USA TODAY 10Best
A shore thing: 10 best beaches in New Jersey
Best Beach in New Jersey (2024)
New Jersey offers beachgoers 130 miles of coastline dotted with beaches, barrier islands, lighthouses, and scenic views. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the white sand beaches of the Jersey Shore each year, and it's easy to see why.
An expert panel nominated their picks for the best beaches in the Garden State, then readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best beaches in New Jersey.
- Asbury Park - Asbury Park, New Jersey
- Brigantine Beach - Brigantine, New Jersey
- Island Beach State Park - Seaside Park, New Jersey
- Avalon - Avalon, New Jersey
- Long Beach Island - Long Beach, New Jersey
- Cape May - Cape May, New Jersey
- Atlantic City - Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Sea Isle City - Sea Isle City, New Jersey
- Ocean City - Ocean City, New Jersey
- The Wildwoods - Wildwood, New Jersey
Photo courtesy of WoodysPhotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 10:
Famous for its vibrant boardwalk and live music scene, Asbury Park offers a dynamic coastal experience for beachgoers of all ages. It’s fun to soak up the sun on the expansive sandy shores, go surfing, and take a dip in the refreshing ocean waves. Everything here is close by — you can easily rent beach chairs and umbrellas, browse shops, and grab a snack at the beachfront eateries. Afterwards, catch some live music steps away from the ocean.
Photo courtesy of JasonPaluck / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 9:
Primarily a residential destination, Brigantine attracts repeat visitors with its natural beauty, offering miles of serene beaches, framed by dunes and stunning wildlife habitats. Whether you're fishing by the shoreline, kayaking through the bays, or splashing in the waves, Brigantine Beach provides a fun destination for all ages. Plus, you can drive on the beach in certain areas only — permit required.
Photo courtesy of Jorge Moro / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 8:
Island Beach State Park occupies a narrow barrier island separating the Atlantic Ocean from Barnegat Bay for some 10 miles. The coastal dunes here remain largely untouched, and the sandy beach is one of the most undeveloped on the Atlantic coast.
Photo courtesy of arlutz73 / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 7:
Avalon is an upscale seaside retreat with soft sands, shimmering waters, and a laid-back ambience ideal for family vacations. You can simply lounge on the beach and admire the waves, or surf, kayak, and fish along the shore. Most of the island is residential, so you’ll find parking, some amenities, and restaurants near the busier, central beach entrances.
Photo courtesy of Juan Mayobre
No. 6:
Long Beach Island features idyllic beaches, charming seaside communities, and an abundance of recreational opportunities for beachgoers of all ages. Whether you're surfing the waves, fishing off the shoreline, splashing in the shallow water, or napping on your beach blanket, Long Beach Island provides a quintessential beach experience. The island is primarily residential, although parking and amenities are located at main beach entrance points along the island.
Photo courtesy of Spirit Catcher Photography
No. 5:
Family-friendly Cape May exudes historic charm with its picturesque Victorian architecture, leafy streets, and quaint boutiques, all overlooking the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches here are truly enchanting and convenient to food (and amenities). In the evening, it’s a tradition for visitors and locals alike to gather and admire the sun setting behind the Cape May Lighthouse. The promenade spans several blocks throughout the busier section of town and has seating with access to the sand.
Photo courtesy of Creative-Family / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 4:
Atlantic City is home to the longest boardwalk in the world, and features an iconic skyline with bustling casinos, and many entertainment options. The wide beaches here are ideal for body surfing, playing in the waves, or just strolling by the water. With a backdrop of the giant Ferris wheel and amusement park, the city boasts plenty of restaurants and amenities (like beach chairs and umbrella rentals) along the main beach access points.
Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 3:
In southern New Jersey, Sea Isle City’s delightful, family-friendly beach scene attracts enthusiastic beachgoers of all ages. From swimming in the ocean waves and sunbathing on its wide, soft, sandy shores, to fishing off the pier, these beaches are delightful for oceanside fun. There are food options and other amenities close to the main beach access points around town.
Photo courtesy of Ocean City Chamber of Commerce
No. 2:
Ocean City is a beloved, family-friendly coastal hub that attracts multi-generational visitors year after year. Adjacent to its legendary boardwalk with carnival rides and entertainment, the beaches stretch for miles. Visitors adore swimming, wading in the waves, and lying on the sandy shore along the lifeguard-monitored beaches. It’s fun to build sandcastles, play paddle ball, and grab an ice cream or snack on the boardwalk.
No. 1:
Featuring the largest stretches of sand on the Jersey Shore (500 yards wide at points), The Wildwoods provide plenty of space for beachgoers to spread out. In fact, they offer a unique beach taxi service that brings visitors from the boardwalk to a spot closer to the ocean to set up their chairs and umbrellas. On the beach, guests can play volleyball, surf, boogie board, or just play in the waves. Surrounded by iconic retro architecture, the legendary Wildwood Boardwalk is a big entertainment hub, offering an electric vibe day and night.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50... Read More
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los... Read More
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in... Read More
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Shea Peters
Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent... Read More
Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on Instagram and Twitter.
Shea Peters
Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on Instagram and Twitter.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
