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What makes New Jersey’s eastern coast unique?
- The eastern coast of New Jersey is known for its blend of upscale destinations and laid-back seaside getaways.
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Are there good beach day trips from NYC?
- Yes! Miles of spacious beaches along New Jersey’s coastline make for a relaxing day trip from NYC.
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Do different seaside towns in New Jersey have unique attractions?
- Each city, town, and hamlet along the coast has its own unique culture and attractions.
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Are New Jersey beaches family-friendly?
- Yes! There are plenty of family-friendly options for travelers visiting with kids.
- Many beaches and attractions also cater to those celebrating special occasions like a birthday.
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1. Atlantic City Beach
Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy ocean views on an exciting summer trip.
Famous for its high-rises, casinos, upscale retail stores and fine-dining, Atlantic City draws crowds from NYC and all around the world. The beach surrounding the city is most famous for its boardwalk. Built in 1870, the boardwalk offers a myriad of shops and boutiques along with some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Atlantic City Beach is a wide coastal area that boasts excellent conditions for surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing and other sports. Atlantic City is also home to Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third-tallest lighthouse in the United States.
2. Asbury Park Beach
Relax on the sand and explore artsy attractions during a fun weekend getaway.
Asbury Park Beach is a mile-long stretch of sand that is flanked by a popular boardwalk. Surfers, sunbathers, swimmers, fishers and families routinely flock to the beach for its temperate weather, nice waters and lively atmosphere.
On the Asbury Park Beach boardwalk, visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, mini-golf and other fun activities. Dog owners can bring their four-legged friends to Asbury Park from October 1 through May 15. At other times of the year, guests with dogs can check out the nearby Eighth Avenue Dog Beach. Asbury Park Beach is open to the public year-round except on certain holidays.
3. Seven Mile Beach
Swim in clear waters and sunbathe peacefully on a romantic coastal retreat.
Avalon Beach (Seven Mile Beach ) spans the distance between the towns of Avalon and Stone Harbor. Known for its small-town feel, the area is an ideal getaway for travelers who want to have a relaxing beach vacation. Seven Mile Beach offers a bit of something for everyone.
Watersports enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing, while land lovers can enjoy a game of volleyball or tennis at the beach. Families can entertain little ones at one of the beach's nine parks and playgrounds. Seven Mile Beach, with its tranquil atmosphere and unobstructed coastline, also offers plenty of space for beach combers and joggers.
4. Avon by the Sea
Stroll the quiet boardwalk and admire ocean sights on a relaxing retirement visit.
Avon by the Sea is a popular beachside area near Asbury Park. It is home to a beautiful beach that is open year-round. In the summer months, guests need to present a pre-purchased beach badge in order to gain access to the beach.
The badges are available at three different locations throughout Avon. The beach has a boardwalk with shops and restaurants, restrooms for visitors, and plenty of free parking. Trained lifeguards patrol the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
5. Belmar
Surf the waves and enjoy beachside eats on an exciting family outing.
Belmar Beach is a small but beautiful destination in the central part of the state. The 1.3-mile-long beach is popular among visitors of all ages, but it is especially appealing to families thanks to its tranquil waters and beach playgrounds.
Belmar prides itself on being one of the most accessible beaches in New Jersey, so it's easy to navigate for people with wheelchairs or strollers. The Belmar Boardwalk is a popular spot for walking, jogging and people-watching, and the beach itself offers plenty of amenities, including cell phone charging stations, clean bathrooms, water fountains and beach chair/umbrella rentals.
6. Cape May, New Jersey
Explore Victorian charm and savor coastal views on a romantic spring escape.
Hailed as one of the nation's most beautiful seaside areas, Cape May is home to several unique beaches. Higbee Beach, Steger Beach and Poverty Beach are some of the main attractions in the Cape May. Guests will find a wealth of things to do on land and in the ocean. There is ample space for surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and boating.
On shore, visitors can play a game of beach volleyball, grab a delicious meal at a restaurant or watch for interesting birds and wildlife. Fishing and dog walking are also permitted in some areas. Cape May beaches are open year-round, but visitors are required to have an admission tag during the summer months.
