The Ten Best Beaches in New Jersey, Ranked

The rankings of the Ten Best Beaches in New Jersey in USA Today's 2024 10Best Readers'choice are out and we have a look at all ten.

An expert panel nominated their picks for the best beaches in the Garden State, and then readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best beaches in New Jersey.

#10 Best Beach in New Jersey

Asbury Park: An excellent combination of beach and boardwalk. Long known as a destination for music history buffs and architecture fans, Asbury Park has become an unlikely cultural hub on the Jersey Shore.

While surfing is a major part of Asbury Park culture, you won't find too many locals hitting the waves at their town's main beach. Many tend to head to Avon, the next beach south, where the waters tend to be a bit less crowded, but the surf is just as good.

 #9 Best Beach in New Jersey

Brigantine: Brigantine Beach is wide, spacious, and great for mile-long walks along the beach.

It is a family beach; kids have a great time playing in the sand and water while dolphins swim offshore. In Brigantine you have the chance to take a 4-wheel beach drive while looking over at the Atlantic City’s casinos.

#8 Best Beach in New Jersey

Island Beach State Park: One of the few undeveloped barrier islands covering 3,000 acres.

Activities include fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. NJ's largest osprey colony is here, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and migrating songbirds.

#7 Best Beach in New Jersey

Avalon: Located on the barrier island known as "Seven Mile Island", Avalon's beaches are popular for surfing, swimming, and other water activities. The northern end of the beach has a rock pool that's good for families and less experienced swimmers.

Avalon's high dunes protect the beaches from erosion and create a natural setting. The dune areas are covered with native plants and foliage.

#6 Best Beach in New Jersey

Long Beach Island: LBI not only boasts some of the East Coast’s finest beaches, but each area of LBI is unique in its way. From Barnegat Light, where the beaches are peaceful and wide, to Holgate’s fluffy sandy beaches and inviting dunes

In between, you will find the day-tripper’s beaches of choice in Surf City, Ship Bottom, and Long Beach Township because of their ease of access from the bridge.

#5 Best beach in New Jersey

Cape May: Cape May is a beautiful beach town known as America's oldest seashore resort. It is a designated National Historic Landmark, home to hundreds of Victorian buildings.

Cape May's beaches are pure white and offer 2.5 miles of ocean and bayside beaches - join the happy people at Sunset Beach, pictured -  where you can surf, swim, kayak, and fish. The beaches are family-friendly, with restrooms and open showers every half-mile to clean up and rinse off after spending the day on the sand.

#4 Best Beach in New Jersey

Atlantic City: If you're not visiting Atlantic City to gamble, chances are you're coming to hit the beach. The city's beach is wide and its camel-hued sands and clean and offer lots of room to spread out.

Atlantic City's waves are good for body boarding, boogie boarding, and wave jumping for the kids, while adults can enjoy walking along the flat terrain near the water or relaxing in a beach chair.

One more thing. Atlantic City's beaches are free.

#3 Best beach in New Jersey

Sea Isle City: Sea Isle has 5 miles of sandy beaches, which are picturesque, well-maintained, and among the most beautiful in the Garden State.

The Townsend Inlet Waterfront Park, located in Sea Isle’s south end, is a popular destination for photographers, birders, and anyone who enjoys natural beauty.

#2 Best Beach in New Jersey

Ocean City: Ocean City provides eight miles of powdery sand — plenty of room for kicking back in a beach chair or building beautiful sandcastles. You’ll also find abundant coastline to enjoy swimming and surfing.

The beach is a true Jersey gem and beautiful. You will see people of all ages, lots of gorgeous photo spots, and plenty of room to relax. The view is breathtaking and relaxing.

The Boardwalk is close by with lots of food and fun options.

#1 Best Beach in New Jersey

The Wildwoods: As the writers of USA Today's Best Beaches in NJ 10Best readers choice point out, the Wildwoods have some of the largest stretches of sand on the Jersey Shore (500 yards wide at points), with plenty of space for beachgoers to spread out.

They offer a unique beach taxi service that brings visitors from the boardwalk to a spot closer to the ocean to set up their chairs and umbrellas. On the beach, guests can play volleyball, surf, boogie board, or just play in the waves.

The legendary Wildwood Boardwalk is a big entertainment hub, offering an electric vibe day and night.