The Jersey Shore stretches over 140 miles and offers everything from carnival rides to quiet dunes. The best beach depends on what you want—family time on the sand, a peaceful getaway with your partner, or late-night drinks in a crowded bar. All New Jersey Beaches have a different vibe.
U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the top beaches in New Jersey. Their picks favor quiet, clean and family friendly towns, places where kids build sandcastles and parents sip coffee on the porch. If that sounds like your kind of summer, these top 10 beaches deserve a spot on your list.
![Down by the Bay [Explored- 5/26/2015]](https://live.staticflickr.com/5337/17877541760_66412334d7_c.jpg)
10. Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island, or LBI, offers a classic beach escape with family-friendly beaches and plenty of small-town charm. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, quiet neighborhoods, and miles of sandy shoreline. It’s perfect for those who want a peaceful day at the beach without sacrificing good food and local shops.
9. Lavallette
Lavallette stays low-key with wide, clean beaches and a tight-knit community feel. It’s a favorite for families who want a relaxing day by the water without the hustle of busier boardwalks. Small local eateries and calm waves make it easy to unwind.
8. Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City mixes a lively boardwalk with a quieter beach scene. It offers plenty of rentals, shops, and family activities during the summer. The town hosts events and festivals, drawing visitors who want both sun and some summer fun.
7. Spring Lake
Spring Lake lives up to its name with tree-lined streets and pristine beaches. Known for its Victorian homes and peaceful vibe, it’s a popular spot for couples and families seeking a slower pace. The calm water and clean sand create a relaxing setting away from crowds.
6. Sea Bright
Sea Bright sits right on the Atlantic with wide beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Its location near the Shrewsbury River makes it a hotspot for fishing and boating. Sea Bright’s beach remains less crowded, offering a break from the busier shore towns.
5. Long Branch
Long Branch gives you that lively boardwalk feel. Pier Village lines the waterfront with shops, restaurants and wide-open views of the Atlantic. You can stroll the promenade, grab a cone and find space on the sand without fighting for it. Trains from North Jersey and New York make it an easy day trip, and year-round events keep things moving long after summer ends.
4. Point Pleasant Beach
Families fill Point Pleasant for a reason. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk brings the fun with mini-golf, arcades and an aquarium that keeps kids busy for hours. The beach stays clean and well run, with food and rentals close by. It gets busy, but never out of control. Park once, and you’re set for the day.
3. Manasquan
Manasquan moves slower than most shore towns, and that’s the draw. The quiet streets and small-town feel appeal to Jersey families who have been coming here for decades. Surfers head to the inlet early, while everyone else hits the sand or grabs breakfast downtown. It doesn’t try to impress and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
2. Cape May
Cape May sits at the southern tip of the state and is one of the nation’s oldest seaside resorts. Known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, charming bed-and-breakfast inns, and clean, quiet beaches, Cape May offers a historic and peaceful coastal escape. Visitors enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, local wineries, and stunning sunsets by the iconic Cape May Lighthouse.
1. Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor keeps it simple and refined. No noisy rides, no tourist traps—just clean beaches, calm waves and streets lined with shops that don’t scream for attention. It’s a favorite for families with young kids or anyone looking to unplug. The beach speaks for itself.
Tell us your favorite New Jersey beaches in the comments!
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.