-dos, but the beach itself is still characterized by a laid-back atmosphere that easily lends itself to naps under the sun or long walks along its sugary shores. There is also a boardwalk that is populated with amusement centers, arcades, ice cream stands and more.
Things to do Near Point Pleasant Beach
Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club is a great place to see both up-and-coming funny folks as well as more established comedians in an intimate setting, and Jenkinson’s Aquarium is a great place to go with the whole family, particularly if you’re interested in learning more about the local sealife.
Ocean Grove Beach
Ocean Grove Beach combines small-town charm with the epic, beautiful beachfronts of some of New Jersey’s bigger shoreside cities. In addition, the city behind the beach is populated with Victorian-era buildings dating back to the city’s foundation in 1869, giving beachgoers a scenic and historic backdrop to their day of waterside fun.
Things to do Near Ocean Grove Beach
Just a couple of blocks from the beach itself, you’ll find even more waterfront along Wesley Lake, which is bounded by the beautiful Founders Park on one shore and a hip walking district with tons of restaurants, shops, and other fun to-dos on the other.
Asbury Park Beach
Long a seaside destination for folks from across the tri-state area and beyond, Asbury Park has always offered a gorgeous beachfront. Its famed boardwalk is dotted with historic venues that have hosted such musicians as Jack Valentine, Bruce Springsteen, and so many others. In fact, this is the part of New Jersey where that gritty, well-loved sound was born.
Things to do Near Asbury Park Beach
Swing on by the Stone Pony for a pint and some great entertainment, or head a bit further north to the section of the beach known as Bradley Cove, where furry, four-legged friends are more than welcome. Meanwhile, here are the best local campgrounds to consider for your stay.
Sandy Hook Beach
Sandy Hook Beach beach sits on the southern end of the spit of land known as Sandy Hook, overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean to the east. Soft sands, clear waters, and bright sunny days make this a popular beach trip from many area cities. You’ll also be right in the shadow of the Sandy Hook Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area, one of the largest and most intriguing NPS-managed sites in the country.
Things to do Near Sandy Hook Beach
Along with Sandy Hook Beach itself, the island offers a huge diversity of waterfront sand stretches, including Bunker Beach it is the base for Fort Hancock, giving history buffs something interesting to check out.
The Best New Jersey Beaches for RVers
Cape May Beach
Cape May Beach is home to a beautiful and fascinating historic lighthouse first built back in 1857. That said, the main draw to this incredible landscape is the beach itself, which is fully two miles long and broad enough to offer everyone ample space to lay down a towel. To your back, you’ll find a bevy of preserved Victorian-era buildings, creating a nostalgic vibe that we simply cannot get enough of.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
We love visiting Cape May in an RV. There are tons of RV parks nearby, and the many things to see and do mean we can stay for a week or more and never get bored.
Things to do Near Cape May Beach
That lighthouse we mentioned is, today, open for tours, and more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top to take in the epic view since it first opened in 1988. Additionally, there are plenty of excellent eateries and bars located within easy walking distance of the shoreline.
Wildwood Beach
Wildwood Beach offers another gorgeous expanse of oceanfront, and is particularly popular amongst surfers. A resort city in the truest sense of the word, Wildwood is home to Sightseer tram cars which tote visitors past the many shops, restaurants, bars, and other exciting to-dos. Do be forewarned that you’ll want to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to find parking and a great spot to sit!
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
Wildwood Beach is near Cape May Beach, meaning there are also plenty of RV parks and attractions near by this stretch of sand. We find it is the perfect RV getaway.
Things to do Near Wildwood Beach
Given its resort city status, Wildwood Beach is utterly surrounded by fun to-dos for the whole family, such as the Seaport Aquarium and the Doo Wop Experience, which is set up exactly like the old soda fountains you might just remember.
Planning an RV Trip to New Jersey
While in New Jersey, make sure to visit the best campgrounds throughout the state and on the shore specifically. You’ll also want to check out the best state parks in New Jersey as well as Newark, Trenton, and the shore itself.
