Favorite New Jersey beach

[Baby_mo]

the beaches in Jersey are all great but Island Beach the best. let's go swimming!

[Marianita]

Hi baby_mo, Swimming sounds like fun.

[Jersey Warren]

This is from NorthJersey.com:

BARNEGAT

Fees: None.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Portable restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Lot.
Garden State Parkway exit: 67.
Information:609-698-0080.

BARNEGAT LIGHT

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $15 weekly; $20 season (advance); $30 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Yes, at the boat dock.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-494-9196.

BAY HEAD

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $65 season; $45 half-season (Memorial Day through July or Aug. 1 though Labor Day).
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas About a block from the beach in Borough Hall.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 98.
Information:732-892-4179.

BAYVILLE – Berkeley Township

Fees: $5 weekdays, $6 weekends and holidays ages 12+; $20 weekly; $30 season (advance); $35 season; seniors free.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Yes.
Lifeguard: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 82.
Information:732-269-4456.

BEACH HAVEN

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $20 season (advance); $35 season; free ages 65+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 23 to Labor Day.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Lot and street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-492-0111.

BEACH HAVEN CREST

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season; free 65+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

BEACH HAVEN GARDENS

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season; free 65+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

BEACH HAVEN PARK

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season; free 65+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

BEACH HAVEN TERRACE

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season; free 65+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

BEACHWOOD

Fees: $10 season ages 12+; free under 12.
Boardwalk/promenade: Yes.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: $5 residents; $10 non-residents.
GSP exit: 80.
Information:732-286-6000.

BRANT BEACH

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season; free 65+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Lot and on the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

BRICK TOWNSHIP

Fees: $5 ages 12+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Yes.
Lifeguard: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Drop-off at Brick Beach 2, parking at Brick Beach 1 and 3 for $5.
GSP exit: 98.
Information:732-262-1075.

BRIGHTON BEACH

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season; free 65+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

HARVEY CEDARS

Fees: $6 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $22 season (advance); $35 season, $9 ages 65+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms across the street in Sunset Park.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street and at Sunset Park.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-494-2843.

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK

Fees: $6 weekdays, $10 weekends and holidays; $50 yearly pass.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Yes.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Included in entrance fee.
GSP exit: 82.
Information:609-984-1795.

ISLAND HEIGHTS

Fees: $5 ages 12+; $10 weekly; $12 season (advance); $20 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: Yes.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas No.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 82.
Information:732-270-6415.

LAVALLETTE

Fees: $6 daily ages 12+; $35 season (advance); $40 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: Yes.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas No.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 82.
Information:732-793-7477.

LOVELADIES

Fees: $5 ages 12+ daily; $20 weekly; $30 season (advance); $35 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

MANAHAWKIN

Fees: Free.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Free lots.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-597-1000.

MANTOLOKING

Fees: $12 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas No.
Lifeguard: No.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Two-hour parking limit.
GSP exit: 98.
Information:732-899-6600; for information on two private beaches, call 732-892-6877 or 732-295-9612.

NORTH BEACH HAVEN

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

OCEAN GATE

Fees: $2 daily; $12 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: Yes.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Yes.
Lifeguard: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: With decal.
GSP exit: 80-S.
Information:732-269-3166.

ORTLEY BEACH at Toms River

Fees: $4 weekdays, $5 weekends and holidays.
Boardwalk/promenade: Yes.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Yes.
Lifeguard: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Free lot parking.
GSP exit: 82.
Information:732-341-1000, ext. 8415.

PEAHALA PARK

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

PINE BEACH (River Beach)

Fees: $1 daily ages 12+; $5 season, $3 season ages 62+.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas No.
Lifeguard: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: $10 season, $5 seniors.
GSP exit: 80.
Information:732-349-6425.

POINT PLEASANT (River Beach)

Fees: $1 ages 13+; $15 season, $10 season seniors.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Free on the street.
GSP exit: 91.
Information:732-892-5813.

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Fees: $6 weekdays, $7 weekends ages 12+, $2 ages 5 to 11; $80 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: Yes.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Yes.
Lifeguard: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Lots, metered parking, on the street.
GSP exit: 98.
Information:732-892-0600.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Fees: $5 ages 12+; free Wednesdays and Thursdays; $35 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: Yes.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Yes.
Lifeguard: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Metered lots and pay parking $5 weekdays, $10 weekends; free lot four blocks from beach.
GSP exit: 82.
Information:732-793-9100.

