6 Best Jersey Shore, NJ Beaches

By VacationIdea Staff on October 26, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of Caroline - Fotolia.com

When you need to get away from it all, there's no better place to go than a beautiful beach. Beaches mean a lot of different things to everyone. For some, they're a place to escape the stresses and noise of city life; for others, they're a place to have fun with family and friends, building sandcastles, eating picnics, playing games, and swimming in the sea. The United States of America is home to a very long list of beaches, with 23 of the states having some form of coastline on either the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, or Gulf of Mexico. New Jersey is one of them. In fact, the Garden State is home to one of the most famous stretches of sandy coastline in all of America: the Jersey Shore.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Point Pleasant Beach

Definitely one of the most popular Jersey Shore beaches, Point Pleasant Beach is a huge hit with families thanks to the many wonderful and exciting attractions of the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk. This spectacular stretch of seafront is like an all-ages playground, complete with all kinds of fun things to do like an aquarium, rides, ropes course, restaurants, and more. If you're looking for a full day of family fun on the Jersey Shore, Point Pleasant Beach is a must-visit location.

2.Stone Harbor

The Jersey Shore is well-known for its busy, bustling beaches like Point Pleasant, but if you're in the mood for something quieter and calmer, Stone Harbor isn't a bad place to go. It has a lot of great amenities and things to do, but is much more laid-back than some of the livelier Jersey Shore spots. You can find some great stores and eateries, as well as some unique activities like pottery painting and mini golf. As for the beach itself, Stone Harbor offers soft sands and gorgeous views. Best of all, it never gets noisy or crowded, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean.

3.Spring Lake

Spring Lake is one of the most exclusive areas of the Jersey Shore. Lots of upscale stores and boutiques line the streets of the local area, making it a super spot to combine some fun in the sun with an exciting shopping trip. You can spend a few hours exploring the stores and then head on down to the beach to rest your tired legs with a lazy sunbathing session. As with many Jersey Shore beaches, some good quality hotels and restaurants can be enjoyed at Spring Lake too, so it's a top spot no matter what you're looking for.

4.Ocean City

The best thing about Ocean City is its boardwalk. The Ocean City Boardwalk runs for nearly three miles in total and has a lot of fun things to do and places to check out. The Wonderland Pier arcade is filled with rides and games to play, while the local Castaway Cove is also a big hit with families and thrillseekers. Some excellent eateries can be found here too and Ocean City really offers the best of both worlds because you've got all those great amenities and attractions as well as almost eight miles of sandy shore to explore. Whether you're looking for great food and excitement or a secluded spot on the sand, you'll find it at this Jersey Shore beach.

5.Asbury Park

Asbury Park is one of the fastest-growing areas on the Jersey Shore. Recent renovations and developments have helped this are grow into one of the shore's top spots and it's easy to see why. Asbury Park has some of the finest dining opportunities anywhere in New Jersey, with lots of lovely beachfront restaurants to try out. The beach itself is cozy and comfortable, with soft sands and gentle splashing waves. You can enjoy a lot of different beach activities here and the food is out of this world.

6.Inlet Beach

If you're actually hoping to head out on the water and ride some waves off the Jersey Shore, Inlet Beach is the one for you. There are a few good surfing beaches on the shore, but this one really stands out for the challenging waves and exciting conditions it has to offer all-year long. Located in Manasquan, Inlet Beach is always awesome for surfing, but it can be a nice spot to simply sit on the sand and admire the views as well.

7.More Info

Known to locals simply as 'The Shore', the Jersey Shore is the main coastal region of the state of New Jersey. It runs for over 140 miles in total, stretching out from the city of Perth Amboy to Cape May Point and encompassing multiple counties. Well-known for its stunning sands, breathtaking sunsets, unique attractions, boardwalks, water parts, and more, the Jersey Shore is one of the key recreational areas for NJ and draws in many visitors from surrounding states like New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, with Canadian and other international visitors also flocking to the beaches of the Jersey Shore each year to appreciate their unique beauty and attractions.

Jersey Shore Beach Guide

With a huge stretch of coastline, there’s a long list of super beaches to be found along the Jersey Shore. The great thing about these beaches is their variety; some Jersey Shore beaches are crowded and highly popular, with lots of great, family-friendly attractions located just a short walk away from the sand, while others are calmer and quieter, offering romantic, intimate environments for couples and solo travelers to relax. Read on to learn all about the best Jersey Shore beaches.

