The Best Beaches in the Jersey Shore

Gateway National Recreation Area

A federal park at the northern tip of the Shore — no beach badge, just a per-car parking fee, with miles of sand (and Gunnison, the state’s only legal nude beach). Lots close when the park fills, so come early.

Asbury Park

The Shore’s coolest comeback town — a restored boardwalk with bars, music, and a young crowd. Daily beach badges are required and metered parking goes fast, so arrive early on summer weekends.

Belmar

A wide, well-run family beach with a long boardwalk and a famous Fourth of July scene. Badges are required in season and metered street parking is the norm — there’s no big central lot, so circle early.

Point Pleasant Beach

Home of Jenkinson’s boardwalk, an aquarium, and amusement rides — a classic family day out. Beach badges are required and parking leans on metered spots and pricey private lots near the boardwalk.

Seaside Heights

The boardwalk-and-amusement-pier capital of the Shore, rides and arcades right on the sand. Daily beach badges are required and parking is a mix of meters and lots that fill on summer nights.

Long Beach Island

LBI is an 18-mile barrier island of quieter, residential beaches; Ship Bottom is the gateway over the causeway. Street parking is free but each town sells its own beach badges, so check which one you’re in.

Ocean City

A dry (alcohol-free) family resort with one of the best boardwalks on the coast. Daily beach tags are required; parking is largely free residential street parking a few blocks back from the sand.

Wildwood

Famously free — no beach tags here — plus a giant amusement-pier boardwalk and sand so wide there’s a tram to the water. Street parking is free too, which makes it one of the best value beaches on the Shore.

Cape May

The Victorian gem at the southern tip — calmer waters, promenade, and the famous Cape May “diamonds.” Daily beach tags are required and downtown parking is metered, so budget for both in season.