Top 5: Beaches in New Jersey

With 130 miles of coastline, New Jersey has plenty of beaches to offer. Whether you enjoy a quiet, relaxing, historic shore town or a busy beach with nightly entertainment and a boardwalk, the Jersey shore has it all.

Plan your next daytrip or weekend getaway at one of these top five Jersey beaches, no GTL (gym, tan, laundry) required.

Shark River Bridge, Belmar, New Jersey © James Kirkikis | Dreamstime

Belmar

The south ends of this shore town is hopping. D’Jais Bar & Grill, Bar Anticipation, the Boathouse Bar and Grill, 9^th Ave. Pier and Beach Haus Brewery are among a few hot spots. D’Jais is in a prime location, across Ocean Avenue from the beach, while the others are located a few blocks inland on Main Street. Choose from an array of lunch options while on the beach: Surf Taco, 3 Brother’s Pizza, Playa Bowls and many more. If you’re lucky enough to be in Belmar mid-May, check out the Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival, one of the oldest and most popular festivals of its kind.

Point Pleasant, New Jersey © Jon Bilous | Dreamstime

Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant Beach offers day and night entertainment, as the boardwalk provides a variety of nightlife activities for all ages. Head on over to the Pavilion Restaurant on the boardwalk, which offers seafood, burgers, pizza and more, then stop by Kohr Bros. ice cream for a delicious orange and vanilla twist. The Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk has much to offer with its world-class aquarium, live entertainment at Martell’s Tiki Bar and Jenks Pavilion, amusement rides, arcade games, mini golf and a selection of dining options and sweet treats.

© Maria Ermolova | Dreamstime

Long Beach Island

Long Beach Island, known to locals as LBI, is a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean and consists of 18 miles of sandy beachfront. In between Atlantic City and Barnegat Bay, LBI is home to a number of small beach communities — Beach Haven, Harvey Cedars, Ship Bottom, Surf City and more. Climb up 217 steps to the top of the Barnegat Lighthouse on the northern tip of the island or head south to find great surfing spots. Beach Haven is filled with fun for the whole family with the island’s amusement park, Fantasy Island. Enjoy a friendly Skee-Ball competition or many other arcade games and kid-friendly rides. Play a round of mini golf and finish with a delicious ice cream treat. For shoppers, Bay Village boasts many opportunities.

Twilight at Sandy Hook, New Jersey © Suchen1967 | Dreamstime

Sandy Hook

This shore town is part of Gateway National State Park and is found at the northernmost point of the Jersey Shore. If you’re looking for something to do rather than hitting the beach check out one of Gateway’s nature walks or history tours. Take a stroll around Fort Hancock Historic Post or reserve a tour for the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. A prime spot for birding, try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond of the fields at Fort Hancock, or join a park ranger at the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk to learn more as you will be able to view osprey, egrets and songbirds.

© James Tarabocchia | Dreamstime

Cape May

Cape May, a quaint beach town located at the southern tip of New Jersey, is one of the oldest seaside resort communities in the country. The town is on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic district, Victorian homes and lighthouse. It is a charming town with real history. Relax, unwind and enjoy a novel on the quiet beach. Plan a Cape May Food Tour to check out the town’s top-notch cuisines. The food tour is a three-hour guided food tasting and cultural walking tour of the town — combining food, architecture and history.