New Jersey is home to some of the best beaches in the country. From iconic boardwalks and nightlife scenes to tranquil family-friendly spots, there’s something for everyone along the shore. So if you’re looking for a beach-side getaway this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Here, the best ever list of top 10 best New Jersey beaches for 2023. Read on to find out which beaches made our list and why they’re so great!
1. Cape May
Cape May is one of the best beaches in NJ for its wide range of activities and attractions. The beach is situated on a peninsula, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and windsurfing. There are also several restaurants and cafes located nearby, as well as a playground and a few small shops.
Things to do at Cape May Beach NJ
- Visit the Cape May Lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of the beach and ocean.
- Take a stroll down the historic Washington Street Mall, filled with charming shops and restaurants.
- Visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo, home to over 550 animals from around the world.
- Go fishing or take a charter boat for a deep-sea fishing excursion.
- Take a scenic bike ride on the Cape May County Park & Zoo’s bike trail.
- Visit the World War II Lookout Tower Museum to learn about the history of the area.
- Take a dolphin and whale watching tour to see the local marine life.
- Visit the Cape May Winery and taste some of the local wines.
- Take a sunset beach walk and enjoy the beautiful views.
- Visit the Cape May Beach Patrol Museum to learn about the history of beach safety in the area.
2. Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook is one of the best beaches in NJ for a number of reasons. First, it’s close to New York City, so it’s a great option for city dwellers who want to escape the hustle and bustle for a day or two. Second, Sandy Hook has a variety of beach activities and amenities, so there’s something for everyone. Third, the sand at Sandy Hook is incredibly soft and white, and the water is crystal clear. Lastly, Sandy Hook is known for its amazing sunsets – they’re definitely worth staying for!
Things to do at Sandy Hook Beach NJ
- Visit Sandy Hook Beach and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the New York City skyline.
- Take a hike on the Sandy Hook Nature Trail and explore the diverse ecosystems of the area.
- Visit the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and take a tour to learn about the history of the area.
- Take a bike ride on the multi-use paths and enjoy the scenic views of the beach and ocean.
- Visit the Fort Hancock Historic District and learn about the history of the military fort that once stood there.
- Visit the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Take a fishing trip and catch a variety of fish in the waters off Sandy Hook.
- Enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic areas and pavilions in the park.
- Visit the Sandy Hook Chapel, a historic church built in the early 1800s.
- Take a swim in the ocean or relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
3. Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park is one of the best beaches in New Jersey. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the waves and the sand. The park is also a great place to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. There are plenty of things to do at Island Beach State Park, so you’ll never get bored.
Things to do at Island Beach State Park NJ
- Visit Island Beach State Park and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the Barnegat Bay.
- Take a hike on one of the many nature trails and explore the diverse ecosystems of the area.
- Take a bike ride on the multi-use paths and enjoy the scenic views of the beach and ocean.
- Visit the Island Beach State Park Nature Center and learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Go fishing in Barnegat Bay or the Atlantic Ocean and catch a variety of fish.
- Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the waterways of the park.
- Visit the historic Berkeley-Carteret Oceanfront Hotel and learn about the history of the area.
- Take a swim in the ocean or relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
- Rent a beach cabana for the day and enjoy the beach in style.
- Take a scenic drive on the park’s roadways and enjoy the views of the beach and ocean.
4. Wildwood
Wildwood is one of the best beaches in New Jersey. It is a great place to go for a swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the sand. There are also many restaurants and shops nearby, making it a perfect place to spend a day or two.
Things to do at Wildwood NJ
- Visit Wildwood Beach and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the boardwalk.
- Take a walk on the Wildwood Boardwalk and enjoy the amusement parks, arcades, and shops.
- Visit Morey’s Piers, an amusement park with roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions.
- Take a ride on the Wildwood Tram Car and enjoy the scenic views of the beach and ocean.
- Visit the Wildwood Crest Beach and enjoy the quieter atmosphere.