6 Best Jersey Shore, NJ Beaches

Point Pleasant Beach, Photo: Jin/stock.adobe.com
Stone Harbor, Photo: Lee/stock.adobe.com
Spring Lake, Photo: Sean/stock.adobe.com
Ocean City, Photo: jonbilous/stock.adobe.com
Asbury Park, Photo: Andrew Kazmierski/stock.adobe.com
Inlet Beach, Photo: Jin/stock.adobe.com
More Info, Photo: jonbilous/stock.adobe.com
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Caroline - Fotolia.com

More Ideas: Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, Jersey Shore

Nestled just a few steps from the town’s famous boardwalk along the Jersey Shore in Asbury Park, The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel is a historic boutique hotel that offers an elegant seaside escape. Built over a century ago and serving the public ever since the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel is a Cape May Institute and the go-to place for classic grandeur and timeless charm.

Designed by New York-based Beaux Arts architect Warren Whitney, the hotel gives a nod to the original Victorian architecture of the building in classic design elements and blends them with modern luxuries and breathtaking views to create the ultimate in luxury getaways.

The Berkley features an array of luxury accommodations and designer amenities for discerning business and leisure travelers, with opulent provisions such as premium linens, private bathrooms, deluxe toiletries and complimentary wireless Internet. First-class facilities include a sparkling seasonal outdoor swimming pool with private cabanas, a poolside cocktail bar, five stately ballrooms for special events and functions, and an all-American bar and grill restaurant.

The Berkeley enjoys a coveted beachfront location within walking distance to all the local shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, such as the legendary music venue Stone Pony, and is only an hour away from Philadelphia and New York City.

The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel offers an array of luxurious accommodations and designer amenities. Designed for comfort and style, guest rooms and suites boast chic, contemporary décor in neutral tones with splashes of color, and king or queen size beds with premium bedding, cotton linens and down comforters. Private bathrooms have shower/bath combinations, plush towels, and designer toiletries, and ample living spaces have comfy armchairs, flat panel televisions with cable channels, iPod docking stations, direct dial telephones, air-conditioning and high-speed wireless Internet.

Next read: 20 Best New Jersey Beaches, Romantic Weekend Getaways in New Jersey

The Berkeley Bar & Grill is a family-friendly restaurant that serves a menu of all-American cuisine, classic cocktail, and wines from around the world. The menu includes light meals, salads, sandwiches, entrées, and desserts, while the bar serves a range of craft beer, wines and spirits and handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy drinks at the poolside in a private cabana or in the cozy bar.

Amenities at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel range from a beautiful outdoor swimming with poolside bar and private cabanas, sun loungers and umbrellas to an onsite fitness center with the latest in exercise equipment and free weights and stretching area. The hotel offers onsite free parking, concierge services and five stately ballrooms for special events and functions.

The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel has five grand ballrooms that that can be perfectly tailored to accommodate any wedding, corporate function andother special events from intimate cocktail parties to plated dinner affairs for up to 300 guests. Blending elegant European charm with first-class amenities, the Berkley can accommodate a variety of themes and styles to suit all tastes and needs and provides experienced and professional wedding coordinators to take care of every detail.

The Oval Ballroom boasts 2,550 square feet of space that includes a beautiful dance floor beneath agrand candelabra-style chandelier and an outdoor terrace. This ballroom is ideal for hosting a ceremony, cocktail hour, or wedding reception.

The Versailles Ballroom features 2,900 square feet of space for a lavish dinner reception or cocktail party. Towering white pillars, black-and-white patterned walls, and stately iron chandeliers create an opulent ambiance, and enormous windows provide sweeping views of the ocean.

The grandCrystal Ballroom covers 4,500 square feet with high cathedral ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, elaborate fresco designs, and oversized chandeliers adorned with sparkling crystals.

The 2,000 square-foot Continental Ballroom exudes Old World charm with a stately European design of saffron-colored walls, unique black crystal chandeliers, and sconces, and can host up to 100 seated guests.

The Kingsley isa versatile 6,300 square feet of space with a chic white marble reception area illuminated by skylights and private restrooms.

Asbury Park is packed with a variety of attractions and entertainment from shopping and outdoor recreation to a vibrant nightlife. The hotel is within walking distance of a diverse selection of bars, nightclubs, and music venues, including the legendary rock club, the Stone Pony, as well as the Grand Arcade with a wealth of shops, galleries, and boutiques. Six Flags Amusement Park and Wild Safari Jackson offers fun for the whole family, and the Monmouth Park Racetrack promises exciting racing.

Next read: Weekend Getaways in New Jersey

1401 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712, Phone: 732-776-6700

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More Ideas in NJ: The Virginia Hotel in Cape May

The Virginia Hotel impeccably restored 1879 landmark building in the heart of Cape May, New Jersey. Blending a rich history of modern-day amenities and gracious hospitality, the Virginia Hotel is nestled on a tree-lined street just half a block from the beach and is ideally located for exploring the seaside town.