SEASIDE PARK

Fees: $8 daily ages 13+; $25 weekly; $35 season (advance); $45 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: Yes.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas At N Street bathhouse.
Lifeguard: 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: Metered, free, various lots.
GSP exit: 82.
Information:732-793-0234.

SHIP BOTTOM

Fees: $7 daily ages 13+; $17 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-494-2171.

SPRAY BEACH

Fees: $5 daily ages 12+; $20 weekly; $25 season (advance); $35 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: Yes.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-361-1000.

SURF CITY

Fees: $8 daily ages 12+, free ages 65+; $17 weekly; $35 season.
Boardwalk/promenade: No.
Food concessions: No.
Restrooms/changing areas Restrooms.
Lifeguard: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Handicap accessible: Yes.
Parking: On the street.
GSP exit: 63.
Information:609-494-3064.

Copyright © 2007 North Jersey Media Group Inc.

[Marianita]

Hi Jersey Warren, How are you? I am reading my new issue of ''New Jersey Life.'' It reads that the best beaches are Sandy Hook, Island beach state park, Seven mile beach, Cape May point.
Ofcourse personal; preferences must be taken into account. I like them all really.
I miss New Jersey already. lol. MaryAnne

[cassie]

Well - it's gearing up to another tourist season at the Jersey Shore. Which one is your favorite beach? Personally I like Seaside Heights for the excitement and I love Cape May for it's Victorian relaxation.

I grew up in Bricktown and went to school in Pt Pleasant only a couple of blocks from the ocean. The Jersey Shore is defintely in my blood.

I don't think there is a "best" beach in New Jersey - it just depends on what you are looking. Sp what is your favorite beach and why?

Seaside Heights is mine for sure! today i stopped by Keansburgh as i am working on a golf deal with someone and you know its not a bad little place either! (can u tell i like the shore for the boardwalks/arcades) lol

[JerseyDevil]

Seaside Heights is mine for sure! today i stopped by Keansburgh as i am working on a golf deal with someone and you know its not a bad little place either! (can u tell i like the shore for the boardwalks/arcades) lol

I just got back from Seaside. I wanted to check it out and see how busy it was. I was very happy to see all the tourists - MONEY, MONEY, MONEY into the state economy (and everyone knows how much $$$$ New Jersey NEEDS!!!)

I didn't got to Seaside until 7:00pm and left at around 11:30.

I went to Ocean City a couple of weeks ago, just as a rode trip thing, and that boardwalk looks really nice. The miniature golf courses there are really cool. As for Keansburg, sadly I haven't made it there yet. I keep telling myself that I'm going to take the summer and do every beach. Can it be done???

[cassie]

I just got back from Seaside. I wanted to check it out and see how busy it was. I was very happy to see all the tourists - MONEY, MONEY, MONEY into the state economy (and everyone knows how much $$$$ New Jersey NEEDS!!!)

I didn't got to Seaside until 7:00pm and left at around 11:30.

I went to Ocean City a couple of weeks ago, just as a rode trip thing, and that boardwalk looks really nice. The miniature golf courses there are really cool. As for Keansburg, sadly I haven't made it there yet. I keep telling myself that I'm going to take the summer and do every beach. Can it be done???

can it be done?? sure!!!! you should do a beach tour like Dennis and Judy do a diner tour! we can check out every minature golf course on the boardwalks and report back at the end of the summer!

u can start at Keansburgh! i just worked out a coupon deal with Lori the owner yesterday for $1 off

http://www.cassiescalendar.com/?q=node/45126

[131 Dukes St.]

Island Beach State Park : Drive on Drive off gotta love it.

[JerseyDevil]

Island Beach State Park : Drive on Drive off gotta love it.

Welcome 131 Duke St. Along with also living in Toms River, I also like Island Beach State Park. I've taken my dog there several times. It's really nice to be able to go to places like that in New Jersey and see what they were like before developments. Believe it or not, what is today Island Beach State Park was planned to be a resort development. I love the diversity of the Jersey Shore, where you have Seaside Height with all it has to offer and then only a couple of miles south, you have pristine coastal forests which stretch for miles.

[JerseyDevil]

Well another summer season is beginning and once again - let me know what your favorite beach is. Have you explored any new beaches that you haven't been to before?

[Jersey Warren]

I haven't been back north since the fall of 2006, so I haven't explored anything new up there. However, from the standpoint of unspoiled beach on the Jersey Shore, I think it's hard to beat Island Beach State Park. And, if you're in the mood for some after-beach fun on the boardwalk, it's just a short drive from Seaside Heights.

