The 8 Best Beaches in New Jersey

With 130 miles of coastline, the great state of New Jersey offers lots of options for beachgoers. Are you jonesing for raucous fun in the sun? A touch of maritime history? A quiet spot to relax and dig into your beach reads? Whatever your ideal beach day looks like, the Garden State is blessed with the destination of your dreams. So pack your towels and some sunscreen as we tour the eight best beaches in New Jersey. We’ll start at the northern end of the state, move down the coast, and hook up the other side of the peninsula for our last stop. (Something to keep in mind: most beaches open on Memorial Day, but some are open only on weekends for the first weeks of the season. Check the local sitch before you go.)

1. Sandy Hook: A Little Bit of Everything

A part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook offers six miles of beaches, open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. You’ll find lots to do, with areas for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, fishing, and non-motorized boat use. If you’re looking to do more than hit the surf and soak up the sun, you can enjoy the bike and hiking trails, and take a tour of Fort Hancock (a National Historic Landmark) and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Want more excitement than that? Sandy Hook’s beaches include Gunnison Beach, the only nude — er, clothing optional — beach in Jersey and the largest such beach on the east coast. Bring extra sunscreen!

2. Asbury Park: Rock the Beach

“Greetings From Asbury Park” isn’t just the title of a Bruce Springsteen album. It just might be the soundtrack of your best vacation ever. This titular oceanside town boasts a mile of sandy beaches and, according to Travel & Leisure, may be the “coolest place in New Jersey.” Along with spots for swimming and sunbathing, you’ll find music and art venues, a thriving restaurant scene, family fun in the form of mini-golf and water sports, and a happening boardwalk. Rainy day? Hit up the Silverball Museum Arcade, where for the cost of admission you can spend an afternoon trying out hundreds of vintage pinball machines. The beach is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

3. Manasquan Inlet: Surf’s Up!

You may not think of the Jersey Shore as a surfer’s paradise. But NJ Monthly magazine has named this beach as the most consistent year-round surfing spot in the state. And it’s even been called one of the ten best beaches for surfing on the east coast. If catching waves isn’t for you, the nearby Manasquan and Point Pleasant areas offer plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing, as well as seaside shops and restaurants. You might also visit the Manasquan Reservoir, a 1,204-acre site with woods and wetlands, a hiking trail, spots for fishing and boating, and an environmental center. Inlet Beach and the rest of the 1-mile Manasquan beach area are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

4. Island Beach State Park: Birdwatcher’s Bliss

Undisturbed coastal dunes and a unique ecosystem make this 10-mile-long barrier island home to a diverse population of plants and animals. Birders might train their binoculars on everything from waterfowl to wading birds to peregrine falcons and migrating songbirds, as well as the state’s largest osprey colony. With trails, interpretive centers, and education programs galore (including guided canoe and kayak tours), Island Beach State Park may be the best beach in New Jersey for observing wildlife and experiencing coastal ecology. But don’t forget your swimsuit and towel. You’ll find two beach areas for swimming, staffed with lifeguards and open from mid-June through Labor Day. Windsurfing, surfing, and fishing are also permitted in designated areas.

5. Ocean City: First Choice for Families

Billing itself as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” Ocean City promises eight miles of pristine white sand beaches for swimming and sun-soaking, as well as parasailing, fishing cruises, surfing lessons,  and various water sports. Had enough beach time? Take a stroll up and down the 2.5-mile boardwalk for arcades, mini-golf, amusement parks, shopping, live music, and lots of other entertainment options for visitors of all ages. Does the fact that OC is a dry city, no alcohol sales allowed, help make this one of the best beaches in New Jersey, or anywhere, for family fun? Let’s just say yes. Beaches are open for swimming from the last week in June through Labor Day; see the visitor’s guide for some swimming options outside of that.

6. Wildwood: Actually, it is Kinda Wild

Some might call this beach too tourist-trappy to be on a list of the best beaches in New Jersey. And we call those people no fun at all! If you’re looking for the classic east coast down-the-shore experience, the city of Wildwood delivers in the biggest, most boisterous way possible. Brace yourself for a five-mile stretch of beach (including neighbors North Wildwood and, to the south, Wildwood Crest), a 38-block boardwalk, over 100 amusement park rides and attractions, three beachfront water parks, retro neon-tastic “doo-wop” architecture, plenty of nightlife, and housing options that range from resort hotels to beach view motels to vacation rentals, Inns, and B&Bs. You can always retreat to the chiller North Wildwood if you need a break. Beaches are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

7. Cape May: Historic Hot Spot

Founded waaaaaay back in 1690, Cape May is the only U.S. city to be designated a National Historic Landmark. Spend time in town and you can see more than 600 preserved Victorian houses (walking and trolley tours available). Don’t miss the Harriett Tubman Museum, the Cape May Lighthouse, and a one-time brothel dating back to 1775. If a bird observatory and a whale-watching tour don’t satisfy your craving for nature, stop by the Cape May County Park and Zoo. Ready to hit the beach (ranked the best beach out of 44 by NJ.com)? Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Spots are also available for surfing, fishing, and kayaking. And nets are available on request for a game of beach volleyball (bring your own ball).

8. Higbee Beach: Off the Beaten Path

A hidden gem just a few secluded miles from Cape May, Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is a haven for anyone who wants to get away for some hiking, birding, picnicking, fishing, or hunting. Not to mention contemplating life as you watch the Cape May-Lewes ferry make its rounds from the west side of the peninsula to Delaware and back again. Higbee Beach is especially worth visiting in the off-season since the area plays host to one of the world’s largest fall bird migrations. There are no lifeguards—not to mention no facilities or food concessions—so pack a lunch, bring your binoculars and a good book, and save your swimming for the other beaches on our list.

Summary Of The 8 Best Beaches In New Jersey

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/patti melfi