Built in 1879, the historic Virginia Hotel in Virginia features 24 beautifully appointed guest rooms that have been designed and decorated to provide a contemporary interpretation of seaside sophistication. Each guest room is unique with its own distinct charm, but all of the rooms boast comfortable furnishings in rich fabrics, stylish finishes and modern amenities, including LG plasma televisions with DirecTV, iPod docking stations and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Virginia Hotel offers an array of facilities and amenities to enhance guests’ stay, such as private beach tents on the beach, a comfortable Front Porch for sundowners and drinks, the award-winning Ebbitt Room restaurant and a Tesla electric car charging station. The Virginia Hotel is just a short stroll from the beach and a 10-minute walk to the West End Garage shopping center.

The Virginia Hotel features 24 beautifully appointed guest rooms that have been designed and decorated to provide a contemporary interpretation of seaside sophistication. Charming guest rooms feature signature beds with imported linens, private bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, luxe Belgian towels and Bulgari bath products, and modern amenities, including LG plasma televisions with DirecTV, iPod docking stations and complimentary wireless Internet. Guests enjoy a delicious complimentary continental breakfast each morning of their stay.

Standard Queen Rooms feature beach house chic décor and nautical-inspired artwork, queen-size beds in imported linens and down pillows, private bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, luxe Belgian towels and Bulgari bath products, and modern amenities, including LG plasma televisions with DirecTV, iPod docking stations, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Next read: 20 Best New Jersey Beaches

Spacious Corner Rooms are flooded with natural light through large windows and feature plush signature beds in imported linens and down pillows, private bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, luxe Belgian towels and Bulgari bath products and spacious sitting areas with comfortable sofas. Modern amenities included LG plasma televisions with DirecTV, iPod docking stations and complimentary wireless Internet.

Petite Rooms are intimate and cozy and feature bold décor, custom-made wall coverings, and bright hues. These neat rooms offer comfortable queen-size beds with Victorian-style linens and down pillows, private bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, luxe Belgian towels, and Bulgari bath products. Modern amenities included LG plasma televisions with DirecTV, iPod docking stations and complimentary wireless Internet.

Mid-Sized King Guest Rooms offer modern comfort and a classic ambiance with custom-designed wallpaper, chic accents and Victorian fixtures. Rooms feature signature beds with Italian and Belgian linens, private bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, luxe Belgian towels, and Bulgari bath products, while modern amenities include LG plasma televisions with DirecTV, iPod docking stations and complimentary wireless Internet.

Virginia Rooms with Private Balcony offer tranquil havens in which to escape with comfortable king-size beds in imported linens and down pillows, private bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, luxe Belgian towels and Bulgari bath products and spacious sitting areas with comfortable sofas. Soothing pastel hues create a serene ambiance, and private balconies are the perfect spot for morning coffee. Modern amenities included LG plasma televisions with DirecTV, iPod docking stations and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Ebbitt Room is the hotel’s award-winning restaurant that serves a creative farm-to-table, and farm-to-glass menu sourced from the hotel’s own Beach Plum Farm. The Ebbitt Room boasts a casual, elegant dining room, a classic bar and lounge with live piano music on weekends and a delightful Front Porch from which to enjoy alfresco dining. Th restaurant presents small plates and multi-course dinners of farm-fresh classic American regional cuisine, as well as a comprehensive bar list of handcrafted cocktails, signature spirits, and craft beers and wines from around the world.

The Virginia Hotel offers an array of facilities and amenities, including the award-winning Ebbitt Room restaurant, private beach tents on the beach, and a Tesla electric car charging station. Guests staying at the Virginia Hotel have complimentary access to the facilities and amenities of Congress Hall, such as the swimming pool and Grand Lawn, the luxurious Sea Spa at Congress Hall, yoga classes, beach boot camp, a fully equipped fitness center and a range of activities including running, walking, and biking.The Virginia Hotel offers guests complimentary golf cart transport to various restaurants, Beach Plum Farm, and the attractions and historic sites of Cape May or bikes to use for self-guided exploration. Cape May offers one of the best bird-watching destinations in the country.

The Virginia Hotel presents a variety of beautiful spaces for special events and functions, ranging from weddings and receptions to business meetings, corporate functions, and other gatherings. The Virginia Hotel offers a range of wedding packages, including the Intimate Elopement Package, and the Perfect Seaside Wedding Package. The Elopement Package includes a private vow exchange, an ordained officiant, a professional photographer, a bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere, a five-course Chef’s dinner for two, and a champagne toast.