- Visit the Wildwoods Boardwalk Chapel and take in the beautiful views of the ocean.
- Take a fishing trip on one of the many charter boats available.
- Visit the George F. Boyer Historical Museum and learn about the history of Wildwood.
- Visit the Wildwood Aviation Museum and learn about the history of aviation in the area.
- Take a day trip to Cape May and enjoy the Victorian architecture and historic landmarks.
5. Atlantic City
Atlantic City is one of the most popular beach destinations in New Jersey. The Boardwalk and Steel Pier are two of the most popular attractions in the city. Visitors can also enjoy the casinos, shopping, and restaurants.
Things to do at Atlantic City NJ
- Visit Atlantic City Boardwalk and enjoy the beach, amusement parks, arcades, and shops.
- Take a stroll on the Atlantic City Beach and enjoy the ocean views.
- Visit the Atlantic City casinos and try your luck at the slot machines, table games, and poker.
- Take a walk on the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the ocean.
- Visit the Atlantic City Art Center and enjoy the art galleries and exhibitions.
- Visit the Atlantic City Historical Museum and learn about the history of the city.
- Take a day trip to the nearby towns of Cape May or Wildwood and enjoy the beaches and boardwalks.
- Visit the Atlantic City Aquarium and see the exotic sea creatures.
- Take a leisurely bike ride on the Atlantic City bike trail.
- Visit the Steel Pier, an amusement park with roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions.
6. Asbury Park
Asbury Park is one of the best beaches in NJ for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and great amenities. The boardwalk is a must-see, with its famous carousel and unique shops. The beach itself is wide and clean, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing. And if you’re looking for a place to eat or drink, there are plenty of options nearby.
Things to do at Asbury Park NJ
- Visit Asbury Park Beach and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the boardwalk.
- Take a walk on the Asbury Park Boardwalk and enjoy the amusement parks, arcades, and shops.
- Visit the Asbury Lanes, a historic bowling alley and music venue.
- Visit the Silverball Museum and play on a collection of vintage pinball machines.
- Visit the Asbury Park Historical Society Museum and learn about the history of the city.
- Take a bike ride on the Asbury Park bike trail and enjoy the scenic views.
- Visit the Asbury Park Roaring Twenties Museum and learn about the history of the city in the 1920s.
- Visit the Asbury Park Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre, historic venues for concerts and events.
- Visit the Asbury Park Art Museum, a contemporary art museum showcasing works by local and international artists.
- Take a day trip to nearby towns such as Long Branch or Ocean Grove and enjoy their beaches and boardwalks.
7. Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights is a beach town located on the Jersey Shore in Ocean County, New Jersey. The town is known for its boardwalk, which stretches for over a mile along the shoreline. Seaside Heights also has a number of rides and attractions, including a historic carousel and an amusement park. The town is a popular summer destination for tourists from New York City and Philadelphia.
Things to do at Seaside Heights Beach Town NJ
- Visit Seaside Heights Beach and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the boardwalk.
- Take a walk on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and enjoy the amusement parks, arcades, and shops.
- Visit Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach, an amusement park with roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions.
- Visit the Seaside Heights Beach and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the boardwalk and the beach.
- Visit the Seaside Heights Lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
- Visit the Seaside Heights Bumper Cars and Arcade and enjoy a variety of classic arcade games and ride.
- Take a bike ride on the Seaside Heights bike trail and enjoy the scenic views.
- Visit the Seaside Heights Fishing Pier and try your hand at catching a variety of fish.
- Visit the Seaside Heights Beach Volleyball courts and join a game or watch a match.
- Visit the Seaside Heights Waterfront and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the boardwalk and the beach.
8. Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island is a great place to enjoy the summer sun and waves. The island offers a variety of beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. There are also many restaurants and shops to explore.
Things to do at Long Beach Island NJ
- Visit Long Beach Island and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the beach.
- Take a walk on the Long Beach Island Boardwalk and enjoy the amusement parks, arcades, and shops.
