From the tip of Cape May to Sandy Hook, these 10 bayside retreats are the local’s secret for stress-free summer days. They typically offer calm waters, easy parking and a relaxed vibe.
Sunset Beach, Cape May
As you can imagine from the name, this is the most popular beach at sunset on the Jersey Shore. But during the day, the crowds evaporate, and there’s plenty of space to plant an umbrella and draw up a beach chair with barely anyone nearby. No beach tags are required, and the parking is free.
Higbee Beach, Cape May
Farther north on the Delaware Bay, Higbee Beach is known for its outstanding bird-watching, particularly during the spring and fall migration. It’s also known as an unofficial nude beach, unsanctioned by any entity, although discreet nudity is rarely ticketed. This narrow beach with high dunes is secluded, so birds almost always outnumber beachgoers.
William Morrow Beach, Somers Point
Overlooking Great Egg Harbor Bay, William Morrow Beach is Somers Point’s go-to beach playground, a protected beach with lifeguards in the summer. On the south side, the beach is anchored by a fishing pier and playground, with Ocean City viewed in the distance. To the north, toward Absecon Island, there is a small bandshell with free summer evening concerts and marinas dotting the shoreline.
Longport Dog Beach
Separated by the bay from the main section of Longport, the Longport Dog Beach is a special place: pets are allowed off-leash all summer. Take a long walk along the half-moon beach as your pup splashes happily in the bay’s warm waters. Note that parking is extremely limited.
Graveling Point Beach, Little Egg Harbor Township
Halfway between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island, finding a swimming beach takes effort. But if you pass through Mystic Island to Graveling Point Beach, your reward is a blissfully untouched stretch of sand with no food stands or boardwalks. A large circular shallow pool of water protected by jetties makes this an ideal spot for families with young children.
John Bartlett County Park, Berkeley Township
Jutting out on a long, thin peninsula into Barnegat Bay, John C. Bartlett, Jr. Park near Bayville in Ocean County offers a small swimming beach alongside a multitude of free outdoor facilities. Walking paths, exercise equipment, a kid’s playground, picnic tables and a fishing pier will occupy every member of the family for the whole day.
Ocean Gate Beach, Toms River
With Netflix establishing studios in Fort Monmouth, Ocean Gate Beach on Toms River is destined to be featured in many idyllic 1950s-style summer beach scenes. Steps from mid-20th-century homes, people bike and walk along a ground-level boardwalk, stopping to climb a two-story pavilion while children frolic at a splash pad or swim in the calm water. In season, Ocean Gate charges $7 for a daily beach badge, but parking outside of the permitted spots is free.
Maxson Avenue and River Avenue Beaches, Point Pleasant Borough
If Point Pleasant Beach’s prices or crowds are too much, head over to Maxson Avenue or River Avenue in Point Pleasant Borough. Tucked along the Manasquan River, these side-by-side spots offer guarded beaches, restrooms and a fishing pier. Daily beach badges are not available, but a season badge covering both guarded areas is $20, compared to the $18 daily beach fee at the Point Pleasant Boardwalk. Parking is free.
Memorial Park Beach, Neptune Township
Memorial Park along the Shark River in Neptune Township is a free, easygoing alternative to the bustle of nearby oceanfront beaches in Avon-by-the Sea and Belmar. Amid picnic tables under shade trees and wide views of the tranquil river, relax with a book, walk along the water’s edge or let your children loose on the playground. Bocce-ball fans will enjoy the free courts and free parking.
Bayside at Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area
Sandy Hook’s oceanside is justifiably popular with sunbathers and surfers, but don’t overlook its bay beaches—they’re among the most picturesque in New Jersey. Kite-boarders, kayakers, swimmers, paddle boarders, birdwatchers and dog-lovers flock to these long tidal coves for warmer, shallower waters and glowing sunsets. Park admission is $20 per carload.
