Most Crowded Beaches In New Jersey

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4.4

Atlantic City Beach

United States, New Jersey, Atlantic City

Atlantic City Beach is a vibrant destination located on Absecon Island in New Jersey, offering a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment. The beach is one of the few free beaches along the Jersey Shore, providing endless opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like surfing and parasailing. It is complemented by the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk, which stretches over four miles and features a variety of attractions, including amusement piers, casinos, and dining options. The area is known for its lively atmosphere, with events like free summer concerts and festivals throughout the year.
The beach and boardwalk have a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century when Atlantic City was developed as a health resort. Over time, it has evolved into a major tourist destination, earning the nickname 'Las Vegas of the East Coast' due to its casinos and nightlife.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities from beach volleyball to strolling along the boardwalk, making it a perfect spot for both families and solo travelers.

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4.1

Wildwood Beach

United States, New Jersey, Wildwood

Cape May County, at the southern tip of New Jersey, is known for its white sand beaches and pristine shoreline. Chief among its many beaches is Wildwood Beach in Wildwood, New Jersey, which was ranked as the fifth best beach in New Jersey by US News. Like many beaches in Cape May County, there are plenty of activities in which to participate including volleyball, water skiing, and fishing. Tennis enthusiasts will find it invigorating to play on courts with a scenic background of the beach. For those looking to get a nice sun tan, beach goers will find the soft beige sand a perfect place to relax and chill. Wildwood’s nightlife is one of its principal attractions with many well known restaurants, bars, and clubs. However, Morey’s Piers is the staple, and the most well known of the town’s landmarks. It consists of three amusement parks spanning twelve blocks and more than one hundred rides to entertain thrill seekers of all ages.

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4.8

Seaside Heights Beach

United States, New Jersey, Seaside Heights

Seaside Heights Beach is a vibrant destination on the Jersey Shore, known for its wide sandy beaches, lively boardwalk, and energetic nightlife. Located in Ocean County, New Jersey, it attracts a diverse crowd, especially young adults during the summer months. The beach offers a family-friendly environment with numerous attractions like amusement rides, arcades, and games of chance. Seaside Heights is also famous for being the setting of the MTV show *Jersey Shore*, which has contributed to its popularity. The boardwalk, stretching for 2 miles, features a variety of food options, live music venues, and shops, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and entertainment.
The beach season typically runs from March to October, with peak months being July and August. During these months, the population swells significantly, transforming the area into a bustling resort community. The town's motto, "Your Home For Family Fun Since 1913," reflects its long-standing tradition of welcoming visitors for recreation and leisure.
Seaside Heights is easily accessible from major cities like New York City and Philadelphia, making it a popular weekend getaway. Its unique blend of beach activities, nightlife, and family-oriented events ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.

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4.1

Long Branch Beach

United States, New Jersey, Long Branch

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.

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4.65

Asbury Park Beach

United States, New Jersey, Asbury Park

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.

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4.15

Belmar Beach

United States, New Jersey, Belmar

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.