- Visit the Barnegat Lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
- Visit the Long Beach Island Museum and learn about the history of the island.
- Visit the Long Beach Island Arthouse, an art gallery showcasing works by local and international artists.
- Take a bike ride on the Long Beach Island bike trail and enjoy the scenic views.
- Visit the Long Beach Island fishing pier and try your hand at catching a variety of fish.
- Visit the Long Beach Island Marina and take a boat tour of the island.
- Visit the Long Beach Island Waterfront and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the boardwalk and the beach.
- Take a day trip to nearby towns such as Beach Haven and Surf City and enjoy their beaches and boardwalks.
9. Raritan Bay
Raritan Bay is a beautiful beach located in New Jersey. It is known for its clear water and lovely white sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. There are also many restaurants and bars located near the beach.
Things to do at Raritan Bay NJ
- Visit the Raritan Bay Waterfront and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the beach.
- Take a fishing trip on the Raritan Bay and catch a variety of fish such as Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Weakfish.
- Visit the Raritan Bay Area Yacht Club and take a sailboat or powerboat tour of the bay.
- Visit the Raritan Bay Eco-Center and learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Take a kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour of the Raritan Bay and explore the waterways.
- Visit the Raritan Bay State Park and take a hike on the nature trails and enjoy the scenic views.
- Visit the Raritan Bay Medical Center and learn about the history of the hospital and its role in the community.
- Visit the Raritan Bay Area Yacht Racing Association and watch a sailboat race on the bay.
- Visit the Raritan Bay Fishing Fleet and take a charter fishing trip.
- Visit the Raritan Bay Area History Museum and learn about the history of the Raritan Bay area.
10. Bay Head
Bay Head is a beautiful beach town located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The town is situated on the Mantoloking Barrier Island and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Bay Head is well known for its lovely beaches, quaint shops, and excellent restaurants. Visitors to Bay Head will enjoy spending time relaxing on the beach, fishing off the pier, or exploring the town’s many shops and boutiques.
Things to do at Bay Head NJ
- Visit Bay Head Beach and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the beach.
- Take a walk on the Bay Head Boardwalk and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean.
- Visit the Bay Head Yacht Club and take a sailboat or powerboat tour of the bay.
- Visit the Bay Head Library and learn about the history of the town.
- Visit the Bay Head Historical Society Museum and learn about the history of the town.
- Take a bike ride on the Bay Head bike trail and enjoy the scenic views.
- Visit the Bay Head Marina and take a boat tour of the bay.
- Visit the Bay Head Shopping District and enjoy the charming shops and restaurants.
- Visit the Bay Head Nature Center and learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Take a day trip to nearby towns such as Point Pleasant Beach and Mantoloking and enjoy their beaches and boardwalks.
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10 Top-rated attractions of New Jersey
The Jersey Shore: This 125-mile stretch of coastline is home to many popular beach towns, including Atlantic City, Wildwood, and Seaside Heights.
Liberty State Park: This park offers beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline and is home to the Liberty Science Center, Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Six Flags Great Adventure: This theme park in Jackson, NJ features roller coasters, water rides, and live shows, making it a great destination for families.
Cape May: This charming Victorian seaside town offers a variety of activities, including beach-going, bird-watching, and shopping.
The Garden State Plaza: This shopping mall in Paramus, NJ is one of the largest in the state and features a variety of retailers, dining options, and a movie theater.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: This natural area offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities, as well as stunning views of the Delaware River.
The High Point Monument: This 220-foot tall obelisk located in High Point State Park offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and is the highest point in New Jersey.
The Adventure Aquarium: This aquarium in Camden, NJ is home to over 8,500 animals and offers interactive exhibits, animal encounters and more.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk: The Atlantic City Boardwalk is one of the most famous boardwalks in the United States, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions.
The Liberty Science Center: This science center in Jersey City, NJ offers interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and a planetarium, making it a great destination for families.