The Perfect Seaside Wedding Package includes expert assistance with wedding planning, wedding agenda coordination, menu selection and ceremony services, an onsite Event Coordinator, and a vendor list, including florists, musicians, photographers and other event service specialists in the area. The package also offers a complimentary valet parking service, a private tasting and menu consultation, designer linens, premium bar and champagne toast services, hot and cold hors d'oeuvre selections, and plated and stationed reception packages.

Back to: Cape May and New Jersey Getaways.

25 Jackson St, Cape May, 08204, Phone: 609-884-5700

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More Ideas in NJ: The Southern Mansion in Cape May

The Southern Mansion is a luxurious bed and breakfast in the quaint village of Cape May. Built in the late 1800s, the historic mansion is surrounded by one-and-a-half acres of exquisitely manicured gardens in the heart of Cape May’s historic district and is just a short walk away from some of South Jersey’s most beautiful beaches, bustling restaurants, and shops.

The Southern Mansion features luxurious guest rooms and suites with private bathrooms and modern conveniences, upscale facilities and amenities, including daily housekeeping and evening turndown services, and serves a full gourmet breakfast for guests every morning. The Willow Creek Winery is situated near to the Southern Mansion and features a 9,500 square-foot villa that is open daily to the public for wine tasting.

The Southern Mansion features deluxe accommodations in the form of comfortable guest rooms and suites with king, or queen-size beds with pillow-top mattresses and luxurious linens, and private bathrooms with showers and claw foot tubs, plush towels, and organic toiletries. Modern amenities include flat-screen televisions with cable channels, direct dial telephones, hairdryers, and complimentary wireless Internet. A full maid and evening turndown service is available in all rooms.

Guest rooms range from Standard King and Queen rooms and Deluxe, Premier and Superior King rooms to a luxurious Master Suite. Standard King and Queen rooms feature king or queen-sized beds with pillow-top mattresses and deluxe linens, private bathrooms with single or double showers and/or claw foot tubs, and spacious sitting areas with modern amenities.

King Deluxe rooms are spacious and bright with king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with showers and/or baths and cozy sitting rooms with comfortable seating and flat-screen televisions. King Premier rooms are double level rooms with king-size beds in luxury linens, private bathrooms with single or double showers and/or claw foot tubs and spacious sitting areas with modern amenities. King Superior rooms are double volume rooms with high ceilings, private solariums, spacious sitting areas with extra day beds and king-size bedrooms.

The Master Suite is a beautifully appointed 750 square foot room with high ceilings and sumptuous furnishings. The suite features a king-size bed with pillow-top mattresses and deluxe linens, a private bathroom with tiled double shower and deep soaking tub, plush towels and organic bath products. A spacious sitting area has an elaborately carved fireplace mantel, antique furnishings, and a private enclosed porch with a furnished sitting area.

A delicious home cooked breakfast is served in the elegant dining room every morning.

The Southern Mansion offers an array of luxurious amenities for maximum comfort and convenience. Furnished with original antique furniture, the beautiful hotel serves a delicious home cooked breakfast every morning in the elegant dining room, and offers concierge services, beach chairs, and towels for use in the summer months and complimentary wireless Internet throughout the property.

Extra services for guests staying at the Southern Mansion include cheese and fruit platters, chocolate covered strawberries, fruit baskets with assorted fresh seasonal fruits, and tailor-made gift basket.

Thing to do in the surrounding area

Cape May offers a variety of year-round activities and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Summers are long and warm with beaches of all sizes offering swimming, paddling, kayaking, beachcombing and sunbathing, as well as sailing, fishing, surfing and more. Known as the ‘Restaurant Capital of New Jersey,' Cape May is home to several award-winning restaurants that serve a range of international cuisine from classic Creole to gourmet French. A vibrant nightlife offers great entertainment in the form of local theater groups, jazz festivals, live music, and movies, as well as bustling nightclubs, elegant cocktail lounges, and stylish bars.

History as cultural tours explores the rich heritage of the area, including the Victorian architecture of the town, which can be enjoyed on trolley and horse-and-carriage rides, bicycles, or walking. Cape May is also full of interesting boutiques, arts and craft shops, and hosts fantastic local farmers markets selling homemade goodies such as cheeses, chocolate, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Visit one of the award-winning local vineyards and wineries in the region for cellar tours and wine tasting, enjoy relaxing picnics in the gardens in and around Cape May, or go bird-watching in the wetlands, which is the largest migratory bird area in North America.

Back to: Best Things to Do in Cape May and Weekend Getaways in New Jersey

720 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 800-381-3888

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