Top 10 Beaches in New Jersey According to USA Today

🏖What’s your favorite beach in New Jersey?

🏖 USA Today releases its top 10 list

🏖 Beach activities, amenities, walking trails and towns all contributed to the rankings

What are the best beaches in New Jersey?

USA Today has released its list of the top 10 beaches in New Jersey for 2024 in its Readers’ Choice Awards.

#10 Asbury Park Beach

According to the magazine, Asbury Park offers beachgoers a dynamic coastal experience.

“You can soak up the sun on a vast stretch of sand, jump into the surf or dip in the refreshing ocean waves. Here, it’s all close by. You can easily rent beach chairs and umbrellas, browse the shops, and grab a bite to eat at one of the beachfront eateries. Afterwards, you can listen to some live music just a few steps from the water,” writes USA Today.

#9 Brigantine Beach

“While Brigantine is primarily residential, its natural beauty draws repeat visitors, with miles of secluded beach surrounded by sand dunes and incredible wildlife habitat. Whether you’re fishing off the shore, kayaking in the bay or jumping into the waves, Brigantine Beach offers fun for people of all ages. Plus, you can only drive on the beach in certain areas; a permit is required,” reports USA Today.

#8 Island Beach State Park

At Island Beach State Park, the coastal dunes remain largely untouched and the beach is one of the least developed on the Atlantic coast, the magazine wrote.

#7 Avalon Beach

This upscale seaside town boasts soft sand, sparkling waters, and a laid-back vibe, earning it the No. 7 spot on our list. “You can just lounge on the beach and watch the waves, or go surfing, kayaking or fishing off the shore. Most of the island is residential, so parking, some amenities and restaurants are located near the bustling central beach entrance,” reports USA Today.

#6 Long Beach Island

With its beaches, charming seaside communities and abundant recreational opportunities, it’s perhaps not surprising that Long Beach Island made it onto USA Today’s list. Whether it’s fishing, wading, surfing or napping on a beach blanket, “Long Beach Island offers the quintessential beach experience,” the list states.

#5 Cape May

Narrowing the list of top 10 destinations is family-friendly Cape May, known for its historic Victorian charm and architecture, as well as quaint boutiques. USA Today cited Cape May’s charming beaches and easy access to dining and other amenities. Plus, tourists and locals traditionally gather in the evenings to watch the sun go down behind the Cape May Lighthouse.

#4 Atlantic City Beach

Home to the world’s longest boardwalk, Atlantic City’s wide beaches are great for body surfing, splashing around in the waves, or just strolling along the water’s edge, according to USA Today. The giant Ferris wheel and amusement park provide a backdrop for the city, and the beach also offers chair and umbrella rentals.

#3 Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City is home to family-friendly beaches that attract beachgoers of all ages. “Whether you’re swimming in the ocean waves, sunbathing on the wide, soft sand, or fishing off the pier, these beaches are perfect for some seaside fun. Dining options and other amenities are located near beach access points throughout the city.”

#2 Ocean City

Coming in at number two on USA Today’s top 10 list is Ocean City Beach in Ocean City, New Jersey.

“Ocean City is a popular coastal hub for families, attracting visitors of all ages each year. It’s adjacent to a famous boardwalk with carnival rides and entertainment and has miles of beach. Visitors love to swim, wade in the surf or lie on the sand along the lifeguard-patrolled beach. They also enjoy building sand castles, playing paddle ball or enjoying ice cream and snacks on the boardwalk,” reports USA Today.

and…..

#1 Wildwoods

“The Wildwoods is thrilled to receive this prestigious USA Today Top 10 Readers’ Award and we thank everyone for selecting the Wildwoods as New Jersey’s best beach. Our five miles of pristine white sand is the ideal place to relax, rejuvenate, reconnect and create family memories that will last a lifetime. And best of all, our beaches are free to enjoy, even without a beach tag,” explained Luis Velasco, Executive Director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Development Authority.

USA Today chose Wildwood as the best beach in New Jersey because it boasts the widest stretch of sand on the New Jersey Shore, giving beachgoers plenty of space to lounge and relax. It also offers a unique beach taxi service, transporting visitors from the boardwalk to areas closer to the ocean. At the beach, you can play volleyball or surf, swim or bodyboard in the waves. The legendary Wildwood Boardwalk is also a major entertainment hub.

If convenience is what you value, the Wildwoods is an easy drive from Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore and New York.

The Wildwoods has been a popular vacation spot for families for over a century, offering a variety of activities on the five-mile island.

In addition to beautiful, clean and free beaches, the Wildwoods is home to three exciting amusement parks with more than 100 rides and attractions, three beachfront water parks, retail shops, arcades, carnival games and more than 200 dining options, according to the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.

After enjoying the beach, take part in one of the many festivals and events held there, many of which are free to attend, such as beach concerts like the Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the National Marbles Tournament and the Barefoot Country Music Festival, monster truck races on the beach, and beach drag races for vintage cars and motorcycles.

For more information on Wildwoods, click here.

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