[JerseyDevil]

...it's hard to beat Island Beach State Park...if you're in the mood for some after-beach fun on the boardwalk, it's just a short drive from Seaside Heights.

Yeah. I agree. I do often tell people who are looking for a combination of things - such as the boardwalk - but they don't want to stay in the "heart of the action" so to speak - to stay in Seaside Park where it's quieter, but yet they are close to Seaside Heights for the amusements and nightclubs and of course the restaurants and food, but then they are also right next to Island Beach State Park where it is unspoiled shore wilderness. People can really have the best of all worlds by staying in Seaside Park.

Another great unspoiled area of the Jersey Shore is the Sandy Hook area. The beaches around Cape May Point, although not unspoiled and natural are at least quieter than other beaches.

[Jersey Warren]

I agree with those choices, too. My brother Greg, who lives in Red Bank, took us to the Gateway National Seashore at Sandy Hook when we were there and it is very nice. I've also been to the beaches at Cape May. Another favorite area of mine is at Barnegat Lighthouse. If you walk East from the lighthouse itself, there is a long sandbar formed by dredging (and protected by jettys) that extends about half a mile into the ocean and it has shallow tidal pools protected by sandbars near the end that get really warm!

[sreeja]

Personally i prefer Seaside Heights.It is the most beautiful place to see.It is my favorite place for relaxation.

[vinay678]

Long Beach Island, or LBI, is the place that many New Jersey natives like to go to enjoy the beach. When the shore is too crowded with “bennies” (a term used to refer to Jersey Shore tourists), they make their way to this narrow barrier island to enjoy one of the most family-oriented beaches in New Jersey. This can be one of the friendliest places in New Jersey, as one visitor recently told me she had several great conversations on the beach with LBI locals whose families have been enjoying the area for generations. For a quieter family setting, take the time to give Long Beach Island a try. To many, it is one of the very best beaches in New Jersey.

[Jersey Warren]

Long Beach Island, or LBI, is the place that many New Jersey natives like to go to enjoy the beach. When the shore is too crowded with “bennies” (a term used to refer to Jersey Shore tourists), they make their way to this narrow barrier island to enjoy one of the most family-oriented beaches in New Jersey. This can be one of the friendliest places in New Jersey, as one visitor recently told me she had several great conversations on the beach with LBI locals whose families have been enjoying the area for generations. For a quieter family setting, take the time to give Long Beach Island a try. To many, it is one of the very best beaches in New Jersey.

I love LBI and used to contribute articles to the now-defunct Long Beach Island Magazine. My favorite beach for enjoying unspoiled nature, however, is Island Beach State Park, just south of Seaside Park

[reena]

Brigantine offers six miles of New Jersey beaches that are just minutes from Atlantic City, but usually are less busy than other nearby beaches in New Jersey. This can provide a nice retreat from the loud New Jersey resorts and casinos found in Atlantic City. Come here, enjoy the beach for an afternoon, and head back to Atlantic City to get ready for the nightlife energized from your quiet day at the beach.

Another good option for families with younger children is to try the bay beaches in New Jersey. There are many inlets, bays, and barrier islands along the Jersey shore, and bay beaches mean clamer waters, less crowds, and shallow places for the little ones to swim without getting swept off their feet by the surf. Bayville and Margate are good places to find bay beaches in New Jersey.

As modern life becomes more and more fast paced, experiencing the simple power and beauty of the sea continues to provide a much-needed break, and New Jersey beaches are a simply a great place to go.

[samera]

Spring Lake, New Jersey offers a nice, quiet beach that is a relief from the crowds of other New Jersey beaches. Located in Monmouth County, this is a nice place to take the family and just enjoy the sand, sun and waves. For the angler in the family, there is certainly a fair amount of New Jersey fishing in the area as well.

Long Beach Island, or LBI, is the place that many New Jersey natives like to go to enjoy the beach. When the shore is too crowded with “bennies” (a term used to refer to Jersey Shore tourists), they make their way to this narrow barrier island to enjoy one of the most family-oriented beaches in New Jersey. This can be one of the friendliest places in New Jersey, as one visitor recently told me she had several great conversations on the beach with LBI locals whose families have been enjoying the area for generations. For a quieter family setting, take the time to give Long Beach Island a try. To many, it is one of the very best beaches in New Jersey.