New Jersey contains 141 miles of oceanfront coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The region includes over 40 distinct beachfront municipalities, ranging from high-density boardwalk hubs in the north to low-density historic districts in the south.
In 2024, New Jersey recorded 123.7 million total visitors. For the 2026 season, visitation is projected to reach 126.4 million, with a noticeable share expected to arrive for FIFA 2026 matches in the region.
Many of these visitors will extend their trips beyond match days, combining stadium schedules with coastal travel and arranging hotels near MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, before exploring nearby beach destinations.
This guide will highlight the 10 top-rated beaches in New Jersey, providing specific details on location, parking, safety, and activities to help visitors plan their trips efficiently.
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Table of Content
10 Top-Rated Beaches in New Jersey
Below are the top New Jersey beaches for tourists, each with essential details to help you plan your visit.
1. Belmar Beach
Location: Belmar, NJ
Highlights: Long boardwalk, consistent surf, organized layout
Belmar Beach stretches along a well-maintained boardwalk with multiple access points and clear zoning for swimmers and surfers. It is one of the more structured beaches on the Jersey Shore, with good spacing between entrances and facilities. The town enforces badge requirements during the season, and lifeguards are present across designated areas.
The beach is known for steady wave conditions, which attract surfers, especially in the morning. The boardwalk supports walking and cycling during specific hours.
Activities: Surfing, swimming, walking, casual fishing
Tips: Entry requires a beach badge in summer; early arrival helps with parking.
2. Jenkinson's Boardwalk (Point Pleasant Beach)
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Highlights: Amusements, aquarium, family-focused setup
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk combines a beach with a full entertainment strip that includes rides, arcades, and an aquarium. The shoreline itself is clean and supervised, with designated swimming areas.
This is one of the busiest spots in the state during peak season.Food stands and restrooms are easy to find along the boardwalk, which makes it convenient for longer stays.
Activities: Swimming, arcade games, rides, aquarium visits
Tips: Expect crowds on weekends; weekday mornings are quieter.
3. Sandy Hook Beach
Location: Gateway National Recreation Area, NJ
Highlights: Long stretches of sand, multiple access points, historic lighthouse
Sandy Hook covers several miles of coastline within a federally managed area. The shoreline is divided into sections linked to parking lots, which helps spread visitors across different zones. Some areas stay active, while others feel more open with fewer people around.
The park includes dunes, coastal vegetation, and one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. Lifeguards operate at selected beaches during the summer season, while other sections remain unguarded.
Activities: Swimming in designated areas, cycling, walking, visiting historic sites
Tips: Distances between parking and the beach can be long; carry essentials with you.
4. Gunnison Beach
Location: Sandy Hook, NJ
Highlights: Clothing-optional beach, wide open shoreline
Gunnison Beach sits within Sandy Hook and is clearly marked as a clothing-optional area. It attracts visitors specifically looking for that setting, and expectations are well established on-site.
The beach itself is broad and exposed, with limited facilities compared to more developed towns. Wind conditions can be strong, and there is no shade unless you bring your own.
Activities: Sunbathing, shoreline walks, quiet beach time
Tips: Follow posted guidelines; bring water, sunscreen, and shade.
5. Long Branch Beach
Location: Long Branch, NJ
Highlights: Beachfront near shops and restaurants, easy access
Long Branch Beach runs alongside Pier Village, where the shoreline meets a developed promenade filled with restaurants and retail spots. The beach is maintained with clear access points and seasonal lifeguard coverage.
It tends to draw steady foot traffic due to its location, especially on weekends. The setup works well for visitors who want quick access to food and indoor spaces without leaving the area.
Activities: Swimming, walking, dining nearby, casual outings
Tips: Parking near the main strip fills quickly; nearby public lots are a better option during peak hours.
6. Avon-by-the-Sea Public Beach
Location: Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ
Highlights: Smaller crowds, controlled access, clean shoreline
Avon-by-the-Sea Public Beach keeps things simple. The beach is well maintained, and entry is limited through specific access points, which helps manage crowd levels. Compared to nearby towns, it usually feels less busy.
Facilities are basic but sufficient, and lifeguards are present during the main season. The setting works well for a slower beach day without large entertainment areas.
Activities: Swimming, reading, short walks along the shore
Tips: Beach badges are required; bring cash or check local purchase options.
7. Ocean Grove Beach
Location: Ocean Grove, NJ
Highlights: Historic surroundings, organized layout, quieter environment
Ocean Grove Beach sits beside a town known for its preserved layout and distinctive tent community. The beach is clean and structured, with clearly marked swimming zones and seasonal lifeguards.
Rules here are slightly stricter than in neighboring towns, and the overall pace is more controlled. That difference is noticeable, especially during busy summer weekends.
Activities: Swimming, walking, photography of surrounding architecture
Tips: Check local guidelines before visiting; some access rules differ from nearby beaches.
8. Lavallette Beach
Location: Lavallette, NJ
Highlights: Family-focused setup, steady lifeguard presence
Lavallette Beach is known for its organized layout and consistent supervision. Access points are spaced out, and the town keeps a close watch on beach activity during the season.
The water is usually manageable within lifeguard zones, making it suitable for casual swimming. The environment is quieter than larger boardwalk destinations.
Activities: Swimming, beach games, relaxed shoreline time
Tips: Entry is badge-based; arrive early for easier parking near access points.
9. Pier Beach (Cape May)
Location: Cape May, NJ
Highlights: Fishing pier, calm setting, historic surroundings
Pier Beach sits near the main promenade in Cape May, close to the town’s fishing pier. The shoreline here is generally calmer compared to the northern parts of the Jersey Shore.
The surrounding area includes preserved buildings and walkable streets, which adds variety beyond the beach itself. Lifeguards cover the main swimming sections during the season.
Activities: Swimming, fishing near the pier, walking along the promenade
Tips: Beach access requires a badge; check daily or weekly options.
10. Stone Harbor Point
Location: Stone Harbor, NJ
Highlights: Natural shoreline, bird habitats, minimal development
Stone Harbor Point is less developed than most beaches in the state. The area includes dunes, tidal pools, and protected bird habitats. Some sections are restricted to protect wildlife, and facilities are limited.
It’s noticeably quieter than commercial beach towns, with fewer services and more open space. Visitors usually come prepared rather than relying on on-site amenities.
Activities: Walking, birdwatching, photography
Tips: Stay within marked paths and respect restricted zones; bring water and supplies.
Final words
Beach selection along the New Jersey coast depends on access, crowd levels, and how much infrastructure you want nearby. Some locations prioritize entertainment and convenience, while others limit development and keep conditions closer to their natural state.
Checking badge requirements, parking availability, and daily surf conditions helps avoid delays. Paying attention to lifeguard zones and posted warnings remains important across all beaches, especially on days with stronger currents.
FAQs
Most public beaches require a badge during the summer season. Prices and rules vary by town.
Avon-by-the-Sea, Lavallette, and Stone Harbor Point generally have fewer visitors compared to boardwalk-heavy areas.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Lavallette Beach, and Belmar Beach provide facilities and supervision suited for families.
Swimming is safest within lifeguard zones. Conditions can change quickly, so flags and local guidance should always be followed.
June through early September is the main season, with warmer water and full services available.
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