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.

Township of Berkeley

Allenhurst

Township of Berkeley

Atlantic City

Long Beach

Township of Berkeley

Township of Berkeley

Township of Ocean

Middletown

Middletown

Middletown

Middletown

Township of Stafford

Township of Berkeley

Township of Upper

Keansburg

Englewood Cliffs

Brigantine

Atlantic City

Englewood Cliffs

Jersey City

Toms River

Town of Aberdeen

Township of Middle

Oakland

Wayne

Township of Shamong

Middletown

Wildwood Crest

West Orange

Township of Downe

Toms River

Highlands

Toms River

Middletown

Harvey Cedars

Fort Lee

Township of Lower

Sea Bright

Old Bridge

Alpine

Middletown

Lacey

Township of Middle

Belmar

Old Bridge

Wayne

Barnegat

Galloway

Loch Arbour

Egg Harbor

Hoboken

Toms River

Township of Maurice River

Sea Bright

Brick

Jersey City

Middletown

Brigantine

Middletown

Old Bridge

Ocean City

Ocean City

Wayne

Clifton

Brick

Old Bridge

Old Bridge

Avalon

Barnegat

Wayne

Township of Middle

Township of Lower

Township of Berkeley

Township of Lower

Township of Hamilton

Somers Point

Longport

Township of Maurice River

Atlantic City

Township of Freehold

Township of Lower

Englewood Cliffs

Philadelphia

Wayne

Township of Upper

Sea Isle City

Somers Point

Brick