The Best Beach Towns for a Summer Along the Jersey Shore

Match your mood to your beach town.

The Northeast ’s coastline is a thing of fable . From rocky alcove and sandyshores accessible by public transitto hundred - old lighthouse and iconic boardwalks straight out of the motion-picture show , when thirst beach prison term , it ’s the Jersey Shore or flop .

The Shore , which runs from halfway down the state ’s easterly side to its southernmost tip , is more than just all - nighters inAtlantic Cityand the fake tans plus fist pumps that became iconic after a certain notorious MTV reality show . Each small beach town maintains its own discrete character full of laid back surf spot , company destinations , and family - well-disposed natural action . These are New Jersey ’s most charming oceanfront communities .

Asbury Park

The Ithiel Town Bruce Springsteen immortalized , Asbury Park has undergo a revitalization to draw a younger , hipper , and more diverse bunch . Thanks to the nostalgic pull of theSilverball Museum Arcade , summertime concert at theStone Pony , and the Instagram - courting wall painting on theSunset Pavilion , it ’s worked . Asbury Park has even been dubbed “ Brooklyn on the beach , ” in case there was any doubt . Asbury ’s beach is also one of the most LGBTQ+ favorable down the shore while the beat back - in - dash rooftop picture show theater atThe Asburymakes for a utter conclusion to a Clarence Shepard Day Jr. in the Lord’s Day .

Avalon

Avalon is at the north close ofSeven - Mile Beach , a piece of land that juts out one mile far into the Atlantic Ocean than any other part of the Jersey Shore . Perhaps that ’s why it maintains a secluded atmosphere , draw in a wealthier , Lilly Pulitzer - sporting crowd . But just like in any other Jersey Shore Ithiel Town , there ’s always mini golf . Check outPirate Island Miniature Golffor the most extra experience , complete with waterfalls , interruption bridge , and a gargantuan plagiariser ship .

Belmar

Whether they care it or not — andapparently they don’t — Belmar has a report for being the Jersey Shore ’s party destination . It does n’t aid those naysayer that its marina is dwelling to New Jersey’slargest company boat fleet . Apart from that conniption , there ’s a town that ’s been mostly revive since Hurricane Sandy , with a more relaxed boardwalk than those at Seaside or Wildwood . And the beach gets cleaned every morning , which realize for some really pristine sands … at least for a few magic hours .

Cape May

You ’ll finger like you ’ve infix a time buckle when you reach this crown jewel of the Jersey Shore where horse - drawn carriages and tram satiate the streets . Stop by the taste room atCape May Brewing Companybefore taking ahistoric ghost tour of duty . stumble the brick - pave street to insure out the open - airWashington Street Mall , filled with one - of - a - kind gifts and sweet-flavored treat byLouisa ’s Chocolate Bar , which has been do farm - to - table cup of tea since 1980 . Or just make relaxed on one ofCape May ’s gorgeous beacheslike the Cove , a chill spot where you might even spy a mahimahi learn a leap .

Long Beach Island

The LBI siren telephone to surfers far and wide . So , it also make mother wit that it ’s household to the first Ron Jon Surf Shop . The break at Holyoke Avenue in Beach Haven is the most popular , but top dog to the southerly point of LBI and you ’ll have more space to catch a few waves . And if you ’d rather hang out than cling 10 , you ’ve get naut mi of sandy , boardwalk - spare beachfront to pick out from .

Long Branch

Long Branch ’s beach is a less - crowd alternative to its company - centrical neighbors . To set the lay back vibes , you’re able to enter through theSeven President ’s Oceanfront Park , a peaceful quad with a playground , skate park , and carefully maintained dunes . If you ’d care to pair off your beaching with some shopping , head toPier Village Shopping Plaza , a hive - similar retail composite that include mellow - closing stores , trendy dress shop , and an arcade featuring practical - reality game .

Ocean City

Ocean City is the epitome of a family destination—“New Jersey ’s Disney World , ” in the words of the city ’s city manager , Jay Gillian . AtPlayland ’s Castaway Cove , you could ride the triple - launch GaleForce roller coaster and the Giant Wheel , a 90 - understructure - high ferris roulette wheel with beautiful Atlantic City skyline views . check that to hold back byOcean City Coffee Company , too , where you could choose from a miscellany of roast sourced from around the reality . Since this is a ironic town , cause high on brine taffy and fudge fromShriver’s — the firstborn business on the boardwalk at more than 120 year old — is as crazy as things get . But hey , at least you ’ll really remember all the fun you had in Ocean City .

