Top New Jersey Beaches You Must Visit

Imagine old-timey boardwalks, no-party zones, and space to sprawl out on the sand.

New Jersey may not be the first place you think of for a beach vacation — in fact, it most definitely isn’t — but locals know the Garden State is home to some of the East Coast’s best beaches. Most of New Jersey’s sandy shores are blanketed by lively boardwalks, many renovated or reconstructed after 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, hosting diverse dining options, shopping, arcades, ice cream shops, and more.

Whether you’re a fist-pumping EDM enthusiast or a family of five, there’s probably a New Jersey beach to suit your style. Read on to find out which is the best one for you.

New Jersey Beach Tags, Badges, and Passes

Visitors will need what’s called a beach tag, badge, pass, or token to visit most beaches in New Jersey. Though the name varies from beach to beach, it’s ultimately an admission pass that helps the state regulate the number of visitors to each beach and raise funds for maintenance and lifeguard staffing. The beach tag system sometimes restricts tourists from beaches that locals frequent, but there are still plenty of options for non-New Jerseyans — and the passes (available for the day, week, or season) are pretty easy to obtain from the respective beach fee offices (online or over the phone).

Higbee Beach & Poverty Beach, Cape May

Known for its colorful Victorian mansions that line the seashore, Cape May’s two connected beaches are rare East Coast places where the sun sets right over the water thanks to their westward orientation. Other highlights include the town’s pedestrian-only Washington Street, lined with the most photogenically nostalgic local shops, and the famous Cape May Lighthouse, built in the mid-1800s and still in use today.

Higbee Beach stretches a mile and a half and is home to the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, where birds and other wildlife abound. Poverty Beach offers a quieter option for those looking to escape the crowds.

Ocean Grove Beach

Locals love to tout Ocean Grove — Asbury Park’s quieter, less-frequented counterpart — as New Jersey’s best beach. While you may not find hawker stalls and craft biergartens here, you will enjoy a much quieter, clean stretch of white sand. Attentive lifeguards and a lack of music-blasting day drinkers make this beach ideal for families. Don’t forget to explore the town, only a few blocks off the boardwalk, which gives off a charming, Hamptons-esque vibe. At the end of the day, get your fill of seafood at SeaGrass Restaurant, a popular BYOB haunt with nautical decor.

Spring Lake Beach

If you prefer a peaceful beach vibe, you’ll appreciate this pristine Jersey pick, often called the Shore’s cleanest beach. The no-coolers-on-the-beach rule deters partygoers (and pesky seagulls), allowing ample room for sun worshippers to enjoy two miles of magical sunset-viewing spots and unpolluted waters. Lifeguards are on duty daily from June through Labor Day, ensuring safe swimming. If you venture into the resort town, you’ll discover historic inns and fine dining establishments catering to sophisticated beachgoers.

Point Pleasant Beach

Another excellent option for families, Point Pleasant features a nostalgic boardwalk filled with ice cream shops, food stalls, rides, and arcade games. Kids of any age can enjoy miniature golf or take on the challenge of a ropes course steps from the sand. This beach is unique with its palm trees — yes, palm trees in New Jersey — and it’s also known for its beachfront tiki bar, Martell’s, which is perfect for live music and dancing.

Belmar Beach

Belmar Beach is a tourist hotspot offering activities for all ages, such as volleyball, surfing, kayaking, and scattered playgrounds for young ones. Along the mile-long stretch of sand, you’re likely to see fellow tourists lounging under colorful umbrellas and surfers attempting to ride some of the East Coast’s most popular waves. Additionally, Belmar’s boardwalk is consistently rated one of the best in New Jersey.

Asbury Park Beach

Asbury Park’s iconic boardwalk thrives due to the city’s LGBTQ-friendly culture and vibrant music scene. However, wander a few blocks off the boardwalk, and you’ll encounter some of the town’s infamously gritty vibe. When you’re not sunbathing or sipping cold drinks on the beach, explore old-school music venues like The Wonder Bar and The Stone Pony. If you’re looking for something more upscale, the nearby restaurant Pascal & Sabine serves delightful cocktails and French comfort food.