Best LGBTQ Beaches in New Jersey

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.

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 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.

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.