Best Family-Friendly Beaches in New Jersey

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.

Named one of America’s Cleanest Beaches, Stone Harbor Beach is a destination for travelers and locals yearning for a beach day they’ll never forget. Although it can get crowded in the summer, Stone Harbor’s beachside parking lots make it easy and convenient to access.

If you’re looking for an undeveloped and natural beach, Stone Harbor is a great choice. With clear baby-blue water, pristine sand, a backdrop of exotic plants, vibrant sunsets, and long white-sand walkways opening up to the water, it’s a sight to behold. Although it can get crowded in the summer, Stone Harbor is still accessible and has paid and street parking to make your visit stress free. The beach requires beach tag access for all people from 12 years or older, from Memorial weekend to Labor Day weekend, and allows leashed dogs at night.

At Stone Harbor, experience a restorative day of beachside TLC. Lounge on the sand and take in panoramic views of the Jersey Shore. Rent umbrellas and beach chairs with your friends and laze in style. For an adrenaline rush, catch some of the beach’s intense waves during high tide, which make it one of New Jersey’s best surf spots. Or swim, kayak, paddle, and snorkel in the beach’s clear water and designed lifeguard areas.

To fully experience Stone Harbor’s small-town beach charm, pay a visit to its exceptional local restaurants. Craving some good-old-fashioned American bar food? Head to Fred’s Tavern, a local dive bar known for its top-notch burgers, potato skins, and beers. Prefer a more upscale culinary adventure? Dine at Jay’s on Third, a globally inspired, chef-driven hotspot serving avant-garde takes on Asian-American street food. When you’re ready to call it a night, check-in at the ultra-luxe Reeds at Shelter Haven or the casual Sun N Sand Motel for spacious rooms and wonderful service.

Fun Fact: Stone Harbor was one of singer Taylor Swift’s favorite childhood beaches.

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.