Where to Find Sun, Surf, and Seafood on the Jersey Shore

Summer in New Jersey means long, lazy days at its famous beaches. For those in the Northeast, the Jersey Shore beckons with its 90-plus miles of golden sand running along the Atlantic. Starting from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south, the state is sprinkled with oceanside lounging for every kind of personality. Whether you choose Asbury Park and its delightfully eclectic vibes or serene Spring Lake, pack up your sunscreen, a hat, and a good beach read, and head to one of these best beaches in New Jersey.

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1. Sandy Hook Beach

• Location: Middletown
• Come for: Swimming and camping in the natural beach habitat with views of the Manhattan skyline

As part of the Gateway National Recreation Area stretching through New York Harbor to New York City’s Breezy Point, New Jersey’s Sandy Hook sits on a spit, with beach areas on both its bayside and oceanfront.

Also on this stretch of undeveloped shoreline is the country’s oldest working lighthouse, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, built in 1764. The keepers quarters and visitor center open Fridays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours to the top are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with sign-ups starting at noon. Also notable is the nation’s first mortar battery, dating back to 1894 as part of Fort Hancock.

Where to stay

• Book now: Sandy Hook Beach Campground

Overnight tent camping is available on site from spring to late fall. For the less DIY-inclined, Sandy Hook accommodations also include the boutique hotel Beachwalk at Sea Bright, which was renovated in 2023.

Photo by James Andrews1/Shutterstock

2. Long Branch Beach

• Location: Long Branch
• Come for: a resort-town getaway, complete with wide beaches and a boardwalk

Long Branch, dubbed the “City by the Sea,” is a true resort town. The beach is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (though extended hours up to 7 p.m. are sometimes available, at the discretion of the beach manager). Come for summer events, including the popular Oceanfest celebrated over the Fourth of July.

For the more chic side of the Shore, head to the oceanfront Pier Village, a mixed-use community with a range of shopping and dining options. Maybe even go for a spin on the Pier Village Carousel, which showcases a mix of hand-carved horses and marine animals.

Where to stay

• Book now: The Wave Resort; Bungalow Hotel; Ocean Place Resort & Spa

Get a taste of Jersey Shore living by staying at Pier Village’s family-friendly beachfront the Wave Resort or the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, which includes pet-friendly rooms on its second floor. Save Bungalow Hotel for any winter beach visits; all 24 rooms have fireplaces to enjoy after a blustery beach walk.

Related: 6 Must-Haves to Keep Your Valuables Safe on the Beach

Photos by Michelle Heimerman

3. Asbury Park Beach

• Location: Asbury Park
• Come for: a lively beach and boardwalk scene with a side of musical history

There’s a delightfully funky retro vibe everywhere you turn in Asbury Park, from the grinning cartoon face of Tillie from a former amusement complex to the rock music legacy of the Stone Pony, the 50-year-old venue Bruce Springsteen made famous with its opening a year after his 1973 debut Greetings from Asbury Park.

Among the boardwalk standouts are the Silverball Retro Arcade with its old pinball machines, plus mini-golf courses and a splash park. Some two dozen restaurants and bars serve seaside classics like oysters and lobster rolls, thin-crust pizza, and Korean fusion tacos. The star of Asbury Park is its mile-long beach, a dream for sunbathers, swimmers, and people-watchers alike. Matthew Whelan, executive director of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, suggests visiting on a weekday when possible; parking will be easier to find, and beach badges are cheaper ($7/day/person, instead of $10).

Where to stay

• Book now: The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel

For the closest beach access in Asbury Park, Whelan suggests the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, which has been a landmark for nearly a century. “Don’t let its age fool you, though,” Whelan says of the 1925 mainstay, noting it has all the amenities of a modern-day hotel, including a gym, pool, and bar. Another option slightly further up the beach is the Asbury, with its 110 minimalist, Scandinavian-style rooms, open-air rooftop cinema, and live music; there’s also a big pool with a bar and food truck open Friday through Sunday.

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4. Belmar Beach

• Location: Belmar
• Come for: clean beaches, boardwalk, and year-round festivals

With a reputation for having one of the best boardwalks on the Jersey Shore, the mile-long oceanfront walkway is popular for pedestrians and bikers. Beach-themed festivals of every kind are also held here, from the Belmar Annual Sandcastle Contest to the New Jersey Seafood Festival held each May. The Seventh Avenue Beach, in particular, has been recognized by the Natural Resources Defense Council for its cleanliness. An insider tip: The Natural Beach Area on the northern end offers a more serene vibe.

