9 Amazing Beach Retreats on the Jersey Shore

While New Jersey is affectionately known as the Garden State, it might be even more famous for its stunning beaches. Although the state boasts numerous lakes, bays, and rivers with beautiful shorelines, nothing compares to the coastline where white sands stretch for 90 miles along the Atlantic Ocean.

From Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south, New Jersey is dotted with beaches catering to every personality. Discover the unique charm of Asbury Park and the tranquil beauty of Spring Lake as you explore the nine best beaches in New Jersey.

1. Sandy Hook Beach

• Location: Middletown
• Ideal for: Swimming and camping amidst a natural beach environment with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline

Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area that stretches from New York Harbor to Breezy Point in New York City, New Jersey’s Sandy Hook features beach areas on both the bayside and oceanfront.

While the pristine shorelines provide perfect sandy spots for beach lovers, a visit also includes a touch of history: The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, built in 1764 and the oldest working lighthouse in the country, opens its keeper's quarters and visitor center from Fridays to Mondays, 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. Additionally, you can explore the nation’s first mortar battery, established in 1894 as part of Fort Hancock.

Accommodations

Overnight tent camping is offered on-site from spring through late fall. For those who prefer a more comfortable stay, Sandy Hook also features the boutique hotel BeachWalk at Sea Bright, recently renovated in 2023.

2. Long Branch Beach

• Location: Long Branch
• Perfect for: A resort-style escape with expansive beaches and a lively boardwalk

Long Branch, affectionately known as the “City by the Sea,” is a quintessential resort town. The beach operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the possibility of extending hours to 7 p.m. at the beach manager's discretion. Don’t miss the summer festivities, including the popular Oceanfest, celebrated during the Fourth of July.

For a more upscale experience at the Shore, visit the oceanfront Pier Village, a lively community filled with diverse shopping and dining options. Be sure to stop by Sundae Donuts for a delicious treat! You might also enjoy a ride on the Pier Village Carousel, featuring an array of hand-carved horses and marine-themed figures.

Where to stay

Immerse yourself in the Jersey Shore lifestyle by choosing accommodations at Pier Village’s family-friendly beachfront The Wave Resort or the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, which offers pet-friendly rooms on the second floor.

3. Asbury Park Beach

• Location: Asbury Park
• Come for: a vibrant beach atmosphere and a rich musical history

Asbury Park radiates a quirky retro charm, from the cheerful cartoon face of Tillie at the old amusement complex to the legendary rock venue The Stone Pony, which Bruce Springsteen immortalized with his 1973 debut album Greetings from Asbury Park.

Among the highlights of the boardwalk are the Silverball Retro Arcade featuring vintage pinball machines, mini golf courses, and a splash park, along with 28 dining options. However, the real star is its mile-long beach, perfect for sunbathers, swimmers, and those who enjoy people-watching. Matthew Whelan, executive director of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, advises beachgoers to visit on weekdays for easier parking and reduced beach badge prices ($6 per person per day, compared to $10).

Where to stay

For the best beach access in Asbury Park, Whelan recommends the historic The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, a local icon for nearly a century. “Don’t be misled by its age,” Whelan remarks about the 1925 establishment, highlighting its modern amenities, including a gym, pool, and bar.

4. Belmar Beach

• Location: Belmar
• Come for: pristine beaches, a lively boardwalk, and festivals throughout the year

Renowned for having one of the finest boardwalks along the shore, the mile-long oceanfront pathway attracts both walkers and cyclists. A variety of beach-themed festivals take place here, including the Belmar Annual Sandcastle Contest and the New Jersey Seafood Festival. The Seventh Avenue Beach is especially noted for its cleanliness, having received recognition from the Natural Resources Defense Council. For a more tranquil experience, check out the Natural Beach Area at the northern end.

Where to stay

Belmar boasts charming bed and breakfast options, such as The Saltwater Inn featuring a lovely wrap-around porch and Tandem Bike Inn, which offers a few deluxe rooms equipped with jacuzzis.

5. Spring Lake Beach

• Location: Spring Lake
• Come for: a peaceful, family-friendly vibe—and complimentary parking

The immediate calm of Spring Lake stems from its simplicity: no food or alcohol allowed on the beach, no trash bins in sight, and no commercial establishments along its 1.8-mile boardwalk. Essential amenities are available, discreetly located in beach pavilions at both the northern and southern ends, which offer snack bars, restrooms, and shaded dining areas. The beach features designated surfing zones for those looking to catch some waves.

Dawn McDonough from the Spring Lake Business Improvement District and Elizabeth Capone, executive director of the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce, recommend early morning strolls to savor the fresh sea breeze, along with quiet spots at the northern and southern extremes. They also highlight the regular beach yoga classes hosted at the beach and pavilions.

Where to stay

The magnificent Breakers on the Ocean stands as one of the most iconic accommodations along the Jersey Shore, or you might prefer the serene ambiance of a charming bed and breakfast like The Johnson House Inn.

6. Point Pleasant Beach

• Location: Point Pleasant Beach
• Come for: water activities, sunbathing, and boardwalk fun

Point Pleasant Beach offers everything you need for a perfect day at the shore: games, rides, and entertainment at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, delicious bites at places like The Food Shack and The Shrimp Box, and most importantly, pristine sands. Enhance your visit with a trip to the aquarium or explore the local antique shops.

Where to stay

At The White Sands Oceanfront Hotel & Spa, guests enjoy access to a private beach and pool. Alternatively, you can fully immerse yourself in the beach lifestyle with a vacation rental in Point Pleasant Beach.

7. Beach Haven

• Location: Long Beach Island
• Come for: vibrant entertainment and beach activities

Long Beach Island, affectionately known as LBI by locals, boasts a tight-knit community of beach lovers. At the island’s southern tip, Beach Haven is the hub of fun and excitement—both on the sand and off. Enjoy swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball on the shore, while inland attractions include the New Jersey Maritime Museum, Long Beach Island Historical Museum, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, and musical shows at Surflight Theatre.

Where to stay

In Beach Haven, you can customize your stay with options ranging from charming bed and breakfasts like Williams Cottage Inn to family-friendly boutique hotels such as Windward at the Beach.

8. Wildwood Crest Beach

• Location: Wildwood Crest
• Come for: free beaches with wide expanses and oceanfront accommodations

Navigating beach tags and fees can be one of the more challenging aspects of New Jersey’s shores. However, Wildwood Crest alleviates that concern by allowing everyone access to its sands without any fees or permits. To enhance convenience, many hotels are located right on the beach, with 39 streets leading directly to the shore. Additionally, surf chairs and handicap transportation are available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beach without obstacles.

On the opposite side of town, Sunset Lake offers exciting activities like water skiing, jet skiing, and boating, while Two Mile Beach is part of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, featuring a trail that winds through maritime forest habitats.

Where to stay

Madison Resorts has just unveiled a $52 million renovation of the Ocean Tower and Royal Tower, which were formerly two separate hotels, transforming them into the Madison Resort Wildwood Crest.

9. Cape May

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

Home to the second highest concentration of Victorian architecture in the U.S. after San Francisco, Cape May boasts over two miles of stunning beaches that blend historical charm with scenic beauty. For a unique view, climb to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse, one of the few places on the East Coast where you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset. After a day at the beach, consider taking trolley tours, bird watching, visiting the Harriet Tubman Museum, or dining at Beach Plum Farm.

Where to stay

Dating back to 1894, the Inn of Cape May has been a cherished destination for travelers across generations, now shining even brighter after its 2022 renovation. Another great choice is the Beach Club on Madison Avenue, which rebranded as an adults-only boutique hotel in March 2024.