Beaches & Waterfront
Gateway National Recreation Area — Sandy Hook
Beach day with lighthouse, bike paths, and bay views.
🏖️ New Jersey
Best Beaches & Waterfront in New Jersey
Discover 40 of the best beaches & waterfront the Garden State has to offer.
Best Beaches & Waterfront in NJ
We've curated 40 of the best beaches & waterfront across New Jersey — from the Shore to the Highlands and everywhere in between.
Beaches & Waterfront
Cape May Beach
Wide beaches with classic shore amenities and sunset views.
Beaches & Waterfront
Island Beach State Park
Protected barrier island with beaches, dunes, and nature trails.
Beaches & Waterfront
Spring Lake Beach
Wide beach and a beautiful boardwalk for a quieter day.
Beaches & Waterfront
Margate City Beach
Beach day plus a stop at Lucy the Elephant nearby.
Beaches & Waterfront
Avalon Beach
Classic shore destination with great beach access.
Beaches & Waterfront
Sunset at Sunset Beach
Classic sunset spot; great family photos.
Beaches & Waterfront
Ocean Grove boardwalk & historic district
Charming Victorian architecture, quiet vibe, and easy walk to Asbury Park.
Beaches & Waterfront
Wildwood Boardwalk
Big boardwalk energy—rides, arcades, food, and free beaches.
Beaches & Waterfront
Long Branch Beach & Pier Village
Beach access plus dining and shopping in a modern oceanfront complex.
Beaches & Waterfront
Seaside Heights Boardwalk
High-energy boardwalk with rides, games, and summer crowds.
Beaches & Waterfront
Belmar Beach
Lively beach scene with boardwalk and nearby dining.
Questions About Beaches & Waterfront in New Jersey
New Jersey has a remarkable variety of Beaches & Waterfront spread across all four regions — North Jersey, Central Jersey, the Jersey Shore, and South Jersey. We've curated 40 of the best Beaches & Waterfront across the state to help you plan your visit.
Yes! Many of New Jersey's best Beaches & Waterfront are free or low cost. Look for the 🆓 Free tag on attraction cards above to find no-cost options near you.
It depends on the specific attraction, but New Jersey generally shines in spring and fall for outdoor sites. Summer is great for shore-related activities, and many indoor attractions are ideal for rainy days or winter visits.
Absolutely. New Jersey is a fantastic family destination. Look for the 👧 Kids tag on attraction cards above to quickly find family-friendly options. NJ also has many free parks and public spaces perfect for all ages.