Salty, Sandy WOWs: Dan Zarrow’s Guide to Great New Jersey Beaches

Summertime is Jersey Shore time!

I dare you to find a single New Jersey resident who has not spent a delightful day basking in the sun on a beach, boardwalk, or bay. And I would wager that every New Jerseyan has a "favorite" beach town, somewhere along our 130 miles of stunning shoreline, with the perfect combination of convenience, attractions, and amenities for their family's ideal summer day.

It is so hard to capture all the great spots to swim, suntan, fish, and frolic along the Jersey Shore. In fact, entire books have been written about individual towns along our coastline. Each one has its own personality, a list of WOW features that make it sparkle.

For my guide to the salty, sandy WOWs of New Jersey beaches, I am taking a different approach. Rather than taking a deep dive, I try to capture the unique character of 20 Shore communities in a single word. Then, I offer a couple of sentences describing the family-friendly and fun-forward features that make each Jersey Shore town sparkle.

This article is part of a special series brought to you by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.

Keansburg: Underdog

If you have never ventured to the Raritan Bay shore, you're missing out on a unique and affordable day trip. Step into the past at Keansburg Amusement Park, where kids can ride bumper cars and Ferris wheels just steps from the sand. Add in Runaway Rapids Waterpark, and you’ve got a full day of affordable, retro seaside fun.

Sandy Hook: Untamed

This barrier spit is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. A paradise for young explorers, with lifeguarded beaches, bike trails, and the historic Fort Hancock. Families can also climb Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the U.S. And then, of course, there is the infamous Gunnison Beach.

Long Branch: Energetic

Spend the day at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, which has a life-guarded beach, playground, and skatepark. Clean, wide sands and easy boardwalk access make it great for kids of all ages. Spend the evening at Pier Village, with easy parking and excellent dining options.

Asbury Park: Eclectic

The colorful character and musical history of Asbury Park are truly one-of-a-kind. Kids will love Asbury Splash Park, with its spray fountains and climbing areas, while parents appreciate the adjacent boardwalk and beach. Don’t miss the Silverball Retro Arcade for all-ages pinball and video game fun.

Belmar: Surfy

Belmar is a popular spot for both amateur and professional surfers, frequently hosting competitions and exhibitions. With multiple life-guarded beaches and Maclearie Park offering fishing and playgrounds, Belmar is a hotspot for active families. The 5th Ave and 6th Ave beaches are particularly popular with younger kids and their boogie boards.

Spring Lake: Tranquil

Spring Lake is a refined town featuring a quiet, clean beach with a non-commercial boardwalk that’s perfect for stroller walks. Divine Park adds a peaceful green space with ducks, a playground, and plenty of shade.

Manasquan: Welcoming

'Squan is a friendly town with a family-first feel, known for its family-friendly surf and bodyboarding. Catch a kid-friendly show at the Algonquin Arts Theatre, or enjoy an easy ride on the Manasquan bike path.

Point Pleasant Beach: Fun

Point Pleasant Beach packs a full day of family fun into every block. The centerpiece is Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, home to Jenkinson’s Amusement Park with rides for toddlers to teens. Jenkinson’s Aquarium lets kids get up close with sharks, penguins, and seals. The beach is wide and clean, and watching boats sail through the Manasquan Inlet is one of my family's favorite activities.

Seaside Heights: Action

Seaside Heights is your classic, quintessential Jersey Shore boardwalk. Casino Pier is packed with roller coasters, thrill rides, and a full arcade, while Breakwater Beach Waterpark offers everything from toddler splash zones to big slides. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants around, too, or just grab a giant slice of pizza on the boards.

Island Beach State Park: Natural

As long as you can get in — the parking lots do close due to capacity on hot, busy summer days — Island Beach State Park is a great place to get away from the traditional hustle and bustle of the Jersey Shore. Families can swim at Swimming Area 1, look for ospreys and foxes along nature trails, or enjoy shell collecting on quiet stretches of beach. Bring binoculars and a picnic for a peaceful, unplugged beach day.

Barnegat – Bayfront

Tucked in between busier beach towns is the bayside retreat of Barnegat, a favorite of local beach-goers, boaters, and crabbers. At Barnegat Municipal Dock, kids can crab off the pier, play at the park, or just watch boats roll in. Barnegat Bay is a gentle alternative to the ocean for young children who love the water but not the waves.

Long Beach Township: Variety

The 18 miles of Long Beach Island offer something for everyone, including permanent inhabitants, seasonal residents, and visitors. Long Beach Township stretches across much of the inland, including beaches from Brant Beach to Holgate, each with its own family vibe. Hit the Bayview Park playground or explore one of the island's fabulous classic mini golf courses.

Barnegat Light: Scenic

No visit to the northern end of LBI is complete without a trip to Old Barney. Climb the 217 steps of Barnegat Lighthouse for amazing views and an unforgettable family photo op. The adjacent Barnegat Lighthouse State Park has one of the few remaining natural seaside forests, offering unique insight into Jersey Shore history and ecology. Viking Village offers low-key shops and fishing boat tours.

Beach Haven: Amusing

This is one of my family's regular summer stops. Fantasy Island Amusement Park anchors family fun with carnival rides and games, while Thundering Surf Waterpark has lazy rivers and splash zones. Round out the day with a show at Surflight Theatre or a stroll to the bay.

Brigantine: Spacious

Wide, uncrowded beaches make this peaceful town ideal for families with younger kids. Brigantine North End Beach is wide, clean, and quiet. Look for wildlife or visit the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for an educational twist.

Atlantic City: Electric

In the early 20th century, the Atlantic City boardwalk boomed and became one of the most popular seaside resorts in the world. When legalized gambling began in 1978, the city took on an entirely new life and culture, now featuring nine sprawling casino resorts with gaming options, restaurants, lodging, and more. Steel Pier features the Observation Wheel, kiddie rides, and games galore. Families also enjoy the newly renovated Atlantic City Aquarium and the scenic Absecon Lighthouse.

Margate: Quirky

Margate is much quieter and smaller than its neighbor to the north, Atlantic City. But towering about the Margate skyline is New Jersey's favorite pachyderm, Lucy the Elephant. Take a tour inside the massive six-story wooden mascot of the Shore. Margate beaches are clean and calm, and the Margate Pier playground is a hidden gem.

Ocean City: Wholesome

Dry-town charm meets endless boardwalk fun at Playland’s Castaway Cove. (Rest in peace, Gillian's Wonderland Pier.) Add in the OC Waterpark, Ocean City Parasail, mini golf, and surrey rentals, and you’ve got a family paradise.

The Wildwoods: Epic

I almost went with "Retro" as the word of choice here, as The Wildwoods are best known for free beaches, doo-wop architecture, and the classic tram car traveling the boardwalk. With Morey’s Piers spread across Mariner’s, Surfside, and Adventure Pier, in addition to Splash Zone Waterpark, this boardwalk town is a thrill-seeker’s dream.

Cape May: Charming

Storybook streets are lined with Victorian-style houses and quaint B&Bs. Tour the Cape May Lighthouse or let the kids run at Cape May Point State Park. Don’t miss the outstanding Cape May County Zoo — it's free! Wrap it up with a stroll around town, shop around Washington Street Mall, or embark on a dolphin-watching boat ride.