Best Beaches in the State of New Jersey
Point Pleasant Bradshaw's Beach is a beautiful beach located in Point Pleasant Beach, United States. The beach is approximately 200 meters long and has golden sand. Visitors can enjoy various activities on the beach, such as swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The beach also has amenities, including bathroom access, lifeguards on duty during the summer months, and dogs are allowed on the beach.
Located in the Borough of Belmar in New Jersey, Belmar Beach is a beach with light brown sand and a rocky jetty. This beach was listed as one of the best beaches of the Northeastern United States by USA Today in 2023 and it was also listed as one of the 14 Best New Jersey Beaches by U.S. News & World Report. It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.
Located in the beachfront city of Asbury Park in New Jersey, Asbury Park Beach is a popular beach with light brown sand. The northernmost portion of this beach is sometimes called Asbury Park Dog Beach. This beach was listed as one of the 25 best beaches in the United States by Travel + Leisure magazine. In addition, it has also been listed as the second-best beach in the United States by the financial magazine Money.com, and is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. The portion of this beach that is located between the eastern ends of 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue is popular with the LGBTQ community.
Located on a peninsula named Sandy Hook, Gunnison Beach – also called Beach G – is a large two-mile-long beach with light brown sand. This beach is a part of a national recreation area named Gateway National Recreation Area that is 27,000 acres in size. The southern portion of this beach is popular with the LGBTQ+ community and it is often used as a nude beach since the late 1970s and the early 1980s. Gunnison Beach is very popular and was named as one of the “8 Best Nudist Beaches Across the U.S.” by the digital media company Travel Noire. It was also listed as one of “20 Best Beaches in New Jersey'' by the New Jersey Monthly magazine, and is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.
Gunnison Beach hours between 6 am to 9 pm.
Nestled in Monmouth County between the beachside communities of Avon by the Sea and Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach is a stunning and expansive beach on the Atlantic Coast. Quaint and picturesque, it’s the perfect spot for a restful day at the beach.
With glistening golden sand, vibrant baby blue water, lush trees and greenery, and scenic beachside walkways, Bradley Beach is the epitome of paradise. Easily accessible with abundant street parking, when you arrive you’ll find activities for the entire family. The beach’s waves are temperate during low tide and exhilarating during high tide, which makes it ideal for both beginner and advanced surfers that want to catch waves. Bradley Beach is also perfect for swimmers and snorkelers, as it offers lifeguard stations, restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. And for beachgoers looking to fish, game fishing is permitted on the beach jetties at Brinley, Lake Terrace, Park Place, and Second Avenues.
For beachgoers seeking a change of pace, Bradley Beach has a number of excellent local restaurants and bars that have satisfied guests for decades. Want a quick bite and some killer chicken parmigiana? Head to Vic's Italian - American Restaurant, a casual and affordable hotspot that’s a favorite among locals. Prefer a more upscale fine dining experience? The Elbow Room serves inventive yet classic takes on American specialties in an upscale pub space. And when you’re ready to call it a night, check into the Super 8 by Wyndham Asbury Park or the Red Roof Inn Neptune, two nearby hotels that offer spacious rooms and great service.
On the stunning Barnegat Peninsula in the unincorporated area of Toms River, you’ll find the quiet and quaint Ortley Beach. Just under a mile long, Ortley has little traffic, sparse crowds, and plentiful parking, and offers beachgoers an accessible and stress-free beach day.
With vibrant baby blue water, glistening golden sand, picturesque wooden walkways, clear skies, and unobstructed views, Ortley Beach is a stunning sight. But Ortley’s more than just a sight for sore eyes; it’s also a dynamic destination with amenities for every beachgoer. The beach’s convenient street parking is ideal for visitors looking for a stress-free beach to get to. Families looking to lounge on the beach find that Ortley’s pristinely maintained sand, clean restrooms, changing facilities, and showers make it a comfortable place to relax. And for beachgoers looking for a more active beach day, Ortley’s top-notch surfing, kayaking, fishing, and readily available bicycle rentals also make it a thrillseeker’s paradise.
