Your Guide To

Our Favorite New Jersey Beaches

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Relax. Explore. Enjoy.

The best Jersey Shore destinations for family activities, boardwalk fun, memorable meals, shopping, entertainment, and plenty of time by the ocean.

More Than Just a Day at the Beach

Every Jersey Shore town has its own personality. Some are filled with rides, arcades, and family attractions, while others are known for outstanding restaurants, quiet streets, charming downtowns, and beautiful places to relax.

Finding the Right Shore Town

New Jersey has an incredible variety of beach communities, and choosing where to go depends on the experience you want. A great beach day might mean rides and boardwalk games with the children, a relaxing afternoon followed by a memorable dinner, or a full weekend exploring shops, attractions, and local favorites.

These are the destinations we recommend when considering the complete experience — not only the beach, but also the family activities, places to eat, entertainment, and overall fun that make a trip to the Shore special.

Find Your Perfect Jersey Shore Escape

Start with the type of experience your family is looking for.

Best OverallCape May

Best for FamiliesPoint Pleasant Beach

Classic Family VacationOcean City

Best Food & EntertainmentAsbury Park

Best BoardwalkWildwood

Relaxed WeekendLong Beach Island

Quiet & BeautifulSpring Lake

Smaller-Town FavoriteBradley Beach

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Our Favorite New Jersey Beach Towns

From classic family resorts to quieter coastal escapes, these towns offer some of the best combinations of beaches, food, activities, and entertainment at the Jersey Shore.

#1

Best Overall Shore Destination

Cape May

Cape May County, New Jersey

Cape May offers one of the most complete Shore experiences in New Jersey. It combines beautiful beaches with Victorian architecture, excellent restaurants, charming shopping, and attractions that work for both families and couples.

Spend time at the beach, browse the Washington Street Mall, visit the lighthouse, take a dolphin or whale-watching cruise, explore nearby wineries, or finish the day watching the sunset.

Best For

FamiliesCouplesRestaurantsShoppingHistoric CharmWeekend Trips

Explore Cape May

#2

Best for Families with Children

Point Pleasant Beach

Ocean County, New Jersey

Point Pleasant Beach is one of New Jersey's easiest choices for a complete family day. Jenkinson's Boardwalk brings together rides, games, arcades, mini golf, treats, and the popular aquarium, all beside a beautiful beach.

There are plenty of casual places to eat near the boardwalk, seafood options around town, and a walkable downtown when the family wants a change of pace.

Best For

Young ChildrenJenkinson's AquariumBoardwalk RidesArcadesMini GolfDay Trips

Visit Jenkinson's

#3

Classic Family Beach Vacation

Ocean City

Cape May County, New Jersey

Ocean City has long been known as a classic family resort. Its wide beach and lively boardwalk offer amusement rides, mini golf, bike rentals, shopping, water attractions, and traditional Shore food.

Alcohol is not sold on the island, which helps create the quieter, family-centered atmosphere many visitors appreciate. It is especially well suited for a multi-day family vacation.

Best For

Family VacationsBoardwalkBike RidesMini GolfShoppingTraditional Shore Fun

Explore Ocean City

#4

Best for Food, Music & Entertainment

Asbury Park

Monmouth County, New Jersey

Asbury Park is an excellent choice when different members of the family want different things. The city combines a popular beach and boardwalk with restaurants, boutique shopping, art, live music, and a lively downtown.

It is especially enjoyable for families with teenagers, adult groups, and couples who want a Shore destination with plenty to do after leaving the beach.

Best For

RestaurantsLive MusicTeenagersShoppingNightlifeCouples

Explore Asbury Park

#5

Best for Boardwalk Rides & Big Fun

Wildwood

Cape May County, New Jersey

Wildwood is the destination for families who want nonstop activity. Its famously wide beaches and large boardwalk are joined by amusement piers, water parks, arcades, boardwalk games, pizza shops, and frozen custard stands.

There is enough to keep a family busy for several days, making Wildwood particularly appealing to children, teenagers, and anyone who enjoys a lively Shore atmosphere.

Best For

Morey's PiersAmusement RidesWater ParksArcadesTeenagersLarge Beaches

Explore Wildwood

#6

Best Relaxed Family Getaway

Long Beach Island

Ocean County, New Jersey

Long Beach Island offers a more relaxed Shore atmosphere while still providing families with plenty to explore. Beach Haven is home to Fantasy Island, Bay Village, casual restaurants, shopping, and family entertainment.

Farther north, visitors can see Barnegat Lighthouse, enjoy quieter beaches, or take in a beautiful sunset over the bay.

Best For

Family WeekendsBeach HavenFantasy IslandSeafoodSunsetsRelaxation

Explore Long Beach Island

#7

Lively Family Beach Weekend

Sea Isle City

Cape May County, New Jersey

Sea Isle City combines beautiful beaches with a walkable promenade, casual restaurants, live entertainment, and a cheerful family atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, community events, and time on the beach during the day, followed by dinner and evening entertainment around town.

Best For

FamiliesPromenadeFishingKayakingCasual DiningLive Entertainment

Explore Sea Isle City

#8

Best for Quiet Coastal Charm

Spring Lake

Monmouth County, New Jersey

Spring Lake offers a calmer and more refined Shore experience. The town is known for its peaceful beach, beautiful boardwalk, attractive homes, charming downtown, and scenic lake.

It is a lovely choice for couples, families with younger children, and anyone who wants a quieter day without amusement rides or a crowded commercial boardwalk.

Best For

Quiet BeachesCouplesYoung FamiliesScenic WalksBoutique ShoppingRelaxation

Explore Spring Lake

#9

Smaller-Town Shore Favorite

Bradley Beach

Monmouth County, New Jersey

Bradley Beach is a welcoming smaller Shore town that often feels less hectic than some of its larger neighbors. It has a wide beach, a family atmosphere, and a walkable downtown with restaurants and local businesses.

Its location also makes it easy to combine a quieter beach day with dinner or entertainment in nearby Asbury Park.

Best For

Relaxed Day TripsWalkable DowntownFamiliesRestaurantsLess-Crowded FeelLocal Charm

Explore Bradley Beach

#10

Best for Beach, Marina & Dining

Belmar

Monmouth County, New Jersey

Belmar balances a popular beach and boardwalk with a marina, fishing, restaurants, festivals, and live entertainment. Families can enjoy a full beach day, while adults will find plenty of options for dinner and evening fun.

It works well as a lively day trip and is conveniently located near several other popular Monmouth County Shore towns.

Best For

Beach DaysMarinaFishingRestaurantsFestivalsLive Music

Explore Belmar

Our Top Five for the Complete Shore Experience

These destinations offer the strongest overall combination of beaches, family activities, dining, and entertainment.

#1Cape MayBest Overall

#2Point Pleasant BeachBest for Families

#3Ocean CityClassic Family Vacation

#4Asbury ParkBest Food & Entertainment

#5WildwoodBest Boardwalk Fun

Enjoy the Jersey Shore

Whether your perfect trip includes amusement rides, a quiet stretch of sand, a great seafood dinner, or an entire weekend exploring, there is a New Jersey beach town that fits the experience you are looking for.

Enjoy Every Bite... Every Journey... Courtney & Dillon