7. Fisherman's Cove
Bring the dog and enjoy a peaceful walk along this easy nature spot.
This 55-acre beach area is a haven for all sorts of birds and wildlife. Formally part of the Monmouth County Park System, Fisherman's Cove is a favorite among fishers, recreational boaters, birdwatchers, walkers and joggers.
As a mixture of a beach and a forest and a popular rest point for all kinds of migrating birds, Fisherman's Cove offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and relaxation. Dogs are allowed in certain parts of Fisherman's Cove, as long as they are kept on a leash. The recreational area is open for tourism year-round.
8. Keansburg
Play arcade games and relax on the beach during a cheap summer trip.
Keansburg , an isolated beach near Middletown, is known for its incredible view of the New York City skyline. Unlike most New Jersey beaches, visitors don't need to purchase a tag in order to visit Keansburg.
The beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset throughout the year. There is a fishing pier at the beach that is also freely available to all visitors. Guests can park in the metered parking lot near Bay Walks, and there are restrooms and showers nearby for public use.
9. Lavallette Beach
Swim with the kids and enjoy a quiet, affordable day by the shore.
Lavallette Beach boasts a mile-long boardwalk as well as two white-sand beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and beach combing. The beach is patrolled by trained lifeguards all throughout the week.
Like most beaches in the area, Lavallette Beach operates on a badge system, where guests over the age of 12 purchase daily, weekly or seasonal passes in advance for beach access. Dogs are not allowed at the beach, but they can be brought on the boardwalk during the off-season if they are on a leash. Ample parking is available on the streets surrounding Lavallette.
10. Long Beach Island
Bike along the coast and savor seafood on a classic summer weekend.
Long Beach Island , known locally as LBI, attracts crowds of beach lovers each day. Less than a mile across,.the 18-mile long island is dotted with cute little seaside towns. Long Beach Island is home to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and a commercial fishing port known as Viking Village.
The liveliest parts of the island are Ship Bottom, Holgate, Brant Beach and Beach Haven, while the quieter parts of LBI include Surf City, Loveladies, North Beach and Harvey Cedar. Aside from its tranquil beaches, LBI's main attractions are Fantasy Island Amusement Park and Thundering Surf Water Park & Adventure Golf.
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm weather and lively boardwalks.
ICONA Cape May – A beachfront boutique hotel with stunning views.
Visit Cape May Beach – Relax on pristine sands and explore the historic Victorian town.
Fall (September-November) – Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Wave Resort – A modern oceanfront stay in Long Branch.
Explore Ocean City – Enjoy family-friendly beaches and an iconic boardwalk.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and quiet, great for peaceful coastal walks.
Bungalow Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel near Pier Village.
Walk Along the Wildwood Boardwalk – Experience the scenic views and off-season charm.
Spring (March-May) – Comfortable weather with blooming coastal scenery.
Congress Hall – A historic and elegant hotel in Cape May.
Visit Asbury Park Beach – Enjoy vibrant street art, live music, and trendy restaurants.
New Jersey Weather by Month
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Precip. (in) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38 | 23 | 3.5 | Cold |
| February | 42 | 26 | 3.0 | Cold |
| March | 52 | 34 | 3.8 | Cool |
| April | 65 | 42 | 3.5 | Mild |
| May | 75 | 54 | 3.7 | Pleasant |
| June | 83 | 63 | 3.9 | Warm & Humid |
| July | 86 | 68 | 4.2 | Hot & Humid |
| August | 84 | 66 | 4.0 | Warm & Humid |
| September | 76 | 56 | 3.8 | Mild |
| October | 63 | 42 | 3.2 | Cool |
| November | 50 | 32 | 3.5 | Cold |
| December | 39 | 25 | 3.3 | Cold |
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Atlantic City Beach
- 2. Asbury Park Beach
- 3. Seven Mile Beach
- 4. Avon by the Sea
- 5. Belmar
- 6. Cape May, New Jersey
- 7. Fisherman's Cove
- 8. Keansburg
- 9. Lavallette Beach
- 10. Long Beach Island