Best Disability Beaches in New Jersey

Located just an hour outside of New York City, Long Branch Beach is a popular destination for New Yorkers looking for a quiet and convenient beach getaway. With its central location and abundant street parking, it’s a welcome escape from the congestion and stress of the big city.

With glistening golden sand, vibrant baby blue waters, scenic beachside walkways, and expanses of palm trees and lush greenery, Long Branch Beach is a sight for sore eyes. But it’s more than just a beautiful beach. It’s a destination with plenty of fun activities. Long Branch’s calm waters make it ideal for swimmers, boogie boarders, and novice surfers that don’t want to tackle the intense waves and rip-currents of other local beaches. Its smooth white sand also makes it popular among beach soccer and volleyball players. And for beachgoers looking to lounge on the beach, Long Branch offers restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and nearby lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent.

After a day of fun in the sun, beachgoers visit Long Branch’s local restaurants and shops for a change of pace. Craving fresh, locally caught seafood? Visit Chef Josh Sauer’s Avenue Restaurant, an upscale beachside bistro bar serving top-notch French seafood specialties such as Escargot and Salmon Tartare. Have a date? Head to Sirena, and experience authentic old-school Italian cuisine at one of New Jersey’s most romantic beachside restaurants. For a day of shopping, head to Pier Village, a modern shopping complex with local boutiques and stores. And when you’re ready to call it a night, check-in at The Wave Resort, which is an ultra-modern 67-room beachside resort with luxurious rooms and 180-degree ocean views.

Commonly known as ‘Queen City’, Beach Haven Beach is a lively beach town nestled in the scenic coast of New Jersey’s Ocean County. With its stunning beachfront and views, diverse amenities, and vibrant downtown, Beach Haven is a destination for New Jersey beachgoers that want the small-town beach experience with a lively twist.

Although popular during the summer, Beach Haven’s plentiful street parking makes it convenient to access. And once you’re there, you’ll find an incredible beach. With its glistening golden sand, vibrant water, and quaint beachside cottages, Beach Haven is a stunning place to be. While you’re there, lounge on the beach and tan in the sun. Stand on the sand and try your luck at game fishing. Surf during high tide to catch thrilling waves. If you’re looking for a change of pace, take a quick shower and head to the beach’s Settlers Mill Adventure Golf course.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, Beach Haven’s lively downtown has a number of local hotspots that offer top-notch beachside dining. At the Marlin Bar and Restaurant, enjoy strong drinks and fresh, inventive takes on American seafood. For a more adventurous dining experience, head to Bistro 14, which offers French-inspired seafood and sandwiches in a swanky bistro-style space. When you’re ready to call it a night, check into the Spray Beach Hotel or the Sea Spray Motel to recharge for the day ahead.

Located in Ocean County’s Berkeley Township, Island Beach State Park Beach feels remote and untouched despite its central location. On its southern tip, which borders one side of the Barnegat Inlet, there are sweeping views of the Barnegat Lighthouse and beautiful sunsets during the evening.

Quiet and quaint, Island Beach State Park is a refuge for beachgoers that want a beach without the hustle and bustle. With over a mile of beachfront designated for swimming, it’s the perfect place for swimmers looking to swim without the congestion and hazards that water sports bring. However, there’s plenty to do for all types of beachgoers. Water sports enthusiasts and fishermen also flock to Island Beach, as its beachfront has numerous beach areas with conditions that are perfect for boating, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing. And for beachgoers simply looking to lounge, it’s a great spot to tan on the sand, as it offers outdoor showers to rinse off, restrooms, changing rooms, convenient parking, and nearby snack bars that provide a beach day of comfort.

For beachgoers seeking a change of pace, Island Beach State Park has a number of nearby local restaurants that satisfy locals and travelers. Craving fresh, locally-caught crab cakes? Head to Bum Rogers Crab House & Tavern, a local hotspot with great beers and a lively atmosphere. Prefer some old-school, white-tablecloth Italian fine dining? Visit Ebby's Ristorante and Lounge and order their excellent Lobster Ravioli. When you’re done with your night on the town, check-in at the Island Beach Motor Lodge or the Windjammer Motor Inn, two local inns that offer frill-free experiences with spacious rooms and great locations.

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.

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.

Wildwood Crest Beach is a massive beach in New Jersey and has fine white sand, and clear turquoise waters. This is one of the few beaches in New Jersey that is free. The beach is family-friendly and the gradual sloping of sand into the ocean means that Wildwood Crest is perfect for swimming or boogie boarding. The beach is very clean, due to daily cleaning in the morning.

The beach is guarded by lifeguards from Memorial Day Weekend through to Labor Day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Chair and umbrella rental locations are conveniently located throughout the beach. There is a boardwalk that runs parallel to the sand that has a few restaurants and shops. The beach is also an ideal location for those looking for an adventure, with many visitors coming to Wildwood Crest for power boating, jet skiing, sailing, and parasailing.

Wildwood Crest beach can be accessed by car, with plenty of nearby parking. If you are staying for longer than a day, modern motels and condos lined the beachfront, and offer breathtaking views of the ocean.