10 Best Family Beaches in New Jersey [for 2023]
New Jersey, also known as The Garden State, is a prime destination for families looking for a fun-filled beach vacation. With its pristine beaches, expansive beaches, and luxurious resorts and hotels, New Jersey has a lot to offer for all members of the family.
The state’s beaches are well-loved for their family-friendly atmosphere, spaciousness, and special amenities designed for kids. In addition to soaking up the sun, there are plenty of exciting activities that families can enjoy at New Jersey’s beaches. including boogie boarding, surfing, boating, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, and more.
Families can explore sandy beaches, go on nature walks, dolphin and whale watching, and even visit lighthouses. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway or an action-packed getaway, Adventure galore, New Jersey’s beaches have more to offer for everyone. So, mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready for the ultimate family vacation with our list of the best family beaches in New Jersey!
1. Brigantine Beach, Brigantine
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This popular beach next to Atlantic City is known for its miles of sandy shoreline and family-friendly atmosphere. Brigantine Beach is especially a great place for kids. The wide expanse of beach is enough space for your kids to run, play and build sand castles. There’s also plenty of room to y kites and toss frisbees.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity, the beach is lined with several water sports options. You can rent equipment and enjoy surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, sailing, and even fishing. There is no shortage of fun things to do in the water at Brigantine Beach.
In addition to the beautiful beach and water activities, Brigantine Beach is also home to some of New Jersey’s best family-friendly hotels. You can stay at the Tropicana Casino & Resort, which is located just a short walk from the beach.
If your kids don’t know how to swim, you can enroll them in a swim lesson program offered by the Brigantine Beach Patrol. This will ensure that your kids are safe in the water and can enjoy all the water activities on the beach.
2. Long Branch Beach, Long Branch
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With its well-manicured shoreline, blue waters, and a wide array of amenities, Long Branch Beach has something to offer everyone. One of the best things about Long Branch Beach is its location. Located in a resort town, it is easily accessible and close to many other attractions that families will enjoy.
If you’re looking for things to do beyond the beach, you’ll nd plenty of options in nearby Pier Village. This oceanfront amusement area is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, including a large carousel.
Of course, the beach itself is the main attraction, and the beach does not disappoint. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore, you’ll find everything you need for a perfect day at the beach.
The powdery sand is perfect for lounging, and the water is clear and inviting. With its convenient location, beautiful scenery, and plenty of amenities, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best family beaches in New Jersey.
3. Sandy Hook Beach, Highlands
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Sandy Hook Beach is a picturesque and inviting beach located along the Atlantic Ocean coast. It’s with seven miles of beautiful shoreline that’s perfect for family outings.
With its wide range of activities, this beach is ideal for families looking to spend a day or two of fun and exciting adventure. Whether you want to play ball, play frisbee, or build sand castles with your kids This beach provides an ideal place for family bonding.
Your kids will also love exploring the sand dunes, a unique feature of this beach. For those looking for water activities, Sandy Hook Beach offers a variety of options, including scuba diving, windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, and boating.
The water is gentle towards the shore, making it perfect for your little ones to splash around under the supervision of vigilant lifeguards stationed throughout the beach. An expert tip worth considering is to plan your trip between September 16 and March 14. During this period, you can bring your pets to enjoy the fun.
Your kids will love playing in the water with your four-legged family members. However, it is essential to keep your pet on a leash at all times to ensure safety.
4. Asbury Park Beach, Asbury Park
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Asbury Park Beach is a great option for families looking to spend a fun day at the beach in New Jersey. This beautiful beach has everything you need to make your visit as convenient and comfortable as possible, from ample parking and clean restrooms to free Wi-Fi and water fountains. One of Asbury Park Beach’s biggest draws for families of them is its kid-friendly facilities.
Along with the beautiful sea, there are also two playgrounds on site that children can enjoy for free. Parents can relax under beach loungers or umbrellas while their little ones play safely nearby. For added convenience, you can rent lockers on the beach itself to store your belongings safely.
Can This mean you can enjoy your time in the water without worrying about tracking your belongings? Beyond the beach, Asbury Park is also home to an oceanfront boardwalk with many shops and eateries to explore. So whether you are looking to relax in the sun or take a break from the water, there is always something to do.
5. Beach Haven, Beach Haven
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This beautiful beach boasts sweet white sand and bright blue water, making it one of the best family beaches in New Jersey for sunbathing, swimming, and playing in the sand with your kids.
Beach Haven is also home to a variety of dining options, and shopping districts and is Located close to other attractions. If you’re looking for some family fun, you can visit Fantasy Island Amusement Park, which offers carnival rides, an arcade, and plenty of casual dining options.
