Best Surf Beaches in New Jersey

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 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 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.

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.

Located in the quaint town of Lavallette, Lavallette Beach is one of the New Jersey coastline’s most underappreciated beach destinations. With panoramic and unobstructed views of the Atlantic, it’s a peaceful beach town loved by beachgoers that value convenience and serenity.

With its small-town charm, Lavallette is truly a special place to be. With abundant street parking and small crowds, getting to Lavalette is a breeze. And when you arrive, you’ll see exactly why it was worth it. The beach’s mile-long non-commercial boardwalk is a destination for joggers, as it’s an incredibly peaceful place where they can relax and clear their minds. Midway along the boardwalk, there’s a shaded pavilion where beachgoers lounge in style and take in 360-degree ocean views. And for beachgoers looking for adventure, the beach offers crabbing and fishing without a license and has temperate waves that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and boating.

Looking for a change of pace after a day of fun in the sun? Lavalette has activities for the entire family. Just blocks from the beach, there are numerous miniature golf courses where loved ones spend quality time and bond. And just blocks from the boardwalk, there’s a number of locally loved restaurants and bars. At Bobber’s Family Restaurant, a charming family-run diner, enjoy excellent corned beef hash and french toast. Prefer a more upscale fine dining experience? Head to Ohana Grill, a local hotspot that serves inventive and globally-inspired takes on salmon and lobster. For beachgoers planning on spending the night nearby Lavalette, check-in at the Econo Lodge Seaside Heights or the Hotel Charlee Villas which offer affordable and spacious rooms in great locations.

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 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.