Where to stay

• Book now: Saltwater Inn, Tandem Bike Inn

Belmar is filled with cozy options, like the homey Saltwater Inn bed-and-breakfast with its sweet wrap-around porch, or Tandem Bike Inn, which has a few deluxe rooms with Jacuzzis.

Photo by Benjamin Clapp

5. Spring Lake Beach

• Location: Spring Lake
• Come for: Serene, family-friendly atmosphere—and free parking

Spring Lake‘s instant tranquility comes from everything it lacks: No food or alcohol on the beach, no trash cans on the sand, and no businesses along its 1.8-mile boardwalk. The necessities are still in reach, within beach pavilions on the north and south ends. Both have a snack bar, restrooms, and shaded eating areas. With specially designated surfing areas, this beach has several spots to catch a wave.

Dawn McDonough, of the Spring Lake Business Improvement District, and Elizabeth Capone, executive director of Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce, suggest early morning walks to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and quiet spots on the northern and southernmost ends. They also recommend checking out yoga classes held regularly on the beach and at the pavilions.

Where to stay

• Book now: The Breakers on the Ocean, the Johnson House Inn

The grand Breakers on the Ocean might be one of the most iconic stays along the entire Jersey Shore. Or perhaps lean into the calm at a bed-and-breakfast, like the Johnson House Inn.

Photo by ESB Professional/Shutterstock

6. Point Pleasant Beach

• Location: Point Pleasant Beach
• Come for: water sports, sunbathing, and boardwalk entertainment

Point Pleasant Beach has all the Jersey Shore requisites for a proper day at the beach: games, rides, and entertainment at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk; good eats at establishments like the Food Shack and the Shrimp Box; and most importantly, super clean sands. Complement the activities with a visit to the aquarium or the area’s antique shops.

Where to stay

• Book now: The White Sands Oceanfront Hotel & Spa

Guests at the White Sands Oceanfront Hotel & Spa score access to the hotel’s private beach and pool. If you want more privacy or have a large group, consider renting a beach house.

Related: Skip the Summer Crowds at These Underrated U.S. Beaches

7. Beach Haven

• Location: Long Beach Island
• Come for: Lively entertainment and beach scene

The barrier island of Long Beach Island, referred to by locals as simply LBI, has a very proud community of regular beachgoers. Located on the island’s southern end, Beach Haven is where all the fun and games are—figuratively and literally. On the beach, there’s swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. Back on land, there are attractions of every kind: Choose from the New Jersey Maritime Museum, Long Beach Island Historical Museum, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, and even musical productions at Surflight Theatre.

Where to stay

• Book now: Williams Cottage Inn, Windward at the Beach

Choose your own adventure with your accommodations in Beach Haven, from bed-and-breakfasts like Williams Cottage Inn to family boutique hotels like Windward at the Beach.

Photo by Creative Family/Shutterstock

8. Wildwood Crest Beach

• Location: Wildwood Crest
• Come for: No-fee beaches with expansive shores and oceanfront hotels

Visiting the Jersey Shore beaches can be expensive, with daily beach tag and parking fees that quickly add up. Wildwood Crest takes that pressure off by welcoming everyone to its sands without any costs or permits. Adding to the ease, many of its hotels are right on the beach. Accessibility is a highlight here, with beach wheelchairs available and wheel-friendly ramps leading down to the sand from dozens of streets.

On the other side of town, there’s also Sunset Lake with water skiing, jet skiing, and boating. Two Mile Beach is part of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, with a trail through maritime forest habitat. Join the free guided nature walks every Saturday at 9 a.m., with binoculars provided.

Where to stay

• Book now: Madison Resort Wildwood Crest

This resort underwent a $52 million renovation in 2024, combining the Ocean Tower and Royal Tower into one modern hotel called Madison Resort Wildwood Crest.

Photo by EQ Roy/Shutterstock

9. Cape May

• Location: Cape May
• Come for: Victorian charm and beaches loved by families and surfers

With the second-highest concentration of Victorian homes in the USA after San Francisco, Cape May also has more than two miles of historical and picturesque beaches. For an aerial perspective, take in the shoreline from the top of the Cape May Lighthouse, the rare place on the East Coast where you can catch both the sunrise and sunset. Après-beach activities include trolley tours, bird-watching, visits to the Harriet Tubman Museum, or dining at Beach Plum Farm.

Where to stay

• Book now: The Inn of Cape May; the Beach Club on Madison Avenue

With roots back in 1894, the Inn of Cape May has become a favorite for vacationers for generations, and it’s particularly aglow after a 2022 refresh. Another option for anyone who wants some kid-free time is the adults-only Beach Club on Madison Avenue.

This article was originally published in 2024 and most recently updated on June 2, 2025, with current information.