Looking for a change of pace after a day of fun in the sun? Ortley Beach has top-notch local restaurants to satisfy hungry beachgoers. Craving authentic Italian grub? Head to Lavallette Ristorante & Pizzeria, a local hotspot serving locally loved Italian specialties in a charming atmosphere. Prefer a quick bite? Visit Boathouse Cafe, a popular cafe known for its fresh globally-inspired paninis and excellent quesadillas. For beachgoers planning on spending the night in Ortley Beach, the Starlight Motel is a charming frill-free place to stay with spacious rooms and a central location.
Situated on Long Beach Island, Ship Bottom Beach is a beautiful beach with small-town character. Known as the ‘Gateway to Long Beach Island’, Ship Bottom Beach is located at the base of the Island’s only bridge, making it perhaps the island’s most accessible beach.
With expansive stretches of fine golden sand and clear turquoise water, Ship Bottom Beach is a stunning place to spend a day with family and friends. Looking forward to lounging on the beach? Ship Bottom has well-maintained sand, restrooms, showers, convenient parking lots, and lifeguard stations to make your beach day stress free, and comfortable. Prefer a more active day of fun in the sun? Ship Bottom is a great place to fish, as its waters are teeming with bluefish, striped bass, flounder and fluke. It’s also a popular surfing destination, as its temperate waves are ideal for novices. The beach also attracts music lovers with its summer concerts and events.
After the sun sets and hunger sets in, head to Ship Bottom’s bustling local restaurants that promise to satisfy beachgoer cravings. For a quick bite, head to Woodies Drive-In, which serves scrumptious burgers and fresh fries. Looking for a more romantic night on the town? Dine at La Spiaggia, a high-end chef-driven Italian spot that serves authentic takes on classics such as Scaloppine Di Vitello Sorrentina and Linguini Con Vongole. For great drinks and a night of fun, head to Port Hole Cafe, a billiards bar with an excellent beer list. And when you’re ready to call it a night, check-in at the Hotel LBI or the Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel and recharge for the day to come.
Covering six miles of Monmouth County’s stunning coastline, Sandy Hook Beach is one of New Jersey’s most underrated beach destinations. As part of the Gateway National Recreational Area, Sandy Hook has diverse amenities that make it a popular destination for all types of beachgoers.
In terms of sheer beauty, Sandy Hook competes with New Jersey’s best beaches. With its glistening beige sand, baby blue waters, clear skies, and lush greenery, the shores of Sandy Hook are stunning. But what makes Sandy Hook’s beauty unique is its scenic backdrop. Set against America’s oldest lighthouse, Sandy Hook’s shores are dramatically lit and architecturally stunning. And on a clear day, Sandy Hook has phenomenal views of the Empire State Building, making its setting truly unique.
As a nudist beach, Sandy Hook is mostly popular among beachgoers looking for a relaxing and peaceful beach day. With abundant beachside parking, the commute to Sandy Hook is stress-free. While you’re there, rent a beach chair or umbrella and enjoy incredible views. Kayak and paddleboard on its crystal clear water. Or stroll leisurely on the beach’s tree-lined wooden walkways. For beachgoers looking to swim, lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm, from Memorial Day weekend through to Labor Day.
While Sandy Hook doesn’t have many nearby restaurants or hotels to choose from, there are a number of local food trucks that are frequented by visitors. Looking for authentic Argentinian food? Visit Empanada Guy, and feast on freshly prepared Argentinian Empanadas made with love. Prefer Mexican Food? Carlito’s Taco Wagon and Naked Tamales serve their locally loved tacos and tamales.
Considered by many to be one of the New Jersey coast’s most popular beaches, Cape May Beach boasts fine golden sand and clear turquoise waters. The beach’s aesthetic is unique, as its long stretches of tree-lined Victorian homes provide an architecturally-striking backdrop to an already stunning beach.
Although popular during the summer, Cape May’s paid beachfront parking lots and street parking make it a stress-free beach to access. When beachgoers arrive at Cape May, they find a variety of amenities that promise to make their beach day one to remember. With showers, changing rooms, restrooms, lifeguard stations, and the Cape May Beach Patrol that protects the beach during summer, Cape May is a comfortable and safe place to sunbathe and spend time with loved ones. In addition to the beach’s swimming areas, there are designated beach areas with ideal conditions that allow thrill-seekers to surf, kayak, fish, and play volleyball freely.