Ocean Grove

Founded in 1869 by a group of Methodist minister of religion , Ocean Grove stomach out forbeinga “ ease from the crowd , commercialism , and noise of other New Jersey beach . ” The principal attractor here isTent City , a community camping area that house family unit looking to relax and attend worship overhaul . There ’s alsothe Great Auditorium , a concert venue with acoustics that have been equate to Carnegie Hall . To con more about the town headway tothe Historical Society of Ocean Grove , a museum that celebrates the town ’s unequalled flavor .

Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant is for phratry . Jenkinson ’s Boardwalk , which stretches a mile along the shoring , extend some good sometime - fashioned play by way of an marine museum , an arcade , an entertainment park , three mini - golf course , and a 4,000 - square - foot fun house . For a unlike sort of thrill , Point Pleasant is also love for antiquate . A favorite among the many shop isPoint Pavilion Antique Centre , which domiciliate some 50 Peter Sellers of furniture , jewelry , toy , and onetime records . This office , coupled with theVintage Automobile Museum of New Jersey , chip in Point Pleasant its retro air . Your salutary bet for daytime drinking is at any one of the boardwalk stripe , likeJenk ’s Club Beach Bar , an ideal hangout for ocean views , live music , and a vibrant atmosphere .

Sandy Hook

The faithful Jersey beach to New York City , Sandy Hook is the place to go when you ’re looking for a no - fuss day tripper from Manhattan . After a cruise on theSeastreakferry , each of Sandy Hook ’s six beaches present unique enclaves of relaxation for visitors . From tour the oldest functional lighthouse in the country , Sandy Hook Lighthouse , to achieve that no - tangent - contrast glow good manners of the Gunnison bare beach , there ’s something for everyone . Also , the beach sit around on federal state , so booze is allowed . Sandy Hook is n’t a eating house hot - spot , so packing a outing from family is the way to go .

Seaside Heights

Spring Lake

Once a Gilded Age repair pip for wealthy New Yorkers , Spring Lake is still a vacation goal for urbanites who need a glimpse at how the other half lives . Just 60 knot from downtown NYC and approachable by train , million - dollar Victorian homes and manicured lawn make the place feel much far away than it in reality is . The beach features the long non - commercial boardwalk in the state , two air mile of pristine moxie , and peaceable vibes . For longer trip , Koran a room at the historicBreakers , the only beachside hotel in town . For an after - beach treat , stop byHoffman ’s Ice Cream , an institution that ’s been process up unusual flavors since 1976 . We recommend the signature Jersey Monkey ( banana sparkler cream , peanut butter swirls , chocolate chips ) .

Stone Harbor

Stone Harbor is a quiet crime syndicate escape where you’re able to lallygag alongside dune , flee a kite above a twist - swept stretch of sand , or rent a kayak fromHarbor Outfittersand paddle the bay . For more adventure , motorcycle around the island or visit theWetlands Institute , where you may take an eco - cruise and get to get it on local wildlife . End your sidereal day with a trip toSpringer ’s Homemade Ice Cream , which has been a Stone Harbor fixture since the 1920s .

Wildwood

Wildwood is engulfed in doo wop — both the music and the computer architecture style — and the homespunDoo Wop Preservation Leaguewon’t allow you forget it with their museum and historical circuit . Gaze at the retro buildings and it ’s clear that the 1950s and ’ 60s are alert in this seaside escape , where the beach is free and wear a poodle bird to thelocal ice cream shopfeels exactly correct . For something a little more innovative , check outartBOX , an artist colony composed of 11 brilliantly paint merchant vessels containers . The three amusement parks alongthe Wildwood Boardwalk — Mariner ’s Pier , Adventure Pier , and Surfside wharfage — together boast more than 100 drive and attracter for every stripe of hothead . The bravest will want to crack out the Great Nor’Easter coaster , featuring a 95 - foot fall .

Aerial view of Asbury Park, New Jersey