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5 Best Beaches in New Jersey

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From the nightlife to year-round New Jersey events to learning about its history or exploring the museums in New Jersey, there’s never a shortage of things to do here. But when the weather’s just right and you’re eager for relaxation, nothing feels better than a day at the beach. Whether you’re seeking quality bonding time or need time to unwind, the warm sand and lapping waves provide the perfect backdrop to gather with friends and family. ​​This East Coast state offers plenty of beaches to relax on, from Long Beach Island and Atlantic City to Seaside Heights, Sea Isle City, and more. With so much coastline to consider, how do you know which beach to choose?

The Jersey Shore extends beyond the popular 2000s reality show. It’s a vast expansion of gorgeous beaches that cater to all your seaside needs. Unsure where to start? We’re visiting our top five best beaches in New Jersey. So pack your beach bags and put on your flip-flops—we’re headed to the sandy shore.  

#1 Brigantine Beach

If you’re after a classic beach day excursion, you can’t go wrong with Brigantine beach, located on a barrier island near Atlantic City. This spot epitomizes all the best things a beach should offer, especially if you’re into water sports. 

Make a splash in a big way and pack your beach day with:

  • Swimming
  • Sailing
  • Kitesurfing
  • Jet skiing
  • Kayaking
  • Fishing

Once you’ve finished splashing around, kick back with a friendly game of Frisbee. Or maybe even fetch. Brigantine beach welcomes dogs (from October through May), so you can make sure your furry friends don’t miss out on the fun. 

After a day in the sun, wind down at one of Brigantine’s many beachside eateries like:

  • Crab Shack
  • Mad Dog Morgans
  • The Cove

#2 Cape May

When it comes to visiting the best beach in New Jersey, it’s impossible to leave out Cape May. This beach remains a widely popular pick for Jersey residents (and New Yorkers fleeing the city for a breather). This New Jersey beach spans over two miles, and it’s lined with adorable, colorful Victorian homes and buildings that make Cape May truly one of a kind. 

Cape May beach delivers if you’re searching for a quintessential seaside town to get lost in. Turn your beach day into a full-out field trip by:

  • Walking around townOften referred to as the nation’s oldest seaside resort, Cape May boasts a unique, vintage charm.1 Admire the Victorian houses on the waterfront and explore all the quirky local stores and businesses like Cape May Bird Observatory, which offers field guides and binoculars for a day of birdwatching. As for food, you can start the day with handmade pastries from one of the area’s many bed and breakfasts and dine on clam chowder and cheesesteak dumplings at Coastal Blue Oceanside Bar & Grill in the evening.
  • Checking out County Park and ZooDiscover animals from around the world at Cape May’s gorgeous city zoo. You can learn about exotic mammals and birds and then head to the beach to sneak a peek at ocean life. 
  • Visiting the Cape May LighthouseTake in Cape May’s fascinating history with a trip to its lighthouse, which is over 150 years old.2 Sign up for a tour or snap some photos for a postcard-worthy moment.

Cape May beach remains a well-loved location because it offers a new perspective on the New Jersey lifestyle.

Jersey City living done right. Discover coliving apartments with Common. Find your home!

#3 Belmar Beach and Boardwalk

Belmar Beach takes the cake for a family-friendly beach experience. In fact, it’s known for its clean, safe, and accessible beach environment and it prohibits smoking on the boardwalk. Kids of all ages can take surfing lessons, boogie board, and kayak along the shore or play on one of the beachfront playgrounds.

But Belmar isn’t exclusive to beachside activities. 

The boardwalk features a variety of attractions, fairs, and festivals year-round, including free concerts, morning yoga, farmers markets, and yard sales.

#4 Island Beach State Park

Picture your ideal beach. Does it feel serene, natural, and deeply soothing? If so, you should seek out Island Beach State Park. This beach earns the title of the most beautiful beach in New Jersey for its rolling sand dunes, maritime forests, and swaying beach grass.

Despite already being a gorgeous destination, it’s also a bird-watchers paradise. This New Jersey beach hosts a diverse array of birds, including:

  • Osprey (the state’s largest colony)
  • Peregrine falcons
  • Shorebirds
  • Waterfowl
  • Wading birds
  • Songbirds

Follow the birds’ lead and flock to this picturesque beach—visitors can also swim in the ocean, fish from the shore, and surf along the waves.

Located at Seaside Park, you also get the chance to explore two beaches at the same time, Island Beach State Park and Seaside Park Beach.

#5 Wildwood Beach

Wildwood Beach has to be one of the best beaches in New Jersey with boardwalk access. We’re not talking about some cutesy boardwalk, either. Extending over five miles, the Wildwood boardwalk contains many entertainment options for people of all ages. 

Don’t believe us? Try checking out: 

  • Morey’s Pier (Amusement park)
  • Thrilling rides
  • Souvenir shops
  • Carnival games
  • Boogie boarding

Extend your visit by booking a room in one of the many beachside inns to turn your beach day into a full-blown holiday. If you’re still looking for water activities, you can check out the best water parks in New Jersey to stay cool at. 

Common can also make your Jersey City life feel like a vacation. Check out our available units at  Common at The Agnes or Common at Le Leo for a peek at our renter-friendly apartments in awesome neighborhoods. 

Jump In with Common

Finding the perfect East Coast beach for your needs takes a lot of consideration. At Common, we know the same rules apply to your home. 

We believe in providing an attainable, easy solution for those seeking rentals in big cities. Our homes not only offer gorgeous private rooms inside shared suites but also offer a built-in community with amenities that make everyday life more convenient and fun. With a room already supplied with household necessities, you can spend your time doing what you really love — like visiting the beach. 

So jump in. The water’s fine. Join Common today. 

 

Sources: 

  1. 201 years later: America’s oldest seaside resort is in N.J. https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2017/06/congress_hall_200_years_later.html
  2. Cape May MAC. Cape May Lighthouse. https://capemaymac.org/experience/cape-may-lighthouse/

 

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