10 Best New Jersey Beach Towns, According to Local Experts

Top spots for sea, sand, and surf along the Garden State coast.

New Jersey borders New York to the north, Delaware to the south, and Pennsylvania to the west. When it comes to fun in the sun, all eyes are on its eastern neighbor: the Atlantic Ocean. The Garden State supplies 130 miles of beachfront real estate, from the top of Sandy Hook to the top of Cape May. And while a certain MTV reality hit series may have depicted one particular — raucous — side of the Jersey Shore, that’s far from the whole picture. Just take it from the millions of families, couples, and relaxation-seeking groups of pals who catch rays on the sandy beaches and hit the boardwalks each summer.

Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic fun of Ocean City or the chill vibes of Avalon, there’s a seaside destination to suit every traveler. Can’t decide where to go? Read on for the best New Jersey beach towns, according to experts.

Cape May

“One of the most beloved towns in New Jersey, Cape May has long been the gem of the Jersey Shore,” says Bob Haislip, area manager for Cape May. This storied coastal playground boasts an impressive concentration of Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches, and ample attractions that make it a multigenerational family destination. Besides building sandcastles and strolling along the seaside promenade, visitors can enjoy trolley tours of the historic downtown, shop around the pedestrian-friendly Washington Street Mall, and eat at the many excellent restaurants.

Related: 15 Best Places to Visit in New Jersey, According to Local Experts

Ocean City

“The Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the most famous promenades in the state, with more than 100 years of history,” explains Diane Wieland, chairperson of Southern Shore Region DMO. Visitors flock to the wooden walkways for rides, mini golf, arcade games, classic crowd-pleasing eats — from hot dogs and burgers to fries and pizza — and sweet treats. Don’t leave without trying the soft serve. The town also offers sandy beaches and shops along Asbury Avenue. Head to Corson's Inlet State Park for hiking trails and wildlife.

Beach Haven

Surfing, fishing, and boating are just a few of the favorite activities in Beach Haven, a borough of Long Beach Island. It’s also a great place to chow down on fresh seafood at the local restaurants. Families love the rides, games, and arcade at Fantasy Island Amusement Park, Of course, in a destination known for its chill atmosphere, there’s no rulebook saying you have to do a whole lot of anything, especially when miles of white-sand beaches are waiting.

Spring Lake

High society from New York and Philadelphia used to decamp to Spring Lake back in the day. (Think of it as the North Jersey equivalent of Newport, Rhode Island.) While this storied coastal resort is past its Gilded Age heyday, that sense of grandeur and exclusivity remains with million-dollar mansions, well-groomed beaches, and a lengthy boardwalk. Don’t leave without grabbing a scoop or two from Hoffman’s Ice Cream, an institution since 1976.

Stone Harbor

Quiet and charming with a slower pace and nice family vibe, Stone Harbor, Avalon’s southern neighbor on Seven Mile Island, is very much a place to get away with the kids. However, that’s not to say couples won’t find plenty of appeal, too. The dune-backed beaches are rarely packed and quite relaxing.  Vacationers who crave activities can ride bikes and go paddleboarding on the bay. Instead of a nightcap, treat your sweet tooth to a cone from Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream or pick up some homemade fudge from Douglass Candies.

Asbury Park

Back and better than ever, Asbury Park recently underwent a major revitalization that restored it to its former glory and even upped its cool factor. So, it’s a great time to roll out a towel on the sandy beach and hit the boardwalk snack stands. The live music venues are nothing short of legendary. Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi have rocked out at The Stone Pony. The Wonder Bar and The Saint also host awesome live shows. And you don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the array of games and pinball machines at Silverball Retro Arcade.

Avalon

No list of the best beach towns in New Jersey would be complete without Avalon. Situated on Seven Mile Island, which it shares with Stone Harbor to the south, this Cape May County borough feels like an upscale Jersey Shore vacation option with a sandy shoreline and well-heeled atmosphere. The amusements are minimal, but that’s sort of the point. Who needs amusement parks and flashy nightclubs when you have pristine white sand and Atlantic waves? Don’t worry, there’s still mini golf and ice cream for a little after-dinner fun.

Margate

Mostly residential with a mix of full-time residents and second-home owners who return each summer, Margate has a laid-back feel to it. “Everyone seems to know each other — people have been going for generations,” says ToursByLocals guide Maria Gorshin. The long, sandy beaches and relaxed, small-town atmosphere attract many families. “Picture dads pushing big-wheeled wagons loaded up with sand toys, chairs, umbrellas, and coolers full of snacks. Crews pack into Betty's Seafood Shack for the lobster rolls. The Margate Dairy Bar is the ultimate classic after-dinner gathering spot,” she adds.

Point Pleasant Beach

Families flock to Point Pleasant Beach in the summer for good old-fashioned fun in the sun. Jenkinson's Boardwalk boasts amusement rides, mini golf, arcade games, and an aquarium with sharks, penguins, and seals. The wide, sandy beaches are ideal for building castles and cooling off in the waves. When hunger hits, head to one of the laid-back restaurants for seafood, ocean views, and live music. The best way to end the day? A little something sweet from Hoffman's Ice Cream.

Ocean Grove

Anyone looking for a little R&R will enjoy peaceful Ocean Grove, a pint-sized dry town and summer resort. Known for its Victorian houses, sandy beach, and booze ban, it’s a lovely place to bring the whole family. There’s a long boardwalk for strolling and biking, and it’s typically pretty quiet. The only sounds you’ll hear are crashing waves interspersed with tennis balls hitting rackets, and children giggling. Like so many beloved Jersey Shore destinations, it has a few ice cream parlors and souvenir shops, too.

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