Beach Haven is known for its breathtaking sunset. These sunsets are perfect for romantic moments with your significant other as you sit on the soft sand and listen to the gentle waves. From sunbathing and swimming to playing in the sand and enjoying family-friendly attractions, Beach Haven has it all.
6. Atlantic City Beach, Atlantic City
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Atlantic City Beach is a beloved destination for beachgoers from across the United States, known for its expansive shoreline and diverse range of activities. This New Jersey beach is divided into four distinct areas, each offering its own unique experiences for tourists to enjoy.
Whether you want to go surfing, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, or canoeing, there are priceless activities for everyone. The fun of water sports doesn’t just stop at the shore, you can spend your day enjoying a myriad of fun activities. Atlantic City’s long and wide beach is perfect for sunbathing, playing beach sports, or engaging in a competitive game of beach volleyball.
And when you’re ready to take a break from the sand and waves, the iconic Ocean Boardwalk and Pier offer endless entertainment options. The Boardwalk is lined with many shops and eateries where you can sample a variety of local cuisine, including saltwater Key taffy, funnel cake, and fresh seafood. And don’t miss a ride on the giant Ferris wheel or enjoy the carnival rides on the pier.
7. Wildwood Beach, Wildwood
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Wildwood Beach is a safe and enjoyable beach, as it is the best family beach in New Jersey. The beach boasts ne white sand, a gentle slope, and a spacious area, and is the perfect place for young children to play and swim without injury. Plus, parents can rest easy knowing that there are attentive and vigilant lifeguards on duty, ensuring everyone’s safety.
While little ones frolic on the sand, teens can engage in a wide range of exciting activities, such as sailing, surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, parasailing, jet-skiing, powerboating, and more. This means that there is something for everyone here, regardless of their age or interests.
Wildwood Beach is a hub of activity during the summer, offering you an array of events and programs. From kite festivals to parades, craft shows, classic car shows, and more, there is always something to keep you entertained. These events are an excellent opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories.
8. Stone Harbor Beach, Stone Harbor
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Stone Harbor Beach is a hidden gem along the New Jersey coast, with 30 miles of pristinely beautiful coastline. This serene beach destination is perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in peaceful surroundings.
Powdery white sand and bright blue water make it the perfect place to sunbathe, swim and build sand castles with your loved ones. One of the unique aspects of Stone Harbor Beach is the abundance of mussels that wash up on its shores, making The beach becomes a great place to hang out.
This activity is perfect for families who love to explore and discover new things in nature. There are many other attractions that families can enjoy in the area. The Victoriana is a historic site located in Cape May County that offers tours of Victorian-era homes and gardens.
The county park and zoo is another popular destination where visitors can get up close and personal with animals from around the world. For those looking for more adventurous activities, opportunities for jet skiing, sailing, and fishing are also available.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the ocean or an exciting adventure, Stone Harbor Beach is one of the best family beaches in New Jersey. So if you are planning a trip to the New Jersey beach, make sure to check out this serene and picturesque beach destination.
9. Island Beach State Park, Lanoka Harbor
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Island Beach State Park is a beautiful beach located on a barrier island in New Jersey. It offers ten miles of pristine, sugar-white shoreline that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying a variety of recreational activities. This beach is a must-visit for families who want to create unforgettable memories.
You can enjoy a number of activities here like sailing, surfing, scuba diving, and boating. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is soft, making it a great spot for families to have fun in the sun. The park is equipped with a variety of amenities to make your stay more comfortable, including clean restrooms, grills for barbecuing, and picnic tables for enjoying a meal outside.
Island Beach State Park is ideal for older tourists or those with mobility issues. Also a great destination for people. The park has accessible features to accommodate wheelchair users and beach wheelchairs can be rented during the summer season. There is no doubt that Island Beach State Park is the best family beach in New Jersey.
10. Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant Beach
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Happiness is the key for families looking for a day out of fun and excitement. With its well-maintained shoreline, crystal-clear water, and spectacular beach boardwalk, this beach is truly a paradise.
This is one of the best family beaches in New Jersey, offering a wide range of activities suitable for all ages. The beach is a great place to spend time with your loved ones, whether you are into swimming, canoeing, Want to go kayaking or surfing? The white sandy shoreline is perfect for sunbathing, building sand castles, and playing beach games.
Kids can run around and play while parents keep an eye on them or join in the fun. The highlight of Point Pleasant Beach is Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, which spans a mile and offers endless fun for the whole family.
Provides entertainment options. You can sample tasty treats here, play carnival games, ride thrill rides, explore an aquarium, try your luck at miniature golf, and much more. The Boardwalk truly is a one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs, making it the perfect place to spend a day out with your family. It surely is home to endless entertainment for people of all ages.