Every summer, beachgoers cast their votes in one of the Garden State’s most anticipated traditions: the annual New Jersey’s Favorite Beaches poll, hosted by the NJ Sea Grant Consortium. Since 2008, this contest has given locals and visitors the chance to crown the best stretches of sand across four coastal counties—and the results are in for 2025.
The announcement took place this week at the Ocean City Music Pier, drawing beach lovers and town officials eager to hear which shores made the cut.
2025’s Best Beaches by County
Monmouth County: Asbury Park (runner up: Spring Lake)
Ocean County: Beach Haven (runner up: Point Pleasant)
Atlantic County: Margate (runner up: Brigantine)
Cape May County: Ocean City (runner up: Cape May)
New Jersey’s Overall Favorite Beach of 2025
For the 12th consecutive year, Ocean City has taken the crown over Margate as New Jersey’s most beloved beach destination. From its classic boardwalk to its clean, family-friendly shores, Ocean City continues to dominate the competition—and its loyal fan base shows no signs of wavering despite a hidden camera incident earlier this year.
Mayor Jay Gillian celebrated the news, thanking residents, tourists, and city workers for helping the town shine year after year. “It’s an honor to see this annual contest confirm what generations of families already know: Ocean City is the best.”
With pristine beaches and strong community pride, it’s no surprise these Jersey Shore gems are making waves yet again.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.