When you’re done with your beach day and want to grab a bite, Cape May’s local restaurants serve top-notch food to locals and visitors alike. Looking for something savory? Head to Lucky Bones Back Water Grills, and order their locally renowned clam pizza. Craving something sweet? The raspberry truffle ice cream at Fine Fellows Creamistry can’t be beaten. And for a drink by the beach, head to Carney’s and grab a locally-sourced craft beer. If you’re planning on spending the night in Cape May, check-in at the ICONA Cape May or the Ocean Club Hotel, two stunning beachfront hotels that, according to past guests, offer large modern rooms and impeccable service.
Located in New Jersey’s quaint Monmouth County, Manasquan Beach is a family friendly beach paradise. Just an hour outside of New York City, Manasquan is easily accessible with plentiful parking and exudes small-town charm.
With glistening golden sand, crystal clear turquoise water, picturesque oceanside walkways, and striking greenery, Manasquan Beach looks like it belongs on a postcard. But it’s more than just a pretty sight. It’s a hotspot for beachgoers and adventurers who enjoy the beach’s abundant amenities. Manasquan’s clean restrooms, changing rooms, beach lockers, lifeguard stations, wheelchair ramps, and nearby ATM machines make it the perfect place to lounge comfortably on the sand. The beach is also popular among surfers, kayakers, and boaters, as its mild waves at low tide and intense waves at high tide make it ideal for water sports.
Unlike many beaches in New Jersey, Manasquan Beach does not have a boardwalk. Instead, there’s a small downtown centered around Main St. that’s lined with Manasquan’s best local restaurants and dessert shops. At Blend on Main, beachgoers feast on the area’s best globally-inspired surf and turf, which includes scrumptious Filet Mignon and Shellfish Linguini. For a quick bite, head to Surf Taco, a casual local spot known for their authentic and fresh fish tacos. Craving something sweet? Sundaes The Ice Cream Place offers excellent freshly churned ice cream and great cakes. When you’re done with your night on the town, check into the Twin Oaks Motel, the Inn on Main, or the Salty Whale & Guest House for spacious rooms, central locations, and friendly small-town hospitality.
Fun Fact: Bruce Springsteen had his first alcoholic drink at The Osprey in Manasquan, way back in the early 1970s.
Considered by many to be one of the New Jersey coast’s most popular beaches, Cape May Beach boasts fine golden sand and clear turquoise waters. The beach’s aesthetic is unique, as its long stretches of tree-lined Victorian homes provide an architecturally-striking backdrop to an already stunning beach.
Although popular during the summer, Cape May’s paid beachfront parking lots and street parking make it a stress-free beach to access. When beachgoers arrive at Cape May, they find a variety of amenities that promise to make their beach day one to remember. With showers, changing rooms, restrooms, lifeguard stations, and the Cape May Beach Patrol that protects the beach during summer, Cape May is a comfortable and safe place to sunbathe and spend time with loved ones. In addition to the beach’s swimming areas, there are designated beach areas with ideal conditions that allow thrill-seekers to surf, kayak, fish, and play volleyball freely.
When you’re done with your beach day and want to grab a bite, Cape May’s local restaurants serve top-notch food to locals and visitors alike. Looking for something savory? Head to Lucky Bones Back Water Grills, and order their locally renowned clam pizza. Craving something sweet? The raspberry truffle ice cream at Fine Fellows Creamistry can’t be beaten. And for a drink by the beach, head to Carney’s and grab a locally-sourced craft beer. If you’re planning on spending the night in Cape May, check-in at the ICONA Cape May or the Ocean Club Hotel, two stunning beachfront hotels that, according to past guests, offer large modern rooms and impeccable service.
Island Heights Beach is located in the quaint town of Island Heights in New Jersey, United States. The beach is approximately 300 feet in length and has a lovely light-colored sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking on the beach. The beach is equipped with restrooms, showers, and changing rooms, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.
Located in the community Diamond Beach in Cape May County, Diamond Beach is a large and popular beach with light brown sand in New Jersey.
